Chapter 10
LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Local Customs & Etiquette tips
Religion and Culture
- Bali is predominantly Hindu, so religion plays a big role in daily life. You’ll see offerings (canang sari) everywhere—don’t step on or kick them, even accidentally.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples:
- Cover shoulders and knees.
- Wear a sarong and sash (many temples lend them at the entrance).
Greetings
- Locals greet with a smile and sometimes “Om Swastiastu” (Balinese greeting).
- A handshake with both hands or one hand with the other touching your wrist is polite.
- Avoid touching someone’s head—it is considered sacred.
Behavior
- Always use your right hand to give or receive items (left hand is considered impolite).
- Pointing with your feet or finger at someone or something is disrespectful.
-Avoid public displays of affection—hand‑holding is fine, but kissing or hugging in public is frowned upon, especially in villages and temples.
On the Road
- Honking is mostly used as a polite signal, not aggression.
- Be patient—traffic can be chaotic, but road rage is rare.
Dining Etiquette
- If invited to a local home, remove your shoes before entering.
- Wait to be shown where to sit.
- Use the right hand for eating (even when using utensils).
Ceremonies
- You may see processions blocking the road—stay patient and enjoy the sight.
- During cremations or temple festivals, always stand lower than the priest or offerings.
Other Tips
- Avoid climbing on sacred statues or structures for photos.
- Never enter temple areas during menstruation (local custom).
- Bargaining is common in markets but should be done politely.
Cultural
The temple
Breakfast
Drifting
Nourish
Baked
Analogue cafe
Alchemy “vegan”
Arabica coffee
The Loft
Milk and Madu
The Bench
Ours
District 6
Son of a Baker
Uluwatu 1
Supermarket
Pepito express
Fresh market
Sunday market
Beaches
Bingin
Padang Padang
Nyan nyan
Beach Clubs
Sundays beach
Ulu cliff house (ocean view)
Recovery
Alchemy
Istana
Clubs
Savaya
Lolitas Catina Mexicana
The Hatch
Shops
Pantai club
Elce swimwear
Indigo Luna women
Studio K lounge & yoga
SPA & Massage
Spring
Carina
Laniakea spa
Atmos
Santai Recovery Spa
Istana
Local Food
Warung local
Yeyes
Ulu garden
Restaurants & Bars
Rolling Fork
Single Fin (ocean view)
M.Mason Grill
Kala
Teja
La Baracca italian
Zali Lebanese
Pad Thai
Mana (ocean view)
Tabu
El Kabron
Il Saloto
Horizon
Ulu Fish Market
Fitness
Bambu Fitness
Fondue Pilates
Alchemy Yoga
360 Move
Ulu Fit
Uluwatu Fitness Center
Pharmacy
Uluwatu Medical Clinic
Unicare Clinic Uluwatu
CASA MALAYKA
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