Baru di Bali

Bali is an island where freedom of expression is appreciated. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone is allowed to act wild and out of control. Rules are still applied, although some of them are there to be broken. Some small violations are still acceptable while there are others that can’t be tolerated. We’ve listed ten guidelines that you might need to know to stay out of trouble.

1. It says forbidden, but it isn’t.

   Confused? We’re talking about the forbidden signs in Bali’s many roads – especially those around Legian and Padma areas. For motorbikes, forbidden signs don’t mean a whole lot and one way is considered to be just for large vehicles. This would include the sidewalks too. Though aimed for pedestrians only, there has been a rapidly increasing number of motorbikes using the sidewalks as their alternative road; the best part (or not!) of this is that the practice is considered to be okay. So if you happen to ride one, you can always make your way everywhere you wish to go with your motorbike.

2. Never touch a child’s head

   Balinese children wearing their traditional outfits are just cute. These children also for many times have been an interesting photo object. The thing is, these friendly children could be too cute that many tourists couldn’t help not to touch them. Touching as in shaking hands or patting on shoulders is normally allowed. However, touching the kids on their head is considered as an offense. This is because in Bali, and many other parts in Indonesia, head is seen as the most sacred part of a human’s body.

3. You buy them here, you leave them here

   We are talking about some souvenirs that you can always buy but can’t take home with you. Amongst these souvenirs are the beautifully carved bows with their arrows, corals and even the good quality yet pirated DVDs. You might pass the custom in Ngurah Rai Airport, but we’re not sure if you could with the one at the airport in your home country. This is because these goods are illegal in some parts of the world.

4. No flash when taking picture of a priest

   Huge, colorful ceremonies are one of the many appealing attractions in Bali. During these events, the Balinese Hindus would dress up to the nines in their own cool traditional ways. Beautiful sarongs and kebaya (women’s top) with its distinguished embroideries would flood the temples’ areas. However, of all these beautiful dresses, the one worn by the priest would be the fanciest; this makes the priest as a lot more interesting object for your camera. Then again, we need to remind you that the Hindu priests in Bali are the most respectable people. Therefore, when taking their picture, you can’t use the flash light. Close-up shots must also be done from a distant using your tele lens.

5. Temples know no tampons

   In Bali, women in their menstruation period are considered 'un-holy'. Therefore, when having their periods, women are not allowed to enter a temple, as the most holy and sacred place.

6. Wear praying outfits, you’re immune on the road

   Different from other areas in Indonesia, Bali applies a different set of traffic rules. It is a common thing everywhere for motorbike riders (and the passengers, of course) to use helmets when on the road. However, in Bali, riders wearing their praying outfits are will not get any trouble from the police when not wearing their helmets. This rule applies not for the Hindu only, but also others like the Moslems.

7. Don’t bargain when not intended to buy

   Bargaining is part of a holiday experience in Bali. Having this ‘psychological war’ with the sellers at the traditional markets or the hawkers could be so much fun, especially if you win the bargain and can get the thing you want in a good price. Yet, we don’t advise you to bargain for something only for the fun of it. The sellers take your bargaining action as a serious purchase intention; therefore, they are willing to negotiate the price. There were cases when the sellers turned so hostile because the tourists only bargained for fun.

8. Don’t steal the artifacts

   This is really serious! Some artifacts sited in several tourist attractions are put there for everyone to enjoy. Unfortunately, irresponsible acts of stealing ancient remains in public places have been taking place several times. As an instance is the head of a Buddha statue in Goa Gajah (elephant cave).

9. Get drunk, don’t get stupid

   Drinking the night away could be a great relief after an exhausting day full of fun. If you can control it, then it’s fine; but there are chances that you’d be carried away and drinking too much. Of course, drinking too much is fine; it’s the aggressive outcome that can’t be tolerated. We’ve seen enough fights (though not too many) and we don’t need to see more.

10. No vandalism, please

    Have you ever been to the mangrove conservation on Bypass road leading to Sanur? If yes, then the place is a good example how vandalism is so not cool. There are scratches and many other totally unnecessary writings on the conservation’s wooden footpaths. Even on the tree trunks, we could see some couples’ names (both the tourists’ and locals’) expressing their sincere love for each other by ruining nature.