Bali, Indonesia-travel-tips

Bali Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips

Bali is a beautiful island with a rich culture and welcoming people. To ensure you have a respectful and enjoyable experience, here are some key travel and cultural etiquette tips:

General Etiquette:

  • Dress respectfully: While beachwear is fine at the beach, cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or other religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes: Before entering someone’s home, a temple, or certain shops, it’s customary to remove your shoes. Look for shoes left outside as a cue.
  • Use your right hand: Balinese culture considers the left hand unclean. Use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving things, and gesturing.
  • Greet with “Om Swastiastu”: This traditional greeting means “peace be upon you.” You can use it when meeting someone new or entering a temple.
  • Say thank you: A simple “terima kasih” goes a long way in showing your appreciation.

Temple Etiquette:

  • Dress modestly: Wear sarongs and sashes (often provided at temples) to cover your legs and shoulders.

  • Be quiet and respectful: Avoid loud talking or laughing inside temple grounds.

  • Don’t point your feet at religious images: This is considered disrespectful.

  • Ask permission before taking photos: Especially of people or ceremonies.

Dining Etiquette:

  • Use your right hand to eat: As mentioned above, the left hand is considered unclean.

  • Try a little bit of everything: It’s considered polite to sample different dishes offered.

  • Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in rice: This resembles incense offerings for the dead.

  • Finish all your food: Leaving food on your plate can be seen as wasteful.

Bargaining Etiquette:

  • Be polite and respectful: Bargaining is expected, but always do it with a smile and good humor.

  • Start low, but be reasonable: Don’t insult the seller with an extremely low offer.

  • Know when to walk away: If you can’t agree on a price, politely decline and move on.

Other Tips:

  • Learn some basic Balinese phrases: Even a few words like “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” will be appreciated.

  • Be patient: Things may move at a slower pace in Bali.

  • Respect the environment: Avoid littering and support eco-friendly businesses.

  • Smile! A friendly smile goes a long way in making connections with the local people.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a positive and enriching experience for yourself and show respect for the Balinese culture.