Bali Temple Etiquette: What Are the Rules for Sarongs, Modesty, and Ceremonies?

1. Mandatory Dress: The Sarong (Kamben) and Temple Sash (Selendang)

All visitors, regardless of gender, are required to wear a traditional sarong (kamben) covering the legs below the knee when stepping past the split gates (candi bentar) into temple courtyards.

Equally vital is the temple sash (selendang), tied snugly around your waist over the sarong. In Balinese philosophy, the sash symbolically separates lower animalistic impulses from the upper, spiritual half of the human body. Sarongs and sashes are commonly provided or rented for a nominal donation at temple ticket booths.

Beyond temples: for what to wear in Bali the rest of the time, month by month and as a woman, see What to Wear in Bali.

2. Upper Body Modesty and Appropriate Footwear

While beach towns like Seminyak and Canggu embrace swimwear and tank tops, sacred grounds demand covered shoulders and chest. Lightweight linen shirts, modest short-sleeve tees, or lightweight cardigans are ideal in Bali's tropical heat.

Wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals that slip on and off easily, as specific inner prayer pavilions and holy water courtyards require visitors to step out of their footwear before entering.

3. Sacred Spaces and Religious Ceremony Protocol

During active temple festivals (Odalan) or holy days like Galungan, local villagers gather in intricate white and golden ceremonial attire to deliver woven offerings (canang sari). Never step directly over an incense-burning offering placed on the stone floor.

Never position your head higher than a praying priest (pemangku) or step onto elevated stone shrines (bale). If locals are seated on mats in prayer, remain standing respectfully behind them and never walk across the space between worshipers and the central altar.

4. Physical Sanctity and Temple Restrictions

Balinese temples maintain strict spiritual purity rules (sebel). Anyone with bleeding wounds, including menstruating women, is culturally asked to refrain from entering temple grounds out of respect for ritual sanctity.

Similarly, grieving individuals who have recently experienced a death in their immediate family wait until purification ceremonies conclude before visiting shrines. Treat these traditional requests with genuine courtesy when exploring the island.