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Information Center
| Miscellaneous
Guidelines
for the Culturally Sensitive Guest
The Balinese people are very
open to sharing their unique cultural heritage and the
spiritual wisdom they have nurtured over centuries. Visitors
to Bali will be warmly welcomed to most temples and
ceremonies. There are, however, certain codes of conduct
that Westerners should follow to offer respect for the
Balinese and their culture.
- When attending a temple
ceremony, remember that it is not a party but a
celebration to welcome the gods down to earth. Balinese
always, no matter how many hardships they may face in
their material life, put on their finest traditional
clothing or pakaian adat as a gesture of respect to
both the worldly hosts of the event and the divine guests.
Women wear a kamben, a long length of cloth wrapped
from waist to ankles, a lacy blouse called a kebaya,
and a sash tied around the waist. They will often tie up
their hair in elaborate styles, and decorate it with fresh
tropical flowers. If they own a piece of precious gold
jewelry, they will wear it, and they will paint their
faces with makeup and lipstick, for the Balinese gods
delight in beauty. Men as well will be sure to dress
respectfully, in a sarong, nice shirt or ceremonial
jacket, a sash around the waist and an elaborately folded udeng
headdress. The Balinese are thrilled to see Westerners
wearing this ceremonial dress, and highly appreciative of
the respect it shows. They understand, of course, that
Western customs differ, so if you don’t want to go all
out, don’t worry. But if you do want to share the
experience, ask a Balinese friend or someone in your hotel
to help you find the clothing and show you how to wear it.
- At minimum, wear a sarong
and a sash to attend a ceremony or enter a temple. At most
temples, they can be rented for a small donation. You can
even wrap the sarong over your shorts or dress, if you
must.
- Never position yourself
higher than the offerings or the priest, or climb temple
walls or statues to get a better photo angle. Strange
things sometimes happen to people who offend the gods and
the demons who linger around Bali’s shrines, so it’s
better to be safe than sorry.
- Do not walk in front of
people praying.
- Be sensitive with your
camera and flash, and respect the religious nature of the
occasion.
- Women who are menstruating
are not allowed to enter temples. This is not necessarily
a sign of gender discrimination, but a general prohibition
against blood on holy ground.
- If you are invited to a
ceremony in someone’s home, such as a wedding or baby
ceremony, it is appropriate to bring a small, wrapped
gift. A card is not necessary.
- Like in many other parts of
the world, the left hand is considered unclean, and to eat
with it, point with it, shake hands with it or offer or
receive something with it is perceived as extremely rude.
- Shorts and sleeveless tops
are fine for the beach, but when visiting cultural sights
or small villages they may be seen as offensive.
- Feet are considered impure
and the head is considered to be the most sacred part of
the body. Don’t point with your feet or prop them up on
tables, and don’t pat people, even small children, on
the head.
- Ask questions, share
experiences and opinions, and you will be sure to learn
and enjoy!
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