Balinese Bathroom Etiquette
When staying in losmen, particularly when using communal facilities,
don't climb in or drop your soap into the tub of water (bak
mandi). This is for storing clean water. Scoop and pour the
water over yourself with the ladle/dipper provided.
If you wish to use the native paper-free cleaning method, after
using the toilet, scoop water with your right hand and clean
with the left.
This is the reason one only eats with the right hand-the left
is regarded as unclean. Use soap and a fingernail brush (locals
use a rock) for cleaning hands. Pre-packaged alcohol towelettes
may make you feel happier about opting for this method. But
don't throw the towelletes down the toilet.
Bring along your own towel and soap (although some places provide
these if you ask).
Staying in Balinese Villages. Officially, the Indonesian government
requires that foreign visitors spending the night report to
the local police. This is routinely handled by losmen and hotels,
which send in a copy of the registration form you fill out when
you check in. Where there are no commercial lodgings, you can
often rely on local hospitality. But when staying in a private
home, keep in mind the need to inform the local authorities.
One popular solution is to stay in the home of the local authority,
the village head (kepala desa).
Carry photocopies of your passport, visa stamp and embarkation
card to give to officials when venturing beyond conventional
tourist areas. This saves time, and potential hassles, for you
and your host.
Villagers in rural Indonesia do not routinely maintain guest
rooms. If a cash arrangement has not been prearranged, you should
leave a gift appropriate to local needs-cookies, clothing, cigarettes,
or D-cell batteries for radios in remote villages. Note down
their address and send prints of the photos you took of them.
