I’ve just arrived in Bali after a short stop in Singapore, where I practically OD’d on hawker center delicacies. Let me tell you: after a few weeks here on the Island of the Gods, I’m officially head-over-heels in love. The beaches, the food, the warm people, the majestic temples—Bali is enchanting.
But despite being an obvious piece of paradise, there are definitely a few ways to fumble your Bali experience. And trust me, locals might be too polite to say anything to your face, but they do have thoughts about certain “tourist behaviors.” So, if you want to blend in like coconut milk in a delicious bowl of curry and keep your vacation vibe on the good side of local hospitality, avoid these ten mistakes that make Balinese residents secretly roll their eyes.
1. Disrespecting Temple Etiquette
This might be the biggest no-no on the island. Balinese temples aren’t just fancy structures designed to jazz up your Instagram feed; they’re sacred spaces deeply tied to the local culture and religion. And though it may be 98°F outside, showing up in a crop top and booty shorts is a major faux pas. Always, always make sure you wear a sarong and a temple scarf (often called a selendang) around your waist. If you’re not sure whether you’re dressed appropriately, ask a local or peek at what everyone else is wearing.
Personal tip: On my very first temple visit in Ubud, I was so caught up in the architectural beauty that I totally forgot about covering my shoulders. A kind local reminded me, and I ended up borrowing a sarong from the temple. Lesson learned!
2. Ignoring the “No-Drone Zones”
Drone shots have become the new travel selfies, right? Everybody wants that cinematic overhead footage of the lush rice terraces or a slow pan across the coastline at sunset. But not every inch of Bali’s sky is drone-friendly. Some places—especially near temples and sacred sites—strictly prohibit the whirring, buzzing contraptions. Flying a drone where it’s not allowed is a quick way to annoy the locals and potentially violate local regulations.
Pro tip: Always check whether drones are allowed in the area you’re visiting. And if you decide to break out the flying camera, make sure you’re not disturbing any religious ceremonies or private property.
3. Haggling (Way Too) Aggressively
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bargain just as much as the next digital nomad. In Singapore, I haggled my way to a half-priced phone case once. But Bali’s local markets operate with a different rhythm. Sure, you can negotiate, but do it politely. Shouting, pouting, or trying to cut the price down to literal pennies is just rude. Remember, the cost of living might be lower here than you’re used to, but locals still have to earn a living wage.
Personal tip: When haggling, I smile, keep it friendly, and remember that a few thousand rupiah means a lot more to them than it does to me. Everyone leaves happy.
4. Only Eating “Tourist Food”
You know the type: they travel all the way to Bali and then eat at chain restaurants or only order burgers and fries. There’s nothing wrong with occasionally craving a taste of home, but Bali’s local cuisine is absolutely amazing—and ignoring it entirely is like going to Paris and skipping the croissants.
Must-try local dishes: Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Babi Guling (roast pork), and Sate Lilit (minced seafood satay). If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll still find plenty of options—Gado-Gado salad is a personal favorite of mine.
5. Disregarding Local Customs (Especially During Nyepi)
Bali’s cultural traditions run deep. One of the most important holidays here is Nyepi, the Day of Silence. Imagine an entire island shutting down: no noise, no lights, no going outside. Even the airport closes. It’s a time for self-reflection. Tourists are not exempt. So, if you come during Nyepi, plan accordingly—stock up on snacks, entertainment, and keep the noise to a minimum.
Personal tip: My very first Nyepi was spent at a small guesthouse in Ubud. The owner provided me with enough books and food to last a nuclear apocalypse, and we respected the silence. It was surprisingly refreshing—a forced digital detox for 24 hours.
6. Being Culturally Insensitive With Social Media Posts
Sure, you might think that photo of you hugging a temple statue is adorable, but for locals, it might be totally disrespectful. The same goes for climbing on sacred structures or wearing religious attire for a fashion shoot. Bali’s got enough controversies involving ill-informed tourists going viral for all the wrong reasons.
Pro tip: Look for signs or guidelines around the temple, or just ask your local guide or homestay host what’s okay and what’s not. Better to ask than to become the next cringe-worthy Twitter moment.
7. Trashing Beaches and Public Spaces
It amazes me how some travelers treat paradise like their own personal dumpster. Leaving plastic cups or straws behind on the beach, ignoring trash bins, or even littering in rural areas can seriously hurt local communities and marine life. Plus, your personal brand on social media probably doesn’t want to be associated with a giant plastic trash heap.
Better approach: Bali has several community clean-up initiatives. Sometimes you’ll spot surfers and diving clubs organizing trash collections. Join in if you can! It’s a great way to give back and meet new people.
8. Overestimating (or Underestimating) Local Traffic
Look, the traffic here can be wild. Small scooters weaving in and out of narrow roads, cars trying to inch forward in seemingly endless lines, and the occasional dog that decides to nap in the middle of the street—it’s a lot. Many tourists think they can hop on a scooter after a quick YouTube tutorial, only to end up causing chaos—or worse, accidents.
Personal tip: If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, don’t do it. Seriously. Balinese roads are not the place to learn. Taxis, rideshares, or hiring a local driver can be a lifesaver (literally). And if you do ride, please, for the love of all things holy, wear a helmet.
9. Expecting a “Cheap Paradise” 24/7
Yes, Bali can be surprisingly affordable compared to other tropical destinations, but not everything is dirt cheap. Renting a private villa, dining at high-end restaurants, or partying at swanky beach clubs will cost you. I’ve seen tourists publicly complain that their fancy resort charges “too much,” as if local businesses aren’t allowed to be upscale.
Word to the wise: Do your research, compare prices, and manage your expectations. You can absolutely enjoy an affordable trip in Bali, but don’t act shocked if some activities come with a higher price tag—especially in tourist hot spots like Seminyak or Canggu.
10. Not Learning (or Respecting) Any Indonesian or Balinese Words
You don’t need to be fluent, but learning a few basic greetings or expressions in Indonesian or Balinese is a great way to show respect and connect with people. Phrases like “Terima kasih” (thank you) or “Tolong” (please) can go a long way. Locals will appreciate the effort—plus, it’s fun to learn new words!
Bonus words: “Om Swastiastu” is the traditional Balinese greeting. Use it respectfully, especially around temples or formal gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Bali isn’t just a postcard-perfect destination; it’s a living, breathing culture filled with kind people who are proud of their island’s heritage. As a tourist, you’re essentially a guest in someone else’s home. And while Balinese locals are known for their hospitality and patience, it doesn’t mean they don’t notice or mind when visitors behave poorly.
A quick recap: dress respectfully at temples, be mindful with drones, haggle politely, eat local food, honor local customs (especially on Nyepi), post responsibly on social media, pick up after yourself, drive safely, keep a realistic budget, and learn a few local words. Follow these tips, and you’ll not only have a smoother time in Bali—you’ll also leave with the locals’ warm smiles intact.
I’ve got a few more weeks left here before my next big adventure (spoiler alert: it might involve diving with whale sharks, but that’s a story for another day). In the meantime, I’ll be sipping on my fresh coconut, reading a cheesy romance novel on my Kindle, and working remotely on the next round of improvements for Love Connection—yes, you can totally find love while traveling!
So, go forth, enjoy the mesmerizing sunsets, and treat Bali with the respect it deserves. Trust me, the island will repay you in blissful beach days, rich cultural experiences, and memories that’ll make you want to come back again and again.
Until next time—this is Tina Fey (the digital nomad, not the SNL star) signing off and wishing you magical travels on the Island of the Gods. If you see a random girl grinning like a fool while strolling through the local market in Ubud, say hi. It’s probably me! Safe and happy travels, everyone.
