In Reply to: Do you have answers? I've got questions posted by 1946july on Monday, 24. October 2005 at 14:57 Bali Time:
Traditionally, in Indonesia, and many other parts of the world where toilet paper is a luxury, people use their left hand to clean their bums after going to the toilet. As a result of that, it has become customarily polite and sensible to eat only with the right hand, and to only use the right hand to give something to someone else.
While most Indonesians are aware that westerners do things differently, they will still feel a cultural ickiness if they see you licking the fingers on your left hand after scoffing down a drumstick. Deep in their consciousness, they will feel that you are licking poo off your fingers.
Similarly, if you give something to them, especially food, with your left hand, there may still be that niggling feeling that what you are giving them has your bum germs all over it.
So yes, it is still a matter of politeness to only give and receive things with the right hand. Ironically, this even applies to money, which is covered in more germs than your bum has ever seen.
You'll see some people in denpasar wearing surgical masks or handkerchiefs across their mouth and nose. You won't look out of place if you do the same.
Beards are no problem, except it will probably get itchy in the heat and humidity. Remember, things usually become customs because they are a good idea in the time/place they develop.