Do’s and Don’ts in Bali, Cultural Etiquette Every Visitor Should Know

Bali
April 18, 2025
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13 minutes read

Bali is more than a destination—it’s a living culture, a spiritual homeland, and a sanctuary of deep tradition. From fragrant temple offerings to daily rituals of gratitude, Balinese life is rooted in harmony and respect. As a visitor, understanding what’s appropriate is not just polite—it’s a bridge to deeper connection.

In this guide, you’ll learn the essential do’s and don’ts that will help you move mindfully through Bali, creating more meaningful encounters and avoiding unintentional faux pas. Whether you’re visiting sacred temples or relaxing in local villages, these tips will ensure you show up with awareness, grace, and gratitude.

✅ Do: Show Respect at Temples and Ceremonies

Temples in Bali are sacred spaces where locals worship, celebrate, and seek blessings. When visiting these holy sites, it’s vital to honor the customs and atmosphere.

Wear appropriate clothing: cover shoulders and knees
Use a sarong and sash (often available at the entrance)
Remove shoes before entering temple grounds
Be quiet and respectful, especially during prayers

Wearing respectful attire is more than a dress code—it’s a sign of reverence. When you wrap a sarong around your waist and enter a temple with quiet steps, you blend into the rhythm of devotion. You’ll find the silence in these spaces speaks volumes.

🚫 Don’t: Touch People’s Heads or Point with Your Feet

In Balinese culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and the feet are the lowest. Avoid touching anyone’s head—even that of a child—and never use your feet to point at someone or something.

Don’t touch people’s heads, including children
Don’t rest your feet on tables or chairs
Don’t step on ceremonial offerings (canang sari) on the ground

It’s common to see colorful little offerings on sidewalks, especially in the mornings. These are sacred expressions of devotion. Step mindfully. By watching where you walk and how you sit, you align yourself with the respect Balinese people offer to the seen and unseen.

✅ Do: Use Your Right Hand When Giving or Receiving

When offering a gift, paying for something, or handing someone an item, always use your right hand or both hands.

Right hand = respectful giving
Both hands = even more respectful
Left hand alone = considered impolite

This simple gesture is deeply embedded in local etiquette. Whether handing over rupiah at a market stall or accepting a temple flower, using your right hand carries a quiet tone of honor and care.

🚫 Don’t: Engage in Public Displays of Affection

While Bali is a warm and welcoming island, modesty in public is appreciated. Kissing, hugging, or overt physical affection is best saved for private settings.

Avoid PDA in public spaces, especially temples or villages
Swimwear is for the beach or pool—not streetwear
Cover up when leaving beach areas or entering shops

Balinese values lean into discretion and composure. Dressing modestly and reserving intimacy for private settings demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Respect begins with presence, not just behavior.

✅ Do: Smile, Greet, and Be Curious

Balinese people are warm, kind, and often eager to share their culture. A smile goes a long way, as does a genuine greeting or simple question.

Learn a few basic phrases (e.g., “Om Swastiastu” for hello)
Smile openly, especially when meeting elders or entering shops
Be open to learning and listening

The more you engage from the heart, the more Bali opens to you. Smiling is a form of gratitude, and curiosity is a form of respect. Connection in Bali is often felt before it’s spoken.

🛑 Don’t: Act Disrespectfully at Sacred Sites or Ceremonies

It can be tempting to capture every beautiful moment, but remember: ceremonies are spiritual, not performances.

Avoid flash photography or stepping into rituals
Don’t interrupt or distract people during offerings
Don’t climb on statues or altars for photos

These sacred experiences aren’t attractions—they’re living traditions. If you’re lucky enough to witness a Balinese ceremony, observe with reverence. Let your heart photograph what your camera can’t.

🌺 When in Doubt, Follow the Locals

Bali is a place of intuitive wisdom. If you’re ever unsure of what to do, pause and watch. Balinese people move with such grace because they live in harmony with their space, time, and community.

The jungle hums as a living, breathing archive of memory—and the more you listen, the more it teaches.

🏨 Recommended Hotels for a Culturally Immersive Stay

Six Senses Uluwatu – Uluwatu
A refined sanctuary offering world-class comfort, distinctive style, and Balinese-inspired warmth.
COMO Uma Ubud – Ubud
A refined sanctuary offering world-class comfort, distinctive style, and Balinese-inspired warmth.
The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali – Ubud
A refined sanctuary offering world-class comfort, distinctive style, and Balinese-inspired warmth.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali – Seminyak
A refined sanctuary offering world-class comfort, distinctive style, and Balinese-inspired warmth.
Capella Ubud – Ubud
A refined sanctuary offering world-class comfort, distinctive style, and Balinese-inspired warmth.

🌿 Travel with Humility, Leave with Insight

Cultural etiquette is not about rules—it’s about relationship. By honoring the customs of Bali, you step into a flow of mutual respect. You don’t just visit Bali. You receive it. And in doing so, you become a part of its ever-evolving story.

This article was lovingly crafted by BaliExpertGuide.com to inspire meaningful journeys and mindful moments across the Island of the Gods.