Indonesian surf phrases worth knowing
A short phrasebook for lineups, warungs, and boat days — polite Bahasa Indonesia for visiting surfers.
Practical guide
5 min readUpdated 30 Aug 2026Ombak Editorial01
Greetings and thanks
Selamat pagi / siang / sore — good morning / afternoon / evening. Terima kasih — thank you. Permisi — excuse me (useful in crowded lineups or warungs). Sama-sama — you’re welcome / likewise.
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Surf and conditions
Ombak besar — big waves. Ombak kecil — small waves. Angin kencang — strong wind. Arus — current. Bahaya — danger. Hati-hati — be careful. These help when chatting with locals about whether a spot is working.
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Practical travel
Berapa harganya? — How much? Di mana…? — Where is…? Tolong — please. Bisa bantu? — Can you help? Numbers and hand gestures still work — but a few phrases open warmer conversations at repair shops and harbour transfers.
