In Reply to: Newbie advice ... posted by Kolokan on Wednesday, 1. December 2010 at 06:47 Bali Time:
.. though had to chuckle at silvafox's comment about not being offended by a big tip! ha ha! Yes, they will turn a blind eye as most Indonesians in the tourist areas are used to our ways, too. But the point is that Indonesians use their left hand for hygiene... i.e. cleaning their bottoms (and I don't mean with toilet paper, folks), cleaning their nose (ever noticed how their fingernails are short on the left except sometimes one long nail on the pinky?), etc., so the left hand is regarded as unclean and I don't think you'll ever see an Indonesian eating with the left hand! (Also, it is manners, if eating with hands - say something like rice - to not let the food you pick up go above your first knuckle). We all forget because of our own habits and the Indonesian people will keep smiling and excuse us...but I think it's nice to try out of respect as we are visitors to their home. I hope I don't sound too preachy...I just thought newbies might be interested and I know (most) Indonesian people really appreciate what they call "good culture".