Bali Q&A

What should you wear in Bali (and to temples)?

Answered by Alex M., our Bali-based editor · July 28, 2026

Short answerDay to day, Bali is relaxed: light, breathable clothes, swimwear at the beach, smart-casual for nicer restaurants and clubs. Temples are the exception with a real, enforced dress code - a sarong covering the knees, a sash tied at the waist, and shoulders covered, for everyone regardless of gender. Most temples rent or lend the sarong and sash at the entrance, so you do not need to arrive dressed for it.

Everyday: comfortable and modest-ish

Heat and humidity make natural fabrics your friend - linen, cotton, loose fits. Swimwear is for the beach and pool, not the supermarket or a warung; throw on a top and shorts when you leave the sand. Evenings at beach clubs and better restaurants lean smart-casual (a collared shirt or a dress will never be wrong). Bring one light layer for over-air-conditioned cafes and the cooler evenings up in Ubud.

Temples: the actual rules

Every visitor must wear a sarong that covers the knees plus a ceremonial sash at the waist - even over long trousers or a maxi dress, the sash is still required. Shoulders and upper arms must be covered, so no tank tops, singlets, crop tops or plunging necklines (Short Stay Bali, Kura-Kura). Major temples like Uluwatu and Besakih have a rental station at the gate charging around 10,000-20,000 IDR, and many include the sarong free with your entry ticket.

One extra courtesy

Menstruating women are traditionally asked not to enter temple grounds - it is a religious custom, not a health rule, and it is on the honour system. Beyond that: step over, not on, the little daily offerings (canang sari) you will see on the ground everywhere, and keep your head lower than a priest's during ceremonies. None of this is strict for daily life - it is only about showing the island its own places are respected.

Related guides

Ask your own question

Real questions from readers get researched and answered on this site, marked "asked by a reader". Leave an email if you want a ping when your answer is published - it is optional and never shown publicly.