Tikbalangs are said to scare travelers and lead them astray. They play tricks on travelers to keep them returning to an arbitrary path no matter how far they go or where they turn. It is said that one can avoid being led astray by a Tikbalang by wearing one's shirt inside out. An alternative countermeasure is to ask permission to pass by out loud or not to produce too much noise while in the woods in order not to offend or disturb the Tikbalang.