Behaving in Bali: How not to give cultural offense

Any tourist (especially Westerners) who travels to Bali must be prepared to experience a culture that is different from the one they are used to. Such difference especially in etiquette behavior that can be confusing to any but the seasoned tourist and that is why that any tourist who visits this place must be aware of this difference.

Dress code – You might give your usual clothing a rest especially if you’re fond of wearing suggestive clothing. The dress code differs depending on location.

Resorts and tourist areas are quite relaxed in their clothing restrictions but a smart casual dress is in order within high-class hotels, but don’t worry not it’s only for evenings. If a tourist is visiting any government office they must change according to the appropriate dress code, female visitors are required to wear a blouse to cover the upper arms, dress or skirt at knee length and shoes and male visitors must don a long-sleeved shirt, long trouser and shoes with socks.

When visiting places like villages, town and temples be aware that they are not relaxed in clothing restrictions. Villages and towns are especially sensitive to immodest and revealing clothing. Temples require visitors to wear a waist sash and sarong anytime they enter a temple. Mosques have the usual clothing restrictions dictated by the Islamic faith, females wearing scarves, clothing that covers arms shoulders and legs and the removing of shoes before entering.

Social interactions – Resist the urge to give children a pat on the head, the locals believe that the head is the seat of the soul and is considered untouchable. To attract a person’s attention just extend your hand to make a downward wave with palm facing down, beckoning and pointing with your index finger is rude. Always use your right hand to touch and/or give for the Balinese use their left hand with water to clean their nether regions so said hand is dirty.

Religious Taboo – Taboos or spell must be respected regardless of your religion so try putting your religious conservatism somewhere else for a while.

If a tourist is female and is having her menstruation entering the temple is off limits, ditto for any woman who has given birth within the past 42 days and anyone regardless of gender who is in mourning (limited to 42 days from the date of death) and has an open wound. No bringing of food that conflicts with the offerings and people with physical and mental illness are also barred.

Some temples are beautiful that a traveler will want a picture of it, but it is recommended to check with the attendants of the temple as some of these are restricted. No touching of offerings and do not climb the walls and shrines no matter how tempting, only priest can do that. Watch out for the offerings called canang sari, they are placed on stairs and sidewalks, the Balinese consider them inviolate so take care that you don’t step on them.

Authors of photos: photographerglen & williamcho

Austin Ames has many years' experience in article writing and he has written many more in the past.