Bali Customs

• Bali Tips
  Find Bali Tips for visiting a temple, attending a ceremony, what is appropriate dress and more.
  
  
• Language
  Bahasa Indonesia is the language of Indonesia and the Balinese speak Balinese among themselves. However, English is widely spoken everywhere and you can easily get by.
  
  
• Bali Toilets
  Both squat and normal toilets are found all around Bali depending on the area you are in. Bali toilets differ from place to place, some of them had chains and others were normal.
  
  
• Tipping and Wages
  Waiting staff are poorly paid and the average per capita annual income for Indonesians is US$900.
  
  
• Religion
  You cannot avoid religion in Bali, it's everywhere you go, and the offerings are places outside of every business and house every morning and at other times throughout the day..
  
  

Clothes: Cover knees, shoulders, armpits

Toilet: Squat toilets are normal and toilet paper is not common in non-tourist areas. Locals wash with their left hand. Left hand considered dirty for reason above. Western-style toilets are common in Kuta, Ubud, and Denpasar, however you may have to deal with a squat toilet if you visit a local. Always use your right hand to give/receive anything from anyone.

Tipping: Not usual except for porters and at high class hotels & restaurants. Service tax is often added to bill. Waiting staff are poorly paid, tips of 2,000-3,000 Rp are acceptable for good service.

Wages: The average per capita annual income for Indonesians is US$900. An Ubud waitress makes less than 1 million rupes per month (600,000 to 800,000) (I would love to get a hold of more examples of what Bali people get for wages if anyone out there has accurate info?)

At Temple: Everyone should wear a sash when entering a temple. A sarong is also necessary if legs are not covered. Sash/sarong rental is common at temples but you might as well buy a set. Women who are menstruating & people with open wounds shouldn't enter temples.

During ceremonies: visitors should show respect, be discreet with cameras & videos.
source: http://www.itisnet.com/

Balinese Names: are same for both sexes, and determined by birth order.
1st Child = Wayan (or sometimes Putu or Gede)
2nd Child = Made (or Kadek or Nengah)
3rd Child = Nyoman (or Komang)
4th Child = Ketut
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Children = Re-Use Same Names