Bali: The Island of Gods

• HelloOm Swastiastu
  [om-swa-sti-astu]
• GoodbyeSampai jumpa
  [sam-pai-jum-pa]
• YesIya
  [ee-ya]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeMatur suksma
  [ma-tur-sooks-ma]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ree-ma-ka-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa-ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana denganmu?
  [ba-ik. ba-gai-ma-na den-gan-mu]
• Do you speak English?Bisa bicara bahasa Inggris?
  [bee-sa bee-tsa-ra ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya tee-dak men-ger-tee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya tee-dak ma-kan dai-ning]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-bel-i]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya hun-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa ditawar?
  [bee-sa dee-ta-war]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jam be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jam sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSiang
  [si-ang]
• EveningSore
  [so-re]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/...?
  [di-ma-na a-da/...?]
• What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?
  [a-lam-at-nya di ma-na]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah Anda menunjukkan kepada saya (di peta)?
  [bee-sa-kah an-da me-nun-juk-kan ke-pa-da sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan bus selanjutnya?
  [ka-pan bus se-lan-jut-nya]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke ....)]

Bali’s history dates back to prehistoric times. Early human remains and artifacts suggest that Bali was first inhabited around 2000 BCE by Austronesian people. These early settlers brought with them agricultural techniques and animistic beliefs, which laid the foundation for Bali’s cultural development.

The influence of Indian culture and religion began to permeate Bali around the 1st century CE, as evidenced by early inscriptions and temple ruins. By the 9th century, Bali had become a predominantly Hindu society, integrated into the larger Hindu-Buddhist Majapahit Empire from Java. This period saw the construction of many temples and the establishment of the caste system, which still influences Balinese society today.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Majapahit Empire began to decline due to internal strife and the spread of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago. Many Hindu nobles, priests, and artisans fled to Bali, bringing with them their culture and traditions. This migration reinforced Hinduism in Bali, even as Islam became the dominant religion in the rest of Indonesia.

The first European contact with Bali was made by Portuguese explorers in the early 16th century. However, it was the Dutch who eventually colonized the island in the 19th century. The Dutch East India Company initially focused on trade, but by the mid-1800s, they had established political control. The colonial period was marked by several violent conflicts, including the infamous Puputan wars, where Balinese royals and their followers chose mass ritual suicide over surrender.

During World War II, Bali was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. This period was characterized by harsh military rule and forced labor. However, it also sparked nationalist sentiments among the Balinese, contributing to the broader Indonesian struggle for independence.

Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, Indonesia declared its independence. However, it was not until 1949 that the Dutch officially recognized Indonesia’s sovereignty. Bali became an integral part of the newly formed Republic of Indonesia. The post-independence period saw Bali recover and rebuild, with a focus on preserving its unique cultural heritage while integrating into the modern Indonesian state.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Bali transformed into a major international tourist destination. The island’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality attracted visitors from around the world. Despite the pressures of modernization and tourism, Balinese people have managed to maintain their traditional practices and rituals, making Bali a living museum of its rich history and culture.

Bali is served by Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), located in Denpasar. The airport receives numerous international flights from major cities around the world. From the airport, you can hire a taxi, use a ride-sharing app, or arrange for a private transfer to your accommodation. Domestic flights also connect Bali to other parts of Indonesia, with frequent services from Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities.

Getting around Bali can be done through various modes of transportation. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are widely available. Renting a scooter is a popular option among tourists, but ensure you have an international driving permit and wear a helmet. Bemos (local minibuses) are an inexpensive way to travel short distances, although they can be crowded. Car rentals with drivers are also available for more comfortable travel around the island.

The official currency of Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are readily available in major tourist areas, and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural areas or local markets. Money changers are also available, but ensure you use reputable ones to avoid scams.

Bali is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings. Be cautious of scams, especially when exchanging money or booking tours. In case of natural disasters like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, follow the advice of local authorities.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Bali has hospitals and clinics in major areas such as Denpasar, Kuta, and Ubud. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available, and many pharmacists speak English. For police assistance, you can visit the nearest police station or contact the tourist police at 0361-754599.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always wear a sarong and sash when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Don't haggle aggressively with drivers. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't use your left hand to eat or pass food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bali like a local, visit traditional markets such as Pasar Badung in Denpasar, where you can buy fresh produce and local handicrafts. Participate in local ceremonies and festivals, which are an integral part of Balinese culture. Try traditional Balinese food at warungs (local eateries) for an authentic culinary experience. For a unique adventure, rent a scooter and explore the island's hidden beaches and scenic rice terraces.