Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Indonesia: A Traveler's Guide

A nation of many cultures

Indonesia spans over 17,000 islands, more than 300 ethnic groups and hundreds of languages, yet Bahasa Indonesia unites everyone. Most Indonesians are Muslim, while Bali is mainly Hindu and pockets of Christianity, Buddhism and local belief thrive elsewhere. Manners vary by island, but warmth, modesty and patience are valued everywhere.

Greetings

• A soft handshake followed by touching your hand to your chest signals sincerity.
• Use both hands or your right hand to give and receive anything; the left is considered unclean.
• Address elders and officials with Bapak (sir) or Ibu (ma'am) before their name.
• Avoid public displays of affection; a smile goes further than a hug.

Dos and donts

• Do dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees at temples and mosques, and wear a sarong (often provided) at Balinese temples.
• Do remove your shoes before entering homes, mosques and many shops.
• Dont touch anyone's head, including children; it is considered sacred.
• Dont point with a single finger or your foot; gesture with your whole right hand.
• Dont lose your temper in public. Raising your voice causes loss of face for everyone.

Religion and ritual

During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in daytime. In Bali, you may see small palm-leaf offerings (canang sari) on pavements; step around them, never on them. On Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence, the whole island shuts down, including the airport.

Food and dining

Many Indonesians eat with the right hand or a spoon and fork (the fork pushes food onto the spoon). Try nasi goreng, sate, rendang and gado-gado. Wait to be invited to start, and leave a little food to show you are satisfied. Tap water is unsafe, so stick to sealed bottled water.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory.

• Restaurants often add a 5 to 10 percent service charge; if not, rounding up is kind.
• Hotel porters: around 10,000 to 20,000 rupiah.
• Drivers and guides: 50,000 to 100,000 rupiah per day for good service.
• For taxis, use the meter or apps like Gojek and Grab; round up the fare.

Bargaining is normal in markets and for souvenirs; stay smiling and friendly, but fixed-price shops and minimarts are not negotiable.

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