Etiquette
Visitors behaving with due courtesy will generally be made welcome in Bali. Indeed the greatest pleasure of traveling in Indonesia is getting to know its very hospitable and gracious people. You are likely to feel that the Balinese are cheerful, kind, and welcoming and that they treat tourists well, especially those with a little knowledge of local manners.
Social Behavior
In Bali, certain social rules are observed, which, if followed, will open up a warm exchange; and if ignored, may cause embarrassment or even serious offense. Always give and receive things with the right hand, never the left. Avoid pointing with the index finger, especially at a person – this gesture may be taken as a physical challenge. If you must point at something, only use the thumb of your right hand. To be very polite, do so while cupping your right elbow. Never point to anyone or anything with your foot. Avoid touching anyone's head, even a child's – a person's head is considered the most sacred part of the body – and do not stand next to someone who is sitting down. If you need to walk past someone who is sitting on the ground, it is best to bow your head, bend from the waist, lead your body with your right hand, and murmur something apologetic like, "Maaf," which means, "Sorry." In a social situation with Indonesians where refreshments are served, wait until you are invited before you begin drinking or eating – Indonesia's wait until they are bidden several times before they do so. Similarly, do not sit down until you are directed to a place; spatial placements holds a significant social code for Indonesians. As far as possible, do not express anger or behave in a confrontational manner. Any extravagant displays of emotion will make you look foolish. As in much of Asia, it is considered coarse to call attention to oneself unnecessarily, especially while in public. gracious behavior is much appreciated by Indonesians and will get better results than an angry outburst. Indonesians frown on public displays of private affection – these are considered embarrassing to others and therefore rude. It is usual to greet people whether you know them or not, and to acknowledge those nearby with a smile and an od when you arrive or leave a place. Polite conversation often takes the form of an exchange of questions. You may find these intrusive – the best solution is to ask questions in return.
Visiting Temples
Hindus in Bali observe strict rules in regard to their temples, which they believe must be observed by everyone, including visitors, for safeguarding the spiritual hygiene of sacred places. These rules mainly concern dress requirements and conditions of sebel (taboo). Conditions of sebel are: menstruation or having an open wound – this relates to a prohibition on shedding blood in any temple as it clashes with offerings and the spiritual world; being physically or mentally ill, or in a state of psychic disturbance; being in a state of bereavement (for the Balinese, up to 42 days from the date of the death of a close relative); and having given birth within the past 42 days (thought to attract attention from evil spirits). There is no moral censure attached to being in a state of sebel; on the contrary, to acknowledge this state is a mark of self-awareness. These rules should be observed even if they conflict with your religious or political beliefs.
A waist sash, and in many places a sarong, is the dress required of anyone entering a temple or other holy ground, whether or not there is a ceremony in progress. These may be borrowed at temples that regularly accept tourists, but it is easy to buy your own almost anywhere. There are other rules that should be observed when entering temples, especially during festivals. Ask permission before entering a courtyard, as some gates are reserved for priests and holy objects. It is best to stay quietly at the back of a courtyard until invited. Do not walk in front of anyone who is praying or a priest performing a ritual. Photography is restricted in some temples, so check with temple attendants before using a camera. Offerings in the temple should not be touched and temple walls and shrines must never be climbed. It is considered sacrilegious to do so unless one is a priest.
Bargaining
Except for shops and department stores with fixed prices, most vendors and shopkeepers expect customers to bargain before finalizing a sale. Indonesians consider it fair that tourists pay higher prices than the locals, as tourists usually have a much higher living wage. To get a good price, learn the prices of goods elsewhere before making a purchase, then disarm the vendor by being polite. Generally speaking, if it has a price tag, you won't have much luck bargaining and should expect to pay that price, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't ask if it is a fixed price. You should expect in high tourist areas in Sanur, at the Bali Arts Festival, and in the markets of Ubud that vendors will suggest you pay two to four times the price you should actually be paying. For example, if you see a sarong you like and you ask the vendor how much it will cost, you will likely be told something as high as $40 - $50, when in fact you should be paying about $10 - $20 depending on the quality. In general, printed sarongs should cost around $7 - $13, where as sarongs made on a loom, should cost around $15-25. You should counter their $40 - $50 offer with something lower than what you want to pay – say around $5 or $10. Then give time and consider looking at buying something else. Come back to the item you like and offer something closer to what you want to pay – say around $8 or $16. They are likely to come down or repeat the same price. You should then plan on offering the price you are willing to settle on and indicate you will not go any higher. Then be prepared to walk away. Usually once you walk away, the vendor will agree or say something closer to that price. If they do not offer anything differently, then plan on paying a higher price. Please be aware that you will likely see many of the same patterns and prints at different vendors throughout the island. So, never feel pressured to buy the item. If you did not agree to a price you felt comfortable paying, you are likely to find that exact same item again at another market we visit later in the trip. Don't make the mistake of buying many goods at the start of your trip. You will begin to develop a keener eye for quality as we visit more markets and vendors throughout the trip.
Personal Safety
Tourists in Bali are generally treated as valued guests. If you travel alone late at night off the beaten track, you will certainly attract attention from local people, but probably in the form of concern for your welfare. Women traveling alone should exercise the usual precautions in places such as Kuta where there isa developed nightlife. Be alert, as you would in any other country.
If you are pestered by someone, immediately seek out a crowded place. Be aware that if you are robbed and you call out for help, this may arouse an entire village, who could well enact "street justice" on the spot, with tragic consequences for any person accused, so be cautious about accusing anyone.
Please note: as you become close with hosts and develop friendships on the island, be cautious of making promises on which you cannot or do not plan on following through. Don't say you will revisit, joke about marrying or dating someone, or sponsoring or supporting them with gifts or money.
Please note: Indonesian law prescribes the death penalty for trafficking illegal drugs and have penalties for possession of weapons. As you traverse the nightlife of Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, you are likely to encounter someone offering to sell you drugs on the street. This usually is done with a low muttering of "weed" or "coke" as you walk through crowded streets. Many of these people are actually undercover cops. Do not engage with these individuals, nor engage in any exchange of illegal substances.
In Bali, certain social rules are observed, which, if followed, will open up a warm exchange; and if ignored, may cause embarrassment or even serious offense. Always give and receive things with the right hand, never the left. Avoid pointing with the index finger, especially at a person – this gesture may be taken as a physical challenge. If you must point at something, only use the thumb of your right hand. To be very polite, do so while cupping your right elbow. Never point to anyone or anything with your foot. Avoid touching anyone's head, even a child's – a person's head is considered the most sacred part of the body – and do not stand next to someone who is sitting down. If you need to walk past someone who is sitting on the ground, it is best to bow your head, bend from the waist, lead your body with your right hand, and murmur something apologetic like, "Maaf," which means, "Sorry." In a social situation with Indonesians where refreshments are served, wait until you are invited before you begin drinking or eating – Indonesia's wait until they are bidden several times before they do so. Similarly, do not sit down until you are directed to a place; spatial placements holds a significant social code for Indonesians. As far as possible, do not express anger or behave in a confrontational manner. Any extravagant displays of emotion will make you look foolish. As in much of Asia, it is considered coarse to call attention to oneself unnecessarily, especially while in public. gracious behavior is much appreciated by Indonesians and will get better results than an angry outburst. Indonesians frown on public displays of private affection – these are considered embarrassing to others and therefore rude. It is usual to greet people whether you know them or not, and to acknowledge those nearby with a smile and an od when you arrive or leave a place. Polite conversation often takes the form of an exchange of questions. You may find these intrusive – the best solution is to ask questions in return.
Visiting Temples
Hindus in Bali observe strict rules in regard to their temples, which they believe must be observed by everyone, including visitors, for safeguarding the spiritual hygiene of sacred places. These rules mainly concern dress requirements and conditions of sebel (taboo). Conditions of sebel are: menstruation or having an open wound – this relates to a prohibition on shedding blood in any temple as it clashes with offerings and the spiritual world; being physically or mentally ill, or in a state of psychic disturbance; being in a state of bereavement (for the Balinese, up to 42 days from the date of the death of a close relative); and having given birth within the past 42 days (thought to attract attention from evil spirits). There is no moral censure attached to being in a state of sebel; on the contrary, to acknowledge this state is a mark of self-awareness. These rules should be observed even if they conflict with your religious or political beliefs.
A waist sash, and in many places a sarong, is the dress required of anyone entering a temple or other holy ground, whether or not there is a ceremony in progress. These may be borrowed at temples that regularly accept tourists, but it is easy to buy your own almost anywhere. There are other rules that should be observed when entering temples, especially during festivals. Ask permission before entering a courtyard, as some gates are reserved for priests and holy objects. It is best to stay quietly at the back of a courtyard until invited. Do not walk in front of anyone who is praying or a priest performing a ritual. Photography is restricted in some temples, so check with temple attendants before using a camera. Offerings in the temple should not be touched and temple walls and shrines must never be climbed. It is considered sacrilegious to do so unless one is a priest.
Bargaining
Except for shops and department stores with fixed prices, most vendors and shopkeepers expect customers to bargain before finalizing a sale. Indonesians consider it fair that tourists pay higher prices than the locals, as tourists usually have a much higher living wage. To get a good price, learn the prices of goods elsewhere before making a purchase, then disarm the vendor by being polite. Generally speaking, if it has a price tag, you won't have much luck bargaining and should expect to pay that price, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't ask if it is a fixed price. You should expect in high tourist areas in Sanur, at the Bali Arts Festival, and in the markets of Ubud that vendors will suggest you pay two to four times the price you should actually be paying. For example, if you see a sarong you like and you ask the vendor how much it will cost, you will likely be told something as high as $40 - $50, when in fact you should be paying about $10 - $20 depending on the quality. In general, printed sarongs should cost around $7 - $13, where as sarongs made on a loom, should cost around $15-25. You should counter their $40 - $50 offer with something lower than what you want to pay – say around $5 or $10. Then give time and consider looking at buying something else. Come back to the item you like and offer something closer to what you want to pay – say around $8 or $16. They are likely to come down or repeat the same price. You should then plan on offering the price you are willing to settle on and indicate you will not go any higher. Then be prepared to walk away. Usually once you walk away, the vendor will agree or say something closer to that price. If they do not offer anything differently, then plan on paying a higher price. Please be aware that you will likely see many of the same patterns and prints at different vendors throughout the island. So, never feel pressured to buy the item. If you did not agree to a price you felt comfortable paying, you are likely to find that exact same item again at another market we visit later in the trip. Don't make the mistake of buying many goods at the start of your trip. You will begin to develop a keener eye for quality as we visit more markets and vendors throughout the trip.
Personal Safety
Tourists in Bali are generally treated as valued guests. If you travel alone late at night off the beaten track, you will certainly attract attention from local people, but probably in the form of concern for your welfare. Women traveling alone should exercise the usual precautions in places such as Kuta where there isa developed nightlife. Be alert, as you would in any other country.
If you are pestered by someone, immediately seek out a crowded place. Be aware that if you are robbed and you call out for help, this may arouse an entire village, who could well enact "street justice" on the spot, with tragic consequences for any person accused, so be cautious about accusing anyone.
Please note: as you become close with hosts and develop friendships on the island, be cautious of making promises on which you cannot or do not plan on following through. Don't say you will revisit, joke about marrying or dating someone, or sponsoring or supporting them with gifts or money.
Please note: Indonesian law prescribes the death penalty for trafficking illegal drugs and have penalties for possession of weapons. As you traverse the nightlife of Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, you are likely to encounter someone offering to sell you drugs on the street. This usually is done with a low muttering of "weed" or "coke" as you walk through crowded streets. Many of these people are actually undercover cops. Do not engage with these individuals, nor engage in any exchange of illegal substances.