Bali Ettiquette & Behavior

You can easily make adaptation and widely accept with other people in whichever country you are if you can totally understand the etiquette & behavior of the country. If you have a plan travelling Bali and intend to get around all regions of the island, for instance, in advance it will be much better to know the etiquette ,behavior, habits and customs of each regions in Bali thoroughly as well as definitely know the culture of Bali. Each region in Bali, besides the local people have general etiquette as Balinese,  they also  have special characteristics of customs, habits and behavior. Those make Bali very unique. Therefore, in order you are always accepted and get warm welcome & friendly manner by the local people whichever regions you are and/ or Whatever might be the reason for your visit to Bali, knowing and understanding the proper etiquette , behavior , customs and culture of the local people are a must.

Social behavior is something which defines a person's upbringing. The way you behave in a foreign land defines your own culture. Etiquette is the lone phrase which defines the code of conduct or how a person interacts with another. Patterns of behavior are different for different country therefore  it is very important for a person to understand the social behavior and ethics of that country before visiting and staying in the country.

The followings are several etiquette and customs you should know:

·         Using the left hand is a mark of contempt.

• ·         Calling a person with your fingers above is a bad manner. Politeness is the keyword for every occasion in Bali. 
• ·         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. Bali should hold no fears for gay and lesbian travelers as there is a vibrant scene in the Legian and Seminyak area with plenty of bars and clubs.
• ·         Tourists (no exception) entering a temple must wear a sarong and sash.
• ·         Ladies are strictly not allowed to enter a temple or holy places during menstruation.
• ·         Always ask permission before taking pictures as some places strictly forbid it
• ·         Visitors are not allowed to disturb, walk around, and take pictures when Bali Hindus praying 
• ·         Meeting with Balinese, time is not big issue if he/she arrive a bit late or even for about half an hour late, therefore, don’t be upset regarding the habit. It is normal in Bali , in term of “rubber time”, Balinese also much understand if you also arrive in meeting late, but, of course with reasonable reasons. Then , don’t do the same attitude repeatedly.
• ·         When entering a Balinese house, please take off your shoes or sandals.
• ·         Don’t touch someone’s head as Balinese consider it becomes the most sacred 
• ·         Don’t touch someone with your feet or point them towards someone.
• ·         Don’t use your feet or left hand’s finger to show something to someone as  the attitudes are very impolite in Bali
• ·         Don’t use your left hand when offering something and or receiving something from someone.
• ·         All Balinese’s restrooms/toilets generally have not prepared toilet paper, for this we suggest you bring it in your bag.
• ·         Avoid talking about the topics of religion and politics with Balinese as they do not discuss the topics openly. 
• ·         Don’t be angry or easily offended if any Balinese ask you :” Hello Mister, where are you going?”, How old are you?” How many children do you have?”, Are you married?”, Are you still single? etc…... These questions are very personal in other countries, however in Bali, they are quite normal and polite as Balinese want to express their warm welcome , open-hearted and friendly manner with anyone he/she meets
• ·         In public areas in Bali, it is not common attitude when a man and a woman walking hand and in hand, embarrassing and kissing each other . However, it is normal in Bali if two men walking together hand in hand or with one mans’ arm over the shoulder of another , or embarrassing each other in Public areas. The attitude is nothing sexual, but a sign of good relationship
• ·         Balinese generally avoid to make conflict and fighting happening with others, those make Balinese usually more patient, however, if their self-esteem and grade are kept despising by other people, indeed they will totally fight till finish. Those are very well-known in Bali in term of  “Puputan”(totally must finish for the truth and self-esteem)
• ·         Don’t purchase any items made from endangered animal product.