The beaches of Bali are incredibly welcoming places, full of life, fun, and relaxation. They are a shared space for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. To ensure the experience remains wonderful for everyone, it helps to know a few simple rules of etiquette and safety.
This isn’t about strict regulations; it’s about having respect for the local culture and the environment. Following this simple guide to Bali beach etiquette will help you relax, stay safe, and travel like a seasoned, thoughtful pro.
The “DOs” – What to Do on a Bali Beach
- DO Rent a Sunbed: You’ll see rows of sunbeds and umbrellas managed by local vendors. Renting one for the day is a fantastic way to support the local community directly, and it guarantees you shade and comfort.
- DO Bargain Politely: When buying items like sarongs or souvenirs from beach sellers, a little friendly bargaining is part of the interaction. Always do it with a smile and be fair—a few thousand Rupiah often makes a bigger difference to them than it does to you.
- DO Heed the Red Flags: If you see red flags planted on the beach, it means swimming is dangerous due to strong currents or rip tides. Always respect these warnings and listen to the local lifeguards. The ocean is powerful.
- DO Cover Up When Leaving the Beach: While your swimwear is perfect for the sand and sea, it’s considered respectful to put on a t-shirt or wrap a sarong around you when you leave the immediate beach area to walk into shops, cafes, or restaurants.
- DO Keep Your Belongings Secure: Be mindful of your valuables. Keep your bag zipped and in sight, and avoid leaving your phone or wallet unattended on your towel when you go for a swim.
The “DON’Ts” – What to Avoid
- DON’T Forget Sunscreen: The tropical Bali sun is incredibly strong, much more so than you might be used to, even on a cloudy day. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen regularly to avoid a painful sunburn that could spoil your holiday.
- DON’T Leave Your Trash Behind: Let’s keep Bali’s beaches beautiful. Always collect your bottles, food wrappers, and cigarette butts and dispose of them in a proper bin. The local motto is, “Take only memories, leave only footprints.”
- DON’T Step on the Offerings: At the entrances to beaches or near temples, you will often see small, hand-woven palm leaf baskets called Canang Sari. These are daily offerings and are sacred. Please be respectful and make a point to walk around them.
- DON’T Take Photos of People Without Asking: Bali is endlessly photogenic, but remember to be respectful. It’s polite to ask for permission before taking a close-up photo of a local resident or another traveler.
- DON’T Swim Alone or at Night: For your own safety, it’s always best to swim with a buddy. Never go into the ocean after dark, especially if you’ve had a few drinks.
From Beach Etiquette to Bar Etiquette
Being a great beach guest is easy, and when you’re ready to leave the sand for a well-deserved meal and a cold drink, that same relaxed but respectful vibe continues. After a day of sun and surf, you need a casual spot to relax. At Nirvana Sports Bar and Lounge, we have a laid-back, no-fuss atmosphere where you can feel comfortable in your smart-casual beach attire. We’re all about good food, cold drinks, and great company in a welcoming space.
Thank you for being a thoughtful traveler! When you’re ready to swap the sand for a seat at the bar, come and relax with us at Nirvana Sports Bar and Lounge.
