Balinese Etiquette, and How Not to Cause Offence
Updated: Sep 12
Getting Balinese etiquette right comes down to a few clear habits: dress modestly at temples, treat offerings and shrines with care, use your right hand, and stay quiet and low around ceremonies. Bali is welcoming and forgiving of honest mistakes, but small gestures of respect go a long way, and we have watched them change how a whole day goes. We cover the etiquette that matters most so you avoid causing offence.
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The Small Things That Cause Offence
Bali is deeply Hindu, and daily life runs on ritual that visitors do not always notice. The canang sari offerings on the pavement, the sarong at a temple gate, the procession that stops traffic, all carry meaning. Most travellers cause offence not out of disrespect but from simply not knowing the rules. A little awareness turns you from an intrusion into a welcome guest.
Read more: understanding Balinese culture
The Etiquette That Matters Most
Wear a sarong and sash and cover your shoulders to enter any temple.
Never step on the small daily offerings placed on pavements and thresholds.
Use your right hand to give, receive and eat, as the left is considered unclean.
Do not touch anyone's head, including children, as it is regarded as sacred.
Keep quiet and stand aside for ceremonies and processions, and never block them.
How to Show Respect in Bali
Dress for the temple, not the beach. Every temple requires a sarong and a waist sash, and many also expect covered shoulders. Larger temples lend or rent them at the entrance, but carrying your own sarong means you are never caught out. Menstruating women are traditionally asked not to enter temple grounds, a rule that is signposted and taken seriously.
Mind the offerings and the ceremonies. The little palm-leaf trays of flowers and rice are placed constantly and will be underfoot, so watch your step and never kick or move one. If you come across a ceremony or a procession, lower your voice, stand to the side, and do not walk in front of praying people or a priest. Photography is usually fine at a distance, but ask before taking a close portrait.
Carry yourself calmly. Balinese culture values composure, so raised voices, public anger and open displays of frustration land badly and rarely help. Use your right hand for giving and receiving, dress modestly away from the beach and pool, and cover up in villages and markets. These are small adjustments, and they are noticed and appreciated.
See also: Ubud
Balinese Etiquette, Common Questions
What should I wear to a temple in Bali?
A sarong tied at the waist and a sash are required at every temple, and covered shoulders are expected at many. Larger temples rent or lend them at the gate, but bringing your own sarong is simplest. Beachwear is never acceptable inside temple grounds.
Why can't you touch someone's head in Bali?
In Balinese Hindu belief the head is the most sacred part of the body, so touching anyone's head, including patting a child, is considered disrespectful. Keep your hands away from people's heads even in friendly gestures.
What does the offering on the ground mean in Bali?
Those small trays are canang sari, daily offerings of flowers, rice and incense given in thanks and to keep balance. They are placed on pavements, thresholds and shrines. Step around them and never kick or crush one, even by accident.
Is it rude to use your left hand in Bali?
Yes. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean, so use your right hand to give, receive, eat and gesture. When handing over money or a gift, using the right hand, or both hands, reads as polite.
Can I take photos during a Balinese ceremony?
Usually yes, from a respectful distance, but never at the expense of the ritual. Do not stand in front of praying people or a priest, do not use flash close up, and ask before taking a close portrait of anyone taking part.
Travel Bali with Respect
Understanding a few customs changes how the island receives you. Dress for its temples, step around its offerings, keep your composure, and you will find Bali warm and generous in return.
Use the links below to plan a stay, activities and transport that let you meet Balinese culture on its own terms.
Where To Stay?
Base yourself near the culture, from Ubud to the temple coast. Compare hotels and villas across Bali and settle your first night before you land.
Things To Do
Choose experiences that respect local customs and ritual. Browse temple visits, classes and tours across Bali and book the ones you want early.
Rent A Car
Reach temples and ceremonies across the island with ease. Compare car hire across Bali, check your licence, and collect without any long queue.
