Knowing what not to do in Bali can be as useful as knowing what to do. In fact, knowing how to keep yourself safe and keeping your behavior acceptable to locals will go a long way in ensuring you have a great holiday in Bali.
This guide covers the biggest “don’ts” that visitors should take seriously, plus a few bonus ones that have become extra relevant in recent years. Here’s 5 things that all visitors should take note of when visiting Bali!
Last Update: February 2026.
1. Don’t get involved with drugs in Bali (seriously)
Some parts of Bali have gotten a bit of a reputation as a party city. It doesn’t mean that the law is any more lax in these parts than in others. Drug trafficking, possession or consumption is a serious crime that some visitors take too lightly.
This is the easiest rule on the list because it has one simple version: don’t carry, buy, use, or “hold” anything for someone else. Indonesia has a zero-tolerance approach, and penalties can be severe, including long prison sentences and even the death penalty for serious offences.
Extra points to remember:
- “Soft” drugs are not treated softly here
- Cannabis products, THC edibles, and CBD items can still cause serious legal trouble
- “A small amount” is still a problem, not a loophole
If prescription medication is on the packing list, keep it in its original packaging and bring the documentation. If a product is borderline in your home country, it’s best not to gamble with it in Bali.
There are certainly many more ways to enjoy your holiday in Bali, so why end up in prison when you could be surfing the waves at Echo Beach?
2. Don’t accept unmetered taxi rides (and don’t skip the transport plan)
Bali is easy to enjoy when transport is sorted. It becomes frustrating when every ride starts with bargaining, confusion, and a surprise price tag.
Simple rules that keep you out of transport drama:
- If a taxi refuses to use the meter, walk away and find another option
- Confirm the estimate before getting in if you’re using a non-metered ride
- Use trusted operators and licensed transport whenever possible
Reliable choices that travellers use daily:
- Bluebird taxis (metered): a solid option, especially if booked via the MyBluebird app. Drivers speak adequate English and definitely offer better service than other taxi companies. With Bluebird taxis, you are also assured that the taxi driver will not send you to a ‘spa’ where you can get ‘extra services’.
- Grab and Gojek: useful for short trips in town (pick-up spots can vary in busy areas)
- Private driver: the most comfortable option for day trips, families, and longer drives
The most common “tourist mistake” is over-planning the day and under-planning the drive time. Bali traffic can be slow, so a driver who knows the routes makes the day feel lighter.
Check out our “Expert’s Guide to Taking Taxi in Bali“.
3. Don’t treat Bali like a swimsuit-only destination
Bali has beaches, beach clubs, and plenty of places where swimwear makes sense. It also has villages, temples, ceremonies, and everyday local life throughout those tourist zones.
A simple rule that keeps you on the right side of local norms:
- Swimwear is for the beach and pool
- Cover up when heading into restaurants, shops, and streets away from the sand
Public nudity and indecent exposure can lead to trouble, and Bali has been especially clear about discouraging disrespectful behaviour and inappropriate photos in sacred places.
Easy “what to wear” guideline:
- Bring a light cover-up for moving around beach areas
- Pack a sarong or borrow one at temple entrances
- Choose modest clothing when visiting temples or cultural sites
If the goal is a relaxing holiday, the easiest move is to dress for the location rather than test boundaries. You can have more freedom in the privacy of your own villa pool side.
4. Don’t step on offerings in the street
Those little baskets on the ground are not decorations. They’re Canang Sari offerings, placed daily as part of Balinese Hindu practice.
You’ll see them:
- on sidewalks outside shops
- at doorways and entrances
- near shrines and temple gates
- around “transition points” like steps and crossings
The respectful move is simple: look where you’re walking and step around them.
If it happens by accident:
- pause, step off gently, and move on
- a quiet “sorry” or “permisi” is a polite gesture
- don’t try to “fix” the offering unless someone nearby indicates what to do
This may seem like common sense, but visitors may need a little reminding to keep a lookout for these offerings and to make sure they don’t accidentally step on them.
5. Don’t disrupt ceremonies (or treat sacred moments like a photoshoot)
Bali’s ceremonies are beautiful, and it’s normal to be curious. What causes offence is getting too close, blocking people, interrupting prayers, or chasing “the best angle” at the wrong moment.
Simple ceremony etiquette:
- Don’t walk in front of someone who is praying
- Avoid placing your head higher than a priest (if they are seated, sit or crouch lower)
- Keep voices low and phones quiet
- Don’t touch ceremonial items or offerings
- If a procession causes a traffic jam, take it as part of the Bali experience and wait patiently
A good rule: if the moment feels sacred, act like it is. Watch quietly, leave space, and you’ll be welcome.
Villa Finder Bonus Tip
The list above covers the core “don’ts,” but these bonus ones are worth adding because they align with Bali’s more recent tourist guidelines and common visitor mistakes.
6. Don’t ignore local rules at temples and sacred sites
Temples are not just attractions. Many have areas that are restricted unless you’re worshipping and wearing appropriate attire. Avoid climbing monuments, sacred trees, or taking inappropriate photos at religious sites.
7. Don’t litter, and don’t use banned single-use plastics
Bali has made environmental behaviour part of the visitor expectations. Don’t dump rubbish anywhere near waterways, and avoid items like plastic bags, styrofoam, and plastic straws where possible. A reusable bottle and tote bag go a long way.
8. Don’t drive without proper paperwork (and don’t skip the helmet)
Scooters are everywhere, but accidents are also common. If riding, follow traffic laws, wear a helmet, and make sure you’re licensed appropriately.
9. Don’t exchange money at random places “because the rate looks amazing”
Stick to authorised money changers. If the rate seems too good, it usually comes with a catch.
10. Don’t stay in unlicensed accommodation
This is less about comfort and more about avoiding issues if something goes wrong. Staying in licensed accommodation is part of Bali’s official tourist guidelines.
11. Don’t forget the Bali tourist levy
Bali has a foreign tourist levy that is paid once per entry. It’s an easy step that can prevent hassles later.
FAQ: Bali don’ts and Etiquette
Is Bali strict about drugs?
Yes. Indonesia applies strict drug laws, and penalties can be severe.
Are unmetered taxis always a scam?
Not always, but unmetered rides can lead to inflated prices. Metered taxis, ride-hailing apps, or a private driver are usually easier.
Can tourists wear bikinis everywhere in Bali?
Bikinis are fine at the beach and pool. Away from the beach, a cover-up is the respectful choice.
What should you do if you accidentally step on an offering?
Step off calmly, acknowledge it politely, and move on. Avoid making a scene or trying to “fix” it unless someone nearby tells you to.
Can tourists watch ceremonies?
Usually yes, as long as you keep distance, stay respectful, and don’t interrupt prayers or block processions.
Remember The Rules in Bali!
Bali is friendly and welcoming, but it’s also a culturally rich place with clear expectations around behaviour. If you avoid drugs, respect sacred spaces, plan transport smartly, and keep the environment in mind, the holiday usually runs smoothly.
The best part is that the “rules” don’t remove the fun. They remove the hassle.
Remember these:
- No drugs. Not even “just this once”
- Use metered taxis or reputable transport apps/drivers
- Cover up away from the beach and dress respectfully at temples
- Watch your step around offerings
- Give ceremonies space and keep behaviour calm
- Don’t litter and avoid banned single-use plastics
- Follow road rules and wear a helmet if riding
- Use authorised money changers
- Choose licensed accommodation
- Pay the tourist levy
Taking the time to understand Balinese culture will certainly help you make the most of your trip. The locals will probably warm up more quickly to you if you are not breaching their codes of etiquette. We hope you have learnt more about Bali and how to stay out of trouble there!