Do make sure to respect cultural and religious practices.
Temples – Whenever you visit a temple, you are required to cover your shoulders and warp a long sarong around your waist. Free sarongs are provided at the entrance to every temple.
Daily offerings – you’ll see the Balinese daily offerings (woven baskets with some rice, flowers, incense and so on) not just in the temples but on the pavements, on motorbikes and basically everywhere you’ll go. Try not to step on them or step over them, but go around them.
Hand gestures and other practices – Do not touch anyone’s head since the Balinese believe it’s the most sacred part of the body. When giving or receiving something, try to always do it with your right hand. Do not point your fingers at anyone, it’s considered bad manners. If you visit a Balinese home, you should take off your shoes.
Considering Bali is so close to our home in Australia, we should have visited by now, but haven’t. Thanks for the itinerary and the amazing photos. It’s put it on the list for a quick break.
Thanks Lisa, Bali is such a unique place and there are places where you can avoid the crowds. As we’ve mentioned, we really loved their beautiful culture and that is what we’ve enjoyed the most.
Your photos are inspiring — and you’ve given us so much practical information! I especially appreciate your section on respecting the Balinese customs. When we visit, we are the guests and need to figure out what we can about the culture, not assume we can act in all the ways we’re used to. Great post!
Thank you so much, Sharon for your kind words 🙂 Yes, we totally agree about respecting the local customs and culture. Too many times we see tourists who are oblivious to the local traditions or simply just don’t care. Our favorite part about traveling is learning more about the local culture.
Thank you for such a detailed and authentic guide to bali. It is my dream to visit here. A part of me also argues let the place be. Overtourism is causing havoc on the island nation. yet, someday, I really hope to make it!
Thank you, Madhurima, we know what you mean… We always try to spend a few days in the more popular places and then at least the same amount if not more, exploring the off-the-beaten-path destinations. To be honest, we usually enjoy these hidden gems much more 🙂 I wish more tourists would start to act more responsibly especially regarding the environment, but Bali does rely on tourism. Hopefully, more people will start enjoying the less crowded parts as well.
Oh my that looks absolutly beautiful! And I love you images!
What kind of equipment do you photograph with?
Cheers from Stockholm Sweden 🙂
Thanks so much Ann, we use Canon cameras
We did not spend anywhere near enough time in Bali. We had only a day as a cruise ship port. It was a rainy day, so we headed straight for Ubud and skipped any beaches. You have inspired me to want to go back, for the temple, and the food.
Thanks so much, Rhonda. We can’t believe you only one day in Bali and it was raining… You really do need to go back because there are so many things to see and do in Bali. Some places are very crowded but the key is to come at the right season and have a mixture of popular destinations and some of the off-beaten-path adventures. There are so many unique temples and the food is indeed divine. Hope you’ll make it soon and let us know how did you like it 🙂