Left Hand Rules in Bali: Is There Really a Ban?

Left hand rules in Bali come up often in traveller conversations, but in reality they are a matter of cultural etiquette rather than written law. In Balinese custom the left hand is considered less clean, so it is best used with care when giving or receiving something.

Is the left hand really banned?

There is no law or regional regulation in Bali that bans the use of the left hand. What exists is an etiquette norm passed down through Balinese Hindu custom and religious life. Local government, police and immigration do not penalise visitors who eat or hand over items with their left hand.

This unwritten rule exists because the left hand is traditionally seen as the less clean hand, while the right hand is used for things considered sacred or respectful, such as making offerings, receiving sesajen, or greeting someone you respect.

Note: Customs and social norms can differ between villages and families. When in doubt, follow what local people do.

When should you avoid the left hand?

The situations most often mentioned are:

• Giving and receiving items, especially money, cards, food or souvenirs.
• During prayer or when placing offerings at a temple, canang sari or banten.
• Greeting elders or community leaders with the left hand alone.
• Eating, particularly in a Balinese family home or a traditional warung.
• Pointing at something in a place of worship or while speaking to someone you respect.

For everyday things, simply use your right hand, or use both hands as a sign of respect.

Practical tips for visitors

1. Give money or cards with your right hand. If you like, let your left hand support your right forearm.
2. When entering a temple, wear a sarong (kamben) and follow the guidance of the temple staff. Use your right hand when receiving canang or holy water.
3. When eating together, wait for your host to invite you to start, and favour your right hand.
4. At markets or warungs, the left hand is generally not a problem, but still use your right hand when receiving change.
5. When riding a vehicle, use your right hand for signals and the throttle, and follow the official traffic rules.

Left hand in different situations

How SiapPergi can help your trip

SiapPergi rents scooters and cars across Bali at fixed catalogue prices. Vehicles are delivered to your hotel, villa, home or Ngurah Rai Airport with no delivery fee. There is no deposit, your passport or ID is not held, and you pay in Indonesian Rupiah when the vehicle arrives. Every scooter comes with 2 helmets included.

To book, message WhatsApp +6281808001102 (every day 07.00–23.00 WITA), or browse our Bali scooter rental and Bali car rental pages. If you would like a local driver to take you to traditional sites, see car rental with driver.

Riding in Bali: make sure your licence is complete

Riding and licence rules are set by the Indonesian police and government, and they can change. For a scooter, foreign visitors generally carry their home-country licence together with an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the motorcycle category. For a car, a car licence plus an IDP. Check that your documents are still valid and confirm with the official source before you travel.

If you plan to rent and want to see our coverage, see scooter rental in Ubud or scooter rental at Bali airport.

Short etiquette guide before you visit

• Dress modestly when visiting a temple, and wear a sarong.
• Do not touch the head of a Balinese person, as the head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
• Follow the instructions of temple staff and do not enter areas that are off-limits.
• Use your right hand to give, receive and eat.
• Ask first if you want to photograph a ceremony.

Conclusion

There is no legal ban on using your left hand in Bali. However, showing respect for local custom by using your right hand for important things will make your trip more comfortable and be appreciated by the local community.