Bali Car Rental & Transport

Old, faded, or torn clothes, bare shoulders and knees, or excessively native dress is also considered bad form. Wear a collared shirt, skirt, or trousers, and shoes when a visiting a government office such as immigration office, applying for a driver’s license, visiting a sacred area, or attending a ceremony. Take your shoes off before entering a private residence.

A sarong tied above the breasts is only acceptable on the way to the beach or on the way to bathe. The Balinese are not bothered by nude or semi-nude bathing, but the ruling Javanese are—it’s illegal on Bali’s beaches. However, it’s impossible to arrest scores of barebreasted Italian and French women.

Table Manners
A Balinese will always offer to share his meal when a visitor arrives at his house, office, or park bench, and he will usually excuse himself for eating in front of you at a warung. If you’re offered food or drink in someone’s home it is polite to accept or at least ask for a glass of hot tea. A guest may not start to eat or drink until invited to do so by the host with ‘Silakan’ (Please begin to eat) or ‘Minumlah’ (Please drink), sometimes 20 minutes later!

Take a small helping the first time because your host will be offended if you don’t eat a second. It’s polite to keep pace with your host. If you empty your plate, it means you want more, If you are the host, ask your Indonesian guest to eat or drink when food is served since he will wait until you offer it. Many Balinese don’t use utensils at home but eat the traditional way with the fingers of the right hand. Never eat with the left hand it’s used instead of toilet paper. When you’re done eating ask the host or hostess for permission to leave.

Indonesians are not accustomed to eating uncooked food such as salads, cold meats, and dairy products, but fruit is often served after a meal. Westerners rarely eat the insides of cattle, pigs, or chickens, but on Bali every part of an an- mat is eaten except its eyes. Families don’t usually talk during meals; conversation starts after. If you have to pick your teeth cover your mouth with your hands—only animals show their fangs.