What Not to Do in Bali: Customs and Etiquette

Bali is without a doubt a world-class travel destination for international tourists seeking gorgeous paradise.

Tourism is the backbone of the island’s economy, and with its large community of Western expats, it’s seen by many as ‘home from home’.

However, there are many important things every visitor to Bali needs to know before visiting.

In this post I’ve compiled a detailed guide of the most important things you should and should not do while you’re in Bali, Indonesia.

You can find out what’s illegal (be sure to read this section if you carry medication), and it covers some of the most popular scams inflicted on unsuspecting tourists and how to avoid them.

Scroll on to read: What Not to Do in Bali: Customs and Etiquette

Essential Bali Travel Resources:

For more useful travel information on Bali, check out these articles:

✪ Top 10 Things to See & Do in Canggu, Bali✪ North Bali: Top 10 Things to See & Do✪ The Complete Packing List for Bali (2023 Edition)✪ Where to Go in Bali (13 Must Visit Places)✪ Best Photo Spots in Canggu, Bali✪ 10 Best Places to go Glamping in Bali

What Not to Do in Bali: Customs and Etiquette

11 Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists in Bali

What are the do’s and don’ts in Bali? As well as a list of things you should not do, there are things you should do, as a tourist here. Not only should you adhere to the customs and manners of the Balinese culture, you should also consider ethics factors, such as avoiding leaving waste behind after you’ve left, and use services like homestays and local warungs as well as multi-national hotel chains or restaurants run by foreign expats.

 

#1: DON’T spend all your time in Kuta/Seminyak

Not only are these towns a tiny part of the island, there are also much better places and things to see and do.

 

#2: DO take your shoes off outside certain places

 

These include not only temples, mosques and sacred sites, but some family-run businesses require shoes be left outside their store before entering. Most shops don’t require this, but as a rule of thumb – if you see shoes outside a shop, its best to follow suit.

 

#3: DON’T use your left hand for giving or accepting things

In Balinese customs and traditions the left hand is considered an unclean part of the body. This is why the right hand is used for important actions and gestures, including giving and receiving things, pointing, eating, etc. Keep this in mind when in Bali (sorry left-handed folks).

#4: DO cover up in temples and holy places

This applies to both men and women. Always remove your footwear before entering any temple, and you must ensure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can put on a sarong before entering, and many temples provide these at the entrances.

 

#5: DON’T only eat Western food

 

For heavens sake, you are in Bali. The food is fresh and delicious here, so make the most of the unique cuisine here.

#6: DO quit haggling at the markets if you have no intention of buying.

You’ll get worn out in the hot weather, and more importantly, its rude. The market traders could have potentially made a sale and found much-needed paying customers during this valuable time.

 

#7: DON’T skip local warungs for pricey touristy eateries

 

While those hipster vegan and eco-friendly restaurants and worth checking out, they are also owned by wealthy expats from Australia or the US. Local warungs are run by locals who don’t have very much, and your money would benefit them and their families far more.

 

#8: DO include North Bali in your itinerary

Its true that most of Bali’s tourists are concentrated in the southern region of Bali – Kuta, Seminyak, and there’s a steady growth of tourism in Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu.

But did you know that Bali’s much bigger northern region is packed with incredible gems and untouched, stunning natural beauty? Here you’ll discover huge, magnificent waterfalls, ancient mountain-top temples, secluded natural hot springs, a picturesque temple on a lake, and vast valleys of rice paddies as far as the eye can see.

And best of all – there’s hardly anyone around in these places! Makes a nice change from the crowds of Kuta.

Click here to read about the best things to see and do in north Bali.

 

#9: DON’T haggle too hard

Many a tourist love to drive a hard bargain at the markets, but if you are haggling over a beautiful Balinese painting or hand-made sculpture, remember these artisans put a lot of time and effort into creating these incredible works, and it’s their only source of income.

 

#10: DO stay at homestays

Many locals rely on hosting and accommodating guests at their homes for their survival, and believe me – not only is this a more authentic experience, the hosts are extremely friendly, their homes are very nice, and their breakfasts are superb! So give these a try instead.

You can find plenty of excellent options of local guest houses and homestays on Booking.com.

#11: DON’T visit for less than one week

Trust me – I’ve been to Bali twice, the last time I went for a month, and there is still so much I have yet to see in Bali. There’s hidden gems still untouched by tourism, especially in the north. And there’s Bali’s two cluster of islands – Nusa and Gili islands, both of these are packed with so much to see and do.

Click here to read all about my WORST travel experiences – including missed flights, getting robbed, getting electrocuted, and that time my arm blew up!

What should I be careful of in Bali?

Now that we’ve covered the do’s and don’ts, you’re almost ready for the perfect, hassle-free experience. But first, here’s a guide of things to be careful of in Bali, to ensure keep your wits about you.

 

Tap water – Since Indonesia is still a developing country, the water filtration systems are not as good as in developed countries, so tap water is not suitable to drink for visitors in Bali, as they might fall sick.

Instead, buy bottled water, or even better, use a filtered water bottle like I do, which avoids plastic waste. Some visitors prefer to avoid tap water for brushing their teeth and even washing their faces.

 

Mind where you step – The roads, streets and alleys around Bali are poorly-maintained (and even more so on the Nusa islands), and as such, holes can appear out of nowhere.

Also, the locals place offerings to the gods on the ground – at the entrances of their homes, shops, and practically anywhere, so you don’t want to spoil these. So be cautious and watch where you are walking.

 

The monkeys – Bali is inhabited by Macaque monkeys, and in tourist hotspots like Ubud and Uluwatu, they are notoriously cunning and serial thieves. They will attempt to steal the sunglasses off your head, and anything else they can get their hands on – food especially.

 

Safety

 

Scooter hire – as with many tourists you’ll likely hire a scooter in Bali as they are easy to ride, cheap, and a very convenient way of getting around. However, it’s advisable to wear a helmet, otherwise you’ll risk getting fined by traffic cops if you don’t (it applies to your passenger also).

Following the above point – if you do get stopped by police for not wearing a helmet, be careful if you plan on offering money to the police. It’s common practice to try and buy your way out of trouble, and sometimes it works, but not always.

Tattoos – be careful when getting a tattoo. Some tattoo artists use textile chemical dyes in their inks, which could be hazardous when injected into the skin.

Swimming in the sea – make sure you take caution when swimming at the beach. Tidal conditions means the waters arriving from other Indonesian islands are filthy and polluted, and the currents can be strong. It’s best to avoid swimming in Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak during January and February.

Accidents in Bali – like with anywhere, accidents do happen here, and are especially frequent with scooter riders, surfers on the beach, and there’s even dog bites. Therefore, you should always make sure you are covered with travel insurance for peace of mind.

Scams in Bali

 

Now here’s some of the most popular scams and tourist traps that many a tourist fall victim to in Bali, and I’ve detailed how you can avoid these happening to you.

 

#1: Ticket Touts

Every major landmark, tourist attractions and temples in Bali ( including waterfalls, rice terraces, beaches etc.) comes with ticket touts who will try to earn money off you at the entrance, often outrageous amounts (like $15 per person at Besakih Temple, for example). 

Tip: Be firm and demand to see their passes. They should have a photographic pass and provide a receipt. Also, always haggle on the price – you can bring the price down more than half, and if you threaten to leave, they will accept your offer.

#2: Market Touts

Following on the previous point, all the major landmarks across Bali have streets lined with market stalls outside them that tourists have to pass through before they reach the entrance. You’ll discover that almost all of these stalls sell the same identical cheap Chinese imports as every other stall on the island. 

Tip: Remember to be firm and politely turn down market touts unless you are genuinely interested in making a purchase.

#3: Dodgy Commission Drivers

Hiring your own Bali driver is a very affordable and reliable way of exploring Bali, and if you search hard enough (*hint: search on Instagram), you’ll find drivers offering them and their AC 4×4 vehicles for as little as $30 a day!

However, you’ll need to keep an eye out for bogus commissioned drivers. These drivers take you to restaurants and shops where they have an on-going deal with the owners, bringing tourists in order to get a commission. As such, you’ll be paying more for your meal or your purchase at these places.

Tips: When you hire a driver, do your research and speak to several drivers weeks before you arrive in Bali. Once you’re happy, send your itinerary/day trip plans to your driver – and be VERY clear where you want to go, and be concrete on the prices. If you don’t have an itinerary plan in mind, your driver will only take you around the small southern region of Bali where the crowds are. This saves him time and gas money otherwise spent on taking you along more arduous routes through the valleys and mountains, to much better places.

#4: Police Corruption

As mentioned above, traffic cops in Bali tend to very efficiently slap fines on tourists who don’t wear a helmet while on scooters. Such ‘fines’ are usually in the form of bribes which you can settle on the spot with the officer, paying an amount between 50,000 to 100,000 Rupiahs.

Tip: Not everyone wears a helmet, and that includes the locals. But its the foreigners with deep pockets that are targeted by the police. So make sure you wear a helmet when you’re riding a scooter, and if you have a passenger, the rules apply to them too.

#5: Arak, a traditional Balinese spirit

If you’re looking for a traditional Balinese drink, Arak is a spirit thats made from toddy palm trees, and is popular among the locals during festivals and ceremonies. The drink is legally sold in bars across the island, however in recent years arak has been linked to cases of methanol poisoning. The incidents are caused by unscrupulous vendors mixing methanol into the arak, as its cheaper than alcohol. Consuming this mixture may cause blindness or death.

Tip: I advise against drinking arak, or at least, only consume it from reputable bars, after checking its source from bartenders.

What is illegal in Bali?

Narcotics

Indonesia’s drug laws are VERY strict, and there are harsh penalties for drug users caught with substances like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. You can get life imprisonment for being in possession of these, and face the death penalty if you’ve been convicted of trafficking drugs.

 

Medication

 

Some prescription medications are considered illegal narcotics in Indonesia, so if you depend on drugs like sleeping pills, codeine, morphine, or medication for ADHD, double-check with the Indonesian Embassy first.

The embassy can provide a Certified Letter of Approved Medicines for a fee, but the website warns: “The letter is neither for legality purpose nor providing guarantee that you will be exempted from any checks and legal consequences that may arise.”

 

Alcohol Consumption

The legal drinking age in Indonesia is 21.

 

Damaged or nearly expired Passport

One thing that is absolutely certain for visitors to Indonesia is that you will require at least 6 months validity on your passport, otherwise you will be denied entry. Also, you could be sent home if you arrive into the country with a damaged passport, indeed, in 2019, Indonesian authorities began imposing fines on airlines who let passengers arrive in Bali with damaged passports.

 

Gambling

All forms of gambling is illegal in Indonesia.

Bali is such a beautiful place, with all it’s exquisite natural beauty and wonder, gorgeous marine life and corals, ancient, spiritual vibes and rich culture, there’s so much to feast your senses on here that there’s no reason to get involved with drugs or other illegal activities.

Travel Insurance – seriously, don’t leave without it.

 

It goes without saying really that when you travel in Indonesia and beyond, travel insurance is super important.

I never always bothered though. For years I travelled without insurance as I thought, “what could happen?”

Well, I once got my bag stolen in Vietnam and I had an electric shock in a hostel bathroom in Mexico. What if you’re hiking a mountain and your appendix suddenly bursts, leaving you in excruciating pain and requiring emergency treatment? Anything could happen.

I use SafetyWing for comprehensive cover and convenience at great prices on all my travels, and I never set out without it.

So that’s it – What Not to Do in Bali, customs and etiquette, what’s illegal in Bali, plus Scams and How to Avoid Them.

Bali is an island full of very friendly people, and is very welcoming to all tourist types – whether solo backpackers or couples, luxury travellers, and families with kids, there is something for everyone here.

 

Where to go in Bali

Here’s some of the absolute must-visit places for all travellers in Bali:

• Canggu – a cool surfer’s paradise town packed with organic vegan restaurants and chic cafes, yoga retreats and graffiti art. Popular with digital nomads.
• Angseri – mountain-top ancient Hindu temples, secluded natural hot springs in the valleys, and free tea and coffee tasting sessions. Also home to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Bedugul – home of the iconic Pura Danu Bratan Water temple and popular Handara Gate. Close to some of the best waterfalls on the islands.
• Lovina and Singaraja – witness dolphins at sunrise, sunbathe on golden beaches, shop at malls, visit museums and enjoy an adventure day trip.
• Ubud – spiritual retreat packed with vegan organic eateries, an elephant sanctuary, a monkey forest, more rice paddies and waterfalls, and treks up the volcano Mount Batur.
• Tirta Gangga – spiritual retreat, water gardens, bamboo forest, and the Temple of Lempuyang (aka Gates of Heaven).
• Uluwatu – beaches and surf, temples, graffiti art, Nusa Dua, and shops.
• Nusa Penida island – explore breathtaking coastlines, visit Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong, and swim with manta rays.

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Commonly Asked Questions:

What are some customs in Bali?

Here are 8 Do’s and Don’ts of Bali customs and etiquette:

• Don’t cross your arms – it’s a sign of provocation.
• Don’t point at anyone.
• Do cover up in temples and holy places. This applies to both men and women.
• Don’t put your hands on your hips – it’s an aggressive posture.
• Do take your shoes off outside certain places. These include not only temples, mosques and sacred sites, but some family-run businesses require shoes be left outside their store before entering.
• Don’t show your soles while sitting – it’s an insulting posture.
• Do quit haggling at the markets if you have no intention of buying.
• Don’t touch the head of a Balinese, adult or child. The head is sacred because it’s the core of the soul).

what are the do’s and don’ts in Bali?

11 Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists in Bali

• DON’T spend all your time in Kuta/Seminyak. Not only are these towns a tiny part of the island, there are also much better places and things to see and do.
• DO take your shoes off outside certain places. These include not only temples, mosques and sacred sites, but some family-run businesses require shoes be left outside their store before entering. Most shops don’t require this, but as a rule of thumb – if you see shoes outside a shop, its best to follow suit.
• DON’T only eat Western food. For heavens sake, you are in Bali. Make the most of the unique cuisine here. 
• DO cover up in temples and holy places. This applies to both men and women. Always remove your footwear before entering any temple, and you must ensure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can put on a sarong before entering, and many temples provide these at the entrances.
• DON’T dismiss local warungs for the pricey touristy eateries. While those hipster vegan and eco-friendly restaurants and worth checking out, they are also owned by wealthy expats from Australia or the US. Local warungs are run by locals who don’t have very much, and your money would benefit them and their families far more.

• DO include North Bali in your itinerary. Its true that most of Bali’s tourists are concentrated in the southern region of Bali – Kuta, Seminyak, and there’s a steady growth of tourism in Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu. But did you know that Bali’s much bigger northern region is packed with incredible gems and untouched, stunning natural beauty? Here you’ll discover huge, magnificent waterfalls, ancient mountain-top temples, secluded natural hot springs, a picturesque temple on a lake, and vast valleys of rice paddies as far as the eye can see. And best of all – there’s hardly anyone around in these places! Makes a nice change from the crowds of Kuta.
• Click here to read about the best things to see and do in north Bali.
• DON’T use your left hand for giving or accepting things. In Balinese customs and traditions the left hand is considered an unclean part of the body. This is why the right hand is used for important actions and gestures, including giving and receiving things, pointing, eating, etc. Keep this in mind when in Bali (sorry left-handed folks).
• DO quit haggling at the markets if you have no intention of buying. You’ll get worn out in the hot weather, and more importantly, its rude. The market traders could have potentially made a sale and found much-needed paying customers during this valuable time.
• DON’T haggle too hard. Many like to drive a hard bargain, but if you are haggling on a beautiful Balinese painting or sculpture, remember the artist put a lot of time and effort into creating these incredible works, and it’s his only source of income.
• DO stay at homestays. Many locals rely on hosting and accommodating guests at their homes for their survival, and believe me – not only is this a more authentic experience, the hosts are extremely friendly, their homes are very nice, and their breakfasts are superb!
• DON’T visit for less than one week. Trust me – I’ve been to Bali twice, the last time I went for a month, and there is still so much I have yet to see in Bali.

What is considered rude in Bali?

DON’T use your left hand for giving or accepting things. In Balinese customs and traditions the left hand is considered an unclean part of the body. This is why the right hand is used for important actions and gestures, including giving and receiving things, pointing, eating, etc. Keep this in mind when in Bali (sorry left-handed folks).

What should I avoid in Bali?

What Not to Do in Bali: 10 Things to Avoid:

• Driving a motor scooter without a licence.
• Drugs. Stay well clear of them.
• Using your left hand for giving or accepting things
• Un-regulated boats.
• The drink called Arak.
• Drinking tap water.
• Dressing inappropriately. Especially in temples and at holy sites.
• Stepping on ceremonial offerings.
• Stray dogs and cats.
• Haggling too hard or unfairly.

 

When should you not go to Bali?

While you can visit Bali at any time of the year, it’s best to visit during Bali’s true off-season, in October, November, January and February. Those months are officially the rainy period (January sees the most rainfall), which means you won’t find crowds of tourists here in search of perfect beach weather.

What is Bali known for?

Bali is famous for its natural beauty and unique cultural identity. It has a volcanic landscape, with jungles that feature powerful waterfalls and natural hot springs, and vast valleys of rice fields. 

 

Travelling to Bali soon?

 

• Here’s 25 Awesome Facts about Bali
• Click here for an awesome guide of fun and crazy things to do in Bali
• For the best things to see and do in north Bali, click here
• Here’s my post on the Top 10 Things to See and Do in Canggu, Bali
• And here’s the Best Photo Spots in Canggu, Bali

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