For both males and females: When entering a temple in Bali you have to wear a sarong (Balinese: kain kamben): a rectangle of cloth around your waist and a selendang (temple scarf) also tied around the waist. Often it is allowed to take pictures nearly everywhere in the temple, but it is always better to ask before, just to make sure that you are not offending anybody here. Women menstruating are not allowed inside the temple as there are seen impure during the period of menstruation. This reflects a sanction against human blood on holy ground. Also pregnant woman and those recently given birth can not enter. When being in the temple it is always required for visitors to keep and open eye on the situation and respectfully follow the procedure done by the Balinese. You are very welcome to join the prayers and here are some rules and procedures to follow: These you will quickly learn, looking at the Balinese praying. An important thing though is when sitting on the ground don't point your feet towards the shrines in front of the prayers. In the temple as in daily life it is important not to cross over the offerings or the gamelan instruments.

Everyday life etiquette:

Body language: Body language still reflects old courtly manners and is strongly codified. It is considered rude to point with one's index finger; use the thumb and always the right hand rather than the left. The left hand is seen impure so also when giving and receiving things use the right hand. The head of the human is sacred, so don't pat children on the head as is so common in the western world. Also when sitting, try to avoid pointing your feet towards the people in front of you as the feet are seen as unpure. Hospitality: Handshaking is customary for both men and women on introduction and greeting. A common way to greet each other on the street is to press the palm of your hands together in front of your chests with the fingers pointing upwards. Visitors are always welcomed with refreshment. Guests may acknowledge the efforts of the host when a tray of refreshment arrives, but they shall not begin eating or drinking until the host says 'silakan', meaning 'please begin'. When leaving, a quest says goodbye by asking permission to leave 'permissi'. When eating the Balinese often eat with their hand. If you want to join in, you start with washing your hands and then eat with the right hand. A Balinese family doesn't necessary eat together. Each individual eats when he/ she are hungry. Public affection: Touching between people of the same sex is common among the Balinese, a sign of friendship. Touching between people of the opposite sex seldom occurs in public. Accordingly, Westerners should avoid kissing or showing affection in public. Especially in the rural villages it is important to dress appropriately. Shorts and single tops are not considered polite attire for women or men here. For women visiting the beach it is best to wear a bikini-top. Flip-flops are acceptable in everyday life, also in the temples, but if you are going to a government office or a more public meeting, you need to where more elegant shoes. Talking with your hand on your hips is a sign on contempt, anger and aggression - as displayed in traditional dance and opera. As you may already know the Balinese are strong believer of their faith. For many Balinese it can therefore be difficult to understand that many Western people do not see faith that important. Even more difficult to understand is the fact that many Westerners do not believe in any god. Therefore it is suggested while talking to strangers in the street not to mention if you do not have any religious faith. This is to avoid any misunderstandings. Talking to Balinese people you know better you can choose to be frank, as there is time and shared trust to explain your thoughts on this matter. You may put your sandals / shoes outside of the room and not hanging the shirt, pan or other on the door or top of cupboard or above of your sleeping bed or small box as a shrine which always put by Balinese in each room ( more information on this matter will give you upon arrival on introduction time ). Delegates are suggested some time to have a time to chat/ mingle with their hosting and family member or follow their daily activities such us to go the rice field, feeding cow or may helping them at their work. This will make delegates more easily in making, close relationship with their host. Bathroom and toilet will be share with the family member and taking a shower using small fail ( water scoope) which the water is fresh water from spring water pipe by the villagers to each host and stocked at bathroom every day. The toilet is Indonesian toilet and will assist at the first time by program host in using of the toilet for squatting. Mineral water for drinking is enough provided for the delegates. Please ask to the hosting if you need a 'hot water' for bathing in other to your hosting can make it for you. Even though all these etiquettes can be difficult to remember in the beginning, you will quickly learn how to behave among Balinese. And remember, the people here will not be offended by you forgetting the everyday procedures as you are a foreigner and not expected to know them.