Balinese Culture

Speaking of Money-Bargaining is customary in Balinese culture and may seem daunting at first for those who haven’t experienced it before. Just keep in mind that the first price given is usually at least 5 times what you should end up paying and that the seller will not sell to you if they don’t earn enough to cover their costs (they may laugh at an offer that is too low, but this is all part of the cultural exchange-people in Bali develop community and friendship ties through this daily banter with one another).

Always wear a smile as you bargain and don’t place hands on hips or point with your index finger as these are signs of anger or aggression to the Balinese.

As one final gesture always give your payment to the seller with your right hand.

What about the Language?

The national language is Bahasa Indonesia, which is used as the medium of instruction in schools. English is commonly spoken throughout Bali particularly in commercial tourist centers and is taught in the schools beginning in about 3rd Grade. The people of Bali also speak a Balinese Language at home, in their community and in the market place. This language has three levels so it is recommended that tourists who are eager to learn use Bahasa Indonesia since it will reach more people in more places.

Some common expressions in Bahasa Indonesia

Selamat datang -> Welcome
Selamat pagi -> Good morning
Selamat sore -> Good afternoon
Selamat siang -> Good day
Apa kabar? -> How are you?
Baik ! Terima kasih -> Fine ! Thank you
Siapa nama Anda? -> What is your name?
Nama saya John Doe -> My name is John Doe
Berapa Harganya? -> How much is it?
Mahal ! -> Expensive !
Murah ! -> Cheap !
Boleh tawar? -> Can I bargain?
Harga pas -> Fixed price
Selamat makan -> Have a nice meal
Selamat jalan -> Good bye (to person leaving)
Selamat tinggal -> Good bye (if you are leaving)

Culture and what to wear

When entering temples in Bali Women and Men are required to wear a sarong and sash (we will provide these) to cover the lower half of the body which is considered the unclean or less holy part (no fuss is made about this requirement when it comes to children since they are believed to have come directly from the Gods – especially younger ones). Crossing legs and pointing toes toward people are also considered rude. The upper body and head are the most holy body parts and so we should avoid touching a person (especially a child) on the head.

The Balinese are still relatively conservative in dress and the women generally cover their shoulders and their legs above the knee. In the tourist areas the people have grown accustomed to tourists in shorts and tank-tops or swimsuits but, at the villa and in villages the local people will be more at ease if you only wear these next to the pool.

Putting the shoe on the other foot-when the Balinese bathe they consider themselves invisible (men and women have separate bathing places) so if you see someone in a river or irrigation drainage don’t be surprised by their partial or full nudity.