How to Disappear for a Month and Speak Indonesian


Imagine being away for a month and then suddenly coming back with new Indonesian language skills. You’re able to greet people, order food, and hold small conversations with locals. You understand jokes, pick up expressions like nggak apa-apa (no worries) or santai aja (take it easy), and you start to feel connected to the culture in a way you never did before. Sounds amazing, right? The good news is—it’s possible.

How to Make It Possible

Language is all about exposure. The more you expose yourself to a new language, the faster you master it. But not all exposure works the same way. At the beginning, you need to start with the basics: numbers, greetings, directions, and ordering food. As you go, you want to step up the game—watch movies in Indonesian, listen to local podcasts, and most importantly, talk to people around you. You have a huge advantage when you’re in the country where the language is spoken. Every shop, street, and café becomes your learning environment.

You can definitely do it on your own. Many travelers learn autodidactically, picking up words and phrases as they enjoy their holiday. Ordering food at a warung, chatting with your driver, or simply asking for directions can teach you more than you’d expect.

Another option is joining an immersion program with a local language school. These programs mix classroom learning with cultural experiences. You don’t just study grammar—you live the language. One example is the Indonesian Immersion Program by Jembatan Bahasa in Bali. The school is highly rated and located on the famous island known for its rich traditions and friendly locals. Students spend mornings learning practical Indonesian and afternoons exploring local markets, joining cooking classes, or taking part in Balinese ceremonies.

More Tips

Regardless of which path you take, you still need to commit to make this mission a success. Here are a few extra tips:

1. Start with topics that interest you.
    If you love food, learn how to talk about food. If you like nature, learn words about beaches, animals, or hiking. Interest helps you stay motivated.
   
   
2. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
    Laugh it off. Mistakes are part of learning. As long as people understand what you mean, you’re doing great.
   
   
3. Pretend you don’t speak English.
    This helps avoid people switching to English when they hear your accent. If English is your only language, just tell them politely that you’re learning Indonesian. Most Indonesians will be thrilled and will help you practice.

And if you’re looking to improve your English while enjoying Bali’s cultural diversity, the island is also a great place for that. You can check out JB English’s Immersion Program. It offers a similar immersive environment, but for the English language. You can choose to study with a local professional teacher or a native English speaker.

Learning a new language needs consistency, courage, and curiosity. So if you ever feel like disappearing for a month, do it with purpose. Spend that month in Indonesia. When you come back, you won’t just speak another language—you’ll see the world a little differently.