Bali Etiquette Essentials: Temples, Holy Sites, and Cultural Norms

Embarking on a journey to Bali offers more than just picturesque landscapes and luxurious resorts.

Amidst the island's lush greenery and vibrant markets lie sacred Hindu temples, revered sanctuaries central to Balinese culture.

To truly appreciate these sacred sites and engage respectfully with the local community, understanding the etiquette governing temple visits and cultural interactions is paramount.

In this article, we explore the intricacies of Bali's etiquette essentials, focusing on temple customs and broader cultural norms, to ensure a meaningful and respectful exploration of this enchanting island paradise.

In 2019, a scandal emerged when a fitness model visiting a sacred site in Bali shared a controversial video on her social media platform. The footage showed her standing at the altar of a temple, lifting her skirt, and receiving a sprinkling of holy water from her boyfriend.

The video sparked widespread criticism on online platforms, targeting not just the couple but also their guide. Many questioned why they weren't cautioned about the inappropriate conduct.

The presence of an official Indonesian guide during the incident remains unclear, as many tourists explore temples independently.

Even if a guide is present, their role is to provide general guidance, not to monitor every action of the tourists.

It's unlikely that a local guide could have anticipated such behaviour. For instance, it would be unreasonable to expect a guide at the Louvre to warn you not to strip naked in front of the Venus de Milo statue for Instagram photos.

Following the incident, authorities ordered the offenders to fund a cleansing ceremony for the temple.

This story underscores the importance of respecting the sanctity of temple visits. When planning to explore a Balinese temple or any sacred Hindu site, it's crucial to recognize its religious significance. Unlike a museum with secular regulations or a mere backdrop for social media posts, a temple holds deep spiritual importance and demands reverence from visitors.

If you find the religious guidelines for temple visits in Bali too stringent, it's advisable to abstain from visiting these sites altogether. Visiting a temple without intending to adhere to its customs and rituals disrespects its sacredness.

If you're not religious and view a temple visit as just another item on your itinerary, it's better to skip it altogether. Opting out of an experience that holds no profound significance for you ensures you don't inadvertently disrespect the site's spiritual importance.

If you're ready to approach this visit as a conscious cultural experience, please read the guidelines for visiting Balinese temples and holy sites before your trip.

Above the waist: If you are a foreigner, your shirt doesn't have to be a traditional Balinese one. For women, it is not mandatory to wear a traditional blouse known as kebaya. But both men and women should wear shirts or t-shirts that cover the shoulders.

Below the waist: Both male and female visitors should wear a sarong and a belt.

Sarong (also known in Bali as kamben or kain kamben): A properly tied sarong should cover the legs without revealing any skin underneath. If you're unsure how to tie a sarong properly, don't hesitate to ask a Balinese for assistance.

Although sarongs are available for hire at some temples, it is advisable to purchase your own. Having your own sarong not only allows you to enter temples and other public spaces in Bali, such as immigration offices, without restriction, but you can also use it for decorative purposes upon your return home.

The main thing to consider when purchasing a sarong is whether it is a beach sarong (sarong pantai) or a ceremonial sarong (sarong/kamben upacara).

A sarong suitable for temple visits is the latter one - sarong/kamben upacara. It can be bought at a souvenir shop, a store specializing in ceremonial clothing, or at a market in almost any Balinese village.

Belt (known as selendang or senteng): A belt looks like a long scarf and is tied around the waist over the sarong.

Footwear: Wearing flip-flops is perfectly acceptable. Unlike in India, removing your shoes before entering Hindu temples is not required in Bali.

This simplified version of Balinese attire is sufficient if you are a tourist wanting to visit a Balinese temple.

Different temples have slightly different requirements. Sometimes, if a man is wearing long trousers, he is allowed to just tie the belt without the sarong. Other times, just the sarong without the belt is acceptable.

Note that removing your sarong or belt while visiting the temple is not allowed. It is also unacceptable to lift your sarong and expose your legs, even if it's for an exciting photo.

- Keep voices low; shouting or speaking loudly is discouraged.

- Do not climb on temple structures or statues.

- Use holy water respectfully; for drinking or sprinkling on face, head, and shoulders only.

- Avoid sitting with legs stretched towards the altar.

- Switch your mobile phone to silent mode upon entering the temple.

- Avoid posing in yoga positions for photos.

- Seek permission before filming ceremonies; verbal consent is acceptable.

- Maintain respectful seating posture; ensure your head is not higher than the priest's head during the ceremony.

- Be mindful not to block worshippers' view of the priest, especially if you are not actively participating in prayer.

- When all worshippers are seated during the ceremony, it's best to also remain seated. If you must leave urgently, gracefully indicate your departure direction by bending down and gesturing with your hand.

- When photographing or filming, minimize noise and avoid using flash.

- Respect gender norms during seating; women typically sit on their heels or with legs to one side, while men may sit cross-legged.

- If invited to a ceremony by Balinese acquaintances, it's customary to stay until the end as leaving early is considered impolite.

- Refrain from public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing.

- Avoid engaging in intimate acts within temple premises. (This precaution might seem excessive, but unfortunately, it's necessary due to past incidents.)

- Refrain from urinating or defecating in or near the temple.

Entry to Balinese temples is restricted for the following individuals:

- Women during their menstrual period.

- Individuals with bleeding wounds, irrespective of gender.

- Women within 42 or 105 days after childbirth, depending on the temple's regulations. The exact duration of the restriction should be confirmed with your guide or a knowledgeable priest familiar with the temple's customs.

- Infants under 4 months of age.

- Those who have recently lost a close relative and have not completed burial/cremation rites.

In addition, Bali has general norms of politeness that are beneficial both during visits to religious sites and in daily interactions.

- Do not touch the heads of Balinese people, including children. The head is considered sacred. However, be prepared that if you have a small child, Indonesians may try to gently pinch their cheek.

- Use your right hand when passing items to others or making physical contact, as the left hand is considered unclean. An exception is when using both hands to pass something.

- Refrain from pointing with your index finger or beckoning someone with it. Instead, to point, use your thumb while slightly closing the other fingers into a loose fist; to beckon, use your right hand with the palm facing down in a waving motion (a bye-bye gesture in many Western cultures).

- Keep your voice at a calm and respectful level, as raising one's voice is considered impolite in Balinese culture. Patience and observance are valued over aggression.

- Respect offerings placed on the ground, especially if there is still smoke rising from incense sticks. Avoid stepping on them.

- If you encounter a religious procession while on a road, wait for permission from village guards (men wearing black-and-white checkered sarongs) to pass or go around it. If you don't speak Indonesian, try to understand their instructions through visual cues.

Overall, Balinese people are quite tolerant. If you make a mistake but demonstrate sincerity, kindness, and a genuine effort to behave politely, they are likely to understand and forgive you.

Balinese people rarely correct or comment on improper behaviour unless it is particularly blatant.

Instead, if they see indecent or unacceptable actions, they may record them and share the videos online, often with mocking comments about the person's country of origin. This can damage your country's reputation and make you a subject of ridicule, which is quite unpleasant.

To avoid such situations, it's much better to learn about the traditions and culture of the country you are visiting in advance. This will help ensure your vacation is enjoyable and conflict-free.

Enjoy exploring Bali and its culture!