Balinese Greetings and Manners for Visitors

Knowing a few Balinese greetings and local manners makes every interaction smoother, from a warung counter to a village temple. This guide covers the phrases, dress rules and everyday etiquette that visitors most often need.

Why manners matter in Bali

Bali is mostly Hindu, and its villages run on community customs called *adat*. Locals are generally warm and patient with visitors, but a little awareness goes a long way. The rules below come from everyday practice on the island. Temple regulations and local customs can differ from village to village, so when in doubt, follow the guidance of the person in charge at the site.

Everyday greetings you can use

You do not need to speak Balinese. A few words in Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) are understood everywhere and are appreciated:

• Selamat pagi (good morning), used until about 11.00.
• Selamat siang (good afternoon), roughly 11.00 to 15.00.
• Selamat sore (good evening, late afternoon).
• Terima kasih (thank you). Adding banyak ("thank you very much") is common.
• Om Swastiastu is the traditional Balinese Hindu greeting. Villagers may use it with you, and you can answer with the same phrase.
• Permisi (excuse me) when you pass between people or need to get by.

A smile and a slight nod are always welcome. Use your right hand, not your left, when giving or receiving money, food or small items.

Dress for temples and ceremonies

Many temples (*pura*) require modest dress, and a sarong and sash are the standard. Most temples provide them at the entrance for a small donation, but carrying your own is practical.

1. Cover your legs with a sarong that reaches below the knee for both men and women.
2. Wear a sash (*selendang*) tied at the waist over the sarong where required.
3. Cover your shoulders and avoid tight or revealing clothing.
4. Remove hats and sunglasses inside temple grounds.

Check the signs at each temple. Some sites, especially inner courtyards, are closed to non-worshippers, and ceremonies can temporarily restrict access.

Temple and ceremony etiquette

• Do not touch offerings (*canang sari*), which are small woven trays of flowers and rice placed on the ground and street corners. Step around them carefully.
• Avoid stepping over offerings or shrines.
• Keep your head lower than the priest or any seated elder when passing near them.
• Ask before photographing people in prayer or ceremonies, and never photograph during a sacred moment with a flash.
• Lower your voice and move calmly within the temple.
• Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temple areas; be respectful if you are asked to step back.

Daily life and social etiquette

• Use your right hand for eating, handing over money and taking things from others.
• Point with your thumb or whole hand, not with one finger, and avoid pointing your feet at people or shrines.
• Dress modestly when away from beaches and resorts, including in villages and markets.
• Bargain politely in markets, but accept that fixed-price shops and rentals do not negotiate.
• Remove shoes when entering some homes, shops or family compounds if others do so.
• Be patient with traditional pace and ceremonies that can delay plans; a village festival often takes priority over tight schedules.

Quick checklist before you go

Getting around respectfully with SiapPergi

Moving between temples, villages and beaches is easier when you are not waiting on transport. SiapPergi, which has its own scooter and car rental across Bali, delivers to your hotel, villa or Ngurah Rai Airport in mainland Bali at no extra delivery fee, so you can plan your visit around your own schedule. Prices are fixed in Indonesian Rupiah from Rp70.000 per day for scooters and Rp310.000 per day for cars, every scooter includes 2 helmets, and you pay on delivery with no deposit and no passport held. Booking is by WhatsApp at +6281808001102 (07.00–23.00 WITA), in English or Indonesian.

For helpful route planning, see scooter rental in Ubud or car rental in Canggu. If you prefer a driver for temple visits, see car rental with driver. You can also browse the full range on the scooter rental and car rental pages, or how to book.

Rules and customs can change

Local customs are set by villages (*desa adat*) and temples, and national or regional rules are set by government bodies. Dress codes, entry fees and ceremony closures can change, so check the latest information at each site and with official Indonesian tourism sources before your trip.