Before visiting this popular island, you need to know a little bit about Bali culture. It’s probably very different than where you came from.
I’m a local Indonesian and I currently live in Bali. I’ve seen tourists who offended the locals because they didn’t understand Bali culture. Some people got deported. Some others had to apologize in public and pay for a cleansing ceremony for disrespecting a sacred site.
Bali is a famous holiday destination, but many still aren’t aware of Bali culture and its traditions. So, I’ve gathered all the important things you should know about Bali etiquette and rules, and what is illegal here.
Keep reading to find out all my best tips about Bali culture.
Do’s and Don’ts in Bali – a Guide to Bali Culture
1. Respect the Silent Day in Bali (also called Nyepi)
Nyepi is an important part of Bali culture. Like its name, silent day means silent. You are not allowed to go out of your room or hotel, no talking, and no light.
Some tourists think it’s cool to sneak out to the streets and take some selfies. Please don’t do this. You could get arrested by Pecalang (the only people allowed to be outside to check the streets).
2. Be respectful when visiting temples
It hurts the locals when visitors are not respectful when visiting holy sites in Bali. Dress modestly when visiting temples and sacred areas. This means wearing long sleeves (or covering your shoulders) and long skirts/pants.
That’s why I always bring Sarong wherever I go and a shawl or a light cardigan to cover my shoulders. Most of the popular temples have Sarong that you can borrow at the entrance, but the small temples don’t. Anyway, I prefer to bring my own.
Lastly, women are forbidden to enter a temple or holy site during the menstruation period.
Anyone, male or female, who has an open wound that is bleeding is also forbidden from entering.
3. Don’t step on and over the offerings
You will see the offerings-also called Canang-everywhere in Bali. It will be all over the streets, on pedestrian walks, and in front of entrances. It’s very rude to step on this. So, watch where you’re going!
4. Don’t enter sacred areas without permission
Not all sacred areas in Bali are open to tourists. It’s better to ask the locals before you enter any sacred places without permission.
5. Don’t urinate on a tree
This is for the boys. Peeing on a tree is illegal in Bali. Find a toilet or stop by any café to use the toilet, but never ever do it on a tree. Some trees are even sacred in Bali.
6. Respect the Balinese ceremonies
The Balinese are mostly Hindus and very religious. They do ceremonies very often and sometimes close some streets for this.
Don’t mock the Balinese ceremonies. Be patient and respectful. You are a guest on their land, so you should respect Bali culture and traditions.
7. Don’t hand something with your left hand
It is rude to hand something with your left hand, not only in Bali but all over Indonesia. You should always use your right hand when giving to the Balinese.
The right hand is a “clean hand” according to the Indonesian, and it’s also the “good hand”. Indonesian people use their left hand for cleaning or wiping their bottom in the toilet. So, yeah. Better to shake the right hand!
8. Don’t touch a Balinese on their head
This is rude not only in Bali culture but also in Java and some other areas in Indonesia. For the Balinese, the head is a sacred part of the body. So, you should not touch the Balinese on their head, even the Balinese children.
9. Never put your feet on the table and show the bottoms
Showing the bottoms of your feet on the table is very rude in Bali. I would never do this when I’m eating at a restaurant, but I did see some tourists do this.
I saw some foreigners put their feet up on a chair in a restaurant or warungs. Seriously, guys. Don’t do this.
10. Don’t point at someone using your index finger
I don’t know if this gesture isn’t rude in the West, but it is in Indonesia. If I want to refer to someone that I’m talking to, I would point with my open palm. Or with my thumb (with the other fingers closed inside, just like when you’re saying “good job!” in the west).
11. Don’t work without permission
This is very important because so many visitors are not aware of this. You are not allowed to work in Bali without permission. This includes any online job with clients living in Bali or Indonesia.
Don’t try to do any freelance either.
If you’re a digital nomad who has an online business or course, be aware of this. You can get deported if immigration finds out that you’re working in Bali without any permission.
This includes photographers, social media managers, online teachers, and so on.
Lately, I saw a video of a foreigner working as a tour guide in Bali or giving scooter driving lessons. Not okay, guys. Leave this job to the locals, please. Moreover, you could get deported and banned from entering Indonesia!
What is illegal in Bali?
Not only Bali culture, you also need to know what is illegal in Bali. You might be surprised that there are some things that might be okay in your country but illegal here. Violating these rules and laws can cause you to jail or even the death penalty.
So, if you want to avoid getting into trouble in Bali, read on.
1. Drugs
Using or distributing illegal drugs is illegal in Indonesia. You will face prison and smugglers can even face the death penalty. This is no joke. In 2005, nine Australians were caught smuggling drugs and sent to jail. Two of them were executed in 2015.
Tip: if you walk in Kuta or Seminyak streets and someone offers you Marijuana or other drugs, just walk away. Don’t even talk to them. You’ll never know if any of them is actually an undercover police officer.
2. ADHD medication and sleeping pills
You might not think that this is banned in Indonesia, but it is. You could go to jail if you’re carrying sleeping pills or any kind of ADHD medication.
Strong painkillers like morphine are also forbidden, even if you have prescriptions. If you need to take these drugs to Bali, here is my advice:
- You should keep the medication in its original bottle or packaging.
- Take the prescription with you.
- Carry only the amount you need for personal use. Not too much.
- Get an official letter from your doctor. This letter should be printed on official paper and states the info about the medication. It should also state the quantity (it has to match the quantity that you carry), and what are you going to use it for.
But still, I don’t guarantee that you will not face any trouble. If I were you, I would not take all these banned drugs to Indonesia. You could face a twenty-year prison sentence.
3. Gambling
Gambling is illegal not only in Bali but all over Indonesia. The law is the same for locals or foreigners. You could end up in prison if you’re caught gambling. All kinds of gambling are illegal, including online gambling.
If anyone offered you to join any underground gambling in Bali, just walk away. Some tourists got scammed by this, and guess what? You can’t report this case to the police since gambling is illegal.
4. Smoking
I’m not a smoker, so I wasn’t aware of the new law in 2013. Smoking in public places in Bali has been illegal since this law came out.
The fine is small but there is a possibility of facing a prison sentence of up to three months. Although I’ve seen many people still smoke in public, I wouldn’t risk going to jail for this.
FAQs
Is kissing in public allowed in Bali?
Bear in mind that Indonesia is a pretty conservative country. A quick kiss in public should be okay, but not the kind of kiss that’s longer than 3 seconds. That would be inappropriate. Even if the locals won’t say anything about it.
What’s Next?
Now that you understand more about Bali culture, check out these articles for the best tips and guides for visiting Bali!
- Bali Entry Requirements: what you need to prepare before coming.
- The Complete Bali Guide for first-timers.
- The Ultimate Bali Packing Guide for female travelers.
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