01Dress & temple etiquette
A sarong and sash are required at most temples — many rent or lend them at the entrance, so it's not something you need to arrive prepared for. Shoulders and knees covered is a safe general rule near any religious site, even outside temples. Beyond temples, Bali is fairly relaxed about dress, though covering up a bit more in villages away from the beach areas is generally appreciated.
02Greetings & general manners
A light handshake or a simple nod with a smile covers most everyday interactions. Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating — the left is traditionally considered less clean and less polite in this context, even though practicality means it's not treated as a hard rule by everyone. Removing shoes before entering a home is standard.
03A few things to avoid
- Touching someone's head, including children's — the head is considered spiritually significant.
- Pointing your feet directly at people, shrines or offerings, or stepping over offerings placed on the ground.
- Public displays of anger — raised voices and visible frustration read as a serious loss of face here, more so than in many Western contexts.
- Photographing ceremonies or people without asking first.
04Ceremonies you might encounter
It's common to stumble on a temple ceremony, cremation procession, or village celebration simply by being on the island long enough. Visitors are usually welcome to quietly observe from a respectful distance in appropriate dress — just avoid inserting yourself into the ceremony itself unless explicitly invited. See our Culture & History section for the annual festival calendar.