Visitors to Bali often pick up a few sentences in Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia). This helps entertain the staff at the hotel, speed negotiating and impress their friends. Most people however do not learn any Balinese (Basa Bali). All Balinese know some form of Basa Bali and will speak it to other locals, usually never directly to tourists. If you want to surprise a Balinese local, offer a greeting in Balinese. One way you can learn to do this is by purchasing ‘Practical Balinese‘ by Periplus.
This pocket-sized book can be carried easily whether you are a short term tourist of long distance backpacker. Its 138 pages by no means giving you command of Basa Bali, but more than enough information whereby you can converse with a local.
Periplus has stores in various locations in Bali:
•Bali Galeria Mall (0361) 752 670
•Discovery Shopping Mall (0361) 769 757
•Matahari Kuta Square (0361) 763 988
•Made’s Warung Seminyak (0361) 734 843
•Monkey Forest (0361) 975 178
•Grand Hyatt Hotel (0361) 771 234 #8403
•Ngurah Rai International Airport:
•Gate 1-2 (0361) 751 011 #5578
•Gate 5-6 (0361) 768 372
•Domestic 15 & 17 (0361) 751 011 #5322
Written by Gunter Spitzing, the book is divided as follows:
•Foreward
•Pronunciation Guide
•Different Language Levels
•Warung
•Forms of Address
•Grammar 1: Nouns & Adjectives
•Grammar 2: Verbs
•Questions & Requests
•Small Talk
•Names & Rank
•In the Restaurant
•Numbers
•Market Day
•In the Art Shop
•Asking Directions
•Festivals
•Body Language
•Glossary;
Everyday Balinese
High Balinese
English
In all cases, words are identified as either being high or everyday Balinese (very important especially when talking to a person of high status such as a priest).
Browsing through Practical Balinese one may occasionally see a familiar term, or at least be able to put the written words to sounds you’ve heard your pembantu / gardener speak.
Learning a new expression each day and practicing with locals would be a good way to utilize this handy guide, during your stay in Bali. The price is around 30,000rp.
