What to Wear at Balinese Temples: Dress Code and Etiquette (2026)
At Balinese temples, shoulders and knees must be covered and a sarong tied at the waist is required. Most temples lend sarongs and sashes at the entrance. A light long-sleeve top helps in strong sun and at higher-altitude temples.
The basic dress code
- Sarong (kamen): required for everyone, men and women, wrapped around the waist and covering the legs.
- Sash (selendang): a cloth tied around the waist over the sarong. Many temples include it with the sarong.
- Shoulders covered: a T-shirt is fine; tank tops and strappy tops are not.
- Knees covered: the sarong takes care of this.
Most temples that receive visitors, including Gunung Kawi and Pura Mengening, lend or rent sarongs and sashes at the entrance, often included in the ticket or for a small donation. If you'll visit several temples, buying your own sarong at a market is cheap and more comfortable.
At higher-altitude temples such as Ulun Danu Beratan, a light long-sleeve top doubles as sun and cold protection.
Etiquette that matters
- Don't step on offerings. Small palm-leaf baskets of flowers (canang sari) are placed on the ground, on steps and at shrines. Walk around them.
- Don't climb on shrines, walls or statues, even for a photo.
- Don't stand higher than a priest or people praying, and don't walk in front of someone who is praying.
- Inner courtyards are often reserved for worshippers. If an area is roped off or marked, stay out.
- Ask before photographing people, especially during ceremonies. Turn off the flash.
- Keep your voice down and dress respectfully even outside the temple grounds during ceremonies.
Who shouldn't enter
Balinese temples traditionally ask that women who are menstruating do not enter, and the same applies to people with open, bleeding wounds or who are in mourning after a recent death in the family. Signs at temple entrances often state this. It is a matter of local religious practice, and visitors are expected to respect it.
Water temples
At holy-spring temples, where people bathe in purification rituals, wear a sarong into the water rather than just swimwear, ask a temple attendant about the order of the spouts, and bring a towel and dry clothes. Our Pura Mengening guide explains the ritual in more detail.
Ceremonies
If you come across a ceremony or procession, you're usually welcome to watch from a respectful distance. Step aside to let processions pass, don't block the road for photos, and if you're invited closer, wear a sarong and sash. During major festivals such as Galungan, temples are especially busy; see best time to visit Ubud for dates to plan around.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a sarong for Balinese temples?
Yes. Everyone needs a sarong and usually a sash. Most temples lend or rent them at the entrance.
Can I wear shorts to a Bali temple?
You can arrive in shorts, but you must wrap a sarong over them before entering so your knees are covered.
Can women on their period visit Balinese temples?
Traditionally, women who are menstruating are asked not to enter Balinese temples, and visitors are expected to respect this.
Can I take photos in Balinese temples?
Usually yes, but ask before photographing people, never climb on shrines, and be discreet during ceremonies.