Explore

The Island Crew

Indonesia Travel Specialists: Group Trips, Luxury Private Tours, Experiential Travel

The Island Crew

Indonesia Travel Specialists: Group Trips, Luxury Private Tours, Experiential Travel

[email protected]

+918087711556

Explore

Switch Currency:

The Ultimate Bali Do’s and Don’ts (Because Nobody Likes That Tourist)

Written by: Eesha Kulkarni Published On Apr 22, 2025

{"time":1750945694736,"blocks":[{"id":"dRF81CtRTj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"-By someone who once tried to pet a monkey at Uluwatu and lived to tell the tale<\/i>"}},{"id":"wKa51tbIlF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ah, Bali. Just the mention conjures up images of sun-drenched rice terraces, swaying palm trees, waves crashing in Uluwatu, and smoothie bowls that are honestly better than most relationships. But behind that filtered Instagram grid lies a living, breathing culture that deserves more than your #IslandVibes energy and an oversized floatie in the shape of a flamingo."}},{"id":"NKzzEJhbsT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"So before you zip off to paradise, here\u2019s your essential cheat sheet on what to do\u2014and absolutely not do\u2014in Bali. Because no one wants to be that tourist. You know, the one who wears a bikini to a temple and wonders why people are giving her the death stare."}},{"id":"KDCTEmK0Mu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\u2705 DO: Learn a Few Balinese Phrases"}},{"id":"zANH8YfP_S","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Let\u2019s start with language. No one expects you to bust out fluent Bahasa Indonesia after two Bintangs, but a few words go a long way."}},{"id":"wizfp6Mh26","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Om Swastiastu<\/i> \u2013 A traditional Balinese greeting (think: Namaste, but with island flair)"}},{"id":"h2lWc5CuBR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Suksma<\/i> \u2013 Thank you (Balinese)"}},{"id":"4iJHu-SstC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Terima kasih <\/i>\u2013 Thank you (Indonesian)"}},{"id":"iLnZW1VEW0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Permisi <\/i>\u2013 Excuse me"}},{"id":"KxIdMYMehi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tidak, terima kasih<\/i> \u2013 No, thank you"}},{"id":"jchbgAmTUS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Smiling and being polite? That\u2019s universal."}},{"id":"hUyvcnAKTR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\ud83d\udeab DON\u2019T: Disrespect the Culture (Or the Canang Sari)"}},{"id":"ayrYrUffDs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Those little floral offerings on the street with incense and sometimes a Ritz cracker? They\u2019re called Canang Sari, and they\u2019re not street art or leftovers. They\u2019re sacred daily offerings made by locals to maintain harmony with the gods. Don\u2019t step over them, kick them, or take photos with your sandal hovering next to one. That\u2019s not content, that\u2019s just rude."}},{"id":"7eNqW6sVwT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Also, skip the PDA in public places. Bali is spiritual and conservative at its core, and nobody wants a front-row seat to your poolside make-out session."}},{"id":"CshOJnOCKH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\u2705 DO: Dress Modestly at Temples"}},{"id":"TAnT9jg6-1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Planning to hit up Uluwatu Temple or the famous Tirta Empul? Great. Just leave the Daisy Dukes and crop top at the villa. You\u2019ll need to cover your shoulders and legs\u2014yes, both\u2014and wear a sarong and sash, which are usually available at the entrance if you forget."}},{"id":"YRdPNvWJYN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"And don\u2019t you dare enter the inner sanctum unless you\u2019ve been invited or are part of the ceremony. Watching respectfully? Cool. Hovering for selfies mid-prayer? Nope."}},{"id":"1JKxDZJLeS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bonus Rule: If you\u2019re menstruating, it\u2019s customary not to enter temples. It\u2019s not about shame\u2014it\u2019s a spiritual belief about purity. Respect it."}},{"id":"-LA7NGkc_U","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\ud83d\udeab DON\u2019T: Touch People\u2019s Heads (Even Cute Kids')"}},{"id":"eQcyvkzpuv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In Balinese Hindu culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. So, that adorable toddler you want to ruffle like your dog back home? Hands off. Literally. You\u2019ll thank me later when you avoid getting side-eyed by an entire family."}},{"id":"4Olv6FgiLT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\u2705 DO: Embrace the Rain, and the Sweat"}},{"id":"mqo6K1jHya","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bali has two seasons: Wet (roughly October to March) and Dry (April to September). But even during the dry season, you\u2019ll get the occasional \"monsoon mood swing\" that turns your pool day into a jungle rave. Embrace it. Throw on a poncho. Laugh when your hair frizzes. Drink something with ginger and lime."}},{"id":"e6AJXOr5LY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Pro tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry clothes, and always keep a sarong handy. It\u2019s a temple skirt, beach towel, blanket, and headscarf\u2014all in one."}},{"id":"4AmI5CNhTi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\u2705 DO: Eat Like a Local"}},{"id":"X0R4dh07c3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"You didn\u2019t fly halfway across the world to eat carbonara, did you? Skip the overpriced avocado toast (just once) and try some of these Balinese staples:"}},{"id":"seLfjMpDuB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Nasi Campur \u2013 A bit of everything on one plate: rice, veggies, meat, tempeh, egg, sambal. Life-changing."}},{"id":"aFu7zhplX7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Babi Guling \u2013 Spit-roasted suckling pig with crisp skin. Non-halal, deeply traditional, completely delicious."}},{"id":"Kuc-UQVw92","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Sate Lilit \u2013 Minced fish satay wrapped around lemongrass sticks. You\u2019ll dream about it."}},{"id":"U-Z8wh-eq3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Lawar \u2013 A traditional mix of veggies, coconut, spices, and minced meat or jackfruit."}},{"id":"z4UJoPHgm5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Es Cendol \u2013 A sweet, icy dessert with coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice jelly. Weird? Yes. But also, yes."}},{"id":"rGUthUHXnA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Avoid: That sad looking pizza on the beach. Just don\u2019t."}},{"id":"DfDCQ-wJZk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\ud83d\udeab DON\u2019T: Assume Everyone\u2019s Here for You"}},{"id":"L2fQeBMNe6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bali is not Disneyland for digital nomads. People actually live here. So if you're barrelling through a tiny lane on a scooter while vlogging your ride, or shouting at a waiter because your coconut wasn\u2019t chilled to perfection, it\u2019s time to take a breath and recalibrate."}},{"id":"bvOZATUKld","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Oh, and if a religious procession blocks traffic? You wait. You don\u2019t honk. It\u2019s not a traffic jam\u2014it\u2019s a spiritual ritual. Use the time to reflect. Or scroll. Quietly."}},{"id":"mJsqGxqAoK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\u2705 DO: Respect Nature"}},{"id":"jZg_cyduqj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bali\u2019s natural beauty is no accident\u2014it\u2019s a result of deep reverence for the environment. Help keep it that way."}},{"id":"2LU430AgLu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Don\u2019t litter. Not even a little."}},{"id":"La_TweYUsU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Say no to single-use plastic."}},{"id":"3mGr6AVr2i","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Don\u2019t carve your name into sacred trees or ancient temples (Yes, this happens. No, it\u2019s not okay.)"}},{"id":"BFAiLfSN3Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"And if you\u2019re snorkeling or diving? Don\u2019t touch the coral. It\u2019s alive. It\u2019s delicate. It\u2019s not a prop."}},{"id":"wqls1DMnsF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\u2705 DO: Tip Generously"}},{"id":"arpGMYZnMM","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The wages in Bali aren\u2019t exactly sky-high, and a small tip can mean a lot. Most restaurants and cafes add a service charge, but leaving extra for outstanding service is appreciated. For drivers, guides, masseuses, and the ever-smiling hotel staff\u2014tip. It\u2019s good karma."}},{"id":"1cH7rUfPyV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\ud83d\udeab DON\u2019T: Ride a Scooter Unless You Know What You\u2019re Doing"}},{"id":"MVeNXVSE_J","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Everyone wants their Eat Pray Love <\/i>scooter moment. But Bali\u2019s roads? They\u2019re chaos on two wheels. Tourists in tank tops + no helmets + one hand on the throttle, one on the GoPro = hospital bills and regret."}},{"id":"onyEqdAoac","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If you\u2019ve never ridden a scooter before, Bali is not the place to learn. Uber is banned in most tourist zones, but Grab, Gojek, and Bluebird taxis are your friends."}},{"id":"z0pKeF_Wxg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Final Thoughts<\/b>"}},{"id":"gZkHsKjluB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bali is magic. It\u2019s more than the sum of its waterfalls and sunsets. It\u2019s a place that can crack your heart open, make you dance under the moon, teach you patience, and reward you with moments of jaw-dropping beauty when you least expect it."}},{"id":"fJW4x_Hsja","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"But only if you show up with humility, curiosity, and respect."}},{"id":"IiTD4cWNbi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"So go on, explore, get a little lost, try the weird snacks, join the gamelan rhythms at dusk, and let the Island of the Gods show you who you really are."}},{"id":"210WzCgSwj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Just\u2026 leave the drone at home for that temple ceremony, okay?"}}],"version":"2.31.0-rc.7"}

The Ultimate Bali Do’s and Don’ts (Because Nobody Likes *That* Tourist)

The Ultimate Bali Do’s and Don’ts (Because Nobody Likes That Tourist)