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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.