Despite ongoing concerns about overtourism, the displacement of locals, a lack of waste management systems, and heavy traffic, Bali remains a very popular destination. While most visitors are attracted to Bali because of its historic Hindu temples, gorgeous landscapes, and delicious Indonesian cuisine, many go for the hype, affordable luxury villas, Instagrammable moments, and bragging rights.
There’s no right or wrong way to travel, and I’m certainly not one to judge or impose a travel style — as long as it’s not harming the local communities, animals, or the environment. And with overly popular places like Bali with a strong culture and important traditions, it’s crucial that we travel responsibly.
Having spent about a month exploring Indonesia, with 1 week in Yogyakarta and a couple of weeks in Bali, here’s my insider guide on how to visit Bali responsibly, while minimising the environmental and social impact, well organised by topic.
How to visit Bali responsibly?
There are so many small and easy ways to visit Bali responsibly, from following cultural etiquette on Nyepi day to staying at a local homestay to avoiding animal exploitation activities. Below is a breakdown of all the ways to engage in more responsible travel to Bali.
Important note:
Balinese, and Indonesian people in general, are friendly, welcoming, and soft-spoken, so they will rarely call people out for bad behaviour or rudeness. Regardless, it’s important to still observe and practice respectful behaviour when visiting other countries, especially places with deep cultural traditions and values.
Cultural etiquette and rules in Bali
Below are all the important things to keep in mind regarding cultural etiquette in Bali, but check out this article for more about Balinese culture specifically.
1. Don’t step on or over the offerings (canang sari)
In Bali, you’ll see offerings, called canang sari, everywhere. They’re daily offerings that Hindu Balinese people prepare and place in front of their house every day, though you might also see them at the beach and other places.
It’s REALLY IMPORTANT to not step on them, or even step over them, as this is incredibly disrespectful. The best way is to simply walk around them. Some tourists and “expats” (immigrants) have argued that “they’re everywhere and it’s hard to sidestep them every time”. No. It’s not that hard.
PS: If interested, you can learn to make your own offerings at hands-on workshops.
2. Observe the rules on Nyepi Day, the “Day of Silence”
Nyepi day is New Year’s in Bali, and it’s a day celebrated by fasting, meditating, and observing silence. All businesses close on that day, and there are no flights or activities, and no one goes out exploring or socialising. It’s called “Catur Brata Penyepian”, where there’s no travelling or leaving the house, no physical work, no bright lights, no entertainment or music, and no noise.
Tourists, expats, immigrants, digital nomads, and whatever other terms exist for non-locals are also asked to observe a day of silence and follow the rules, including staying in their accommodation.
If you’re unable to observe this rule, then it’s best to avoid visiting Bali during Nyepi day. The day changes every year as it follows the lunar-based Balinese Saka calendar, but it usually occurs in March or occasionally early April.
3. Respect dress codes
Bali isn’t a Muslim-majority island, unlike the other Indonesian islands, but it’s still a conservative place, and there are expected dress codes.
- When visiting religious sites, dress appropriately. Everyone, but especially women, has to cover their shoulders and knees. There are sarongs available for rent at most temples, and sometimes they’re even free, so there’s no reason to not observe the appropriate dress code. It’s also easy to dress for hot weather by wearing loose clothes with natural fabrics like linen and cotton.
- When going about your day in Bali, many visitors dress in bikinis, while some men even go shirtless. Unless you’re on the beach, this is actually very inappropriate, and just because most Balinese are too polite to say anything, doesn’t mean it’s ok.
4. Respect holy statues and relics
There are specific rules when it comes to respecting holy statues and relics.
- Don’t point your feet at Buddha statues
- Don’t sit on or step on any holy statues
- Don’t touch holy trees
- Don’t pose in funny or mocking poses next to holy relics and statues
5. Temple etiquette
Here are specific temple etiquette to follow in Bali
- Don’t stand taller than a priest during a ceremony.
- For women: don’t visit religious or sacred places when you’re menstruating.
- Don’t scratch or damage the architecture.
- Respect the walking paths and do not trespass on sacred territories and marked off areas, like puras.
- Don’t take photos of people without consent — that’s a general rule for every country, but especially at religious sites when people are performing private rituals. Other people’s cultural traditions aren’t a show for us to photograph.
- And of course, don’t forget to follow the dress code and cover shoulders and knees. And don’t be that person who argues that it’s too hot to cover up.
See some of the best temples to visit.
Ensure locals benefit from your tourism money in Bali
The influx of immigrants and foreign investment in Bali, from the luxury villas to the small cafe serving matcha and avocado toast, means that local Balinese people rarely see the income from these tourist services. If you’re eating at foreign-owned restaurants and cafes, or staying at a villa owned by a non-Indonesian, your tourist money is leaking to everyone else but Indonesians. So here’s how to ensure that locals benefit from tourism in Bali.
1. Stay in locally-owned accommodation
Staying at a locally-owned accommodation not only means that you’re financially empowering the local Balinese, but it also means that you’ll get to know the real Bali from a local, learn about the hidden gems, and try delicious, authentic cuisine.
You can find local homestays for Bali here.
2. Buy local art and souvenirs
Be mindful of what souvenirs, crafts, and artwork you’re purchasing. A fridge magnet is likely mass-produced in another country, so while it can be a fun souvenir for you, it actually brings nothing to Bali.
One of my favourite types of souvenirs is small local artwork, like a small painting or bookmark, a clothing item locally made, or an experience instead of a physical item, like a Balinese cooking class or art workshop.
But if you want a physical souvenir, here are some local artisanal products (Ubud has a lot of cool shops for local arts and crafts, and there are workshops where you can learn to make your own Balinese souvenir, like jewelry and bags):
- A painting by a local Indonesian artist
- Food and snacks
- Silver jewelry
- Rattan woven bags
- Wood carvings
- Skin care and spa products
- Chocolate
- Batik fabrics (batik is a traditional art using wax to dye and create patterns, mostly for clothes)
- Coffee, but AVOID the famous kopi luwak (civet coffee) as the civets are kept in terrible conditions and it’s considered animal abuse.
Be aware of child exploitation in Bali
1. Don’t give children money
You might encounter children begging for money in Bali. But giving them money will only continue the cycle of exploitation, as this money goes to the mafia adults using these very same kids for their cuteness factor to entice clueless tourists, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and entrapment for these children. Instead, donate to trustworthy organisations and NGOs.
Some NGOs in Bali to donate to:
- Bali Children Foundation: they focus on education.
- Fair Future Foundation: they focus on providing medical assistance in remote places.
- Westernlaken Foundation (previously called Soul Surf Project). They focus on human and children’s rights, as well as environmental protection.
2. Don’t visit orphanages as a tourist activity
Can you imagine Asian tourists visiting orphanages in Europe as a “fun tourist activity” and to see orphans put on shows for them, as a way to “raise money”? No? Then should this be considered acceptable in non-Western countries?
These orphanage visits, unfortunately, tend to quickly become a business opportunity, at the expense of the orphans. Also, imagine how the children must feel? They have strangers visiting them daily, gawking at them, taking photos, like they’re being put on display, but without any real benefits for them.
3. How to behave around children in Bali
- By all means, be kind and polite to children. It’s even ok to play with them.
- Don’t touch children on their head, even if it’s meant to be a cute pat. The head is considered a sacred part of the body.
- Don’t be condescending or rude.
- Don’t take photos of kids without permission, and certainly to not post it online. Would you do this in your country?
Social etiquette in Bali
1. Don’t point with your index finger
Pointing with your index finger is considered rude in Indonesia. If you need to point, you can point with your thumb.
2. Use your right hand
Use your right hand to give or receive money, pass food, or shake hands. The left hand is considered unclean, so don’t use it to hand things over.
3. Don’t touch people on the head
Never touch a person’s head, as it is viewed as the most sacred part of the body, where the soul enters the body.
4. Talk softly and calmly
Raising your voice, shouting, and being overly exuberant and excited is frowned upon and even considered rude and tacky. Always speak softly and calmly.
5. Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home
Never wear outside shoes inside someone’s house, and don’t argue if they ask you to remove your shoes.
6. Avoid PDA
Avoid PDA and intimate displays of affection in Bali. While holding hands is fine, more intimate gestures like kissing is frowned upon.
7. Rent normal scooters rather than loud motorbikes
Some people enjoy riding bikes with loud motor noises, and I will never understand why. Perhaps they believe it brings a “cool” factor, but all it really does is create noise pollution for everyone else, and makes the rider look like an attention-seeker rather than anything cool.
Avoid participating in animal exploitation
1. Avoid the “most expensive coffee in the world” made from poop
Kopi Luwak, one of the most expensive coffees in the world, is made from civet poop. Yep, you heard that right; it’s coffee made from poop. Civets are small, cat-like animals that eat the coffee beans, and when they poop it out, it’s collected by workers who wash and process the coffee-filled poop. Apparently, this makes the coffee less acidic.
Unfortunately, I went to visit places where they make the coffee when I was in Bali the first time, over a decade ago, and I wasn’t aware of these animal abuse issues back then. It wasn’t until I saw a civet looking terrified and incredibly sad in its small cage that something clicked and I realised how harmful this was to the animals.
The civets are usually mass-farmed, kept in captivity with barely any space to move, and forced to eat coffee beans daily. This is not just animal exploitation, but actual animal abuse. Even when the labels say wild or organic doesn’t mean that the civets are free to roam.
The best way to avoid this is by simply refusing to purchase this coffee in coffee shops and not visiting the civet coffee farms. You can still try Balinese coffee that’s locally grown and not made from abusing civets, from small coffee estates like Munduk or Belimbing.
2. Avoid dolphin shows
It’s hard to believe that dolphin shows and animal performances are still a thing in this day and age, but some Balinese hotels apparently offer dolphin shows. Avoid these at all costs, because animals trained to entertain are rarely trained in a humane way, and they’re kept in captivity, often even allowing guests to get in the tank with them.
If you want to see dolphins in the wild, you can always go to the north of Bali in Lovina, but I wouldn’t recommend it because there are multiple boats chasing the dolphins and crowding their space, with very little regard for the animals’ safety.
Here’s where to see animals in their natural habitat in Indonesia
- Botanical Gardens in Bedugul for bird watching
- West Bali National Park for bird watching
- Way Kambas National Park in South Sumatra for elephants
- Kerinci Seblat National Park in Sumatra for tigers
- Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Sumatra for tigers
- Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra for tigers, elephants, and orangutans
- Ujung Kulon National Park in Java for rhinos, leopards, and gibbon monkeys
Note that these are truly wild nature parks, so there’s no guarantee of animal sightings. The excursions also usually require days of trekking, rather than short jeep drives like African, Indian, or Sri Lankan safaris (read about my experience on a South African safari here).
3. Skip the “release a turtle” activities
Turtles don’t need our help to be released or to find their way to the ocean. But more than that, not only can we spread diseases by touching them (yes even for those that we release in a shell and don’t touch directly), but they actually need to find their own way to the beach from where they hatched; it’s part of their imprinting system, sort of like their own natural GPS, that helps them find their way to the same beach later on. They do this in the dark, right before sunrise.
For a truly sustainable turtle activity that doesn’t allow touching or harmful interactions, see my turtle experience here in Malaysia; we visited Selingan Turtle Island and learned about real conservation efforts for turtles.
4. Don’t feed wild animals
It’s totally fine to feed the stray cats and dogs in Bali, but don’t feed wild animals. Not even monkeys who seem tamed, as they will become dependent on human food, which can be harmful to them, and they will be seen as a nuisance as they interact more and more with people.
Mind your privilege in Bali
1. Respect locals
It’s basic courtesy to have basic respect for everyone, but especially for the local people of the country you’re visiting. As a guest, it’s crucial to show humility and politeness and not think you’re above others, no matter what your social status or financial situation is.
2. Be mindful of the language you use
Be mindful of how you talk about Bali. One of the most frustrating and harmful sentences that can deeply offend locals is when tourists go to countries more affordable than their home country and walk around loudly expressing how cheap things are.
Don’t call Bali a “cheap” place to visit. Most Balinese live modest lives, and it’s definitely not cheap for them. “Affordable” is a more appropriate term, though it’s still rude and inconsiderate to also exclaim proudly how affordable Bali is for you.
And please don’t say patronising things like “they have so little but seem so happy”. First, materialistic wealth doesn’t define happiness, but second, this is a very Western perspective being projected onto others and reducing a whole community to a basic stereotype, romanticising hardships and poverty.
3. Don’t show off your wealth or privilege
Be modest and humble, as many Balinese might not be able to afford the same things you do. It’s also considered tacky and lame to show off wealth.
4. Don’t mock traditions and cultural rituals
This should be obvious, but I have unfortunately seen many tourists make fun of traditions and rituals that differ from their own. It’s normal to not always understand certain things, especially when it’s new for you, but to mock and make fun of other cultures is rude, obnoxious, and a little pathetic, to be honest.
5. Don’t assume your tourist money is benefiting the locals
Have we all seen the video of the Italian adolescents and their teacher in Bangkok talking loudly on the metro, flipping off a local Thai woman, and saying something about bringing money into Thailand? That’s disgusting and lame behaviour, we can all agree.
But more than that, don’t assume your tourist money is bringing in money for the locals, because if you’re staying at an international hotel or a foreign-owned luxury villa, or eating avocado toast at a foreign-owned cafe, your tourist is going everywhere but to the local communities.
6. Bargain but with respect and with limits
While bargaining when making a purchase is expected, always bargain fairly and politely. It should be treated like a little friendly game rather than trying to take advantage of Balinese hospitality and vendors’ desperation to sell something and make some money.
And just because they agree to your price in the end, doesn’t mean it’s because they’re still making a profit. In some cases, they agree just to be able to sell something and earn something, anything, for the day. And a kind reminder that a few cents for you is a whole lot more for the locals.
7. Don’t donate useless clothes and other items
It’s fine to donate items that are in good condition that you simply don’t have space for or will no longer be using. But giving away things that you’re meant to throw away, because they’re in bad condition, and thinking someone will be “grateful” for it, is disrespectful and will likely end up in Bali’s landfills, leading to more environmental concerns.
Environment-friendly tips for Bali
1. Avoid single-use plastic and items that shed microplastics
- For toiletries, use shampoo bars and soap bars
- Carry a reusable grocery bag or tote bag rather than using a plastic bag every time you make a purchase
- Wear natural fabrics made from cotton and linen rather than polyester and other synthetic materials that shed microplastics. This is also better for you, as natural fabric is best suited to deal with Bali’s humidity
For more info about sustainable tips, check out this comprehensive list I created; it covers everything about being a more sustainable tourist, from planning to when you’re in your destination.
2. Don’t buy plastic water bottles
While it’s well known that Bali’s tap water isn’t drinkable and the safest way to stay hydrated is to buy bottled water, you can now avoid this by getting a reusable water bottle and simply using the Refill My Bottle app to locate places where you can fill it up. Sometimes it’s free, and sometimes there’s a small fee of around 2000 IDR (around 10 cents Euro), which is still cheaper than buying bottled water.
3. Use natural sprays for mosquitoes and bugs
Use sprays made with 100% natural ingredients to repel bugs and mosquitoes. This is important not just for your own skin and the air, but also because when you wash off, the grey water still usually leaks into rivers and the sea, meaning all these chemicals from insect repellants like Deet will negatively impact the marine ecosystem — the very same seafood you’re eating, and the same ocean you’re swimming in.
4. Take quick showers
Conserving water is important in Bali due to the water supply concerns, especially during the dry season. Take quick showers, and turn off the water when lathering your hair and body.
5. Don’t litter
This is an obvious rule: don’t litter anywhere is pretty much understood everywhere, especially in Western countries, but you’ll be appalled at how careless tourists are with other countries’ waste disposal. A few beer bottles by the side of the road, cigarette butts in the sand, trash on the beach… if you wouldn’t do that in your country, don’t do it in other countries. And especially not in Bali, which already has a waste management issue.
Note: cigarette butts left in the sand will end up in the ocean and harm the marine ecosystem. It’s important to dispose of them properly, in the trash.
6. Don’t touch the coral reefs or marine animals
Don’t touch, step on, or damage the coral reefs in any way, as they take years to recover. Also, don’t touch ANY marine animals, whether it’s a starfish or a crab. This also includes baby turtles, particularly those harmful “release a baby turtle” activities. No matter how much they claim this is sustainable because it’s helping in turtle conservation, the reality is that no one should be touching any sea life. Touching turtles can also spread diseases to them.
7. Wear eco-friendly sunscreen
Choose an eco-friendly sunscreen that won’t harm the marine ecosystem and that contains only mineral UV-blocking ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Watch out for these harmful chemicals (reef-safe sunscreens should not have them):
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
- PABA
- Parabens
- Triclosan
- Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium (if it doesn’t explicitly say “micro-sized” or “non-nano” and it can rub in, it’s probably nano-sized)
- Any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”
Reminder: don’t go immediately into the sea after applying sunscreen; you need to wait at least 20 minutes for your skin to absorb it, otherwise you’re just washing the sunscreen off in the sea, and you’ll be left unprotected from the sun’s UV light.
FAQs: How to visit Bali responsibly?
What are some dos and don’ts in Bali?
Do stay curious about Bali’s Hindu culture and traditions, and dress appropriately at all times, but even more so when visiting religious places. Bring cat and dog food to feed the strays. Show basic courtesy to Balinese people, and bargain politely and fairly.
Don’t bargain to the point where you’re harming the vendor’s business or income, and don’t argue when you’re asked to cover up before entering a temple. Don’t participate in animal exploitation, like dolphin shows, buying kopi luwak (civet coffee), or releasing baby turtles.
What is temple etiquette in Bali?
Temple etiquette in Bali means dressing respectfully (covering shoulders and knees), not taking photos of people praying without consent, and not touching holy statues and relics with your feet.