Table of contents
- 1. Dress Modestly at Temples and Ceremonies
- 2. Don’t Disturb Offerings (Canang Sari)
- 2. Don’t Disturb Offerings (Canang Sari)
- 4. Mind Your Head and Feet
- 6. Ask Before Taking Photos
- 7. Stay Calm and Patient
- 8. Learn a Few Local Phrases
- 9. Support Local Businesses and Traditions
- 10. Know That You’re a Guest
- Final Thoughts
Bali is more than just a tropical paradise it's a deeply spiritual island with rich traditions, sacred rituals, and a warm, community-driven culture. While the Balinese people are famously welcoming to visitors, showing respect for their customs goes a long way in building genuine connections and ensuring your stay is both meaningful and mindful.
Here are several important ways to respect local customs when visiting Bali:
1. Dress Modestly at Temples and Ceremonies
Balinese Hindu temples are sacred places, and proper attire is expected. Always wear a sarong and sash (available to rent or borrow at most temples) and cover your shoulders. Avoid wearing beachwear, shorts, or revealing clothes when entering any spiritual site or attending a religious ceremony.
2. Don’t Disturb Offerings (Canang Sari)
You’ll notice small, square baskets made of palm leaves filled with flowers, incense, and food placed on sidewalks, altars, or in front of homes and businesses — these are canang sari, daily offerings to maintain balance and peace.
Please do not step over, touch, or move them, and be mindful when walking or riding a scooter around them.
2. Don’t Disturb Offerings (Canang Sari)
Ceremonies in Bali can happen anytime and anywhere in temples, homes, or even on the street. If you come across one:
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Keep a respectful distance
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Never interrupt or block the procession for photos
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Turn off flash or avoid filming unless invited
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Follow the lead of locals if participating
4. Mind Your Head and Feet
In Balinese culture, the head is considered sacred, and the feet are considered unclean. Avoid touching anyone’s head, even children’s. Also, don’t point your feet at people, altars, or sacred objects, and never sit or step on offerings or temple platforms.
6. Ask Before Taking Photos
While Bali is incredibly photogenic, some places and moments especially during rituals are not meant for photography. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially priests, ceremonies, or in villages.
7. Stay Calm and Patient
Balinese culture values calmness and harmony. Getting angry, raising your voice, or displaying frustration in public is considered very impolite. Smile, breathe, and stay patient even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
8. Learn a Few Local Phrases
Respect also means appreciating and contributing to the community. Choose locally owned guesthouses, buy handmade crafts, and join cultural experiences with respect and curiosity. Your support helps preserve the local way of life.
9. Support Local Businesses and Traditions
Balinese culture values calmness and harmony. Getting angry, raising your voice, or displaying frustration in public is considered very impolite. Smile, breathe, and stay patient — even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
10. Know That You’re a Guest
Bali is not just a tourist destination it's home to millions of people with deep-rooted values and sacred traditions. Traveling with humility, open-mindedness, and gratitude will enrich your experience far beyond the beaches and resorts.
Final Thoughts
In Balinese culture, the head is considered sacred, and the feet are considered unclean. Avoid touching anyone’s head, even children’s. Also, don’t point your feet at people, altars, or sacred objects, and never sit or step on offerings or temple platforms.
