The essentials in a table
| Item | Usual rule | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sarong | Required, below the knees | Lent or rented at the entrance of big temples |
| Sash (selendang) | Tied at the waist over the sarong | Often supplied with the sarong |
| Shoulders | Covered according to several guides | Bring a T-shirt or scarf |
| Shoes | Taken off in some areas | Follow the signs |
| Jewellery | Removed before the purification at Tirta Empul | Leave it at the hotel |
What to bring
- A light T-shirt or shirt, and long trousers or a skirt if you prefer; covered shoulders are easier to plan than to improvise.
- Your own sarong if you visit several temples: cleaner than a rented one.
- Cash for rental and donations.
Respecting the place
- Do not climb walls or altars, and do not point your feet toward offerings.
- Ceremonies come before visitors: if a procession passes, let it through.
- Women on their period: sources disagree. Some describe a total ban on entering, others a ban limited to the inner courtyards, adding that most temples do not check. Follow the posted rule or the temple staff's instruction.
Temples mentioned
Tirta Empul asks for sarong and sash for the purification bath. For Besakih and the Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang, plan a sarong and covered shoulders; compare temples with which temples to visit in Bali. No Uluwatu-specific dress rule was found: apply the general rule.
FAQ
Do I need a sarong at every temple in Bali? At the big temples, yes: it is rented or lent at the entrance.
How much is the rental? Generally IDR 20,000 to 50,000 according to guides.
Can I wear shorts? With a sarong over them, yes; the sarong must cover below the knees.
Must shoulders be covered? Several guides ask for it: wear a T-shirt.
La rédaction Ubud Authority, October 2026.
