Watch Your Step for Canang Sari and Respect Adat

When walking the streets of Bali and other Hindu-majority areas in Indonesia, you will constantly see small, palm-leaf baskets filled with flowers, crackers, and burning incense on the ground. These are Canang Sari, daily self-sacrifice offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Creator. Stepping on or kicking one of these offerings—especially while the incense is still burning—is considered highly disrespectful to the local spirits and community.

Additionally, always respect Adat (traditional customary law) when visiting temples or rural villages across the Indonesian archipelago. This means wearing a sarong and sash when entering temples, covering your shoulders, and never touching someone's head. During the holy month of Ramadan in Muslim-majority islands like Java and Sumatra, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting.