21 Unwritten (and Essential) Things to Know Before Visiting Bali
Before you book that scooter or say yes to a street-side coconut, here’s what you actually need to know about Bali – from sacred silence to sneaky monkeys.
Bali isn’t just another holiday destination – it’s a spiritual, cultural, and sensory overload of epic proportions. Sure, the rice terraces and surf breaks are stunning, but beneath the Instagrammable layers is a complex island with traditions, unspoken rules, and local nuances many tourists miss. So, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning soul-seeker, here’s a not-so-typical list of 21 things to know before visiting Bali – including both the obvious essentials and those quietly important unwritten rules that’ll save you from awkward moments (or worse, Bali Belly).
1. Nyepi – The Day the Island Literally Shuts Down
Once a year, Bali goes completely silent. No cars, no flights, no music, no lights. It’s Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, and the island pauses to reflect. Even tourists are expected to stay indoors and remain quiet. No sneaky beach runs – airport’s closed and internet may be turned off too. It’s an unforgettable cultural reset if you embrace it.
📅 Next Nyepi: March 19–20, 2026.
2. Sacred Days Affect Business Hours
Bali’s Hindu calendar is packed with ceremonies and sacred days when shops, restaurants, and even entire villages pause. Don’t get frustrated if your favourite warung (eatery) is closed for a ceremony – it’s part of the cultural rhythm. Always check if you’re arriving during a major festival and plan ahead.
3. Respect Temple Etiquette (Yes, That Includes What You’re Wearing)
Temples aren’t just tourist backdrops. Dress modestly (sarongs are often required), and always ask before taking photos. Avoid pointing your feet at shrines, stepping over offerings, or climbing sacred statues. Just because someone else is doing it, doesn’t mean it’s okay.
4. Offerings Are Everywhere – Step Around, Not Over
Those little banana leaf baskets with flowers, rice, and incense? They’re called canang sari, and they’re sacred. You’ll see them on sidewalks, steps, and even motorbikes. Don’t step on them – even accidentally. It’s not just rude; it’s deeply disrespectful.
5. “Bali Belly” is Real – Be Smart About What You Eat and Drink
Stick to bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice unless it’s clearly made from purified water. Street food? Amazing – but make sure it’s hot and fresh. And yes, mobile IV clinics exist here if you get struck down and want a fast recovery.
6. Monkeys Are Cute… Until They Steal Your Sunnies
Especially in spots like Uluwatu Temple and Monkey Forest in Ubud, the local monkeys are professional thieves. They’ll grab phones, glasses, snacks, earrings – anything shiny. Don’t engage or feed them unless you want to get mugged by a monkey gang.
7. Dual Pricing Is a Thing – Don’t Take It Personally
Foreigners often pay more at temples, parks, and sometimes even for taxis or local goods. It’s not a scam – it’s a tiered pricing system. Locals often pay less due to government subsidies or economic fairness. You can negotiate, but do so with kindness, not entitlement.
8. Go Beyond Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud
Tourist hot spots are great for nightlife and creature comforts, but real magic lies in the less-traveled areas. Try Munduk’s mountain mist, Amed’s volcanic beaches, Sidemen’s terraced valleys, or the sleepy charm of Nusa Ceningan. You’ll experience fewer crowds, more culture.
9. Pererenan Is the New Cool Kid on the Block
If you want the Canggu vibe without the chaos, Pererenan is where it’s at – think laid-back cafes, designer yoga studios, and a surf-friendly beach that’s not yet swarmed with influencers. Go before it becomes the next Instagram circus.
10. Don’t Rely on Public Transport – Rent a Scooter (If You Dare)
Bali doesn’t have a proper public transport system, and Grab or Gojek drivers are limited in some areas due to local taxi bans. Scooters are the fastest way to get around, but they’re not for the faint-hearted. If you ride, wear a helmet and have an international license – cops will stop you.
11. Street Dogs Are Common – And Often Chilled
You’ll see dogs everywhere. Most are friendly, some are territorial. Don’t try to pet them unless they approach you calmly. If you want to help, donate to one of Bali’s many dog rescue organisations like BAWA or Mission Paws’ible.
12. The Nusa Islands Are Like Bali 30 Years Ago
Hop over to Nusa Penida, Lembongan, or Ceningan for quieter beaches, stunning cliff views, and a much slower pace. Just watch your step on the roads – they’re still catching up on infrastructure. Nusa Penida’s famous Kelingking Beach looks epic but the hike down is no joke.
13. Tipping Isn’t Mandatory – But It’s Appreciated
Service fees are often included in bills at restaurants, but if someone gives you exceptional service (like your masseuse, driver, or villa staff), a tip goes a long way. 10% is a good rule of thumb.
14. Prices Are Negotiable – With a Smile
In markets or with private drivers, haggling is expected. But it’s not a battle – it’s a conversation. Smile, be friendly, and respect the hustle. Start at about half the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.
15. The Spiritual Energy Is Real – Be Open To It
Whether it’s the smell of incense, the sound of gamelan, or the serene vibe in the temples, Bali has a spiritual undercurrent. Even non-believers often feel it. Don’t fight it. Soak it in, go to a water blessing, or just enjoy a silent sunrise.
Now for the Unwritten Rules Most Tourists Don’t Hear About…
16. Don’t Honk Aggressively – It’s Not a Battle Here
In Bali, a honk isn’t angry – it’s a friendly “Hey, I’m here.” Don’t take it the wrong way. And don’t blare your horn like you’re in New York traffic.
17. Don’t Point With Your Feet
It’s considered rude to point at people or objects with your feet. Keep your feet off tables and be mindful of where they’re pointed, especially in temples or someone’s home.
18. Not Everything is Open Late – Plan Accordingly
Bali isn’t a 24/7 destination. Many shops close by 9 or 10pm (earlier in rural areas), and some beaches and temples have set visiting hours. Don’t expect midnight munchies unless you’re in Kuta.
19. Don’t Touch Anyone’s Head (Even Kids)
In Balinese culture, the head is sacred – the seat of the soul. Even ruffling a child’s hair, which might feel friendly to you, is considered disrespectful.
20. Respect the Banjar System – It’s Local Law
Every village has a banjar, or community council, which handles everything from ceremonies to local disputes. Don’t mess with it. If your villa asks you to be quiet during a ceremony, listen. The banjar’s word carries serious weight.
21. Sometimes “Yes” Means “Maybe”
Balinese are famously polite. They often say “yes” to avoid conflict, even if they don’t understand or can’t deliver. If it really matters, clarify again – with patience.
Come With Curiosity, Leave With Respect
Bali’s not a theme park – it’s a living, breathing cultural landscape with its own rhythm. If you come with openness, a little cultural sensitivity, and a touch of humility, you’ll not only avoid missteps – you’ll fall in love with the island for what it truly is.
Bali isn’t just a place – it’s a state of mind. And now, you know how to navigate it like a local (well, almost).
