Stern warning issued to unsuspecting Aussie tourists in Bali
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Recently, an Australian tourist travelling to Bali posted a curious question to a Bali-focused travel group:
Why are there so many small baskets left on the ground all over the island?
His query prompted frequent travellers to issue a stern warning: do not stand on them for your own sake.
According to local guide Bali.com, these baskets are called Canang Sari and are part of a long-time Balinese tradition of offering items to the gods and goddesses, to having wishes and prayers granted in return.
The tradition is rooted in a scripture from the Hindu faith, Bhagavad Gita, which reads:
'Whosoever offers to me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that offering of love, of the pure heart I accept (ix: 26)'.
The baskets are filled with offerings like fruits, flowers, incense sticks, or even money or cigarettes and are generally placed either on higher platforms to venerate good forces or on the ground as offerings to evil spirits to maintain spiritual balance.
You may also see the Balinese wear a sarong (Balinese traditional clothing that comes in different patterns and spans about 170 to 185 cm long, forming a rectangular shape) with a sash around their waist to separate the clean and unclean parts of the body.
A local travel guide further acknowledged that while the offerings on the ground were usually safe for tourists to pass by, they are advised not to step on these if the incense is still burning as it is disrespectful towards their culture and religion and may bring bad luck.
However, mistakes are inevitable, and some Australians shared their mistakes of stepping on the offerings:
‘I have accidentally stood on some, I just put my hands together and do a little nod in apology,’ one shared.
‘Just try not to step on them or kick them on your way through, but sometimes it happens, and just apologise,’ another shared.
Members, if you have the pleasure of travelling to Bali in the near future, we urge you to do your research to gain better understanding of their customs and culture so we can pay due respect to the rich and vibrant island.
This is especially important considering the hefty penalties now facing tourists who don’t abide by local laws and regulations. Just last month, Bali Governor Wayan Koster released an official tourist dos and don’ts list, and tour operators and local guides have been instructed to keep visitors in check and remind them to behave responsibly during their stay.
Below are the obligations and prohibitions for tourists in Bali:
If ever you’ve been to Bali, have you ever seen these baskets? Or do you know of unique cultural practices elsewhere? Share your thoughts on the story in the comments below!
Why are there so many small baskets left on the ground all over the island?
His query prompted frequent travellers to issue a stern warning: do not stand on them for your own sake.
According to local guide Bali.com, these baskets are called Canang Sari and are part of a long-time Balinese tradition of offering items to the gods and goddesses, to having wishes and prayers granted in return.
The tradition is rooted in a scripture from the Hindu faith, Bhagavad Gita, which reads:
'Whosoever offers to me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that offering of love, of the pure heart I accept (ix: 26)'.
The baskets are filled with offerings like fruits, flowers, incense sticks, or even money or cigarettes and are generally placed either on higher platforms to venerate good forces or on the ground as offerings to evil spirits to maintain spiritual balance.
These small baskets can be seen on the ground all over Bali. Image source: Facebook/Aron Zammit.
You may also see the Balinese wear a sarong (Balinese traditional clothing that comes in different patterns and spans about 170 to 185 cm long, forming a rectangular shape) with a sash around their waist to separate the clean and unclean parts of the body.
A local travel guide further acknowledged that while the offerings on the ground were usually safe for tourists to pass by, they are advised not to step on these if the incense is still burning as it is disrespectful towards their culture and religion and may bring bad luck.
However, mistakes are inevitable, and some Australians shared their mistakes of stepping on the offerings:
‘I have accidentally stood on some, I just put my hands together and do a little nod in apology,’ one shared.
‘Just try not to step on them or kick them on your way through, but sometimes it happens, and just apologise,’ another shared.
Those travelling to Bali must research to better understand their customs and vibrant culture. Image source: Klook.
Members, if you have the pleasure of travelling to Bali in the near future, we urge you to do your research to gain better understanding of their customs and culture so we can pay due respect to the rich and vibrant island.
This is especially important considering the hefty penalties now facing tourists who don’t abide by local laws and regulations. Just last month, Bali Governor Wayan Koster released an official tourist dos and don’ts list, and tour operators and local guides have been instructed to keep visitors in check and remind them to behave responsibly during their stay.
Below are the obligations and prohibitions for tourists in Bali:
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