Bali and it’s culture
Regarding costs and general description
Balinese lady. Photo credit: Unsplash
Culture isn’t just observed—it’s meant to be felt and respected!
Balinese culture is deeply woven into everyday life, making the island feel more than just a tropical getaway. For visitors and expats alike, understanding and appreciating these traditions adds depth to any Bali experience. Here, spirituality is not just a performance, it’s the rhythm of life itself. Traditional Balinese homes are spiritually designed and aligned with cosmic directions. These daily spiritual practices give Bali an atmosphere of calm and sacredness, even to outsiders.
- Unique Balinese Hinduism
Unlike the rest of Muslim-majority Indonesia, Bali practices a local form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma, influenced by animism, ancestor worship, and Majapahit-era beliefs. Rituals are a daily presence — temples, homes, and streets are filled with offerings and prayers. Major holidays include Galungan, Kuningan, and Nyepi (the Day of Silence, when the entire island shuts down for 24 hours).
Balinese Hinduism. Photo credit: Wikipedia
Vibrant Ceremonies and Rituals
Life milestones from birth to tooth-filing (metatah), marriage, and cremation are celebrated with elaborate ceremonies. Events include gamelan music, sacred dances, offerings, and temple processions. Tourists are welcome to observe respectfully, ideally wearing traditional sashes and sarongs.
Ngaben Ceremony. Photo credit: baligoldentour
Arts and Cultural Expression
Dances like Legong, Barong, and Kecak are not just performances but spiritual acts. Woodcarving, painting, batik, and weaving remain vibrant forms of expression and are passed down through generations. Ubud is the beating heart of both traditional and modern Balinese art.
Kecak dance. Photo credit: kecakmelastibeach
Banjar: Community-Based Social Structure
Every village is organized into a banjar, a community council responsible for rituals, infrastructure, and social order. Balinese society emphasizes togetherness, with a strong culture of mutual help (gotong royong). For expats, living near a banjar means getting firsthand experience of local solidarity.
Beautiful temple. Photo credit: Unsplash
Life Philosophy: Tri Hita Karana
This guiding principle means harmony between humans and God, humans and others, and humans and nature. It shapes everything from how temples are built, to farming, to social behavior. It’s part of what keeps Bali balanced, even amid tourism’s rapid growth.
Balinese people. Photo credit: balistarisland
Language and Communication
Both Balinese and Indonesian are spoken, with Balinese having intricate levels of formality. Locals value politeness and indirect communication, always delivered with a smile. “Om Swastiastu” is a warm, sacred greeting that means “peace and safety.”
Balinese people. Photo credit: Stock Adobe
Daily Life Filled with Meaning
Offering canang sari each morning is a simple yet powerful ritual seen everywhere on sidewalks, altars, even scooters.
Tourism in Bedugul. Photo credit: bucketlistly
Balinese Culture for beginner
If it’s your first time in Bali, one thing to realize early is Balinese culture is not a show, it’s daily life. You may encounter traffic due to temple processions or hear gamelan at sunrise. These are not tourist events, they’re the heartbeat of the island. As a beginner:
- Watch at least one traditional dance performance.
- Visit a temple respectfully dressed.
- Observing the rituals and ceremonies, they offer rare insights into a living culture.
Tourism in Bali. Photo credit: emerhub
Social Etiquette You Should Know
Whether you’re staying for a month or more:
- Do not point with your feet or touch someone’s head — both are considered rude.
- – Dress modestly, even in public beach areas. Revealing clothes in towns or markets may seem disrespectful.
- – If attending a ceremony or entering a temple, always wear a sarong and sash.
- – Also, approach locals with humility. Balinese people appreciate calm, polite, and respectful communication.
How to Respect Local Traditions as a Good Tourist?
Being a mindful tourist in Bali includes:
- Avoid stepping on small offerings (canang sari) placed on the ground.
- Don’t photograph ceremonies or people without asking.
- Never climb temple altars or enter sacred areas without proper understanding or attire.
Remember Bali is not just a destination, it is a living, breathing culture. Treat it with the reverence it deserves.