Foster Daly - worldtravel365.com

Anytime you’re traveling somewhere new, it can feel a little weird to wonder, “Am I dressed… right?” If you’re visiting Indonesia (a Muslim-majority country) but heading to Bali (which is predominantly Balinese Hindu), that question can feel even bigger. The good news: Bali is welcoming, relaxed, and used to visitors from all over the world—as long as you dress respectfully in the places that matter most. The Bali Dress Code in One Sentence There’s no island-wide “dress code,” but you do need to dress modestly and respectfully at temples, sacred areas, and some public places—especially around ceremonies. Quick Cheat Sheet: What to Wear Where Temples / sacred areas Sarong (or long skirt/pants) + covered shoulders Bring a light scarf or shawl for quick coverage Skip beachwear and anything see-through or super tight Beach clubs / pools Swimsuits are totally fine at the beach/pool Toss on a cover-up when you leave the sand Ubud & cultural day trips Breathable, modest pieces (linen pants, midi dress, loose tee) Comfortable walking shoes or secure sandals Canggu / Seminyak nights Warm-weather “going out” outfits (light dresses, button-downs, sandals) Practical footwear if you’ll be walking on uneven sidewalks Waterfalls / rice terraces Grippy sandals or water shoes Clothes you don’t mind getting damp or muddy Scooters (if you ride) Closed-toe shoes are smart Helmet is non-negotiable (and expected by law) First, a Helpful Cultural Note (So Things Make Sense) Bali’s vibe is shaped by Balinese Hindu traditions—offerings on sidewalks, temple ceremonies, and festivals are part of daily life. You’ll see everything from surf gear to flowing dresses, and nobody expects you to “dress like a local” 24/7. What people do expect: when you enter sacred spaces or show up near ceremonies, you dress with respect. Bali’s provincial guidelines for foreign tourists explicitly emphasize dressing modestly and appropriately in sacred areas, tourist attractions, and public places. What to Wear to Bali Temples (The Big One) If you only remember one clothing rule, make it this: 1) Cover your legs (and usually your shoulders) At many temples, both men and women are expected to cover legs to at least below the knee, typically with a sarong. Covered shoulders are commonly expected as well, so pack something easy to throw on. 2) Bring (or rent) a sarong—both are normal Many popular temples include a sarong with admission or have rentals at the entrance. Vendors nearby often sell sarongs and sashes if you want your own (and they make a great souvenir). Intrepid Travel Pro tip: Buy one sarong you genuinely like early in your trip. It’s lightweight, packs small, works as a beach cover-up, and instantly “solves” most temple outfit problems. 3) Some areas are off-limits unless you’re worshipping Bali’s 2025 code of conduct notes that the inner/middle sanctum areas of temples are generally not for tourists unless you’re there to worship, wearing traditional attire/prayer garments, and meeting specific conditions. In plain English: if a sign says an area is for worshippers only, believe it. Take in the beauty from the allowed areas—there’s still plenty to see. 4) A respectful heads-up about menstruation rules The same provincial guidance includes restrictions related to entering certain sanctum areas while menstruating. This is rooted in local religious beliefs and is treated as a matter of temple sanctity. If this applies to you, the simplest approach is: follow posted rules, and if you’re unsure, ask staff at the entrance. What to Wear to Ceremonies (If You’re Invited) One of the sweetest parts of Bali is how warm and welcoming people can be. If you’re invited to a ceremony (wedding, blessing, cremation, temple anniversary), take it as an honor—and don’t stress. Here’s the low-pressure play: Ask your host what’s appropriate. This is totally normal and appreciated. If they say “sarong is fine,” you’re set. If they offer to lend you something, say yes—it’s often the easiest option. Simple ceremony outfit formula: Sarong + sash (if requested) Modest top (covered shoulders is a safe bet) Sandals are usually fine Everyday Bali Style: Yes, It’s Relaxed—But Think “Beach to Street” Bali is absolutely comfortable with swimsuits… in the right places. The smooth approach is to dress in “layers”: At the beach/pool: swimsuit Walking to lunch / popping into a shop: add a cover-up, loose shirt, or wrap skirt Heading into town / markets: breathable, not overly revealing (especially around temples) This lines up with Bali’s broader “dress modestly in public places” guidance for visitors. Bali Government Tourism Office Style Differences by Area (So You Feel Right at Home) Bali has micro-vibes, and it’s fun to lean into them—not because you have to, but because it helps you feel like you belong. Ubud: airy, artsy, and temple-adjacent Think: relaxed, comfortable, and a little “wellness retreat.” Flowy dresses, loose sets, linen pants Sandals you can walk in A light layer for temples (you’ll run into them constantly) If you’re doing rice terraces: it can be humid, and paths can be slippery or muddy. Wear something you can move in, and save the dramatic outfit for after you’ve reached the viewpoint. Canggu / Seminyak: trendy beach town energy Think: casual-cool and surf-friendly. Shorts, sundresses, tanks (plus a cover-up for temples) Button-downs and lightweight pants at night Easy sandals or sneakers if you’ll walk Kuta / busy resort zones: practical and simple wins Think: classic vacation basics. Breathable tees, shorts, casual dresses Comfortable footwear Sun protection (always) Footwear Tips: Bali Sidewalks Are… an Adventure You can absolutely wear sandals most of the time. But bring at least one “real walking” option. Best lineup (simple + effective): Secure sandals (Chaco-style, Teva-style) Light sneakers (for long days, markets, or if it rains) Water shoes (optional but amazing for waterfalls and rocky entries) Sun, Heat, and Rain: Dress for the Weather You’ll Actually Feel Bali is warm year-round, and the sun can be intense—especially when you’re on a scooter or walking in open areas. Pack for: Breathability: cotton, linen, athletic fabrics Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF (and consider a long-sleeve rash guard for surf days) Rainy season moments: a packable rain jacket or poncho, quick-dry clothes, a dry bag for your phone Scooter Style: The One “Must-Wear” Item If you rent a scooter, here’s the friendly truth: it’s convenient, but it’s also one of the biggest risk factors for tourists. Wear a helmet—always. Bali’s official tourist code of conduct explicitly requires helmet use when riding motorbikes, and Indonesian traffic law requires helmets that meet national standards. Bali Government Tourism Office+1 Also strongly consider: Closed-toe shoes (feet + exhaust pipes = painful lesson) Eye protection (bugs, dust, sun) Light jacket or long sleeves (sun + road rash prevention) What to Pack for Bali: A Smart, Small List Here’s a practical packing list that covers temples and beach life without overthinking it: Temple-ready essentials 1 sarong (or buy on arrival) 1 light scarf/shawl (shoulder coverage) 1 modest top (tee or short-sleeve button-down) 1 pair breathable long pants or a midi/maxi skirt Everyday outfits 3–5 tops (mix of tanks/tees) 2–3 bottoms (shorts/skirts/linen pants) 1–2 easy dresses or one-piece outfits Light sleepwear (it’s warm) Shoes Secure sandals Sneakers (optional but nice) Water shoes (optional) Extras that earn their suitcase space Hat Sunglasses Reef-safe sunscreen (if possible) Small crossbody bag Packable rain layer Related Questions Is there a dress code in Bali? Not generally. For everyday life, Bali is relaxed. But when visiting temples, sacred areas, and during ceremonies, modest and respectful clothing is expected—and many temples require legs covered (often with a sarong). What should I wear in Bali at night? Bali nights are warm, so most people wear light “going out” outfits: sundresses, linen sets, button-downs, nice sandals. If you’ll be walking, choose footwear that won’t punish you on uneven sidewalks. And if you’re on a scooter at night: helmet, every time.