Mind Your Manners : DOs and DON’Ts in Bali
When visiting the Island of the Gods, understanding local customs is essential. The Balinese are exceptionally polite and may not openly point out cultural missteps, so it’s important to know these cultural nuances to show respect and enjoy your time on this beautiful island.
DOs
Learn Local Phrases: Knowing a few words in Bahasa Indonesia like terima kasih (thank you) or selamat pagi (good morning) goes a long way. For Balinese greetings, try om swastiastu (hello), suksma (thank you), and suksma mewali (you’re welcome). Locals appreciate the effort.
Dress Respectfully at Temples: Bali is home to numerous open-air temples where modest attire is required. Visitors should wear a sarong and waist sash. Some popular temples provide these, but it’s wise to carry your own for smaller sites. Aim for T-shirt-level coverage and avoid showing too much skin.
Observe Ceremonies Respectfully: It’s common to encounter ceremonies in Bali. Feel free to observe, but sit behind the priest and never higher than locals. If they’re seated on the ground, follow suit to show respect.
Consider Travel Insurance: Unexpected accidents can happen. Did you know that falling coconuts injure more travelers each year than sharks? Insurance is a wise choice for peace of mind.
Request a Tri Datu Bracelet: At certain temples, like Pura Besakih, you may be offered a Tri Datu bracelet, symbolizing the Tri Murti Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) with red, white, and black threads. This bracelet represents the life cycle of birth, life, and death. It’s respectful to offer a donation of around IDR 50,000 in the charity box.
Respect Money Handling: Balinese openly count money to the last rupiah. This isn’t rude; it’s transparency in transactions to avoid misunderstandings. Accept it as a cultural practice.
Haggle at Markets with Politeness: Bargaining is expected in markets, but keep it light-hearted. Haggle with a smile, and enjoy the experience without pushing for extremely low prices.
Stay Calm with Beach Vendors: Beach hawkers can be persistent, but losing your temper is offensive. Politeness is key, and remember that these vendors are simply making a living.
Ride Motorbikes Safely: If you choose to ride a motorbike, ask villa staff for tips on navigating Bali’s chaotic traffic. Always wear a helmet and carry a valid International Driving License. Police may check for both.
Engage with Locals: The Balinese are curious about visitors. They may ask about your family, and if you have photos to share, they’ll be thrilled. This isn’t a ploy to lead you into shops; it’s genuine friendliness.
DON’Ts
Avoid Tap Water: Drinking tap water is unsafe. Instead, carry a refillable water bottle; most villas have dispensers with filtered water, helping you avoid plastic waste from bottled water.
Use Your Right Hand Only: In Bali, always use your right hand to give or receive items, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene.
Watch Out for Offerings: Balinese canang sari offerings are often placed on sidewalks or near entrances. Accidentally stepping on these offerings is disrespectful, so walk around them.
Be Mindful with Gestures: Avoid raising your hand with fingers pointing up to get attention. Instead, gesture with your palm facing down and flick your wrist gently. This is more polite in Balinese culture.
Avoid Temples When Bleeding: If you have a cut, recent wound, or are menstruating, avoid visiting temples. Blood is considered impure and unsuitable for sacred places.
Don’t Touch Heads: The head is sacred in Balinese culture, so refrain from touching anyone’s head, including children. Likewise, avoid pointing your feet toward others or temple altars, as this is considered disrespectful.
Avoid Handling Wildlife: Monkeys at places like the Ubud Monkey Forest or Uluwatu Temple are known for snatching belongings. Keep valuables secure, and don’t feed or touch the animals. If you encounter endangered turtles on the beach, give them space.
Avoid Pointing with Your Index Finger: Using your index finger to point is considered rude in Bali. Use your whole hand or thumb instead.
Decline Street Sellers Offering Drugs: Some street sellers may offer prescription medicines or illegal substances. Indonesia has strict drug laws, so avoid these situations to stay safe.
Cover Up in Public Areas: Walking or biking in swimwear is fine for beaches or pools, but not for streets, shops, or cafés. Bali is a modest society, and improper attire can attract fines from police.
When visiting a foreign land, it’s always best to do what the locals do. Once this is achieved, expect your holiday to be hassle-free.
