Do You Need a Sarong and Kebaya to Visit Temples in Bali? The Rules and How to Wear Them

Do you need a sarong and kebaya to visit temples in Bali? At most temples on Bali, visitors are asked to wear a sarong and a sash (kamben or selendang) as a sign of respect, and this applies to women and men alike. Here is a practical guide so your visit goes smoothly.

What Are the General Rules?

At many Bali temples, visitors are asked to wrap a sarong (a long cloth tied from the waist down to the ankles) and to add a sash or belt at the waist. A kebaya is often chosen by women visitors as a traditional top, but a kebaya itself is not always required, as long as the shoulders, arms and legs are modestly covered. Each temple and its caretakers set their own rules, and these can change for ceremonies, so it is best to ask on site.

Note: Dress requirements can change at any time. If you are unsure, check the official information from the temple management or the local regency government before you go.

Which Temples Usually Apply These Rules?

Public temples, especially historic ones or those actively used for prayer, tend to be stricter about dress than ordinary tourist attractions. Some temples many visitors go to include:

• Besakih Temple in Karangasem
• Tanah Lot Temple in Tabanan
• Uluwatu Temple in Badung
• Taman Ayun Temple in Badung

Some temples rent out sarongs and sashes at the entrance, but availability and cost vary, so ask before you walk in. Because policies differ from site to site, the safest approach is to assume you will need covered legs and shoulders at every temple, and to carry your own sarong and sash even on days when you think you might not need them.

How to Wear a Sarong and Sash Correctly

1. Wrap the sarong from the waist down to just above the ankles, crossing the two sides over each other in the local style.
2. Tie the sash or belt at the waist so the sarong stays in place.
3. Wear a kebaya or top that modestly covers the shoulders and arms.
4. Avoid tight, short or revealing clothing. For men, a shirt or T-shirt worn with the sarong is usually more appreciated.
5. Take off your shoes before entering the main areas of the temple, and keep a calm, quiet manner.

Checklist Before You Visit

• Bring your own sarong and sash, or confirm the temple rents them
• Choose a top that covers the shoulders
• Check opening hours and whether a ceremony is taking place
• Do not touch offerings or sacred items
• Respect areas that are closed to visitors

Tips for Planning Your Temple Trip

Many temples sit outside the city centre, and the drive can take a long time. Plan your route and visit times so you are not rushed and have time to change into your temple clothes if needed. Arriving in the morning is usually more comfortable in terms of heat and crowds, and it leaves the afternoon free for your next stop.

If you are touring several temples in one day, pack your sarong and sash in a small bag so you can change quickly at each entrance. Keep water and sun protection with you, since many sacred sites have little shade in their courtyards.

Getting Around to the Temples by Rented Vehicle

Many temples are spread across different regencies, so a rented scooter or car often makes the day easier than relying on taxis. SiapPergi delivers scooters and cars anywhere in mainland Bali, including to your hotel, villa or Ngurah Rai Airport, so you can start your temple route from wherever you are staying. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, see Bali scooter rental, and for more comfort with luggage or a group, see Bali car rental. If your plan includes the south of the island, scooter rental in Uluwatu may be useful, since the temple sits close to the cliffs and sunset spots.

How SiapPergi Helps With Your Trip

SiapPergi rents scooters and cars in Bali at fixed catalogue prices: scooters from Rp70.000 per day and cars from Rp310.000 per day. Vehicles are delivered to your hotel, villa or Ngurah Rai Airport with no delivery fee, every scooter includes 2 helmets, and you pay in Rupiah when the vehicle arrives. There is no deposit and your passport is not held. Bookings can be made on WhatsApp at +6281808001102 (07.00–23.00 WITA). If you are heading to Ubud or Canggu, you can also check scooter rental in Ubud and scooter rental in Canggu.

For international visitors: carry your home-country driving licence together with an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you ride or drive. Licence and permit rules are set by the relevant authorities and can change, so check the official source before you travel.