Cultural Dos and Donts in Bali - A Traveler Guide to Being Respectful

Bali Gate Tours

21 May 2025

Blog & Article

There’s something about Bali that grabs you. It might be the smell of incense floating down a quiet village road, or the sudden sound of gamelan echoing from a temple courtyard. Maybe it’s the way locals smile—not just with their mouths, but with their entire being.

But Bali isn’t just a holiday. It’s a living culture, with traditions that stretch back centuries and a spiritual rhythm that pulses through every offering, every ceremony, every greeting.

And when you visit, you become part of that rhythm—even if just for a few days. That’s why understanding cultural etiquette in Bali isn’t optional—it’s an invitation. To connect, to respect, and to be more than just another tourist passing through.

So here it is: a friendly, honest, and human guide to the cultural dos and don’ts in Bali—because you’re not just visiting a place. You’re entering someone’s home.

Why Cultural Awareness in Bali Matters

Let’s start with the why. Bali is a part of Indonesia, yes—but its cultural and religious landscape is unique. While most of Indonesia practices Islam, Bali is predominantly Balinese Hindu, a spiritual system that blends ancestral worship, animism, and elements of Indian philosophy.

This means the daily life in Bali is soaked in ceremony. From temple offerings to full-moon rituals, from the layout of family compounds to the sacred trees wrapped in cloth—everything has meaning. And when visitors ignore that meaning, even unintentionally, it creates friction.

Respect doesn’t require fluency in Balinese or a deep understanding of the Vedas. It starts with awareness and intention. And a little goes a long way.

DO: Dress Modestly, Especially Near Temples

Let’s be real. Bali is hot. You want to wear shorts. That’s fine—on the beach. But in temples, villages, and anywhere near spiritual or ceremonial settings, modesty is expected.

Always cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
Wear a sarong and sash—many temples provide them, but having your own shows respect.
Avoid clothing with religious symbols or offensive language.

You don’t need to be covered head to toe. But what you wear in Bali communicates how much you care.

DON’T: Step Over or Disturb Offerings

You’ll see them everywhere—small palm-leaf baskets filled with flowers, rice, incense. They’re called canang sari, and they’re not trash. They’re daily offerings to maintain balance between good and evil.

They might be in front of a shop, at a temple gate, even on the sidewalk.

So:

Watch your step. Accidentally stepping on one happens—but be mindful.
Never move or kick an offering out of your way.
Don’t take photos of them with your feet in the frame.

These little squares of devotion are not just decoration—they’re a whisper to the gods. Treat them that way.

DO: Greet People Warmly and With Politeness

Bali is built on community, on mutual respect. Saying hello isn’t just polite—it’s expected.

When you meet someone:

Use a soft tone.
Smile—genuinely.
A slight nod or bow is a sign of respect.

Try these phrases:

“Om Swastiastu” – A Balinese greeting often used in spiritual settings.
“Selamat pagi” – Good morning.
“Terima kasih” – Thank you.
“Permisi” – Excuse me.

You don’t need perfect pronunciation. You just need sincerity. Because in Balinese culture, kindness is currency.

DON’T: Touch People’s Heads or Point With Your Feet

This might sound odd at first, but in Balinese belief, the head is sacred. Even patting a child’s head can be considered intrusive.

Similarly, feet are considered the “lowest” part of the body—not just physically, but spiritually.

So:

Avoid touching someone’s head.
Don’t point at people, shrines, or objects with your feet.
When sitting, try not to let your feet face temple altars or elders.

These are subtle signals. But they say: I see you. I honor you.

DO: Ask Before Entering Temples or Homes

Some temples are open to the public. Others are only for local worshippers, especially during ceremonies.

When in doubt:

Look for signs like “Khusus Sembahyang” (for worshippers only).
Ask a local or guide: “Boleh saya masuk?” (May I enter?)
Respect the space—even from outside.

The same applies to family compounds. These homes often have shrines and ceremonial zones. Don’t wander in, even if the gate is open. Always wait to be invited.

Being a good guest is better than being a bold one.

DON’T: Disrupt Ceremonies or Rituals

It’s magical when you stumble upon a Balinese procession or offering ritual—colorful sarongs, temple music, smoke curling through air thick with prayer.

But it’s not a performance. It’s real life.

Please:

Don’t walk through processions.
Don’t interrupt rituals for photos.
Don’t touch ceremonial objects or costumes.
Observe quietly. Ask before taking pictures.

If you’re invited to join, say yes with humility. If you’re not, admire from the edge.

Because ceremonies in Bali aren’t for show—they’re the heartbeat of the island.

DO: Support Local Economy With Conscious Choices

Cultural respect isn’t just behavior—it’s economics.

When you:

Buy from a local warung instead of a chain café
Hire local drivers or guides
Stay in family-run homestays or eco-lodges
Take Balinese cooking classes from villagers

You’re voting with your wallet. And those votes matter.

You help sustain communities, preserve tradition, and keep authentic Balinese culture alive—not just in temples, but in kitchens, workshops, and conversations.

DON’T: Assume Everyone Is There to Serve You

Bali is friendly. Locals are generous. But that doesn’t mean everyone is there to entertain you.

Too often, tourists treat Balinese people like props—asking intrusive questions, filming without consent, expecting smiles no matter what.

Please remember:

That woman carrying offerings is someone’s mother, not a selfie backdrop.
That temple dancer has trained for years, not just for tips.
That waiter or receptionist is a spiritual being with their own rhythms and rituals.

Respect in Bali means seeing people fully—not just as part of your vacation.

DO: Learn, Observe, and Stay Curious

The best travelers are students. Of culture. Of nuance. Of what it means to walk gently.

Ask questions:

Why do people carry offerings every day?
What’s the meaning behind the black-and-white cloth on trees?
What is Galungan really about?

The more you understand, the deeper your experience becomes. And the more respect you show, the more doors open—sometimes literally, sometimes spiritually.

Cultural awareness in Bali isn’t a checklist. It’s a conversation. One you’re lucky to be part of.

Travel Not Just With Your Feet, But With Your Heart

Bali will give you sunsets, beaches, and unforgettable photos. But what it offers at its core is something rarer: a chance to belong, even briefly, to a culture that still holds spirit at its center.

So walk slowly. Ask softly. Smile often. Dress respectfully. And most of all—show up not just as a tourist, but as a listener, a learner, a guest.

Because respect is the real passport. And in Bali, it opens more than just temple gates—it opens hearts.