Planning to visit the Island of the Gods? Behaviors, gestures and etiquette, beliefs and rituals… To help you navigate respectfully and avoid any cultural missteps, here are the 8 things you should absolutely avoid doing during a trip to Bali.

1. Failing to respect sacred sites

Bali expects its visitors to honor its sacred temples and preserve its local traditions. It is forbidden to enter a main temple without permission or an invitation from a local. Dress appropriately by covering your shoulders with a selendang and your knees with a sarong (tourist temples typically provide these at their entrances).

Don't touch anything and don't climb on religious structures. During a ceremony, be discreet, don't disturb the worshippers, and never position yourself higher than a priest (on stairs, a wall, etc.). Additionally, pregnant women, menstruating women, or those who have recently given birth are not permitted to enter temples, as they are considered "impure" according to Hindu religion.

2. Touching a Balinese person's head

For reasons of belief, it is highly disrespectful to touch a Balinese person's head, even that of children. In Hinduism, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, as it contains the soul.

3. Crossing your arms and putting your hands on your hips

Another gesture to avoid so as not to offend Balinese customs: crossing your arms or placing your hands on your hips when speaking or waiting for something. These are impolite behaviors in Bali that suggest you feel contempt or anger toward those around you.

4. Pointing and offering your left hand

Similarly, it is forbidden in Balinese culture to point at something with your finger. Furthermore, when a local gives you something, offer your right hand to receive it. Rest assured, locals won't hold it against you if you happen to forget this new habit.

5. Failing to remove your shoes

As in many Asian countries, it is common to remove your shoes before entering a building, whether it's a religious structure, a private residence, or certain bars and restaurants. The Island of the Gods is no exception: like in Buddhism, Hinduism considers the feet to be the most impure part of the body. Always remember to leave your shoes outside.

6. Being inappropriately dressed in public

While visiting a Balinese temple requires appropriate clothing, the same applies to the rest of the island. Balinese people are quite modest, and it is highly frowned upon to walk around in light clothing, such as a bikini on the street. For the same reasons, it is strongly discouraged to go topless on the beach.

7. Losing your temper in public

Loss of self-control is not well-regarded by Balinese people. Never lose your temper in public, don't become irritated, don't raise your voice and keep smiling, even if you feel you have good reason not to. Remember that perceptions differ from one culture to another. For example, Balinese people tend to laugh when they're embarrassed, or prefer to say yes to a question they don't know the answer to.

8. Taking photos of locals without permission

If you wish to photograph Balinese people in their daily lives, ask for their permission before taking out your camera. It's common sense, but many tourists continue to ignore this. Also note that at certain tourist spots, such as the Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud, some farmers offer to pose for tourist photos in exchange for a few coins. It would therefore be particularly poor form to photograph them without consent.

Florine Dergelet