Pointing Feet and Touching Heads in Bali: Manners Every Visitor Should Know

In Bali, pointing your feet at people or touching someone's head is one of the fastest ways to offend a local, even when you mean no harm. This guide explains why these gestures matter, what to do instead, and how to stay respectful on the island.

Why feet and heads carry meaning in Bali

Balinese Hinduism, known locally as Agama Hindu Dharma, sorts things into a spiritual hierarchy. The head is considered the highest and most sacred part of the body, where the soul is believed to reside. The feet are the lowest, closest to the ground and to dirt. Because of this, touching someone's head is seen as intrusive or disrespectful, even between friends, and pointing your feet at a person, an altar or a sacred object is seen as deliberately insulting.

These customs are cultural and religious rather than legal, so no police officer will fine you for them. But they shape how people will judge you, and a few small habits make a big difference.

The gestures to avoid

• Touching someone's head, including children's heads. Even a friendly pat is best avoided.
• Pointing your feet at people, offerings (canang sari), altars, statues or food. Crossing your legs so the sole faces someone is also considered rude.
• Stepping over offerings on the ground or over people sitting on mats.
• Using your left hand to give or receive food, money or gifts. The left hand is traditionally used for hygiene, so use your right hand or both hands.
• Pointing with one finger, especially at people or temples. A relaxed open hand is more polite.
• Sitting higher than a priest or elder, or standing over them while they sit.

What to do instead

• Keep your feet flat on the floor when seated, or tuck them under you on a mat.
• If you need to move past someone seated on the ground, bend slightly and say "permisi" (excuse me).
• Give and receive with your right hand, or with both hands for more formal occasions.
• Greet with a small nod and a smile, and a palms-together gesture if you wish.
• Remove your hat in temples, and keep shoulders and knees covered, wearing a sarong and sash when you enter.

Temples, homes and ceremonies

Temples (pura) and family compounds are where these rules matter most. Before entering, check the signs and follow the lead of locals.

Ceremony dates and temple dress rules can vary by village and by the local banjar. When in doubt, ask your host, your hotel or your driver.

Everyday situations

Most of these customs apply in restaurants, shops and on the road too. Hand money to a shop owner with your right hand. Do not touch a child's head when you meet a family, even if the child is adorable. When you see canang sari offerings on the pavement, step around them and never walk through them.

If you are unsure, mirror what locals do. Most Balinese people are very forgiving of visitors who make an honest effort, and a smile plus a polite "terima kasih" (thank you) goes a long way.

Getting around respectfully on a scooter or car

On the road, respect also means not blocking processions, slowing down for ceremonies and keeping your vehicle tidy around temple areas. SiapPergi delivers scooters and cars to your hotel, villa or Ngurah Rai Airport anywhere in mainland Bali, so you can plan your day around temple visits rather than public transport. You can rent a scooter in Bali or a self-drive car at fixed catalogue prices, starting from Rp70.000 per day for scooters and Rp310.000 per day for cars, with 2 helmets included on every scooter.

Quick checklist before you visit

1. Keep your feet on the floor and never point them at people or offerings.
2. Do not touch anyone's head, even children.
3. Use your right hand, or both hands, for giving and receiving.
4. Wear a sarong and sash at temples and remove your hat.
5. Step around offerings, never over them.
6. Ask before photographing people or ceremonies.

How SiapPergi helps

SiapPergi makes it easy to get around Bali without relying on taxis or crowded shuttles. Vehicles are delivered and collected at your hotel, villa or the airport for no delivery fee. There is no deposit, your passport is not held, and you pay in Indonesian Rupiah only when the vehicle arrives, so you never need to pay online. Book on WhatsApp at +6281808001102 (07.00–23.00 WITA), in English or Indonesian, and see how to book for the full steps.

Local customs and traffic rules are set by the Balinese community, the regency and national authorities such as the police. Rules can change, so check current guidance from your hotel or official sources before your trip.

Summary

Touching heads and pointing feet are the two gestures to remember in Bali. Keep your feet grounded, use your right hand, dress modestly at temples and step around offerings. These small habits show respect, and locals will notice and appreciate them.