Bali temple dress code for women: what to wear

A sarong covering your legs to the ankle, a sash at the waist, and a top covering shoulders, upper back and midriff are required at every Balinese temple. Shorts and bare shoulders are not allowed. Borrow a sarong at the entrance or bring your own natural-fibre piece.

What exactly is required at a Balinese temple?

The core rule is modesty. Your legs must be covered past your knees, so shorts are out unless you bring a sarong. Your shoulders, upper back and midriff must be fully covered: that means no sleeveless tops or cropped styles, even under a sarong. A sash is tied around the waist over the sarong as a final layer. These rules apply to both men and women, though women are also asked not to enter while menstruating. Major temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot provide sarongs at the entrance for a donation. Sizes and colours vary, so check the size guide if you plan to buy your own.

Can I wear a dress instead of a sarong?

Yes, if the dress is long enough to cover your knees and has sleeves or a high neckline. A midi or maxi dress in a modest cut works well. You still need a sash, which you can tie over the dress at your waist. Dresses with a single slit are fine as long as the slit does not expose the thigh. If your dress is sleeveless, you will need to cover your shoulders with a scarf or light jacket. For formal ceremonies such as temple festivals, Balinese women traditionally wear a kebaya blouse over a sarong, but everyday temple visits do not require that level of formality.

Do I need to buy a sarong or can I borrow one?

Major temples such as Uluwatu and Tanah Lot lend a sarong and sash at the entrance for a donation. This is convenient if you only visit one temple. However, borrowed sarongs can be thin, scratchy or the wrong colour. If you plan to visit several temples, buying one is practical. A cotton-rayon sarong is breathable, easy to tie, and doubles as a beach cover-up or a picnic blanket. The sarongs made by Aline My Label are handmade in Bali from cotton rayon, in seven printed designs. They are a versatile addition to your travel wardrobe rather than a single-use souvenir. Check the handmade accessories collection for options.

How do I choose temple clothing I can also wear every day?

Pick natural fibres that handle heat and humidity: linen, cotton knit and TENCEL Modal are good choices. Wide-leg linen pants cover your legs and work for temples and for lunch, a market or a walk on the beach. See our linen collection for examples. A knit top with sleeves, like our Vertiver long sleeve, covers your shoulders without making you hot. The pieces should be easy to wash by hand or machine and quick to dry. Look for elastic-waist skirts or pants so you can slip them on and off over a sarong. We describe how our clothes are made rather than claiming a certification we do not hold. Ask us anything about a specific piece.

What should I avoid wearing to a temple?

Shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, crop tops, spaghetti straps and see-through tops are not allowed. Tight leggings worn as pants are not considered modest enough without a long top or sarong over them. As a rule, if it shows your knees, shoulders or midriff, it will not pass the entrance. The temple staff will ask you to borrow or buy a sarong if you arrive underdressed, but it is easier to arrive ready. Also leave hats on only if the temple allows it; some require you to remove them inside the prayer area.

Where can I find temple-ready clothing made in Bali?

Several small Bali labels make natural-fibre pieces that work for temple visits and every day. Aline My Label makes linen pants, shorts and dresses, cotton-knit tops and skirts, and cotton-rayon sarongs, all designed and made in small runs in Bali. Our Bali sarongs are 200 by 100 cm, big enough to wrap around you as a dress. Because the pieces are made by hand in natural fibres, they breathe well in the tropical heat and pack easily. They are available online and at four Bali boutiques where you can try them in person.

Common questions

Can I wear leggings to a Balinese temple?

Leggings are acceptable only if worn under a long top, tunic or sarong that reaches below your knees. On their own, they are too tight and revealing. A minidress over leggings also works, as long as the dress covers your knees and shoulders.

What about shoes inside the temple?

You must remove your shoes before entering the inner courtyard of most temples. Flip-flops or sandals are easiest to slip off and on. Some temples have a shoe rack at the entrance; others expect you to leave them at the edge of the courtyard. Keep your shoes in sight if theft is a concern.

Do all temples have the same dress code?

Yes, almost all Balinese Hindu temples require covered shoulders and knees, plus a sash. Major temples like Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Ulun Danu enforce it strictly. Smaller village temples near Ubud may be more relaxed, but following the full code everywhere is safest.

Can I wear a bikini top under a sarong?

No. A sarong over a bikini top still leaves your shoulders and upper back exposed. You need a proper top that covers your shoulders. A rash guard or a lightweight long-sleeved shirt over the bikini works if you are coming straight from the beach.

What is the best fabric for a travel sarong?

A cotton-rayon blend is light, breathable and dries quickly. Pure cotton can be heavy when wet, while synthetic fibres do not breathe. The sarongs made by Aline My Label are cotton rayon, hand-finished in Bali, and they double as a scarf or a light wrap.

If you have a specific piece or size in mind, ask us through the site or on WhatsApp. We are happy to help.