10 Things You Should Never Do in Bali
Bali is an awesome spot, like something straight out of a movie. It’s famous for its amazing beaches, cool volcanoes, and super friendly people. People from all over the world, from backpackers to surfers, come to this island in Indonesia to soak up the sun and good vibes.
It’s one of those places you see on social media and dream of visiting, and it totally lives up to the hype. The culture is incredible, the nature is beautiful, and there’s always something new to explore.
But just like traveling anywhere, there are some things you should know to make your trip epic instead of just okay. Think of this as your cheat sheet for having the best time possible. This list isn’t here to scare you off; it’s here to help you avoid some common mistakes.
By knowing what not to do, you can make sure your Bali adventure is smooth, safe, and super fun, especially if it’s your first time visiting this amazing island paradise.
Visit a Coffee Plantation
You might hear about visiting a coffee plantation to try a famous and expensive coffee called kopi luwak. It sounds interesting, but the story behind it isn’t great. The coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and passed by a small animal called a civet.
To keep up with demand, many of these animals are captured and kept in small cages in terrible conditions. It’s an industry that causes a lot of animal suffering, which is why it’s best to skip these tours.
You can still enjoy Bali’s amazing coffee scene without supporting this practice. The island is full of awesome cafes where you can try locally grown coffee that is delicious and ethically made.
Hanging out in a cool cafe is a much better way to experience the local coffee culture, support good businesses, and enjoy a fantastic drink. You’ll get a real taste of Bali and know you made a kind choice.
Drink the Luwak Coffee
Just like skipping the plantation tours, you should also say no to drinking kopi luwak. Again, this coffee has a wild backstory—it’s made from coffee cherries that have passed through the digestive system of an animal called a civet.
While it might sound like a strange novelty to try, the way it’s produced is seriously unkind. Many civets are taken from the wild and forced to live in cramped, unhealthy conditions just to make this expensive drink.
Supporting this industry means supporting animal cruelty. Even if you see bags of it for sale to take home, it’s best to leave them on the shelf. Choosing not to buy or drink kopi luwak sends a powerful message that you care about animal welfare.
There are so many other delicious and ethically sourced coffees to try in Bali that will leave you with a much better feeling.
Stepping on or over the Offerings
As you walk around Bali, you’ll see small, beautiful baskets made of leaves and filled with flowers everywhere. These are called ‘canang sari,’ and they are daily gifts made by the local Balinese Hindu people to show thanks and respect to their gods.
You’ll find them on sidewalks, in front of houses, and near temples. They are a very important part of the local culture and religious beliefs, and you will see them being placed out each morning.
It’s super important to watch where you’re walking and avoid stepping on or over these little baskets. Since they are religious gifts, stepping on them is seen as very disrespectful. Sometimes they even have a lit incense stick in them, so you could burn yourself.
Always walk around them to show you respect the local customs and traditions. It’s a small action that shows a lot of consideration for the people and culture of Bali.
Disrespecting Their Religious Sites
Bali has thousands of temples, and they are incredibly important to the local people. These aren’t just cool-looking old buildings for your social media feed; they are sacred grounds where people practice their religion and connect with their gods.
When you visit these places, remember that you are a guest in a space that holds deep meaning for the community. It’s a privilege to be there, and showing respect is the number one rule.
Being respectful means dressing the right way, which usually involves covering your shoulders and knees. Most temples will provide a sarong for you to wear. Also, keep your voice down, don’t climb on any structures or statues, and just be mindful of your actions.
By being considerate, you show that you value their culture. This simple act of respect helps ensure these beautiful places remain open and welcoming to everyone.