10 Do's & Don'ts When Visiting Bali
When should you - and when should you not - enter a temple? What is the correct way of giving and receiving something? As most Balinese probably are too polite to tell you when you break their customs, take a look at the below Dos and Don'ts to make sure you do as the Balinese would do when visiting Bali.
Entering a Temple
DO wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees! You can even purchase a traditional sarong or just wear long clothing when entering the temples. - The Balinese are very serious about their spirituality, so please be respectful and modest.
DON'T enter a temple while bleeding, you have angry thoughts, or just had someone from your family pass away-if you have an open wound you shouldn't enter. You will see signs before you enter about coming into the temple if you're bleeding and they will advise you not to. The Balinese view bleeding as a sign of impurity. Temples cannot police whether a visitor bleeding, but for the Balinese, it would be a definite ''no no'' to enter in this condition.
Shopping
DO haggle in markets and street shops - Humor and a smile can get you a long way, that goes for bargaining too. When I was in Bali I found it very easy to get people operating the markets to lower their prices and they will do anything in their power to get you to buy something so you do have more bargaining leverage but, don't forget not to take advantage of this or get ahead of yourself.
DON'T haggle too hard or for the fun of it - Be polite. 5000 rupiah probably won’t make much of a difference to you, but it might do to the seller and on that note please don't steal even though it might be tempting to do so.
Mind the Head
DO wear a helmet when driving a scooter – Both for protection and to avoid getting stopped by the police. Insider tip: Wearing an “udeng” (The traditional Balinese headwear) exempt you from wearing a helmet. If you're from a country that drives on the right I would not recommend renting a scooter unless you're familiar with the Balinese driving customs, rules, and signs.
DON'T touch people’s heads – That goes for kids too, even if they are really cute. The head is considered the most sacred part of the human body.
Staying Hydrated
DO drink bottled water - Bali is hot all year around and you don’t want to dehydrate. The average temperature in Bali is 28°C (82°F) and the humidity level is constantly around 85% so it can become very easy to become dehydrated.
DON'T drink tap water - It does not taste good and will almost certainly give you stomach problems. You might be able to get away with the hotel your hotel may provide you but you don't want to risk getting sick. Remember to only get bottle water, avoid drinks with ice (alcoholic and non alcoholic), don't brush your teeth in the shower, and use your bottled water to brush your teeth. If you accidentally consume water and get sick you can purchase some over the counter medications that may counter act your symptoms.
Giving and Receiving
DO honk the horn shortly when overtaking - It is a common way to let other people know you are passing and if you're walking and you get honked at its just to let you know that someone is close to you and to be cautious. When I'd be walking on the streets I would get honked at and it was just to let me know they were right by me.
DON'T hold the horn down – Being aggressive in the traffic is frowned upon everywhere, even more so in Bali. Don't be that person who has road rage.
Getting Attention
DO wave with your palm facing down - When asking someone to come by, stretch your hand out, palm down and move your fingers toward yourself.
DON'T point with your index finger - That is considered offensive. Use the entire hand if you want to point out something.
Dinner Time Invitations
DO make room for a second serving – you will most likely be asked for one and it will be impolite to reject.
DON'T empty your plate – Leave a little food as an offering to the gods and to let the host know you had enough to eat.
Party Time!
DO enjoy an ice cold Bintang - Balis’ no. 1 beer and it comes in large bottles!
DON'T do drugs! - Indonesian drug laws are extremely strict unless you venture off to the Gili Islands were people will literally stop you in the middle of the street during broad daylight if you want magic mushrooms and marijuana.
Happy Feet
DO take of your shoes when entering - When entering a home or temple take of you shoes. Helpful tip: Whenever you see a row of flip flops outside a building, you should take of yours too before entering. This was a big thing when I was in Gili Trawangan and I was asked to take off my shoes every time I entered a shop. I never had a problem with having my shoes stolen when they unattended outside the shop but, if you're worried about them being taken just wear a cheap pair of flip flops around that can be easily replaced.
DON'T touch or point at someone with your feet – It is considered very offensive.
