10 Dos and Don'ts when

visiting Bali

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When should you - and when should you not - enter a

temple? What is the correct way of giving and receiving
something? As most Balinese probably are too polite to tell
you when you break their customs, take a look at the below
Dos and Don'ts to make sure you do as the Balinese would
do when visiting Bali.
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Do's and Don'ts

Entering a temple
DO wear a Sarong or long clothes when entering a
temple The Balinese are very serious about their
spirituality, so please be respectful.
DON'T enter a temple menstruating also if you
have an open wound you shouldnt enter.

Shopping
DO haggle in markets and street shops - Humor and
a smile can get you a long way, that goes for bargaining too.
DON'T haggle too hard or for the fun of it - Be
polite. 5000 rupiah probably wont make much of a
difference to you, but it might do to the seller.

Mind the head

DO wear a helmet when driving a scooter Both for
protection and to avoid getting stopped by the police.
Insider tip: Wearing an udeng (The traditional Balinese
headwear) exempt you from wearing a helmet
DON'T touch peoples heads That goes for kids too,
even if they are really cute. The head is considered the most
sacred part of the human body.

Drinking water
DO drink bottled water - Bali is hot all year around and
you dont want to dehydrate.

DON'T drink tap water - It does not taste good and will
almost certainly give you stomach problems.

When giving and receiving

DO use both hands when giving or receiving - It is
a compliment to use both hands when you give or receive
things like money or a business card.
DON'T hand over something with your left hand
It is considered impolite. Using both hands is still ok.

When driving
DO honk the horn shortly when overtaking - It is a
common way to let other people know you are passing.
DON'T hold the horn down Being aggressive in the
traffic is frowned upon everywhere, even more so in Bali.

Getting attention
DO wave with your palm facing down - When asking
someone to come by, stretch your hand out, palm down and
move your fingers toward yourself.
DON'T point with your index finger - That is
considered offensive. Use the entire hand if you want to
point out something.

When invited to dinner

DO make room for a second serving you will most
likely be asked for one and it will be impolite to reject.
DON'T empty your plate Leave a little food as an
offering to the gods and to let the host know you had
enough to eat.

Partying
DO enjoy an ice cold Bintang - Balis no. 1 beer and it
comes in large bottles!
DON'T do drugs! - Indonesian drug laws are extremely
strict.

Watch your feet

DO take of your shoes when entering - When
entering a home or temple take of you shoes. Helpful tip:
Whenever you see a row of flip flops outside a building, you
should take of yours too before entering.
DON'T touch or point at someone with your feet
It is considered very offensive.

Comments
January 26, 201 3 05:06 Daleen say s :

Hi Stefan, I'm a foreigner living in Jakarta and we often go

to Bali and surrounds for short breaks or longer holidays.
The list you wrote is great!! I stumbled upon your article
after reading another do's and don't list, which got me so
angry! The other writer wrote the most crap I've ever
read on travel blogs about Bali...like no public display of
affection, cover arms and legs at all times etc... This is
how writers tarnish the reputation of a country. Because
the Indonesian people - particularly the Balinese - are

the Indonesian people - particularly the Balinese - are

some of the most tolerant people I have ever met. Thanks
for your fair comments.

January 26, 201 3 07 :50 Stefan say s :

Hi Daleen
I couldn't agree with you more - The Balinese are some of
the kindest people you're ever going to meet.
I am glad you liked the list.
Stefan

April 24, 201 3 1 2:58 lizzy say s :

Hej Stefan!
Will you be in Bali in June/July :)
Kind regards,
Lizzy

April 25, 201 3 05:41 Stefan Russel say s :

Hi Lizzy
I don't know my plans for June and July yet, but let me
know if there is anything we can do for you.
Stefan

October 5, 201 3 1 1 :38 jacob say s :

thank you!

December 24, 201 3 06:30 Kennedy JP say s :

Thanks for the note!

I already booked the ticket and hotel in Bali, I want to go
there for 10 days but i just read some writings on the
internet; and met someone in Sydney. They said: must be
carefully in caution in Bali because the laws are very
strick and strange there??? that make me feel
unconfrtable and want to cancel my trip there insteads I
will go Philipine ..sound is better country laws and more
on western style.???
KP:
PS: people can put drug in my drinks and I may have
been set up for the jail...? is it that corruption country?

December 28, 201 3 09:58 Stefan Russel say s :

Hi Kenny

I am not sure what you have read about Bali, but I

wouldn't worry if I were you. Bali is as safe as any country
in South-East Asia and the Balinese are some of the
kindest people you are ever going meet.
You mention strict laws. When it comes to drugs, Bali has
some very strict laws, so I will definitely recommend
against getting involved with drug in any way, but apart
from that laws aren't much different from anywhere else.
I am certain you will enjoy Bali and my advice would be to
stick to you original plan and I am sure you won't regret
it.
Stefan

January 1 0, 201 4 01 :21 Jay remy say s :

Hi Stefan, thanks for your great write up. This would be

my 2nd trip to Bali since 2008...Definitely so many
changes there and I'm so looking forward to be there.
Hopefully this trip will be smooth and enjoyable for me
and my friends.
Jay

January 1 0, 201 4 1 2:38 Stefan Russel say s :

Hi Jay
Bali is definitely changing in many ways, but it is still a
very special place if you ask me. I am sure you'll have an
excellent trip.
Enjoy! :)
Stefan

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