How can I make local friends in Bali?
Checked October 2026 · 3 sources
The surest way to make Balinese friends is to step outside the expat bubbles of Canggu and Seminyak, stay somewhere longer, learn some Bahasa Indonesia and take part in shared activities: a homestay with a family, surf or football with locals, gamelan or dance classes, or helping with a village event when invited. Balinese people are welcoming, but friendship builds through regular contact and respect for ceremonies.
In detail
Language changes everything. Even basic Indonesian (greetings, numbers, 'terima kasih') opens conversations that English does not. Language exchange groups and private teachers are easy to find in Ubud, Sanur and Denpasar.
Family homestays in Ubud, Sidemen, Munduk or Amed let you share daily life: morning offerings, cooking, sometimes a temple ceremony. If you are invited to a ceremony, wear a sarong, a sash and a modest top, follow the family's lead and accept food or drink offered to you.
Community life is organised around the banjar, the neighbourhood council that runs ceremonies, security and festivals. Long-term residents sometimes help with events such as the ogoh-ogoh parades before Nyepi or Independence Day games on 17 August, which is a natural way to meet neighbours.
Shared hobbies work too: early surf sessions at Kuta or Keramas, evening football or volleyball on the beach, or regular classes at the same warung or studio. Showing up again and again matters more than any single meeting.
Good to know
- Learn 'om swastiastu' and 'suksma' (thank you in Balinese) to make people smile.
- Always ask before photographing people, especially during ceremonies.
- Avoid talking money or religion directly early on; let people share.
On Bali Reply
More questions about culture & etiquette
- What should I wear to visit a temple in Bali?
- What are the small offerings on the ground in Bali?
- What are the main do's and don'ts in Bali?
- What are a few basic Indonesian words to use in Bali?
- Where can I watch traditional Balinese dance in Bali?
- How can I bring elements of Balinese culture into my daily life?
- What are the best ways to keep the 'Bali effect' going once you are back home?
Sources
Rules and prices in Indonesia change often. Always check official sources before you travel.