Your All-Inclusive Detailed List Of 9 Things Not To Do In Bali Ever
Are you planning your next vacation to Bali? This incredible and surreal travel destination has so much to offer that you can think of. Majestic islands, pristine beaches, extraordinary views, spas, rich wildlife, thrilling water adventures, and more. As you know, it is advisable to learn about do’s and don’ts before visiting any travel destination, this blog is specially curated for you. Keep this list of things not to do in Bali handy for spectalurar experiences with your loved ones.
9 Things Not To Do In Bali In 2025
It shouldn’t be a big surprise why people worldwide flock to Bali to spend their vacation. To make sure you do not land in trouble while visiting this place, we have put together a list of 9 things of what not to do in Bali that you should take care of:
1. Do Not Enter The Temples With Your Shoes On
2. Avoid Drinking Tap Water
3. Do Not Visit Temples Wearing Revealing Clothes
4. Avoid Using Your Left Hand For Giving Or Accepting Things
5. Drug Possession And Consumption Can Land You In Jail
6. Maintain Decorum During Nyepi
7. Honking Without Reason Is Prohibited
8. Do Not Point Your Toes Towards A Buddha Statue Or Symbol
9. Do Not Mock Religious Processions
1. Do Not Enter The Temples With Your Shoes On
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Indonesia is a Hindu majority province, so you will encounter many temples. It is customary not to wear shoes when inside, so remember to leave them outside. Otherwise, you might risk offending locals who will ask you to go or return after taking your shoes off. Also, avoid entering temples if you have an open wound. It is considered a taboo and might invite stares from some conservative locals. So, removing not removing footwear outside temples is among things not to do in Bali Indonesia, for a hassle-free experience.
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2. Avoid Drinking Tap Water
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It is best to buy packaged mineral water if you feel thirsty. The restaurants often serve tap water for drinking water, and purchasing a packaged bottle would be a better option. Still a developing country, Indonesia doesn’t have the best filtration systems in place, so the water flowing from taps may not be appropriately recycled and may still have some germs or bacteria that might cause stomach upsets. Even if there are no bacteria, the minerals definitely will be absent, it is a better alternative to opting for packaged drinking water by reliable brands or labels.
3. Do Not Visit Temples Wearing Revealing Clothes
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This applies to both men and women. You should know that it is best to wear appropriate clothes when entering a sacred place of worship such as a temple or a mosque. A sarong, a kind of long clothing that covers your entire body, including your feet, is best. It would also be best to leave your shorts at home when entering a temple. If visiting a mosque, it would be advisable that women cover their heads. So, if you visit sacred sites, look for what not to wear in Bali, including revealing clothes, for the best time.
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4. Avoid Using Your Left Hand For Giving Or Accepting Things
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In Bali, the left hand is considered an unclean part of the body. Therefore, the locals use the right hand most of the time to do something meaningful, such as giving or gifting somebody something, pointing, eating, and so on. When in Bali, it is best to use your right hand to do the abovementioned activities.
5. Drug Possession And Consumption Can Land You In Jail
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There are stringent laws when it comes to narcotics in all of Indonesia and not just Bali. They will not take kindly to such offenses. So, avoid purchasing or selling drugs, best to steer clear of those activities, because if you get caught, you will most definitely end up getting heavily fined and might end up in jail as well. Bali is a beautiful place, as it is, with all its gorgeous natural beauty and exquisite marine life and corals, which are a feast to your sensory world, even when you aren’t high, so it is best to stay off drugs.
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6. Maintain Decorum During Nyepi
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Nyepi is a Hindu celebration that occurs on Isakawarsa in the Balinese calendar. It is a ‘Day of Silence’ that is also a public holiday. Balian Hindus observe a fast for the day, perform other religious rituals, and stay on the premises of their houses for the entire day. So it goes without saying that when in Bali, it is best to respect their traditions and customs and not make a commotion.
7. Honking Without Reason Is Prohibited
If you happen to hire a car, bike, or scooter in Bali, it would be best not to press the horn and create a disturbance. You will notice that the vehicles often just honk a couple of times, enough to signal the vehicle in front. Being aggressive by pressing down on your horn will lead to many unpleasant looks from locals, who frown upon the noise the honk produces. A couple of presses would be adequate to make the presence of your vehicle known.
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8. Do Not Point Your Toes Towards A Buddha Statue Or Symbol
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Do not ever point your feet at someone or do not touch anyone with your feet. If you do so by mistake, do not apologise; such behavior is considered extremely rude. Also never sit with your feet pointing towards the shrine of a god in a temple since you might end up offending the locals who consider it a sign of mockery or disrespect.
9. Do Not Mock Religious Processions
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Maintaining decorum when religious processions are organized on the streets is advisable, especially funeral processions. A Hindu funeral procession is called Ngaben in Bali, Pelebon, or Pitra Yadnya. If you happen to come by a Ngaben, it is best not to make any noise and maintain silence until it passes, or you will be confronted for your behavior.
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Bali is a wonderful place to visit. It would be a pity if you couldn’t enjoy your trip to Indonesia because you were unaware of the things not to do in Bali. Make sure to keep these suggestions in mind for a pleasant journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things Not To Do In Bali
Where not to go in Bali?
Travellers can visit numerous places in Bali, including Kutu Beach, Nusa Dua, and Tanah Lot Temple.
Do and donts of Bali?
It is recommended to not to to litter, do not climb scred trees, do not enter sacred places until adequately dressed, and more.
Is Bali very touristy?
Bali is an island entire of beautiful nature, the Indian ocean allows you to surf or just lay on the beach, but there are not a significant amount of bars. The central Bali is too touristy because it is very popular as an exotic place. And the tickets are not so expensive.
Is Bali crowded?
There are more than 8,800 named islands in Indonesia, plus the many more unnamed islands in the archipelago. Bali is crowded in the peak season, but offers an exhilarating experience to all travellers.
What are top things to do in Bali?
Travellers can indulge in many activities in Bali, including exploring sacred sites, visiting islands and beaches, enjoying water activities, like snorkelling, and more.
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