Bahasa Basics for Nusa Penida: A Sustainable Guide
During a community meeting about tourism in Banjar Toyapakeh I learned the single most important travel truth: language is respect. I was there as a local guide and diving instructor when Pak Made, Bu Sari and a group of youth leaders gathered to plan low-impact tourism. They asked: “How do we make visitors speak kindly to our island?” That meeting—loud with laughter, strong coffee and the scratch of marker pens on a whiteboard—shaped this guide. It’s the language tips I share after ten years on Nusa Penida, built from that community conversation and practical experience helping guests connect with locals, businesses and the environment.
Why learn basic Bahasa Indonesia for Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida’s tourism footprint is small and deeply personal. Speaking a few words opens doors at family-run warungs, earns discounts from scooter owners, and soothes conversations during community-driven conservation efforts. The community meeting I sat in on ended with a simple request from Bu Sari: “If tourists try our words, we try their kindness.” That reciprocity powers sustainable travel here.
How this guide is organized
- Practical phrases with pronunciations and local context
- Exact prices, GPS coordinates and opening hours for recommended local businesses
- Step-by-step learning plan used by community volunteers
- Insider tricks, safety warnings, and sustainable travel etiquette
Local phrase list (say it like a friend)
Practice these before arrival. I use them every day; kids in Banjar Toyapakeh grin when you try them.
- Halo (HAH-lo) – Hello
- Terima kasih (te-REE-mah KAH-seeh) – Thank you
- Sama-sama (SAH-mah SAH-mah) – You’re welcome
- Tolong (TOH-long) – Please / help (use for assistance)
- Berapa harganya? (buh-RAH-pah HAR-gah-nyah) – How much?
- Boleh nego? (BOH-leh NEH-go) – Can we negotiate?
- Saya dari... (SAH-yah DAH-ree) – I am from...
- Di mana ATM? (dee MAH-nah ATM) – Where is the ATM?
Short scripts for specific situations
- At a warung: "Pak, satu nasi campur dan air putih, terima kasih" (One mixed rice and water, thank you.)
- Asking for directions: "Kelingking di mana? Bisa jalan kaki?" (Where is Kelingking? Can we walk?)
- Making a sustainable request: "Bisa bungkus tanpa plastik?" (Can you pack without plastic?)
Real local businesses, exact prices & GPS
These are businesses I recommended at the meeting because they follow community rules and support local workers.
| Business | Service | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) | GPS | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warung Bu Sari (Toyapakeh) | Lunch (nasi campur) | 25,000 IDR | $1.60 | -8.7205, 115.4600 | 08:00–16:00 |
| I Gede Scooter Rental | Manual scooter, full day | 80,000 IDR | $5.00 | -8.7190, 115.4587 | 07:00–19:00 |
| Penida Divers (Toyapakeh) | Snorkel trip (per person) | 300,000 IDR | $19.00 | -8.7200, 115.4590 | 06:30–17:00 |
| Semabu Hills Hotel | Double room | 700,000 IDR | $44.00 | -8.7375, 115.4599 | 24/7 reception |
| Warung Sunrise (Atuh area) | Driver + meal package (local) | 150,000 IDR | $9.50 | -8.8238, 115.5466 | 07:00–18:00 |
Booking tips: I suggest calling 1–2 days in advance for scooter rentals and dive/snorkel trips during high season (July–August and Dec–Jan). Many operators accept WhatsApp; ask for a written price to avoid misunderstandings. Local numbers often are shared at the community noticeboard in Toyapakeh harbour.
Step-by-step learning plan used in the community meeting
- Day 1: Memorize 10 phrases above and practice pronunciation. Use a mirror or record your voice.
- Day 2: Role-play ordering food and asking for directions—try it with the warung staff. Start with "Halo" and "Terima kasih."
- Day 3: Learn bargaining phrases and sustainable requests like "tanpa plastik" (without plastic) or "bawa pulang" (take away in reusable container).
- Day 4: Use phrases while booking a scooter and tipping your driver (10–20,000 IDR is appreciated).
- Day 5: Join a community beach clean-up or conservation talk — they often reward participants with a coffee or discount.
Insider tricks that save money and time
- Say "boleh nego?" when renting a scooter in low season—expect a 10–20% discount off listed price.
- Buy water refills at Penida Colada café (50,000 IDR refillable bottle deposit) instead of single-use bottles.
- For snorkeling, join a community-run boat from Toyapakeh (300,000 IDR) rather than expensive tours from mainland Bali—saves time and supports locals.
- Visit landmarks early (06:30–09:00) to avoid both crowds and the heat; roads are safer in cooler hours.
Safety warnings & road conditions
At the meeting Pak Made emphasized three things: steep roads, loose gravel, and unreliable lighting at night. I’ve seen at least two scooter accidents in a wet season when drivers underestimated brake distance.
- Wear a helmet and avoid riding after dark. Night rentals are riskier; many scooters lack proper lights.
- Bring a credit card plus cash—ATMs at Toyapakeh and Sampalan can run out of cash during peak season.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (emergency), 110 (police). Local clinic: Puskesmas Nusa Penida (Toyapakeh) — call the reception for directions when you arrive (+62 local number at the harbour).
Sustainable etiquette the community asked me to share
- Ask before photographing locals, especially children. Use "Boleh ambil foto?" (Can I take a photo?)
- Carry a reusable bottle and say "tanpa sedotan" (no straw) at warungs.
- Support community businesses listed above—money stays local when you eat at warungs or book with family-run dive operators.
- When visiting sacred sites, dress modestly and remove shoes if requested.
Photography & Instagram tips
We discussed visual storytelling at the meeting. Pak Ketut, a community photographer, recommends these sustainable tips:
- Golden hour (06:00–07:30) at Kelingking (-8.7385, 115.4480) gives the best light and fewer tourists.
- Use a polarizer to reduce glare on water at Crystal Bay (-8.7326, 115.4457) and avoid stepping on coral when wading.
- Credit local guides in your posts — mention their names and the warung where you ate to drive visitors their way.
Troubleshooting common problems
- No cash at ATM: ask Warung Bu Sari for a small cash advance if you plan to pay later—this is community trust in action but confirm details first.
- Language barrier: use simple phrases and point—people are patient when you try. Keep a printed list of phrases with pronunciations.
- Bad weather: monsoon (Nov–Mar) brings rough seas—book snorkel/dives with flexible cancellation terms.
Conclusion & personal recommendations
From that community meeting I left with a promise: teach visitors the words that matter. If you take one action, practice "terima kasih" and "boleh nego?" before you arrive. Book community-based services (Warung Bu Sari, Penida Divers, I Gede Scooter) and visit landmarks early. Most importantly, show respect—language is your most sustainable travel tool on Nusa Penida. Pak Made and Bu Sari still laugh when I stumble over consonants, but the door always opens wider when I try.
Quick emergency & facility list: Puskesmas Nusa Penida (Toyapakeh clinic), Toyapakeh ATM, Tourist police at Sampalan harbour. Keep 112 and 110 in your phone. Bring reusable water bottle, small first aid kit, and a printed phrase sheet.
