Bali Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Visitors

Apr 29, 2017
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

When should you, and when should you not, enter a temple? What is the correct way to give and receive something? Most Balinese people are incredibly kind and polite, which means they may not always tell you when you've accidentally broken a cultural custom. To help you avoid any awkward situations, here are some important do's and don'ts I learned while visiting Bali.

Entering a Temple

DO:

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Many temples require visitors to dress modestly, and some provide sarongs at the entrance. You can also purchase a traditional sarong or simply wear long clothing when visiting temples. The Balinese take their spirituality very seriously, so it's important to be respectful.

DON'T:

Enter a temple if you have an open wound, are actively bleeding, have recently experienced a death in your immediate family, or are considered ritually unclean according to local customs. You will often see signs explaining temple etiquette before entering. In Balinese Hinduism, blood is traditionally viewed as a source of impurity, and visitors are asked to respect these customs.

Shopping

DO:

Negotiate prices in local markets and street stalls. A friendly attitude, patience, and a smile can go a long way. During my time in Bali, I found it fairly easy to negotiate prices, and many vendors were willing to lower their asking price.

DON'T:

Haggle aggressively or negotiate simply for entertainment. Remember that many vendors rely on these sales as their primary source of income. A small amount of money may not mean much to you, but it can make a difference to the seller. And, of course, never steal. Respect the people and their livelihoods.

Mind the Head

DO:

Wear a helmet if you choose to ride a scooter. Not only is it safer, but it can also help you avoid issues with local authorities. If you're from a country that drives on the right side of the road, I would strongly recommend avoiding scooter rentals unless you're familiar with local traffic laws and driving customs.

DON'T:

Touch another person's head, including a child's. In Balinese culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and should be treated respectfully.

Staying Hydrated

DO:

Drink plenty of bottled water. Bali's tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, making it easy to become dehydrated. Average temperatures are around 82°F (28°C), with humidity levels often reaching 85%.

DON'T:

Drink tap water. It can cause stomach issues for many visitors. I only drank bottled water during my trip and even used bottled water when brushing my teeth. It's also wise to be cautious about ice and food preparation, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

Driving and Road Etiquette

DO:

Use a quick horn tap when passing another vehicle. In Bali, a short honk is often used as a friendly warning to let others know you're nearby, not as an expression of anger.

DON'T:

Lean on your horn or use it aggressively. Road rage and aggressive driving are frowned upon.

Getting Someone's Attention

DO:

Wave with your palm facing downward when motioning for someone to come toward you.

DON'T:

Point directly at people or objects with your index finger. Instead, gesture using your whole hand, which is considered more polite.

Dinner Invitations

DO:

Leave room for a second helping. Hospitality is very important in Balinese culture, and hosts may offer additional servings as a sign of generosity.

DON'T:

Completely clear your plate. Leaving a small amount of food may indicate to your host that you have eaten enough and are satisfied.

Party Time!

DO:

Try a cold Bintang, Bali's most famous beer, if that's something you enjoy. It's one of the most recognizable local beverages on the island.

DON'T:

Use illegal drugs. Indonesia has very strict drug laws, and penalties can be severe. It's important to take these laws seriously and respect local regulations.

Happy Feet

DO:

Remove your shoes before entering homes, temples, and some businesses. A good rule of thumb is that if you see a row of shoes or flip-flops outside, you should take yours off as well.

When I visited Gili Trawangan, many shops asked customers to remove their shoes before entering. I never had any issues leaving my shoes outside, but wearing inexpensive sandals or flip-flops can provide peace of mind if you're concerned.

DON'T:

Point at people or objects with your feet, and never touch someone with your feet if it can be avoided. In Balinese culture, feet are considered the least clean part of the body and should not be used for gestures.

Overall, one of the best things you can do when visiting Bali is simply be respectful, observant, and open-minded. The Balinese people are incredibly welcoming, and taking the time to understand their customs will make your experience even more rewarding.