How to dress for a Balinese ceremony – So you’ve scored an invite to a real Balinese ceremony – no, not those Instagram-friendly “water blessings” for tourists – but the real deal where locals actually side-eye foreigners who get it wrong. Here’s how to nail the dress code without accidentally offending the entire village.
1. The Sacred Cover-Up (RIP Bintang Tank Top)
How to dress for a Balinese ceremony 101: Your beach bod stays hidden.
Must-cover zones:
- Shoulders (say no to spaghetti straps)
- Chest (leave the deep-V for Potato Head)
- Knees (goodbye, booty shorts)
“Saw a German influencer try to enter Besakih in a lace crop top. The priests’ faces said it all.”
Pro tip: Pack a lightweight kebaya top or long-sleeved shirt – temple chic is a thing.
2. Sarong + Sash: Non-Negotiable Duo
Even if you’re wearing pants:
- Kain (sarong): Wraps waist-to-ankle
- Selendang (sash): Tied tightly over it
Where to cop:
📍 Ubud Market: IDR 50k vs tourist shops’ 300k
📍 Warungs: Many sell basic ones
📍 Temple entrance: Usually IDR 20k rentals
3. Color Code: When White = Right
- Ngaben (cremation): White/black only
- Weddings: Bright colors okay
- Melukat (cleansing): Muted earth tones
“Wore red to a purification ritual. Got the ‘bule dunno anything’ sigh from grandma.”
4. Head Rules You’d Never Guess
- No hats/sunglasses (nothing higher than priest’s head)
- Hair down (top knots = spiritually cocky)
- Tattoos? Cover deities (your Shiva backpiece can wait)
5. The Footwear Fine Print
- Sandals allowed in outer areas
- Barefoot only in prayer zones
- Sock hack: Bring slip-ons if you hate hot stone floors
6. Ladies, Mind Your Moon Cycle
Traditional temples = no menstruating visitors. You won’t get carded, but locals always know. Plan accordingly.
7. Camera Protocol
- Allowed: General shots (from low angle)
- Never: During prayers/blessings
- PSA: That “candid priest shot” might delete your good karma
Why This Matters:
Getting how to dress for a Balinese ceremony right means:
- Being welcomed vs tolerated
- Avoiding “that tourist” whispers
- Actually respecting the culture you’re photographing
Pro Tip: Watch how Balinese women fold their sashes – there’s a secret modesty tuck for windy days.
“Dressed properly for a tooth-filing ceremony. Got invited to lunch after. 10/10 would sarong again.” – Giostanovlatto
Tag us in your #TempleFitCheck – best dressed gets a free sarong upgrade!
