Bali is a paradise for many, but for some, it’s treated as a lawless playground where anything goes. From reckless behaviour to blatant disregard for local customs, certain travellers contribute to an ugly side of tourism that disrespects not only the Balinese people but also fellow visitors. It’s not just about cultural appreciation—it’s about basic decency. Here’s how you can be a responsible and respectful visitor while embracing the spirit of Bali—for the love of travel and the dignity of those around you.
This is going to be a reality check that might come across as harsh and judgemental. If that ruffles your feathers—good! Pay attention and respect the people who so openly welcome you to their island. You’re a guest in Bali. You wouldn’t go to your aunt’s house and trash the place, so don’t do it here.
Let’s Talk Scooters
It is illegal to ride a scooter in Bali without the proper licence—so just don’t. If you still insist on doing it, at least wear a helmet, closed-toe shoes, and actually know how to ride. Bali’s roads are dangerous; two people die every day from accidents. If you’re inexperienced, you’re not just putting yourself at risk but also endangering everyone else. That’s selfish.
Also, not wearing a helmet? You don’t look cool. The whole “island life, live to the fullest” aesthetic is outdated. You don’t look like a free spirit; you look cringe.
And while we’re at it, learn the rules of the road. It might look like chaos, but there’s a rhythm to it. One beep means “I’m here,” two beeps mean “I’m here and overtaking,” and one long beep (which is rare) means “You’ve pissed someone off.” Take your time, find the flow, and don’t ride like an idiot. For the love of travel and the safety of everyone, abide by the law.
Noise Complaints
This might surprise some tourists, but people actually live in Bali. Locals enjoy going to bed at a reasonable hour—so be respectful. Turn off the loud music and bass at 10 p.m.—that’s a fair standard worldwide.
Blasting music during a ceremony or next to a family temple? That’s next-level disrespectful. The good news is that if you do, the pecalang (community police) will likely shut you down fast. But why be so arrogant that it has to come to that?
And while we’re on the subject—loud bikes with tiny exhausts in the middle of the night? Obnoxious. A group of guys in Canggu recently ignored polite requests from locals to quiet down, so the police paid them a visit. The Balinese are respectful, but they won’t tolerate that kind of disruption.
Dress Modestly
Yes, we all know to cover up at temples, but here’s a wake-up call: if you walk into a café or restaurant—even straight from the beach—put on a shirt, guys. And ladies, throw on a dress over that bikini.
Nobody wants to see all that while they’re eating, even if you have a killer body. It’s rude to the staff and the owners, who are too polite to say anything. Also, your sweat is seeping into the furniture—gross.
You wouldn’t walk into a café topless back home, even on a hot day, so don’t do it here. Australians might be the exception, but remember—you’re in Indonesia, not Byron Bay.
And while we’re at it—wear clothes when walking around town. Yesterday, I saw a girl on a scooter (no helmet) in nothing but a string bikini. Nowhere near a beach. It was so culturally tone-deaf it made me feel guilty on behalf of foreigners. This is someone’s home. No wonder locals fear losing their culture to hedonistic tourism. Cover up.
Particularly on the Gili Islands, which is a predominately Muslim population. Signs in English everywhere ask tourists to wear clothes when not on the beach. If that’s too much to ask, maybe rethink your destination.
Haggle Respectfully
Bartering is part of market culture, but many tourists feel awkward about it. For Westerners especially, negotiation can feel uncomfortable, as they’re often raised to believe that questioning a price is rude. But in Bali, haggling is expected—so instead of worrying about getting overcharged, download Tengah. It’s the ultimate travel app designed to ensure you won’t get ripped off. Tengah provides users with the fair price to pay for bartered goods and services like tours, taxis, shopping, activities, and more, based on actual purchases made within the past three months in that exact location for the exact same item. Along with an instinctual search system, Tengah also uses AI-powered image recognition, allowing you to snap a photo of an item and instantly see what others have paid for it. Tengah also converts prices into your home currency and works offline—perfect for when you’re deep in a market without WiFi. With Tengah, you can negotiate fairly, avoid scams, and shop with confidence, all while supporting honest vendors.
That said, haggling isn’t an excuse to be an arsehole. Never raise your voice or get aggressive. A smile goes a long way. And before you try to knock the price down to the last cent, consider what you’re actually bargaining over—it’s often just a few dollars. That pocket change might not matter to you, but for a Balinese vendor, it makes a difference. The average monthly wage is just $300 AUD. Keep that in mind.
For more bartering tips you can check out this blog post – Master Bartering in Bali According to Local Customs and Etiquette
Learn Basic Bahasa Indonesia (or Balinese)
Even if you butcher the pronunciation, locals appreciate the effort and it’s so rewarding seeing them crack a big smile at your attempt. A few useful words:
- Good morning – Selamat pagi
- Good night – Selamat malam
- Thank you – Terima kasih
- Have a nice day – Hari Bagis
- How are you? – Apa kabar?
- How much? – Berapa?
- Delicious! – Enak!
Respect Religious Offerings
You’ll see small woven baskets filled with flowers, incense, and rice on sidewalks, doorsteps, and roads. These are canang sari, daily offerings to the gods.
It’s tricky because they’re everywhere, and most of us don’t walk while staring at our feet—but try not to step on them. The Balinese understand accidents happen, but they themselves have an uncanny ability to avoid them. For the love of travel – please make a conscious effort.
Be Eco-Conscious
Bali has a pollution problem. We all know it, so don’t add to it. Too many people—locals and tourists alike—fail to grasp the impact. Do your part: bring reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils. Many cafés and restaurants support sustainable practices, so support them back.
Physical Altercations
Guys, what the actual f**k are you doing getting drunk and starting fights? Leave your ego at home—there’s no place for it here.
In all my years living in Bali, I’ve never seen a Balinese person throw a punch, let alone raise their voice. Seeing tourists act like fools in a place known for peace is beyond embarrassing. You’re not tough—you’re just a drunken idiot who might end up in Hotel Kerobokan (Google it). If that doesn’t scare you, at least Google the walk of shame.
Embrace the Spirit of Bali
Bali is called the Island of the Gods for a reason—its energy is so special. If you embrace the kindness, patience, and spirituality of the Balinese people, your experience will be far richer for it.
And if you’re just here to party? That’s cool—have an amazing time! Bali has some of the best nightlife in the world. Just don’t be that tourist. Be a good person.
At the end of the day, that’s what it comes down to—just be a decent human, for the love of travel.
Travelling isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about connecting with the people and cultures that make a destination truly special. Even if you’re on a girls’ trip or a bachelor party, following these simple practices will make your Bali experience enjoyable and respectful.
For the love of travel, let’s explore the world with open hearts and open minds.
