Culture & Etiquette
Bali is a predominantly Hindu island within Muslim-majority Indonesia, with its own distinct traditions. A little respect goes a long way.
Temple etiquette
Wear a sarong
Cover your legs with a sarong and sash — most temples rent or lend them at the entrance for a small fee or donation.
Skip it if menstruating
Balinese Hindu tradition asks menstruating women not to enter temple grounds — a rule locals take seriously and worth respecting.
Don't walk in front of praying worshippers
Keep your head lower than a priest's during ceremonies where possible, and never step over offerings placed on the ground.
Ask before photographing ceremonies
Many temple ceremonies are open to respectful visitors, but ask first, especially for close-up photos of people praying.
The offerings on the ground
Canang sari — small palm-leaf trays of flowers, rice and incense — appear outside every home, shop and hotel each morning. They're a daily offering of gratitude, not decoration or litter. Simply step around them; there's no need to avoid the general area, just the tray itself.
Useful Balinese & Indonesian
Balinese is the local language for daily life and ceremony; Bahasa Indonesia is the national language most visitors will actually use.
| English | Bahasa Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Hello | Halo / Selamat pagi (good morning) |
| Thank you | Terima kasih |
| Please | Tolong |
| Yes / No | Ya / Tidak |
| How much? | Berapa harganya? |
| Delicious | Enak |
| Excuse me / sorry | Permisi / Maaf |