Visiting Bintan Island? Don’t just enjoy the beaches and resorts—connect with the locals! Learning a few simple words and phrases will make your trip smoother, friendlier, and more authentic.

Why Speak Like a Local in Bintan? Speaking a few words or phrases like a local goes beyond just communication—it’s a way to show respect for the people and their culture. It also makes everyday things like navigating markets, hopping on ferries, or ordering at restaurants much easier. Plus, when you make an effort, you often get insider tips and access to hidden gems and experiences that most tourists miss—from secret beaches to local eateries only the locals know about.

Top Greetings You Should Know

• Selamat pagi – Good morning
• Selamat siang – Good afternoon
• Selamat sore – Good evening
• Selamat malam – Good night
• Apa kabar? – How are you?
• Baik, terima kasih – Fine, thank you

Dining Like a Local to make food adventures fun:

• Saya mau … – I want …
• Berapa harganya? – How much is it?
• Pedas tidak? – Is it spicy?
• Terima kasih – Thank you

Must-try Bintan foods:

• Ikan bakar – Grilled fish
• Gulai ikan – Fish curry
• Kelong seafood – Fresh seafood straight from the sea

Getting Around Bintan

• Di mana pelabuhan/ferry ke Batam? – Where is the ferry to Batam?
• Tolong antar saya ke … – Please take me to …
• Berapa ongkosnya? – How much is the fare?
• Jam berapa berangkat? – What time does it depart?

Shopping & Bargaining Tips

• Bisa kurang harganya? – Can you lower the price?
• Murah sekali! – Too cheap!
• Saya beli ini – I’ll buy this

Friendly Phrases for Locals

• Senang bertemu denganmu – Nice to meet you
• Asal dari mana? – Where are you from?
• Bagus sekali! – Very nice!
• Cantik! / Ganteng! – Beautiful! / Handsome!

When in Bintan, a smile goes a long way—locals really appreciate warmth and friendliness. Don’t worry about speaking perfectly; repeating phrases slowly shows effort, and that counts more than flawless pronunciation. Try learning a few place names like Lagoi, Natra, or Crystal Lagoon—it makes conversations easier and shows you’re engaged. And when words fail, don’t be shy to use gestures—locals will understand and usually respond with a friendly laugh.

Learning a few Bahasa Indonesia and local Bintan phrases turns your visit into a richer, more memorable experience. Speak like a local, explore beyond the resorts, and make your Bintan trip unforgettable!