Culture
Customs
Welcoming to foreigners? Yes LGBTQ friendly? While homosexuality remains legal across Indonesia, any public displays of affection should be avoided. Recently, a proposal was made for making sex outside of marriage illegal but we don't know how this will be enforced and if it will affect nomads in Bali.
Etiquette tips
Nyepi is the Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar. In 2023, it fell on March 22-23rd. It's important to be respectful of local customs on this holiday - the entire island turns off all lights, stops traffic and any day-to-day activities and meditates in silence.
How to great people
The traditional Balinese salute is the Sembah salute, where the palms are joined together and placed vertically against the chest. In this position, Indonesians say, “Om Swastiastu” which means “May peace be with you”.
Balinese also love to smile as a way of greeting someone.
Tipping norms
It is not expected nor mandatory to tip in Bali, but you are welcome to leave any amount you'd like to tip if you're happy with the service!
Food
Since the majority of Balinese are Hindu, their culinary traditions are slightly different from the rest of Indonesia.
National dish
Nasi Goreng — fried rice with meat, vegetables, and egg.
Must try local food
These steamed Indonesian pancakes are great with curry, or with some sweet Kuah sauce.
Indonesian stir-fried noodle dish with thin yellow noodles mixed with meat and vegetables. You won't struggle to find it in restaurants or street food stalls.
You'll easily find Balinese pork or chicken satays with the famous peanut sauce everywhere on the island!
A serving of rice with a number of delicious dishes and sauces including meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp.
Roast-suckling pig popular in Bali, but not as common in the rest of Indonesia.
Charcoal-grilled fish popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
These steamed Indonesian pancakes are great with curry, or with some sweet Kuah sauce.
Indonesian stir-fried noodle dish with thin yellow noodles mixed with meat and vegetables. You won't struggle to find it in restaurants or street food stalls.
You'll easily find Balinese pork or chicken satays with the famous peanut sauce everywhere on the island!
A serving of rice with a number of delicious dishes and sauces including meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp.
Roast-suckling pig popular in Bali, but not as common in the rest of Indonesia.
Charcoal-grilled fish popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
These steamed Indonesian pancakes are great with curry, or with some sweet Kuah sauce.
Indonesian stir-fried noodle dish with thin yellow noodles mixed with meat and vegetables. You won't struggle to find it in restaurants or street food stalls.
You'll easily find Balinese pork or chicken satays with the famous peanut sauce everywhere on the island!
A serving of rice with a number of delicious dishes and sauces including meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp.
Roast-suckling pig popular in Bali, but not as common in the rest of Indonesia.
Charcoal-grilled fish popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Restaurants to try
Restaurant recommendations from nomads & locals. 4.0+ rating, great atmosphere and authentic food.
If you're in the Bangli area, stop by this fish restaurant and try their signature dish — Mujair Nyat-nyat, a fried or baked fish with Balinese herbs and spices.
This is a great spot for Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice), close to the center of Ubud.
Apart from traditional Balinese dishes, this restaurant has an incredible view of the rice paddies! Try their signature dish, Lawar, finely minced meat with spices.
Farmers' Cooperative coffee plantation with a restaurant overlooking the waterfall.
If you're in the Bangli area, stop by this fish restaurant and try their signature dish — Mujair Nyat-nyat, a fried or baked fish with Balinese herbs and spices.
This is a great spot for Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice), close to the center of Ubud.
Apart from traditional Balinese dishes, this restaurant has an incredible view of the rice paddies! Try their signature dish, Lawar, finely minced meat with spices.
Farmers' Cooperative coffee plantation with a restaurant overlooking the waterfall.
If you're in the Bangli area, stop by this fish restaurant and try their signature dish — Mujair Nyat-nyat, a fried or baked fish with Balinese herbs and spices.
This is a great spot for Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice), close to the center of Ubud.
Apart from traditional Balinese dishes, this restaurant has an incredible view of the rice paddies! Try their signature dish, Lawar, finely minced meat with spices.
Farmers' Cooperative coffee plantation with a restaurant overlooking the waterfall.
Food festivals & markets
Ubud Food Festival: Annual 3-day event celebrating Indonesian cuisine and local produce.
Food delivery apps
Art & music
Where to listen to live music
Gimme Shelter — Home of rock&roll in Bali
The Orchard — Located in downtown Seminyak, has live music three nights a week
Ryoshi House of Jazz — A stage for both local and international Jazz musicians.
Theatre & film
Devdan at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre — This Bali show features a fusion of traditional Indonesian dance activities with contemporary dance.
Kecak dance at Uluwatu temple — A form of Balinese Hindu dance you can find in different temples around Bali.
Visual art
Blanco Renaissance Museum — The work of Antonio Blanco inspired by the island and its community.
Bali Museum — With several exhibition halls, each showcase different historical data from the Mesolithic Age to the modern era.
Puri Lukisan — A museum that consists of 6 buildings displaying traditional Balinese paintings and woodcarvings.
Bali Arts Festival — Annual art festival that celebrates Balinese art and culture.
