Cultural Etiquette in Bali: Respecting the Local Culture
Ubud is steeped in the traditions of Balinese Hinduism, making daily life a spiritual journey centered around vibrant ceremonies. Tourists flock to Ubud to experience the rich culture that permeates the town. Unlike the coastal towns on the island (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu etc.), Ubud maintains a more traditional atmosphere; meaning, it is important to be mindful of respecting the local customs and dressing appropriately. Here are some easy-peasy tips to respect the locals and preserve the incomparable culture of Ubud:
INTERACTIONS & DEMEANOUR
Bali is known to have some of the most friendly people in the world; share a smile with a stranger and you’re guaranteed one in return! This positive attitude is appreciated by all, especially those working in the service industry.
Indonesia is not a confrontational society. Outward displays of anger are not acceptable and are embarrassing for all involved…including onlookers. If something upsets you, take a breath, and resolve the situation in a calm & respectful way. If you struggle with that, remember that MANY people have gone viral online for treating locals with disrespect- save yourself from becoming a viral “Karen”.
EvERYDAY CLOTHING & ATTIRE
When on holiday we want to pull out our fav outfits and get those thirst-traps for the gram, we get it. While the island doesn’t require the modesty of somewhere more conservative such as Java, there are ways to respect the local culture with what you wear:
Wear clothes: (sounds basic, huh- you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this!) walking or driving around shirtless, or in a bikini in Ubud is considered very disrespectful.
Cover your belly: even if you’ve spend hours in the gym striving for those rock hard abs; men and women should cover their belly, crop tops aren’t daywear in the hood.
Hide those butt cheeks: wearing shorts in Ubud is A-OK. Wearing shorts that cut off at the thighs, also okay. However when your booty is shaking out the bottom of your shorts, it’s time to switch to clothing with a longer hemline. To paraphrase Beyonce “Ubud isn’t ready for your jelly”.
Of course… rules don’t apply when lounging poolside or in a yoga class! However as soon as you leave the pool area or yoga studio please throw something light on to cover your swimsuit/sports bra!
VISITING TEMPLES IN BALI: WHAT TO WEAR & HOW TO ACT
There’s an abundance of temples to visit in Bali; from family temples in local homes to iconic temples that people make pilgrimages to each year. Tourists are welcome to visit temples with a few simple respectful rules:
Dress appropriately: When entering a temple you will need to wear a sarong and have your shoulders covered. Some of the more popular tourist sites offer sarongs to visitors as a part of the entrance fee. But it’s always a good idea to carry one in your bag with a t-shirt to cover your shoulders.
Taking photos: In most cases you are welcome to take photos of the temples or standing in front of them, but do not climb on them or surrounding fences. Pose in a respectful way, don’t place your feet on the temple walls, and save the yoga selfies for somewhere less pious.
When Menstruating: Women are not allowed to enter temples when menstruating (it is up to you to enforce this rule, you won’t be asked). There are varying theories about why this rule exists; chat with a local if you want to hear their perspective on it.
CEREMONIES
When spending time in Ubud there’s a good chance you will see some form of a ceremony happening. The Balinese hold ceremonies for an abundance of occasions from full moons through to blessing cars & bikes.
Balinese life is centered around ceremonies, they are prioritized and the most important aspect of life. Weeks and months are spent preparing for all kinds of different ceremonies. As foreigners, it is not necessary to understand all of the ceremonies but it is important to respect the importance of them. If you find yourself stuck in a traffic jam due to a ceremony there’s no need to get frustrated, sit back and take-in the experience we are all on Bali-time anyway!
If you’re attending a ceremony, you will need to wear the appropriate attire. Women need to wear a sarong, sash and preferably a kebaya. And men wear a white collared shirt, a sarong, a belt & saput. Click here to watch a video that shares the details of Balinese traditional attire.
ADDRESSING ELDERS
When talking to persons older than you it is respectful to address them with the title ‘Pak’ for a man and ‘Ibu’ for a woman. This can precede their actual name e.g. ‘Pak Wayan’ or ‘Ibu Nyoman’. This is a general rule that applies to a large population of people in Bali, however because there is a caste system on the island you may need to address someone differently if they’re of a higher caste.
HEADS, HANDS & FEET
When presenting something to a local, extend your right hand as a sign of respect. In Indonesian culture, the left hand is typically reserved for hygiene purposes.
The head, being the highest point of the body, is held in high regard, so it's advisable to refrain from touching someone's head. Likewise, pointing with your feet, the lowest point, can be perceived as disrespectful.
TIPPING IN BALI
Generally, tipping is not compulsory in Bali when you compare it to somewhere like the U.S.A- however it is deeply appreciated by locals in the service industry.
Restaurants do generally add on a 15-21% tax & service charge. However the minimum wage in Ubud for full-time work is approximately IDR 2,800,000/month ($280 AUD/ $$175 USD), so giving someone a tip is a nice way for them to earn a little extra money. You can offer a tip to waiters, tour guides, drivers, cleaners etc. if you wish to thank them for good service.
