Good to know
Good to Know
- Indonesian communication can be indirect and nuanced. Avoid confrontational or blunt language, and be sensitive to non-verbal cues and gestures. Allow space for subtle expressions of agreement or disagreement.
- Bali can be considered very differently from the remainder of Indonesia. Although there is still strong etiquette to be followed, if you are only planning to visit the tourist towns and lounging on the beaches, this won't be of much concern to you.
- Learning a few words of Bahasa Indonesia will open doors and hearts. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.
- Indonesia has a very relaxed stance when it comes to time. Transport may not run on time, appointments may be late, and services can take longer than you expect. Don't get flustered or angry.
- Canggu is a coastal tourist hub where many locals and expats interact daily, making the etiquette more relaxed than in rural areas while still valuing core Indonesian values of respect and harmony.
Greetings
Sambah (Balinese Hindu Greeting)
- Description
- In certain cultures with significant Hindu-Buddhist heritage such as Bali, Java and Lombok — it is common to perform sembah; to greet by clasped two hands together in front of the chest while slightly bowing.
Handshake
- Description
- Most Indonesian handshakes have a gentle grasp and last for 10-12 seconds.
Verbal Greetings
- Description
- Bow your head, lower your eyes, and smile while saying the Indonesian greeting "Selamat", which means "peace."
Gender Considerations
- Description
- For religious reasons (Muslim and Hindu) men and women do not touch in public in this culture. Women do not offer a handshake to an Indonesian man. However, should a man extend his hand, always shake hands.
Punctuality
Relaxed approach for locals
- Description
- Punctuality is not prized— Indonesians speak of "rubber time"—and can be considered impolite. Good guidebooks warn, however, that Indonesians may expect Westerners to be on time!
Expectations for foreigners
- Description
- Indonesian time can be flexible. Meetings may not start on time, but as an expat, it's advisable to arrive punctually.
Sensitive Topics
Religion and Politics
- Guidance
- Humor is a great icebreaker, but be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Avoid jokes about religion, politics, or sensitive ethnic issues.
Political and Historical Grievances
- Guidance
- Indonesians take great pride in their heritage because they fought hard to gain independence from Portuguese and Dutch colonialist powers and, later, the Japanese. Consequently, a strong nationalist spirit runs through the country despite its cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. Locals do not kindly take foreigners meddling with internal affairs.
LGBTQ+ Matters
- Guidance
- LGBTQ+ matters are a very sensitive topic in Indonesia and not something to be pressed when in a discussion with someone – especially in stricter religious areas.
Canggu Specific Context
Balinese Hindu traditions
- Description
- From the moment you step foot in Canggu, you can feel the spiritual undertones woven into everyday life. Balinese Hinduism plays a significant role here, shaping the rhythms of the community.
Daily offerings
- Description
- Many locals participate in daily rituals, known as "canang sari," where they create these delicate offerings to honor the spirits. Taking a moment to observe this tradition is not only humbling but also offers insight into the profound respect Balinese people have for their environment.
Local warmth and welcoming
- Description
- Whether you're practicing your Bahasa Indonesia with nearby vendors or volunteering with local NGOs, you'll quickly find that Balinese people are incredibly welcoming. In my own experience, a simple "Selamat Pagi" (Good Morning) often opened the door to smiles and friendly conversations.
Body Language And Gestures
Pointing
- Rule
- Pointing toward someone with forefinger is considered rude. While pointing with the whole open palm or just a thumb (with other fingers folded) are considered most polite.
Head touching
- Rule
- The head is where the spirit resides and is considered sacred. Do not touch a person's head.
Feet position
- Rule
- Keep both feet on the floor when sitting. Do not cross your legs, especially not with an ankle over the knee. Sitting with good posture (rigid) and both feet on the floor is a sign of respect.
Eye contact
- Rule
- Looking someone straight in the eyes is considered staring. Avoid prolonged eye contact, which may be viewed as a challenge and may cause anger.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this culture & etiquette research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Canggu
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.