Culture Guide

Bali Cultural Etiquette — Do's and Don'ts Every Visitor Should Know

Updated March 2026 7 min read

In This Guide

Temple Etiquette — The Essential Rules Daily Offerings (Canang Sari)Body Language & Social Etiquette Photography & Privacy Dress Code Beyond Temples Key Indonesian Phrases That Show Respect FAQ

Bali is not just a tropical holiday destination — it is a living, breathing cultural landscape where Hindu traditions dating back over a thousand years shape every aspect of daily life. From the intricate offerings placed on every doorstep each morning to the elaborate temple ceremonies that transform entire villages into celebrations of devotion, spirituality is woven into the fabric of Balinese existence. Understanding and respecting this culture is not just polite — it opens doors to deeper, more authentic experiences that tourist-zone travellers never access.

Bali Malayali is deeply embedded in Balinese culture, and we consider cultural education an essential part of every trip we plan. We have seen well-meaning tourists accidentally cause offence by stepping on sacred offerings, wearing inappropriate clothing at temples, or photographing ceremonies without permission. These are honest mistakes, but they are easily avoidable with a little advance knowledge. Equally, we have seen how tourists who show genuine cultural respect are embraced by locals with extraordinary warmth and generosity — invited into private ceremonies, offered home-cooked meals, and treated as honoured guests rather than walking wallets.

This guide covers the essential cultural etiquette that every Bali visitor should know. The Bali Malayali team has compiled these do's and don'ts from years of living alongside the Balinese people and understanding what matters most to them. Travelling respectfully does not mean walking on eggshells — it means showing the same courtesy you would hope guests would show in your own home and culture.

Temple Etiquette — The Essential Rules

Temples (pura) are sacred spaces, and strict etiquette applies to all visitors. You must wear a sarong and sash covering your legs, and your shoulders must be covered. Most temples have sarongs available for rent or loan, but bringing your own is more comfortable. Remove your shoes before entering temple courtyards. Never climb on walls, statues, or altars for photographs. Do not point your feet toward shrines or priests — feet are considered the most impure part of the body. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter the most sacred inner courtyards — this is a deeply held spiritual belief, not discrimination, and should be respected. During active ceremonies, stay quiet and respectful, do not walk in front of praying worshippers, and ask before taking photographs. If a priest offers you holy water or rice, accept graciously — it is a blessing.

Wear sarong and sash covering legs

Cover shoulders at all times

Remove shoes at temple entrance

Never climb on temple structures

Do not point feet toward shrines

Stay quiet during ceremonies

Accept blessings from priests graciously

Daily Offerings (Canang Sari)

The small woven palm leaf trays filled with flowers, rice, incense, and sometimes sweets that you see on virtually every doorstep, sidewalk, car dashboard, and shop counter in Bali are canang sari — daily offerings to the gods expressing gratitude and maintaining spiritual balance. They are prepared fresh every morning by Balinese women as part of their daily spiritual practice. The single most important cultural rule for tourists is simple: never step on a canang sari. Walk around them, step over them carefully, or gently move them aside if they are blocking a doorway. Stepping on an offering is deeply disrespectful, equivalent to stomping on a prayer. Also avoid kicking them or treating them as litter. If you see a canang sari with burning incense, it is an active prayer offering — give it extra respect and space.

Body Language & Social Etiquette

Balinese social customs differ from Western norms in several important ways. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body — never touch anyone's head, including children, even affectionately. Use your right hand for giving and receiving objects (money, food, gifts), as the left hand is traditionally associated with unclean activities. When passing between people or in front of someone who is sitting, lower your body slightly and extend your right hand forward as a sign of respect — this gesture is called 'permisi.' Pointing with your index finger is considered rude; instead, gesture with your whole hand or thumb. Public displays of anger, shouting, or confrontation are deeply uncomfortable for Balinese people — always maintain a calm, smiling demeanor even when frustrated. A smile goes further in Bali than any amount of money or status.

Photography & Privacy

Bali is incredibly photogenic, but remember that you are photographing someone's culture and daily life, not a theme park. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially during ceremonies, prayers, or private moments. Most Balinese are happy to be photographed and will often pose proudly, but asking first is a sign of respect. During temple ceremonies, photography of the general scene is usually acceptable, but avoid photographing priests performing rituals or people in deep prayer without explicit permission. Never photograph cremation ceremonies casually — while they are public events, they are deeply emotional occasions. Drone usage is restricted near temples, ceremonies, and sacred sites. If someone declines to be photographed, accept gracefully without argument.

Dress Code Beyond Temples

While Bali is generally relaxed about tourist clothing in beach areas and restaurants, being aware of context shows respect. Swimwear is appropriate only at beaches and pool areas — not for walking through towns, visiting shops, or eating at restaurants. When visiting local villages or attending ceremonies, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Balinese people dress up for temple visits and ceremonies, often wearing their finest traditional clothing — showing up in flip-flops and a tank top contrasts disrespectfully with their effort. In general, err on the side of slightly more conservative than you think necessary, especially outside the main tourist zones of Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu.

Key Indonesian Phrases That Show Respect

Speaking even a few words of Indonesian shows respect and almost always improves your interactions with locals. 'Terima kasih' (teh-ree-mah kah-see) means thank you and is the single most useful phrase. 'Selamat pagi' (good morning), 'selamat siang' (good afternoon), and 'selamat malam' (good evening) are warm greetings. 'Permisi' (excuse me/pardon me) is used when passing in front of someone. 'Berapa harga?' (how much?) is useful at markets. 'Tidak, terima kasih' (no, thank you) is a polite decline. 'Bagus' (great/good) and 'enak' (delicious) are wonderful compliments for food and experiences. The Balinese also have their own language distinct from Indonesian — learning 'Om Swastiastu' (the Balinese Hindu greeting) will earn you genuine smiles and appreciation.

Terima kasih

Thank you

Selamat pagi/siang/malam

Good morning/afternoon/evening

Permisi

Excuse me

Berapa harga

How much?

Tidak, terima kasih

No, thank you

Bagus

Great/Good

Enak

Delicious

Om Swastiastu

Balinese Hindu greeting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to a Balinese temple?

You must wear a sarong covering your legs and a sash around your waist, plus a top that covers your shoulders. Most temples provide sarongs for rent or loan, but bringing your own is more comfortable and hygienic. Avoid overly revealing clothing, remove shoes before entering temple courtyards, and cover any visible tattoos if possible out of respect.

Can I photograph Balinese ceremonies?

Generally yes, but always ask permission first and be respectful. General scene photography is usually acceptable, but avoid photographing priests during rituals or people in deep prayer without explicit consent. Never use flash during ceremonies. Stay at a respectful distance and avoid disrupting the ceremony by positioning yourself in the middle of proceedings.

What are the small offerings I see everywhere in Bali?

Those are canang sari — daily offerings made from woven palm leaves filled with flowers, rice, and incense. They are placed every morning as expressions of gratitude to the gods. The most important rule for tourists is to never step on them. Walk around or carefully step over them. They are active spiritual expressions, not decorations or litter.

Is it rude to use my left hand in Bali?

In Balinese culture, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Use your right hand for giving and receiving items, eating with your hands, and greeting people. This applies to handing over money, accepting change, and receiving offerings or blessings from priests. If you naturally favor your left hand, making an effort to use your right for social interactions is appreciated.

How should I behave during Nyepi (Day of Silence)?

Nyepi is Bali's most sacred day, when the entire island observes complete silence, stillness, and darkness for 24 hours. Tourists must stay inside their hotels or villas — no street activity, no beach access, and no flights operate. Hotels keep guests entertained with indoor activities, but outdoor lights, noise, and movement are strictly prohibited. It is a unique and humbling cultural experience to witness.