May 27, 2025, 4:40 am | Read time: 5 minutes
No kissing and be mindful at photo spots: A trip to Bali requires some learning. Checking out the country’s etiquette can be beneficial for both future and seasoned tourists.
Many vacationers dream of a trip to Bali. And why not? The Indonesian island has so much to offer: dream beaches, good food, perpetual warmth, and an exciting culture. However, there are some things you should not do on the dream island of Bali.
Overview
- What not to do in Bali
- 1. Show public displays of affection
- 2. Have sex before marriage
- 3. Evade the tourist tax
- 4. Touch a sacred tree
- 5. Enter a temple without proper attire
- 6. Visit a temple during menstruation
- 7. Sunbathe topless
- 8. Travel without a local guide
- 9. Ride a scooter without experience (and a helmet)
What not to do in Bali
If you plan to spend your free time there, it’s wise to do a little research beforehand. The culture and religion of the locals are omnipresent, even on a short trip. If you’re not careful, you might quickly step into a cultural faux pas.
1. Show public displays of affection
A warm embrace here, a kiss there: If you’re spending your vacation or even your honeymoon in Bali, you should be cautious. Kissing and similar displays of affection are not well-received here. In Balinese culture, such displays are considered inappropriate and disrespectful. Travelers should hold back in this regard to show the locals the respect they deserve.
2. Have sex before marriage
In 2025, a new law came into effect in Bali, punishing sex before marriage and cohabitation of unmarried couples with up to a year in prison. However, since the law is only enforced if a family member files a complaint with the police, tourists are usually not affected and can comfortably share a hotel room with their partner, even if they’re not married. It becomes problematic if you’re too loud during sex, as this could attract moral guardians who might then report to the police.
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3. Evade the tourist tax
Since 2024, paying a tourist tax is mandatory in Bali. It amounts to 150,000 rupiah (about 9 euros) and can be paid either upon arrival at the airport or port, or in advance on the official website of the Province of Bali. Those who do not pay the tax are not only barred from entering the country’s attractions but also face legal consequences.
4. Touch a sacred tree
Religion holds a high status in Bali. It’s not called the “Island of the Gods” for nothing. Like the sacred temples, the “banyan trees” are part of Balinese culture. They are considered the kings of trees and symbolize unity, strength, and eternal life. Therefore, tourists are strictly prohibited from touching these massive plants with their aerial roots. Unfortunately, this law is not without reason–banyan trees have often been used as photo props in the past. A Russian influencer even had to leave the country after posting a photo of herself naked against one of them.
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5. Enter a temple without proper attire
More well-known than the sacred trees are probably Bali’s impressive temples. About 20,000 of them are on the island, and anyone visiting should not miss these cultural sites. However, choosing the right outfit is crucial. Even though it’s always around 30 degrees Celsius in Bali, and the weather invites wearing shorts, tops, and dresses, bare shoulders, upper arms, and knees are strictly forbidden in temples. Often, a sarong is provided at the entrance, which you can wrap around yourself.
6. Visit a temple during menstruation
Yes, this rule might initially confuse many. However, Balinese culture views menstruation as something impure, and temples can only be entered with a pure body and mind. Visiting a sacred site during menstruation is considered disrespectful to the gods by the locals. This rule is, of course, difficult to enforce. Tourists must act according to their best knowledge and conscience.
7. Sunbathe topless
Tanning without tan lines? In many countries, that’s not a problem. But while topless sunbathing is normal in countries like Spain or Italy, it’s not well-received in Bali. Although locals have become accustomed to it, especially in hotel complexes or resorts, it’s still not particularly respectful. So, if you’re heading to the beach, you should keep all parts of your swimwear on.
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8. Travel without a local guide
Bali is full of special places and natural wonders: Among them, hikes on volcanoes like Mount Batur or Mount Agung are a real highlight. Unlike in the past, you can now only undertake these with certified Balinese guides–and definitely not alone. This is partly because most people hike the volcano at sunrise, starting in the middle of the night. The guide should be a local, mainly because they are familiar with the traditions and customs.
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9. Ride a scooter without experience (and a helmet)
Without a doubt: If you want to explore Bali on your own, you need a scooter. However, making your first attempts here is more than dangerous. One thing you should know before your trip: Traffic in Bali is wild, with traffic jams and chaos guaranteed. Additionally, many roads are in need of improvement, and there’s left-hand traffic, which you must get used to first.