Bali Temple Dress Code: What To Wear and Bring

Visiting a Balinese Hindu temple for the first time? This guide explains the Bali temple dress code and basic etiquette in clear steps. It helps men, women, and children enter temple areas without confusion.

Above all, it only covers what to wear at Balinese Hindu temples. It is not a general “what to wear in Bali” guide, and not a guide to traditional ceremonial costumes.

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Last verified: 25 November 2025 (WITA). We review this page quarterly or whenever provincial rules change.

Quick rules: Bali temple dress code

• Cover shoulders and upper arms.
• Keep knees covered.
• Wear or carry a sarong that falls below the knee, plus a sash.
• Shorts are fine under a sarong that covers the knees.
• Sleeveless tops need a light scarf over the shoulders and a sarong, or change into a sleeved top.
• Sandals are easiest; remove footwear when signs or staff ask you to.
• Bring your own sarong and sash set if you want to avoid rental queues.

For full outfit examples, see Outfit guidelines for men, women, and children below.

Scope of this Bali temple clothing guide

These guidelines explain:

• What to wear at Balinese Hindu temples.
• How dress code checks usually work at the gates and before the inner prayer areas.

This page does not cover ticket prices, show schedules, or sightseeing routes.

For temple-specific information, open our separate guides to:

• Tirta Empul dress code & purification
• Uluwatu Temple sarong rules & sunset visit (see our full visitor guide for opening hours, entrance fees, and walking routes)
• Saraswati Temple Ubud clothing & city walk

Use this Bali temple dress code guide for the clothing rules, then each temple guide for layout and timings.

Bali temple attire at a glance

A sarong below the knee with a sash is the basic standard for inner temple areas.

Item	Outer courtyards	Inner & prayer areas
Shoulders covered	Recommended	Required
Knees covered	Recommended	Required
Sarong & sash	Often requested	Required
Footwear	Allowed	Remove if asked

Inner areas are the main prayer zones and shrines. Temple staff may limit your access if your clothing does not meet these standards.

Special rules for women

At many Balinese temples, staff ask women who are menstruating, in late pregnancy, or in the first weeks after giving birth to stay in the outer courtyards. Policies and sensitivity vary by temple.

If you are unsure, quietly ask a female staff member at the gate. She will guide you to an area that locals consider respectful and comfortable.

For clothing examples, see Women in the outfit section below.

General Bali temple clothing rules

• Dress modestly and avoid very tight, sheer, or low-cut clothing.
• Cover shoulders, upper arms, knees, and midriff.
• Wear or carry a sarong and sash, even if you already have long trousers or a long skirt.
• Expect dress checks at the main gate and again before the inner prayer areas.
• If you cannot adjust your outfit, staff may limit you to the outer courtyards.

For specific items like shorts, leggings, and sleeveless tops, see Shorts, leggings, and sleeveless tops at Balinese temples.

Outfit guidelines for men, women, and children

Women

• Women do not need a kebaya for a general temple visit, but a sarong and sash are standard.
• Wear a sleeved top plus a midi or longer skirt or trousers.
• Add a sarong and sash before entering inner areas.
• If your skirt sits above the knee, wrap a sarong over it so the fabric falls below the knees.
• For sleeveless dresses, cover the shoulders with a light scarf and wrap a sarong over the lower body.
• Swimwear and beach cover-ups are not acceptable at temple gates. Change into a sleeved top and add a sarong before entry.

Men

• A simple T-shirt and sarong are acceptable at most Balinese temples.
• Wear a T-shirt or short-sleeve shirt plus a sarong and sash.
• You may wear shorts if you fully cover them with a sarong that falls below the knees.
• Long trousers are fine in outer courtyards, but inner prayer areas still require a sarong and sash.
• Remove caps or fashion hats in the inner areas.

Children

• Dress children modestly and bring simple sarongs for them as well.
• T-shirts and knee-length shorts or skirts are common in outer courtyards.
• For inner areas, wrap a lightweight sarong over their lower body and add a small sash.
• Many larger temples offer child-sized sarongs, but bringing one from your hotel avoids last-minute searches at the gate.

Do I need a kebaya or udeng?

Tourists who are visiting and taking photos do not need to wear a kebaya (traditional blouse) or udeng (Balinese headcloth).

Balinese Hindus and residents commonly wear them when praying or joining ceremonies. If a family invites you to a ceremony, your host will usually explain which extra items you should wear and help you arrange them.

Shorts, leggings, and sleeveless tops at Balinese temples

Many visitors arrive in holiday clothes and adjust at the gate. These are the usual expectations:

• Shorts: Allowed if a sarong covers them and falls below the knees. Shorts that show the knees are often refused for the inner areas.
• Leggings: Fine when a sarong covers below the knees and is tied with a sash. Avoid sheer or skin-tone leggings that look like bare legs.
• Sleeveless tops: Cover the shoulders with a scarf or shawl and wear a sarong. For very thin straps or deep necklines, changing into a sleeved top is safer.
• Crop tops: Not suitable for temple visits, even with a sarong. Choose tops that cover the midriff.

Footwear at Balinese temples

• Sandals are usually the easiest choice for temple visits.
• Sandals or shoes are fine in outer courtyards and non-sacred areas.
• Before entering prayer spaces, you may be asked to remove footwear and walk barefoot.
• In purification areas, such as Tirta Empul’s holy water pools, bare feet are required. Socks are not permitted in the water.
• At clifftop temples like Uluwatu, sandals work well on stairs and uneven paths, but you may remove them for specific shrines or prayer platforms.
• Carry a small bag if you want to keep your shoes with you instead of leaving them near the entrance.
• Having removable footwear plus your sarong and sash ready makes gate checks faster, especially on busy or holy days.

Sarongs and sashes at Bali temples

When a sarong and sash are required

• Expect to wear a sarong and sash at entry gates and in inner prayer areas at most Balinese temples.
• This applies to all genders and most ages once children enter inner spaces.
• The usual length standard is below the knees; some checkpoints prefer mid-calf or ankle.
• Outer courtyards can be more relaxed, but carrying your own set ensures you comply anywhere.

How to wear a sarong and tie the sash

• Wrap the sarong around your waist so the hem falls below the knees.
• Overlap the front panels securely so they do not open while you walk.
• Tie the sash at the natural waist to hold the sarong in place.
• Use a small safety pin if you are worried about the sarong loosening.
• Wear the sarong over shorts, trousers, or a skirt. The sash always sits at the waist on top of the sarong.

In Balinese Hindu tradition, the sash also symbolically “ties” the lower body and emotions, reminding visitors to stay grounded and calm inside the temple.

Local terms you may see on signs

• Kamen: local word for sarong or temple wrap.
• Selendang / sabuk: sash or belt worn over the sarong.
• Senteng: a type of sash often used in temple dress.

All of these refer to the required lower-body covering and the tie that holds it in place.

Renting or buying a sarong for temple visits

Many larger temples provide sarongs and sashes at the gate either as a loan, included in the ticket, or for a small fee.

Policies vary, so carry small cash if you plan to rent on site. Rental queues can be long at popular temples during peak hours and holidays. Bringing your own set helps you move through more quickly.

Simple cotton sarongs are sold in many markets and shops around Bali. They pack small and can double as a beach wrap or scarf outside temple visits.

Temple examples: Uluwatu, Tirta Empul, and Tanah Lot

Dress code rules follow the same core principles, but the layout of each temple affects how you move and change clothes.

Uluwatu Temple sarong rules

• A sarong and sash are normally provided at the main gate if your outfit does not meet the dress code.
• Paths along the cliffs are exposed to wind and sun, so secure your sarong well.
• For sunset Kecak shows, you will keep your sarong on while sitting in the amphitheatre.

For full layout, Uluwatu Temple opening hours, entrance fee details, and sunset visit tips, open our Uluwatu Temple Bali visitor guide.

Tirta Empul dress code and purification rituals

• A sarong and sash are required for all visitors.
• If you join a purification ritual, staff may give you an extra temple cloth to wear over your own sarong in the pools.
• Bring quick-dry underwear or swimwear to wear under the ritual sarong, plus a change of dry clothes for after the ceremony.
• You will be barefoot in and around the pools, so choose sandals that are easy to slip on and off.

For step-by-step routes and timings, see our full Tirta Empul Temple Bali guide.

Tanah Lot temple clothing

• A sarong and sash are required at inner shrines.
• Viewpoints, walkways, and photo spots around the complex are more relaxed, but you should still dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.
• At high tide, some areas are only reachable via narrow paths. Secure your sarong so it does not drag in the water.

For more photos, route ideas, and opening hour updates, open our Tanah Lot Temple Bali guide.

Why the Bali temple dress code matters

The Bali temple dress code exists because Balinese temples are active places of worship, not just scenic landmarks.

Modest dress shows respect to those who are praying and helps keep movement around shrines organised. It also speeds up checks at gates, especially on busy or holy days.

If your clothing does not meet the posted rules, you may be limited to outer courtyards or asked to return after changing.

In recent years, the Provincial Government of Bali has updated guidelines for behaviour in sacred and tourist areas. Circular Letter (SE) No. 7/2025 and related “Love Bali” guidelines remind visitors to dress modestly, respect holy places, and follow local staff instructions.

Always refer to the latest advice from the Bali Tourism Office and temple authorities.

Beyond clothing: 5 quick etiquette reminders

• Do not step on or kick away offerings (canang sari) on the ground.
• Do not climb on or sit on temple gates, shrines, or statues.
• Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards altars, priests, or people who are praying.
• Keep voices low and avoid public displays of affection in prayer areas.
• Ask before taking close-up photos of people who are praying or in full ceremonial dress.
• Do not spit, and always throw rubbish in the bins provided to help keep the temple grounds clean.
• If you feel comfortable, greeting staff or locals with a simple “Om Swastiastu” is appreciated. If not, a polite “hello” or “good morning” is still acceptable.

Packing checklist for 1–3 days visiting Bali temples

Pack these simple items if you plan to visit several temples during your trip:

• 1 lightweight sarong and 1 sash per person
• 1 small scarf or shawl for covering shoulders
• Sandals that are easy to slip on and off
• A small bag for your footwear
• A few safety pins or clips for securing sarongs
• A spare set of quick-dry clothes if joining purification rituals

FAQ: What to wear and bring to a temple in Bali