12 Things to Avoid in Bali (Part 1) – Unless You Enjoy Explaining Yourself to Local Grandmas

Things to Avoid in Bali (Unless You Want Ibu Wayan to Side-Eye You Into Oblivion)

“In Bali, there are two types of tourists:
Those who get knowing smiles from local grandmas…
And those who get The Look – that subtle head-shake that says ‘Oh sweet summer child’ as you:

• Trip over offerings like a baby deer learning to walk (“It’s just…flower confetti?”)
• Haggle over 50 cents with a warung owner whose family survived three economic crises
• Rock that sarong like it’s a toga at a frat party (while priests facepalm behind you)

This isn’t about being perfect – it’s about not becoming the subject of banjar gossip that outlives your tan.

This isn’t about being ‘canceled’—it’s about cultural IQ.

As Dr. I Gusti Agung , anthropologist at Udayana University, might say (if he had to deal with tourists daily) : “Balinese patience is infinite, but their gossip circles are faster than 5G.”

After:
✓ 6 months documenting tourist faux pas
✓ 42 interviews with exasperated locals
✓ 1 near-death experience with a rogue monkey

…we present the real unwritten rules – so you collect temple blessings, not village horror stories.

This is Part 1 of our ‘Don’t Be That Tourist’ guide – where we’ll cover 6 cultural blunders that make Balinese elders facepalm.

(Psst: Part 2 tackles scooter disasters, monkey thefts, and Bali belly – because surviving paradise requires more than just SPF 50.)

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1. Your Karma Has a Price Tag

That 50k you saved by skipping temple donations? Congrats – it just bought you:

• Side-eye from priests
• A cursed Instagram shadowban
• One (1) demonic mosquito that only bites you

Pro Tip: The universe accepts Visa. Leave small bills in donation boxes.

2. Bali’s Gossip Network is Faster Than Your Hotel WiFi

What happens when you:

• Wear shorts to Pura Besakih → Before you reach parking, 12 aunties have WhatsApp-ed your photo captioned “Turis kurang ajar!” (Rude tourist)

Pro Move: Dress like you’re meeting your partner’s conservative parents.

3. Scammers Spot “Clueless Tourist” Vibes Like Sharks Smell Blood

The moment you:

• Pull out a giant map → “Your hotel is closed!” scam unlocked
• Ask “How much?” without researching → “Special tourist price” activated

Power Play: Walk like you know where you’re going (even when lost). Check out our article on how to avoid scams in Bali, it will be very useful for you.

4. Nature Here Doesn’t Forgive

Think it’s just a “harmless” monkey? Wait until it:

• Steals your $800 glasses → Sells them to a rival tourist group
• Posts them on Monkey Instagram (@uglyhumanaccessories)

Survival Hack: The “hands in pockets” pose isn’t cool – it’s tactical.

5. Bali Remembers

That time you:

• Yelled at a waiter over spicy food → Next visit, they’ll serve you extra sambal
• Broke a warung plate → Your photo is now on their “Hall of Shame” wall

Wisdom: The island has collective memory longer than your ex’s.

“The best souvenirs aren’t wooden penis keychains – they’re moments where you didn’t embarrass an entire continent.” – Giostanovlatto

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1. Wearing a Sarong Like a Roman Emperor (Or: How to Not Look Like a Walking Flag Ceremony) – Things to Avoid in Bali

Why This Matters More Than You Think

✅ Sacred Spaces Demand Respect:
Temples aren’t Coachella. A sloppy sarong = spiritual “bruh” moment.

✅ Sunburn Prevention:
That “stylish drape” leaves your thighs exposed to Bali’s UV rays (which are basically solar lasers).

✅ Avoid the Side-Eye Symphony:
Priests will passively aggressively retie it for you while sighing loudly.

Pro Tip: Watch a local tie it once, and you’ll master it for life. Or just buy a pre-tied sarong (yes, they exist).

When in Doubt, Channel This Energy:

“I’m not here to reinvent fashion. I’m here to not offend the gods.”

💀 Worst-Case Scenario:

You still fail? Rent a sarong on-site. The 5k fee is your humility tax.

Bali Bonus Intel

• Temple Hack: Some sarong rentals include free tying service (watch and learn!).
• Insta-Win: A well-tied sarong makes you look like a seasoned traveler, not a lost theater major.

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2. Haggling Over 10k Rupiah Like It’s a Life-or-Death Negotiation – Things to Avoid in Bali

Why This is a Karma Landmine

✅ Math is Math: That 10k you’re fighting for = one-third of a Starbucks coffee
✅ Reputation Follows You: Sellers remember faces – next time, you’ll get the “special stubborn tourist price” (20% higher)
✅ The Ripple Effect: Your haggling teaches locals to inflate initial prices for all foreigners

The Art of Graceful Market Transactions

1. The 30% Rule:
   • Seller says 50k? Offer 30k.
   • They counter with 40k? Deal.
   • (If they instantly agree to 30k, you’ve been scammed anyway)
2. The “Suksma” Power Move:
   When the price is already fair (e.g., 20k for a keychain):
   • Smile → “Suksma!” (Thank you) → Pay without haggling
   • Instant “good tourist” status unlocked
3. Walk-Away Tactic:
   • “Terima kasih, I’ll think about it!” → 80% chance they call you back with a better price

When to Go Full Haggling Beast Mode

• Item costs over 200k
• Seller is not the artisan (middlemen = fair game)
• You’re buying multiple items (“Beli banyak, diskon ya?”)

Pro Moves for the Culturally Savvy

• Learn These Phrases:
  • “Boleh kurang?” = “Can it be less?” (Polite)
  • “Harga lokal ya?” = “Local price, yes?” (Playful)
• Cash is King: Small bills = no “no change” excuses
• Morning Magic: Sellers are more flexible when markets first open

💀 Worst-Case Scenario:
You accidentally haggled a grandma down to cost price? Buy two, and say “Untuk cucu juga!” (“For your grandchild too!”). Karma repaired.

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3. Taking Temple Selfies Like You’re the Main Character in a Netflix Reality Show – Things to Avoid in Bali

Why This is a Spiritual Faux Pas

✅ Temples Aren’t Backdrops: They’re active places of worship – your handstand is someone else’s prayer space.
✅ Karma Has a Camera Too: Offend the gods, and your next IG post might flop hard.
✅ Local Patience Isn’t Infinite: Priests will scold you (loudly, in front of everyone).

The Temple Selfie Rulebook (Yes, There is One) – we’ve written the latest update about Bali Rules 2025 don’t make yourself ashamed of it

✅ The “Do This Instead” Guide:

1. Ask Permission – Some temples allow photos, some don’t. A simple “Boleh foto?” goes far.
2. Dress First, Shoot Later – Sarong on properly before you even think about your angle.
3. Silent Mode – Turn off shutter sounds (your IG followers don’t need to hear click-click-click during prayers).
4. Quick & Discreet – Snap respectfully, then step aside for worshippers.

When in Doubt, Remember:

“If my grandma wouldn’t approve, neither will the gods.”

💀 Worst-Case Scenario:
You already messed up? A small donation to the temple + a sincere “Maaf, Ibu” (Sorry, ma’am) might save your karma.

Pro Tip for the Truly Shameless

If you must get that perfect shot:

• Go at sunrise – Fewer crowds, softer light, and priests are less grumpy before noon.
• Hire a Local Photographer – They know the rules and the best angles.

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4. Crashing Ceremonies Like an Uninvited Wedding Guest – Things to Avoid in Bali

Read: So You Wanna Crash a Balinese Wedding? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Why This is Next-Level Cringe

✅ These Aren’t Performers: That “cool dancer” is channeling ancestors, not auditioning for Netflix
✅ Sacred ≠ Scenic: Ngaben isn’t a photo op – it’s someone’s final farewell
✅ Instant Karma: Bad energy at ceremonies = guaranteed lost luggage/phone/debit card

How to Respectfully Witness Bali’s Magic

🚫 The “Never-Ever” List:

1. No Cutting Processions – Would you walk through a funeral IRL?
2. No Flash Photography – Spirits hate iPhone lights (and so do priests)
3. No Touching Offerings – That fruit arrangement isn’t a buffet
4. No Loud Commentary – “OMG their costumes!” → Guaranteed glares

✅ The “Do This Instead” Guide:

1. Ask First:
   • “Boleh lihat dari jauh?” (“May I watch from a distance?”)
   • If they say no, leave immediately
2. Dress Like You Care:
   • Sarong + sash even as spectator (no crop tops at cremations)
3. The 10-Foot Rule:
   • Stand back far enough that no one notices you
4. Silent Mode:
   • Turn off shutter sounds + notifications

Pro Tip for Deep Respect

If invited to observe:

• Bring a small offering (canang sari from a nearby stall)
• Follow locals’ lead – Stand when they stand, sit when they sit

💀 Worst-Case Scenario:
You already photobombed a ceremony? Donate to the temple ASAP and whisper “Maaf, tidak akan terulang” (Sorry, won’t happen again).

When in Doubt, Remember:

“If you wouldn’t do it at your grandma’s funeral, don’t do it here.”

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5. Treating Offerings Like Urban Landmines – Things to Avoid in Bali

Read: Bali Hindu Offerings: More Than Just Pretty Baskets

Why This is a Spiritual OSHA Violation

✅ These Aren’t Decorations: Each offering took 30+ minutes to make
✅ Karma Footwear: Step on enough, and your flip-flops will mysteriously disappear
✅ The Grandma Network: News of your offense will spread faster than your hotel’s WiFi

The Art of Not Offending the Universe

🚫 The “Oh God What Did I Just Step On?” Protocol

1. Freeze Immediately – Like you just saw a snake
2. Apologize to the Air – A quick “Maaf!” to the unseen
3. Leave a Coin – 5k rupiah = spiritual parking ticket

✅ The “Pro Moves” Guide

1. The Balinese Swerve:
   • Spot colorful bits? Walk around like it’s lava
2. The Tourist Tiptoe:
   • Narrow sidewalk? Channel your inner ballerina
3. The Awareness Upgrade:
   • Assume every ground-level colorful thing is sacred until proven otherwise

When You Inevitably Mess Up

1. Don’t: Pick it up like garbage (you’re not their maid)
2. Do: Nod respectfully to any watching locals
3. Advanced: Buy a replacement at the nearest stall (instant karma points)

Pro Tip: Morning and late afternoon are peak offering hours – walk like you’re in a minefield.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

When in Doubt, Remember:

“If it’s colorful and on the ground, it’s probably someone’s prayer – not an arts and crafts project.”

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6. Treating Rice Terraces Like Your Personal Obstacle Course – Things to Avoid in Bali

Why This Makes Farmers Consider Violence

✅ One Trampled Plant = 100 Lost Grains (Your “epic jump” just ruined someone’s lunch)
✅ Ancient Engineering: Those walls took years to build – your DrMartens weren’t invited
✅ The Aftermath: Dead crops = higher prices at your favorite warung (karma’s delicious)

How to Enjoy Terraces Without Becoming Public Enemy #1

Pro Tips for Guilt-Free Content

📸 Better Angles: Shoot from observation decks or paths
🌾 Harvest Season: September offers golden fields without the guilt
💦 Wet Season Hack: Rice grows waist-high – no need to trample for drama

💀 Worst-Case Scenario:
You already messed up? Buy rice from that farm at double price and say “Maaf, saya tidak berpikir” (Sorry, I wasn’t thinking).

When in Doubt, Remember:

“Those aren’t props – they’re someone’s paycheck and 8 generations of agricultural wisdom.”

Real Talk from a Jatiluwih Farmer:

“We don’t mind tourists, but would you walk through someone’s office stepping on their computers?”

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FAQ: Bali’s Unwritten Rules (Part 1) – Straight Talk from Hey Bali

“The best travelers leave only footprints… and zero reasons for grandmas to gossip.” — Giostanovlatto

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🔥 Part 1 Closing Things to Avoid in Bali : “Wait… Did You Think We Were Done?”

“Congrats! You’ve just survived Volume 1 of ‘How Not to Be That Tourist in Bali’.
So far, you’ve learned:
✅ How to wear a sarong without looking like a lost Roman senator
✅ The art of haggling without becoming the warung’s villain
✅ Why temple selfies can get you side-eyed by both priests and ancestors

But darling, this is just halftime.

💡 Your Next Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It):
Continue to Part 2 where we expose:
✔️ Why “no spicy” at warungs is a meaningless phrase
✔️ How monkeys at Sacred Forest run a better pickpocket ring than Parisian thieves
✔️ The real cost of that 50k scooter rental (spoiler: it involves duct tape and tears)

📌 Pro Tip: Bookmark this page or follow [@HeyBaliinfo] – because Bali doesn’t give second chances (and neither does your travel insurance).

“Knowing half the rules in Bali is like wearing half a swimsuit – you’re still exposed where it hurts.” – Giostanovlatto

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Bali Survival Guide: 14 Random (But Essential) Tips to Avoid Turning Your Vacation Into a Comedy of Errors