The tropical paradise of Bali beckons visitors with its stunning beaches, terraced rice fields, and rich cultural traditions. As Indonesia’s Hindu enclave, Bali’s customs and norms differ greatly from the rest of the mainly Muslim nation. To preserve Bali’s unique heritage and way of life, the provincial government recently issued official guidelines for tourist behaviour on the island.
These rules aim to foster responsible tourism and cultural understanding. By following the dos and don’ts, visitors can show respect, travel safely, and gain deeper insight into Balinese philosophy. Experiencing the island through the lens of spirituality enhances the journey’s meaning.
Understanding Balinese Hinduism
To appreciate the guidelines, one must first grasp Bali’s predominant religion. A form of Hinduism infused with indigenous rituals, it shapes daily existence through a quest for harmony with nature, community, and the gods.
The concept of Tri Hita Karana guides this balance with the realms of spirit, society, and environment. Temples dot the landscape as places to commune with divine energies. Offerings left in shrines and nature nourish relationships between the seen and unseen worlds.
Art forms like music, dance, theatre, and crafts connect to the spiritual. Architecture orients to forces like mountains and water. Rites of passage unite families and villages. By upholding tradition, the Balinese sustain their culture.
Dos: Engaging Respectfully
The dos urge tourists to engage mindfully with Bali’s sacred essence. As guests, visitors should reflect on how their actions impact such a delicate social and environmental ecosystem.
Ways to show respect include:
- Dressing modestly when visiting temples, attractions and villages. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees.
- Learning temple etiquette, like wearing a sarong and sash when entering.
- Using a licensed Balinese guide to provide context at sites.
- Exchanging currency only at authorized money changers, not on the street.
- Paying in Indonesian Rupiah, not a foreign currency.
- Following all traffic laws and driving safely, soberly, and with a valid license.
- Staying in registered hotels and villas, not unlicensed rentals.
- Obeying individual rules posted at each attraction.
Through knowledge and mindfulness, tourists can honour Bali’s living heritage.
Don’ts: Safeguarding Bali’s Sacred Traditions
The don’ts forbid specific behaviours to prevent misappropriation or desecration of holy places and customs.
Actions prohibited include:
- Entering inner temple sanctums unless properly dressed for ceremonies.
- Climbing on or touching sacred trees.
- Taking inappropriate photos like nude poses at temples.
- Littering or polluting nature.
- Using banned single-use plastics.
- Working illegally without permits.
- Trading protected flora, fauna or artifacts.
- Engaging in drug use or sex tourism.
- Displaying rude behaviour towards residents or officials.
Avoiding these protects Bali’s natural and cultural resources while keeping visitors safe legally.
Being a Mindful Tourist
Ultimately, following the guidelines allows travellers to experience the real Bali respectfully. Staying in a Balinese homestay and attending a temple ceremony grants deeper insight than partying in Kuta.
Learning some Bahasa Indonesian wins locals’ hearts. Buying from village artisans directly supports traditional crafts. Savouring local cuisine spotlights indigenous ingredients. Through mindfulness, tourists can nurture Bali’s treasures rather than exploit them.
The onus falls on visitors to educate themselves about Bali’s customs and conduct themselves accordingly. The guidelines simply provide a framework. With openness and preparation, travellers will gain far more than tan lines and trinkets. They will take home cherished memories and a renewed outlook on how to engage meaningfully with foreign cultures.