10 Things Not to Do in Bali: A Guide to a Smart, Responsible Indonesia Holiday!

Letting the hair down is synonymous with holidays and for a good reason. After all, isn’t a holiday all about taking it easy, doing away with the stiff upper lip and letting out the party animal inside us? That’s what you do on a holiday, and that’s what you really do on a Bali holiday! The Island of the Gods is a great place to unwind, recharge, party… and repeat. But where’s the thin red line? What is it that you are doing that gets the locals looking somewhat like this 

Here’s a list of 10 things not to do when in Bali!

1. Expecting service people and locals to comprehend rapid-fire English 

Sure, English is a global language and has enabled a great many things. But, for most of the Asian populace, English is the second or possibly the third language. Especially Indonesia and Bali natives. And while people in the service industry can happily carry the convo, expecting a native English speaker does them injustice. So, slowing down a little when conversing never hurts. It makes the service people feel good, understand faster, plus you come off looking as a considerate person (brownie points for you!)

2. Not picking up quick phrases in the local language

Perhaps a collective pet peeve, but Balinese tend to like it better when the quintessential ‘Oy mate’ is switched to ‘Om Swastiastu’ (swa-sti-astu) – Balinese for hz`ello. Similarly, words like ‘tolong’ (please), ‘ampura’ (sorry) and phrases like ‘terima kasih’ (thank you) will help you better connect with the people – and even the culture. By no means do travellers need to be fluent in Balinese, but a word here and a phrase there comes across as endearing. Locals appreciate it, and what’s travelling without picking up on new words. 

Experienced international travellers will know this tip like the back of their hands, but this tip will help you not only in Bali and across Indonesia, but also any Asian and European country. Ask any first-time traveller to France, they’ll start learning the language just to get basic service. And that’s not snootiness, but locals appreciating an effort to learn the culture… via the language!

3. Cultural Insensitivity with social media posts

That selfie with an idol might look cute to you and that picture of you hugging it, outright adorable! But to the locals, It. Is. Blasphemous! Same goes for trying to climb the temple, photoshoots in temple attire, and picking fruits and flowers from trees. Such tourists come across as basic (and we know that’s just not you!) 

Culture shock in Bali is absolutely real and there’s no shame in speaking with locals to figure out what’s what. And if this is not something you are comfortable with, you can always connect with our travel specialists. 

4. Temple etiquette

Here are where tourists end up making all sorts of faux-pas in Bali, sometimes even ending up in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons. Temples are what lends this little island its moniker — Island of the Gods — and they are much more than an ’Grammable location.

It’s important, even critical to be respectful, given the religious nature of temples. That means no hugging idols of the deities, no clicking selfies with them, not trying to climb to the temple top for a better view, no carving your fiance’s name on the wall, and definitely not turning up in tube-tops and booty shorts because ‘it’s hot outside’. It’s important to keep yourself covered and temples usually have helpful kiosks handing out sarongs and selendangs (scarves) to borrow. And if you are unsure if you are dressed appropriately, just … eyeball the crowd. 

5. Disregarding local customs

Much of Balinese life revolves around local customs. And to the novice traveller, they may come across as weird, foolish or illogical. But the saying ‘when in Rome, do as Romans do’ holds steadfast. We understand that some of these customs, traditions and events  may surprise us, but that’s no reason to be disrespectful. For example, the Balinese celebrate their traditional new year according to the Hindu solar calendar celebration, called ‘Nyepi’. The festival is astounding to tourists, new and old alike. There’s celebrations following up to the day, but the day of…. the entire island shuts down in ghostly silence. No going out, no partying and in some cases, no electricity and cellular service! And that can be quite jarring. Read more about it in our blog on Nyepi.

6. Eating only big chain fast food and not trying out local fare

What we eat is absolutely our business. Having said that, why visit a slice of paradise when you want to limit yourself to pizza slices, french fries and burgers? Any country’s locals would be befuddled by travellers not experimenting with their food.

Here’s a historical nugget – as maritime trade grew from the 13th century onwards, Indonesia became a hub overseeing the transfer of everything valuable, critical and tasty(O!O) in the world. And with mariners from all over the world dropping by, and settling in – Indonesia cherry-picked dishes and spices from all over the world for the past 600 years. This makes Indonesian street-food the de facto king of scrumptiousness. Go, tantalize your taste buds on a wide variety of broths, ramens, ‘nasi’s and more. In fact, why not follow up a day or two of fine-dining with a trip to street-side joints and warungs?

7. Ignoring no-drone zones for the epic cinematic

Who doesn’t want their social media feed to be cinematic? And what’s the best tool for the job — drones, of course! Here’s the catch, though. Not everything is a green zone in Bali and certain areas, especially around temples, government buildings and airports prohibit drone activity. At best, you may end up inconveniencing the praying locals. And at worst, you may very well be looking at incarceration on foreign soil. Why risk it? Stick to epic candid selfies and panorama videos on your phone or… pay a small fee to a local drone service to capture those picture-perfect moments. There, you got your cinematic bali moment, and helped an enterprising Indonesian youth!

8. Traffic woes

Fire up Youtube, search for Bali and chances are you’ll have a Youtuber or two preaching how wonderful it is to explore Bali on two wheels. And no, not bicycles – moto-scooters! Sadly, tourists in Bali are infamous for causing traffic snarls because they are not familiar with the local traffic rules (or the lack thereof), have very little experience riding scooters and often run into accidents. It is better, cheaper, and safer to use one of the ride-sharing apps or hiring a local cab. And if you must ride at all costs, please put on that helmet. 

9. Littering 

Who sends more tourists to Bali — OTAs or favourable exchange rate? We are inclined to agree with the latter. And while a boom in tourist numbers is a blessing for the economy — much of Bali is dependent on the tourism industry, it also leads to a littering issue. Bali’s virgin beaches have been in the news for losing their virginity… err cleanliness to plastic bottles, empty chips packets, plastic tarps and discarded thongs (the footwear). And that’s a concerning issue, one that’s getting Bali trending for all the wrong reasons. As a tourist in Bali, you can help make a difference by ensuring you drop your litter in bins, and when travelling, store empty wrappers and packets in a bag. You can also sign up for local clean-up services and give back to the community that has showered you with great hospitality and warm service on your Bali holiday. 

10. Affordable paradise ≠ Aggressive haggling 💔

It’s not wrong to visualise Bali as a ‘Cheap Paradise’ but it is important to remember that like any other place on the planet, fine-dining and luxury living usually come at a premium cost. There’s simply no use comparing, or complaining. 

In the same vein, while haggling is part of the experience here it is important to be mindful while doing it. What starts off as a friendly ‘Pinten niki?’ (how much for this) can quickly escalate. Remember to be light-hearted, treat bargaining for what it is — a fun Bali experience and most importantly understand that a few dollars to them means much more than it may do to you. Plus, if you disagree you can always walk away; there are plenty more shops down the street. 

Key Takeaways for Tourists in Bali 

Understanding what not to do in Bali helps preserve the island’s cultural richness while allowing travelers to have a more immersive, meaningful experience. Whether it’s observing temple etiquette, resisting the urge to overshare on social media, or simply saying ‘terima kasih’ in Balinese, each small gesture adds up. Bali is a great beachfront destination, with excellent locals and hosts – it’s courteous to be respectful of others’ cultures and idiosyncrasies, mindful of your Ps and Qs, and just be nice! Responsible travel in Bali isn’t just a trend — it’s a sign of an experienced traveller. 

And for anyone unsure where to start, this Bali travel guide is always a good first step. For more Bali travel tips, check out our blogs or speak with our travel specialists on 1800 991 751. 

FAQs: What Not to Do in Bali

• Q: Is Bali safe for tourists?
  A: Yes, Bali, and Indonesia by extension, is safe – but respecting local laws and customs is key to ensuring a smooth experience.
• Q: What should tourists not do in Bali temples?
  A: Don’t wear revealing clothing, don’t climb structures, and avoid turning your back to idols for selfies.
• Q: Can tourists fly drones in Bali?
  A: Only in designated areas. Permits are often required, especially near temples and public spaces.
• Q: Is it okay to haggle in Bali?
  A: Yes, but gently. Over-aggressive bargaining can come across as disrespectful.
• Q: What should first-time visitors know before going to Bali?
  A: Embrace local customs, learn a few words in Bahasa, and avoid contributing to overcrowding or pollution.