Are you planning to visit the Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno? Learning a few Indonesian travel phrases will make your trip smoother and help you connect with locals. Most people in the Gilis speak some English, but using a few Indonesian words will make them smile and often lead to friendlier service!
Here are some useful Indonesian phrases for travelers in the Gili Islands:
1. Greetings and Small Talk
English
Indonesian
Pronunciation
Hello
Halo
Hah-lo
Good morning
Selamat pagi
Suh-lah-maht pah-gee
Good afternoon
Selamat siang
Suh-lah-maht see-ahng
Good evening
Selamat malam
Suh-lah-maht mah-lahm
How are you?
Apa kabar?
Ah-pah kah-bar
I’m fine, thank you
Baik, terima kasih
Bah-eek, tuh-ree-mah kah-see
What’s your name?
Siapa nama kamu?
See-ah-pah nah-mah kah-moo
My name is…
Nama saya…
Nah-mah sah-yah
2. At Your Hotel or Guesthouse
English
Indonesian
I have a reservation
Saya punya reservasi
I want to check in
Saya mau check-in
Where is my room?
Di mana kamar saya?
Can I have a towel?
Bisa minta handuk?
The air conditioner doesn’t work
AC-nya tidak berfungsi
3. Renting a Bike or Snorkeling Gear
English
Indonesian
I want to rent a bicycle
Saya mau sewa sepeda
How much per day?
Berapa per hari?
Do you have snorkeling gear?
Ada alat snorkeling?
Is it included in the price?
Sudah termasuk harga?
What time should I return it?
Jam berapa saya harus kembalikan?
4. Buying Fast Boat Tickets
English
Indonesian
Where can I buy a fast boat ticket?
Di mana bisa beli tiket fast boat?
What time does the boat leave?
Jam berapa kapal berangkat?
How long does it take to Bali?
Berapa lama ke Bali?
Is it one way or return?
Sekali jalan atau pulang-pergi?
5. Ordering Food and Drinks
English
Indonesian
I’m hungry
Saya lapar
I’m thirsty
Saya haus
I’d like fried rice
Saya mau nasi goreng
Is it spicy?
Pedas?
No spicy, please
Tidak pedas, ya
The food is delicious!
Makanannya enak!
Can I have the bill, please?
Minta bonnya, ya
6. Shopping and Bargaining
English
Indonesian
How much is this?
Berapa harga ini?
Can you give me a discount?
Bisa kurang?
Too expensive
Terlalu mahal
Okay, I’ll take it
Baik, saya ambil
7. Friendly Phrases You’ll Hear Often
English
Indonesian
No worries
Tidak apa-apa
Take it easy
Santai saja
Thank you
Terima kasih
You’re welcome
Sama-sama
Have a nice day
Semoga harimu menyenangkan
Tips for Using Indonesian in Gili
Locals appreciate even small efforts to speak Indonesian.
Add “ya” at the end of your sentence to sound friendly (e.g. Terima kasih, ya!).
Smile — in Indonesia, friendliness is more important than perfect grammar!
Final Thought
Speaking a few Indonesian phrases during your Gili Islands trip will make your travel experience more authentic and enjoyable. Whether you’re renting a bike on Gili Air, snorkeling in Gili Meno, or enjoying nightlife on Gili Trawangan — these simple words can open doors to warm conversations and local smiles.