Local Etiquette

Balinese life is shaped by Hindu religion, village community and a strong sense of politeness, and visitors who show respect are warmly received. Use your right hand to give, receive, eat and pay, as the left is considered unclean. The head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body, so avoid touching anyone's head, including children's. Pointing with a finger is impolite; locals gesture with an open hand or the thumb instead.

Small offerings called canang sari appear several times a day on sidewalks, shop steps, cars and shrines. Walk around them rather than over them, and if you accidentally knock one, a simple apology is enough. When a ceremony procession passes, with music, offerings and people in white and gold, step aside and let it go by. If roads close for a ceremony, wait calmly. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temples.

Dress matters off the beach. Bikini tops and bare chests are fine by the pool but considered disrespectful in shops, restaurants and villages. Indonesians often avoid saying a direct no; phrases like 'maybe later' or a smile can signal refusal, so read the context and phrase your own refusals gently. Raised voices and public displays of anger cause loss of face and rarely help. Patience with 'jam karet', literally rubber time, makes life easier.

Greet people with a smile and a few words of Indonesian or Balinese, and use polite forms such as Bapak (Pak) for men and Ibu (Bu) for women. Always ask before photographing people, especially during ceremonies, and never use flash or climb onto shrines for a picture. Shoes come off before entering homes. Small gestures, like accepting a drink offered by your host or sitting when invited, go a long way.