Bali Travel Info

Bali Travel Info

10 The best tips before you visit Bali: Balinese etiquette

and customs

Bali has been famous before the book “Eat Pray Love” was written by Elizabeth Gilbert; No question this book and the movie also contribute in promoting Bali’s tourism. As we see through the years, visitors and tourists come and go, but Bali’s culture and etiquette still remain alive on the island. Even though Bali has been an immensely popular island retreat for decades and locals are well used to the different habits and attitudes of Western travelers, visitors should still employ common sense and show the same restraint and modesty as is expected in any Asian country.

Balinese people are very famous for being friendly, easy going and kind, so It is very easy to immerse yourself in a little of this unique culture as there are colorful rituals and festivities to witness almost on a daily basis.

1. Please keep this in mind and expect crowds in the southern Bali, especially in high season ( P.S. High season is during the months of July and August, during Easter Holidays, and Christmas / New Year (December till 1st week of January). However the best time to come to Bali is April, May, June and September, just before and just after the high season).

If you would like to experience busy crowds, shopping paradise, bars, world class restaurants, beautiful white sand beaches, surfing spots, tanning spots, night life, and gay hang out spots, Kuta Beach and Seminyak beach are the perfect places for you. These beach communities more tolerant than villagers outside of Kuta and Seminyak area.

Away from the beach, revealing dress is frowned upon and you should definitely cover up in more rural areas of the island. Public displays of affection are also to be avoided, although people will rarely make their feelings known.

If you are looking for solitude and away from these primary tourist centers, there are plenty of beautiful nature, indigenous traditions, art and cultures, spiritual retreats, and nice people. You can head to the central mountains, or Bali’s more chilled-out north and west coasts.

2. Jam Karet:

One of the major irritants of Indonesian life is the distinct lack of punctuality and they have even coined a phrase for it. Jam karet translates as ‘rubber time’ and is present at every level. From a meeting with a Balinese friend, public transportation delays or even a business meeting, tardiness has become an art form. "It can mean time is a flexible."

3. The Balinese in general dislike any confrontation and tend to react indifferently to raised voices or threatening behavior. Always keep this in mind when bargaining for goods and services and always try to keep the conversation good humored and relax.

4. Dress for the occasion

Beachwear can't always be worn everywhere you go on the island – many higher-end bars, restaurants and clubs enforce a dress code. If you’re unsure, call ahead to save the potential embarrassment of being turned away.

Visiting a Hindu temple is a must during stay in Bali and learning a few simple rules of etiquette will certainly make it a more rewarding experience. Everyone who enters a temple must wear a sarong and sash and at the most popular temples there is always a few kiosks who rent them out for a few thousand Indonesian rupiahs. Donations are expected and always ask permission before taking photographs as some places strictly forbid this. Those that do allow it may charge an extra thousands rupiah for the privilege.

The annual temple festivities take place at all temples along with huge island wide celebrations such as Nyepi and Galungan (twice a year). Visitors are most welcome to attend and experience the wonderful atmosphere, but are requested to keep a polite distance and not to interfere with praying or processions.

5. Socialization

Balinese people are very sociable and will freely strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. Don’t be surprised if a casual chat turns into an open invitation for dinner at a local home. Indonesians are always interested to learn about life in the West.

There are no special considerations for eating out in Bali as tipping etiquette here is similar to many places around the world. Tipping is not obligation, although ten percent is considered a sufficient amount for a decent meal. Many tourist-orientated eateries already impose a service charge of ten per cent and in upmarket restaurants and hotels this could add up to a combined 21 per cent tax and service charge. Other areas to consider rewarding good service include tour guides, hotel room service and taxi drivers.

6. Prepare to bargain and expect mix prices

It’s still possible to visit Bali on a shoestring by staying in guesthouses, dining at warungs and shopping at local markets, but you can just as easily to spend your bucks for drinks, meals, spa treatments and room rates at high-end establishments are priced similarly you pay at home.

You can bargain for many items and services in Bali, but do so respectfully and with a smile on your face. You’ll know when the vendor has reached their limit, and at that point don’t push it. When in doubt, walk away – if the seller doesn’t come after you, you can be sure they aren’t intend to drop their price any lower.

7. Be cautious of wild animals

Give wild animals a distance. They may look cute, diseases are serious risks in Bali and monkeys are notorious for their thieving ways. Monkeys like to steal your sunglasses, jewelry, camera, or hat.

1. Behavior:

Balinese people resent being touched on the head; the head is regarded as the abode of the soul and is therefore sacred.

When handing over or receiving things, it’s polite to use the right hand. The left hand is used as a substitute for toilet paper. To show great respect to a high ranking or elders, give something to them using both hands.

2. Small Talk: Nongkrong

Where are you from?

Dari mana?

Where are you going?

Anda mau kemana?

What’s your name?

Siapa nama anda?

How long have you been here?

Sudah berapa lama anda disini?

Where are you staying?

Dimana anda tinggal sekarang?

10. Take care your visa

New Bali Immigration/Visa Office

Please contact your nearest Indonesian consulate prior to departure. At the time of publication, 60-day visas could be arranged in advance, but not in-country.

Passport Office

Jl. D.I. Pandjaitan No.3, Dangin Puri Klod, Denpasar Timur

+62 361 227828

Directions

Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus Ngurah Rai

Government Office

Jl. Perum Taman Jimbaran No. 1, Kuta Selatan

+62 361 9351038

Website

Directions

Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus - Bali

Passport Office