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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Why These “Things to Avoid in Bali” Will Save Your Soul (And Your Instagram DMs)
Let’s be real – you didn’t fly 20+ hours to:
☑️ Become the main character in a Balinese grandma’s cautionary tale
☑️ Fund someone’s third scooter through avoidable fines
☑️ Collect “Bali Fail” stories that’ll haunt you longer than your sunburn
Here’s why this list is your secret weapon:
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 Real Reason This Matters?
Bali doesn’t need more tourists – it needs better ones. People who:
✓ Trade entitlement for curiosity
✓ Swap complaints for “Makasih, Ibu!” or you can read our article on how to say thank you in Balinese.
✓ Understand that paradise isn’t a backdrop – it’s someone’s home
So Here’s Your Challenge:
Be the tourist that makes grandmas nod instead of facepalm. Your karma (and Instagram algorithm) will thank you.
“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
The Crime:
You thought wrapping that sarong was artistic flow… but to locals, you look like:
☑️ A lost gladiator
☑️ A failed origami project
☑️ A walking temple violation
Nenek Bali’s Verdict:
“Lihat tuh bule… kainnya kayak bendera!”
(“Look at that foreigner… his cloth is flapping like a flag!”)
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.
The 30-Second Sarong Masterclass
- Hold it horizontally behind you (not vertically like a towel).
- Wrap snugly around your waist – think “fitted sheet”, not “parachute”.
- Tuck the end into the top fold – no dangling like a failed magic trick.
- Secure with provided sash – if it survives a light jump, you’ve won.
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
(Or: How to Avoid Becoming the “Cheapskate Tourist” Meme)
The Crime:
You’re arguing over $0.70 for a wooden spoon like it’s the last one on earth. Meanwhile, the seller:
☑️ Hand-carved it for 3 hours
☑️ Paid 15k in Gojek fees to get to market
☑️ Now regrets not becoming a TikTok dancer instead
Nenek Bali’s Verdict:
“Dasar kere…” (“Such a penny-pincher…”) + the most dramatic eye roll you’ve ever seen
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
- The 30% Rule:
- Seller says 50k? Offer 30k.
- They counter with 40k? Deal.
- (If they instantly agree to 30k, you’ve been scammed anyway)
- 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
- 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
(Or: How to Avoid Being That Tourist Who Gets Cursed by a Priest)
The Crime:
You’re treating Pura Tanah Lot like your personal photoshoot studio:
- Handstand poses in front of shrines
- Duck-face kisses next to holy water
- Boomerangs with the altar as your “quirky” backdrop
Nenek Bali’s Verdict:
“Ini tempat suci atau studio foto?!” (“Is this a sacred site or your photoshoot location?!”)
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 “Absolutely Not” List:
- No Kissing – This isn’t a rom-com, and the gods don’t ship your relationship.
- No Boomerangs – Sacred sites ≠ TikTok trends.
- No Backs Turned to Altars – It’s disrespectful, and frankly, bad composition.
- No Yoga Poses – Save the downward dog for the beach.
- No Drones – Unless you want to be chased out by an angry priest with a stick.
✅ The “Do This Instead” Guide:
- Ask Permission – Some temples allow photos, some don’t. A simple “Boleh foto?” goes far.
- Dress First, Shoot Later – Sarong on properly before you even think about your angle.
- Silent Mode – Turn off shutter sounds (your IG followers don’t need to hear click-click-click during prayers).
- 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
(Or: How to Avoid Becoming the Villain in Someone’s Spiritual Journey)
The Crime:
You spot a vibrant procession and think:
“Wow, free cultural show!” → Proceed to:
- Stand in the middle of the road for “ aesthetic “ shots
- Stick your GoPro in mourners’ faces at a Ngaben (cremation)
- Ask “Can you do that again?” like it’s a dress rehearsal
Nenek Bali’s Verdict:
“Ini bukan pertunjukan, Nak!” (“This isn’t a performance, child!”)
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:
- No Cutting Processions – Would you walk through a funeral IRL?
- No Flash Photography – Spirits hate iPhone lights (and so do priests)
- No Touching Offerings – That fruit arrangement isn’t a buffet
- No Loud Commentary – “OMG their costumes!” → Guaranteed glares
✅ The “Do This Instead” Guide:
- Ask First:
- “Boleh lihat dari jauh?” (“May I watch from a distance?”)
- If they say no, leave immediately
- Dress Like You Care:
- Sarong + sash even as spectator (no crop tops at cremations)
- The 10-Foot Rule:
- Stand back far enough that no one notices you
- 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
(Or: How to Not Accidentally Declare War on Bali’s Spirits)
The Crime:
You’re speedwalking through Ubud when – CRUNCH – your Nikes just:
☑️ Flattened a canang sari like a pancake
☑️ Sent flower petals flying like spiritual confetti
☑️ Earned 10 aunties whispering “Turis kurang ajar!” (Rude tourist!)
Nenek Bali’s Verdict:
“Dasar tidak tau adat…” (“So ignorant of traditions…”) + the most disappointed sigh you’ll ever hear
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
- Freeze Immediately – Like you just saw a snake
- Apologize to the Air – A quick “Maaf!” to the unseen
- Leave a Coin – 5k rupiah = spiritual parking ticket
✅ The “Pro Moves” Guide
- The Balinese Swerve:
- Spot colorful bits? Walk around like it’s lava
- The Tourist Tiptoe:
- Narrow sidewalk? Channel your inner ballerina
- The Awareness Upgrade:
- Assume every ground-level colorful thing is sacred until proven otherwise
When You Inevitably Mess Up
- Don’t: Pick it up like garbage (you’re not their maid)
- Do: Nod respectfully to any watching locals
- 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
Those tiny baskets:
- Feed spirits so they don’t mess with humans
- Balance the universe’s energy
- Basically Bali’s version of “don’t poke the bear”
💀 Worst-Case Scenario:
You kicked one like a soccer ball? Time to:
- Visit the nearest temple
- Donate 50k
- Whisper “Saya benar-benar minta maaf” (I’m truly sorry)
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
(Or: Why Farmers Secretly Wish TikTok Would Disappear)
The Crime:
You saw that perfect Instagram shot and suddenly think:
☑️ Backflips on centuries-old irrigation walls = “content”
☑️ Trampling seedlings for a “running through fields” reel
☑️ Using sacred Subak water channels as your foot spa
Nenek Bali’s Verdict:
“Jangan injek-injek nasi kami!” (“Don’t stomp on our rice!”)
+ aggressive sweeping motions with her bamboo broom
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
🚫 The “Instant Villain” Checklist:
- Stepping off paths (Those lines exist for a reason)
- Touching seedlings (They’re babies, not photo props)
- Blocking farmers (They work sunrise to sunset – you’re just blocking)
✅ The “Respectful Visitor” Guide:
- Stay on Marked Paths (They’re free, beautiful, and won’t get you cursed)
- Morning Magic (Visit at dawn when fields glow and farmers appreciate quiet observers)
- The 5-Meter Rule (If you see workers, give them space like they’re celebrities)
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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Meet the Author
Giostanovlatto is a self-proclaimed “professional wanderluster” who believes that life is too short to stay in one place. When he’s not busy chasing sunsets or hunting for the best local food, you can find him striking up conversations with strangers (who often become friends by the end of the trip).
