What You Shouldnt Do in Bali (But Tourists Still Do)

Bali has a way of getting under your skin—in the best way. The warm air, the scent of incense at sunrise, the rhythm of the ceremonies. But here’s the thing: behind the beauty is a deeply spiritual culture that doesn’t always shout its boundaries. And too often, travelers—unknowingly or not—cross lines that shouldn’t be crossed.

As someone who’s witnessed both the awe and awkwardness of tourism here, I want to share something that rarely makes it into guidebooks: what not to do in Bali. This isn’t about shaming. It’s about awareness. And about showing the kind of respect that lets you go deeper—not just through the island, but into it.

Let’s talk about the things tourists still do… but really, really shouldn’t.

1. Disrespecting Temples – It’s Not Just a Photo Spot

Balinese temples aren’t attractions. They’re living spiritual centers, filled with daily rituals, offerings, and ancestral energy. Yet, scroll through Instagram and you’ll see people standing between temple gates in yoga poses, wearing revealing clothes, or even climbing onto sacred altars.

Please don’t.

When visiting any temple in Bali, the basic etiquette is simple:

• Cover your shoulders and knees.

• Wear a sarong and sash (many temples provide them).

• Never point your feet toward the shrine or step on raised platforms.

• Don’t use flash photography during ceremonies.

• And absolutely, don’t treat it like a catwalk or content shoot.

You’re entering a sacred space. And showing cultural respect in Bali starts right here.

2. Ignoring Ceremony Signs – Or Worse, Interrupting Them

Ceremonies are everywhere in Bali. They spill onto roads, beaches, temples, even your villa driveway. Sometimes they’re quiet and meditative. Other times, they’re loud, elaborate, and traffic-stopping.

When you see a sign that says “Upacara – No Entry”, take it seriously. It means a ritual is in progress, and access is restricted—not because locals don’t want you to see it, but because it’s spiritually charged, private, and not for entertainment.

If you stumble across a Balinese ceremony, keep a respectful distance. Don’t walk through the middle of a procession. Don’t block an offering. And unless you’re invited, don’t just pull out your camera and click away.

Remember: being present is a privilege. Not a right.

3. Stepping on or Moving Canang Offerings

You’ll see them everywhere—small square baskets made of palm leaves, filled with flowers, rice, incense, sometimes even candy or cigarettes. These are canang sari, daily offerings to maintain balance between good and evil.

They’re not trash. They’re not decoration. They’re sacred.

And yet, tourists walk over them all the time. Or worse—kick them, move them aside, or pick them up for photos.

Yes, they’re placed on sidewalks, stairs, and thresholds. But that’s the point—they’re offerings to the spirits of place. So please: watch your step. Don’t touch them. And if you accidentally step on one? A quiet apology is more appropriate than pretending it didn’t happen.

4. Riding Scooters Without Skill, License, or Helmets

Scooters are everywhere in Bali. They’re fast, cheap, and Instagram-friendly. But they’re also one of the biggest causes of injury for tourists—especially the ones who treat them like toys.

If you’ve never ridden before, Bali’s roads are not the place to learn. They’re chaotic, narrow, and often filled with unexpected potholes, dogs, and ceremonies. And still, tourists:

• Rent scooters with no international driver’s license

• Ride without helmets

• Drive intoxicated or barefoot

• Speed through traffic with zero road awareness

Not only is this dangerous, it’s illegal. And it gives locals the impression that foreigners think they’re above the rules.

So, if you’re going to ride: take lessons. Wear a helmet. Be respectful. Or better yet, hire a driver and enjoy the view.

5. Being Loud, Drunk, or Disruptive in Spiritual Spaces

Bali has party towns—yes. Seminyak and Canggu have their share of DJs and beach bars. But the moment you step into Ubud, Sidemen, or almost any village in Bali, the vibe shifts. It becomes quieter, more reverent. And with that comes a different kind of social contract.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets the memo.

You’ll still see:

• Loud tourists blaring music near temple walls.

• Partygoers wandering home drunk through family compounds.

• Foreigners arguing with local staff at cafés or warungs.

This isn’t just disrespectful—it’s dissonant. Because in many areas, locals believe sound carries energy. And when you enter a sacred area, that energy matters.

So read the room. Or better yet, read the island.

6. Treating Bali as “Cheap” Instead of Valuable

There’s this idea among some travelers that “Bali is cheap”—like it’s a discount island where you should always bargain down, tip less, and demand more.

But the truth is, Bali isn’t cheap—it’s generous.

Yes, prices are lower than in the West. But the person selling you that hand-carved statue or that home-cooked nasi campur? They’ve likely worked for hours. Maybe days. And many locals are still recovering from tourism collapses, climate shifts, or rising costs.

So next time you're tempted to haggle over IDR 10,000 (about 60 cents), ask yourself: is the discount worth more to you than it is to them?

Value isn’t always in the price. Sometimes it’s in the respect you give.

7. Posing Inappropriately with Sacred Statues or Symbols

We get it. Bali is beautiful. And the temples, gates, and statues make for epic photos. But when people straddle statues, pretend to “kiss” a guardian figure, or climb onto platforms reserved for offerings, they’re not being cute—they’re being offensive.

A guardian statue isn’t décor—it’s a protector. That stone pedestal? It might be the seat of a deity. And if you sit on it in a swimsuit… well, let’s just say the spiritual consequences aren’t great, even if you don’t believe in them.

Before taking photos:

• Ask if it’s appropriate.

• Avoid mocking or sexualized poses.

• Dress with reverence, especially in temple zones.

• If in doubt—don’t do it.

Better to be remembered for your curiosity than your disrespect.

8. Acting Like a Digital Nomad... Without Being a Respectful Guest

Bali is now a hub for remote workers and digital nomads. And that’s amazing. The island has embraced the shift—cafés with fast Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, visa services. But with that has come a wave of entitlement.

Some visitors:

• Complain loudly when a warung doesn’t have oat milk.

• Set up tripods in sacred spaces for content creation.

• Demand “western-level” service in rural villages.

• Break visa rules and overstay without care.

Here’s the thing: you’re not just a digital nomad. You’re a guest in a cultural ecosystem. One that thrives when people engage, not just extract.

So build relationships. Tip your barista. Learn a little Bahasa Indonesia. And remember that Wi-Fi doesn’t replace wisdom.

9. Ignoring Dress Codes at Sacred Sites and Ceremonies

We’ve said it before, but it matters enough to say again: what you wear in Bali speaks volumes. Not just about fashion—but about intention.

Too many tourists still show up to ceremonies or temples in:

• Bikini tops

• Tank tops and shorts

• Sheer or revealing outfits

• Uncovered heads (when a head cloth is required)

It’s not about modesty for modesty’s sake. It’s about energetic boundaries. The Balinese believe that clothing reflects inner state. And to dress respectfully is to show up spiritually, not just physically.

You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be thoughtful.

10. Thinking “I’m Just One Person, It Doesn’t Matter”

The biggest myth tourists believe? That their actions don’t matter. That stepping on one offering, refusing one sarong, or throwing away one plastic cup won’t change anything.

But it does.

Because what you do echoes. To the person watching. To the kid growing up in a temple village. To the next traveler who learns from your example.

Every moment is a chance to either reinforce the beauty of Bali—or wear it down.

So choose consciously. Travel kindly. And let your presence be a blessing, not a burden.

Respect Is the Real Souvenir

You’ll leave Bali with photos, souvenirs, maybe even a tan. But if you do it right, you’ll leave with something better—understanding.

The kind that comes not from seeing, but from listening. Not from consuming, but from connecting. And in a world where travel often feels extractive, that kind of journey matters.

So next time you visit Bali, ask not just what you can take—but what you can give back. Through presence. Through posture. Through respect.

Because the island doesn’t just want your money. It wants your heart. And if you give it that? You’ll receive something far greater in return.