Bali temple etiquette: what to wear and how to behave

Bali has thousands of temples (pura), from huge sea temples to small shrines in every family compound. Most welcome respectful visitors. These are the basics that matter most.

What to wear

• A sarong (kamben) around your waist, covering your legs. Everyone wears one, men and women.
• A sash (selendang) tied around your waist over the sarong.
• Covered shoulders. A t-shirt is fine; avoid tank tops.
• Many temples lend or rent sarongs at the entrance, but having your own is easier and often required at smaller temples.

When not to enter

By Balinese custom, some people are asked not to enter temple grounds:

• Women who are menstruating.
• People with open, bleeding wounds.
• People who are in mourning after a recent death in the family.

These rules are about ritual purity, not judgement, and you're trusted to follow them yourself.

How to behave inside

• Some areas, usually the innermost courtyard, are for worshippers only. Respect signs and closed gates.
• Never climb on shrines, walls or statues, and don't sit on altars.
• Don't stand higher than a priest or people praying, and avoid pointing your feet at shrines.
• Keep your voice low and your phone quiet.
• Don't step on offerings. Walk around them, inside and outside temples.

Ceremonies and photos

• If a ceremony is happening, stay at the edge and don't walk in front of people praying.
• Ask before photographing people, and never use flash during prayers.
• Drones are not welcome over temples.

Joining a ceremony

Some yoga studios and retreat centres organise respectful temple visits or water purification (melukat) with a local guide or priest. That's the best way to take part properly. Always go with someone who can explain what to do.

Want to understand the rhythm behind it all? Read about Purnama and Tilem, Bali's full and new moon holy days.