BALI LANGUAGE

Balinese language and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages in Bali, and the vast majority of Balinese people are bilingual or trilingual.

The most common spoken language around the tourist areas is Indonesian, as many people in the tourist sector are not solely Balinese, but migrants from Java, Lombok, Sumatra, and other parts of Indonesia.

There are several indigenous Balinese languages, but most Balinese can also use the most widely spoken option: modern common Balinese.

bali language

The usage of different Balinese languages was traditionally determined by the Balinese caste system and by clan membership, but this tradition is diminishing.

Kawi and Sanskrit are also commonly used by some Hindu priests in Bali, as Hindu literature was mostly written in Sanskrit.

English and Chinese are the next most common languages (and the primary foreign languages) of many Balinese, owing to the requirements of the tourism industry.

As well as the English-speaking community and huge Chinese-Indonesian population.

Other foreign languages, such as Japanese, Korean, French, Russian or German are often used in multilingual signs for foreign tourists.

So if you are a tourist and visitor traveling to Bali speaking some English you will be fine.

In all hotels and most restaurants you will have no problems with English. And as you can see on the picture, the Balinese might translate "creatively", but you will still understand what they mean.

International chain hotels also often employ staff who speak the languages of countries, where most of their guests originate from.


I provide pick-up and drop-off at the Airport, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, North Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, Sanur and main part of Ubud. Please contact me for pricing and availability in other areas. If you are staying in different places, please describe this in your inquiry – I will quote the final cost accordingly on case-by-case basis.