10 Cultural Norms To Understand Before Going to Bali

Before visiting another country, it's always smart to do a little research about that country's culture. While some destinations may have a culture similar to your country's, odds are you will be experiencing some new things when traveling, especially if you're going far away. Bali is no exception to this. In fact, as a 20-something from the United States, the first time I went to Bali I definitely felt a little bit of culture shock. It was like nothing I ever experienced (in a positive way) and for that reason, I've put together a list of 10 cultural norms you should know about before visiting.

1. Don’t Step on the Canang Sari (Offerings)

This was one of the first things I noticed when visiting Bali. Many homes, temples, storefronts, etc have these little offerings outside of the doorways. They're known as canang sari and are typically little square or circle trays made of palm leaves that contain flowers, rice, incense, and sometimes even snacks or coins as an offering to the gods. Hindu's typically use this offering as a daily expression of gratitude and devotion, making it a significant part of everyday life in Bali. Make sure not to step on these! They're small and almost always near the doorway, so just being aware that these exist and what they mean can be helpful for travelers to understand.

2. Dress Modestly at Temples

Temples are considered very sacred places in Indonesian culture. Both men and women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders before entering the premises. For that reason, I would recommend purchasing some more modest items before your trip and making sure to keep this in mind when making your packing list (which I've created here). Ladies, if you want to buy an inexpensive but cute sarong for the trip that you can throw on to help cover up at a moment's notice, this one is my favorite and it comes in a ton of colors. Occasionally a sarong is included in the ticket price so you can cover up before walking into the temple but this isn't ALWAYS the case so it's better to be prepared.

To learn more about Balinese temples and schedule one of the highest rated temple tours in Bali, click here. This tour stops at the famous Gates of Heaven where everyone loves to take a picture!

3. Use Your Right Hand for Giving and Receiving

This is a small but simple gesture you can make when you're interacting with locals in Bali. Whenever you are giving something, whether that be money, an item, etc make sure that you pass the item to that person with your right hand. When receiving, use that same hand. The reason behind this is because the left hand is generally considered unclean. They believe the left hand should be used for wiping after you go to the bathroom and should not be used in any interactions or any gestures.

4. Avoid Public Displays of Affection

This should go without saying but whenever you visit a super religious culture, whether that society be mainly Islamic, Hindu, Orthodox Christian, etc it's best to keep public displays of affection at a minimum. It's acceptable to hold hands or kiss on the check but as a sign of respect, it's advised not to go any further than that. While Bali is probably the most accepting part of Indonesia because this area gets tourists year round, at the minimum you might just make locals feel awkward around you.

5. Never Point with Your Finger

Pointing your index finger is considered rude and aggressive in Bali, especially if it's at a person. Instead, a whole hand gesture is preferred with the palm facing down if you're trying to get someone's attention. This is a less direct and less disrespectful way to get someone's attention or point something out than singling out your pointer finger. Many countries have an unspoken rule like this so it's best to assume pointing at someone directly is not the best idea when traveling.

6. Take Off Your Shoes Indoors

When you visit a home, temple, or storefront you may notice shoes lining the door. If you see this, follow suit and take your shoes off before entering the premises. While this isn't common at larger stores like a department store, it's super common at smaller local stores. If you're visiting a local's house then definitely take off your shoes- that one is customary regardless of where the person lives in Indonesia. Europeans and Asians are similar in this way, so this is another one to always keep in mind when traveling, whether you're going to Indonesia or not.

7. Don’t Touch People’s Heads (Even Kids)

The head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body in Indonesian culture, so they see any touching of the head as defiling it. This is also because they believe the head is where a person's soul lives, so it should remain clean and holy at all times. Make sure to keep this in mind if you're spending time with any children or babies. Feel free to touch your own head though! If you have an itch you need to scratch, you need to do your own hair or anything like that it's totally acceptable.

8. Smile Often — It’s Part of the Culture

You know how many cultures are famous for never smiling or making any facial expressions at each other in public? Well, Indonesia is the opposite! The Balinese love to smile, whether at other locals or tourists coming to visit, so make sure to return the gesture with a polite smile back. I personally love this about Indonesia and think it contributes to why so many people feel happy and accepted when visiting this country. It makes it feel like locals who haven't even met you have accepted you when they greet you with a simple smile on the street.

9. Women Should Avoid Temples During Menstruation

Any women experiencing menstruation are not permitted to enter temples or other sacred areas. This is because it's believed that a temple is a place of high energy and when a women enters menstruation, Hindus believe that it "creates an imbalance in energy flow" since energy is moving upward in a temple but downward in a woman's body during that time. Others also believe woman are impure during this time of the month and there are concerns about contamination. 



I personally found this out the hard way when our driver told me that I was not permitted to hike Mount Batur because of my period (he knew I had it because I asked where to buy tampons...there weren't any locally). While it's unfortunate and not the way things operate in the U.S., U.K., or Australia, we need to respect the traditions and the culture of the places we travel to, so I did not go on the hike or in any temples.

10. Be Quiet and Respectful During Ceremonies

Whenever you are watching a religious ceremony, regardless of its in Bali or a different country, the respectful thing to do is to be quiet. If you've never been to a sacred place and are unsure what you're supposed to do, follow the crowd. If everyone kneels, you should follow suit and kneel. Don't take out your phone and take any pictures unless you are going to something like a kecak fire dance.

Your Cultural Crash Course is Just the Beginning

Understanding Bali’s cultural norms is one of the best ways to travel with respect, connect with locals, and truly appreciate the spiritual beauty of the island. Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to explore with more confidence and mindfulness. Scroll down to explore even more Bali travel tips — from what to pack to where to stay — and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly travel tricks, cultural insights, and destination guides that will help you travel better, wherever you go.