How to Dress in Bali Without Offending Locals - A Cultural Style Guide

So you’ve booked your ticket, packed your bags, and imagined yourself sipping coconuts in Seminyak or chasing waterfalls in Ubud. But wait—what about what you're wearing? In a place as spiritually rich and culturally layered as Bali, how to dress in Bali isn’t just about beating the heat or looking good on Instagram. It’s about respect.

Sure, Bali is a top global travel destination filled with beach clubs and trendy cafés. But it’s also a deeply religious island where ceremonies happen daily, temples are sacred ground, and what you wear speaks volumes—even if you don’t realize it.

This is not about policing what you wear. It’s about traveling consciously. About blending in instead of standing out, and moving through the island with grace, not just Google Maps.

Let’s unpack what it really means to dress respectfully in Bali, without sacrificing comfort or style.

Understanding the Cultural Context

Before diving into outfit ideas, it helps to know where Bali’s dress customs come from. Unlike many parts of Indonesia, Bali is predominantly Hindu. Religion isn't a “Sunday activity” here—it’s infused into everyday life. Temples aren’t tourist attractions; they’re living, breathing centers of spiritual energy. Ceremonies don’t happen once in a while—they happen all the time.

This means the island has unspoken dress codes, especially when entering sacred spaces or traditional villages. Locals are generally warm and forgiving, but that doesn’t mean they’re not noticing what you wear.

Wearing something inappropriate at a temple or during a local ceremony isn’t just awkward—it can be deeply disrespectful, even if unintentional. So learning what to wear in Bali is one of the most meaningful ways you can show cultural awareness.

General Everyday Dress Code in Bali

Let’s be clear: Bali is not super conservative, especially in tourist hubs. You’ll see bikinis on scooters in Canggu and crop tops in Ubud cafés. But this doesn’t give you free reign everywhere.

Outside of resort areas, especially when visiting rural villages or attending community events, you should aim to cover your shoulders and knees. This shows respect for the elders and keeps you from drawing unwanted attention.

Loose, breathable fabrics are your best friends. Cotton, linen, bamboo—anything that lets your skin breathe while keeping you modest. You can still look amazing while respecting the culture. In fact, most travelers find that dressing more like locals actually makes them feel more connected to the island.

What to Wear at the Beach vs. Beyond

Yes, you can wear bikinis and boardshorts on Bali’s beaches. No problem there. But the moment you leave the sand—even just to walk across the road to a café—you should cover up.

Locals don’t walk around in swimsuits, even if they live by the ocean. Beachwear in public streets or shops is generally frowned upon, especially in traditional towns like Sanur, Amed, or Pemuteran.

The solution? Always bring a sarong or lightweight cover-up in your beach bag. It takes two seconds to throw on and makes a big difference in how you're perceived.

Being mindful about Bali’s dress etiquette doesn’t take much effort—but it earns you big respect.

Temple Etiquette – The Do’s and Don’ts

Here’s where the rules matter most: temple visits. Bali has thousands of temples, from the cliffside marvel of Uluwatu to the misty gates of Lempuyang. If you plan to visit even one, you need to know what’s appropriate.

The temple dress code in Bali usually requires:

• A sarong (wrap skirt) to cover your legs

• A sash tied around your waist

• Shoulders covered (no tank tops or low-cut tops)

Many temples offer sarongs and sashes at the entrance, often included in the entrance fee or for a small donation. But if you plan on temple-hopping, it’s worth buying your own at a market.

What not to wear:

• Shorts above the knee (even for men)

• See-through or backless tops

• T-shirts with offensive logos or images

Note: If you’re on your period, Balinese custom asks women to refrain from entering sacred temple areas. While not enforced strictly, it’s a traditional belief worth respecting if you’re invited to a ceremony.

Attending a Ceremony – Dress Like You Belong

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a Balinese ceremony, whether it's a wedding, cremation (ngaben), or full moon ritual, you’ll notice everyone is dressed beautifully—and uniformly. This isn’t a fashion show. It’s a sign of unity, reverence, and shared values.

Locals wear:

• Kebaya (a lace blouse) for women

• Kain or sarong for the lower body

• A sash (selendang) tied around the waist

• Udeng (head cloth) for men

You don’t need to be exact—but try your best to mirror this. Locals will truly appreciate the effort. And you’ll feel something shift when you stop being a spectator and start blending in, even just a little.

Pro tip: If staying with a Balinese family or attending a cultural tour, ask for help putting together a traditional outfit. They’ll be happy to assist—and you might even end up dancing with them under the temple lights.

Footwear – Function Over Fashion

Shoes in Bali are simple: easy on, easy off. You'll be removing your footwear constantly—at temples, inside homes, and sometimes even shops or cafés.

Go for:

• Slip-on sandals or flip flops

• Comfortable walking shoes for longer trips

• Avoid heavy boots or high heels (you’ll regret it on uneven paths or sandy roads)

In temples, it’s customary to leave your shoes outside. There’s no need to worry—they’re usually safe. But if you want extra peace of mind, bring a small bag to carry them.

What Not to Wear – The Unspoken Rules

Let’s get real for a second. Bali is welcoming. But that doesn’t mean everything goes. Some clothing choices might not seem problematic to you—but they could be offensive or awkward to locals.

Avoid wearing:

• Shirts or hats with profanity or religious symbols

• Overly revealing outfits in non-tourist areas

• Wet swimwear outside beach zones

• Anything too flashy at ceremonies or temple grounds

Even if no one says anything to your face, body language says a lot. Dressing with awareness helps you move through Bali with ease, respect, and authenticity.

Local Style Inspiration – Blend In, Beautifully

Balinese fashion is simple, elegant, and functional. You’ll see locals in sarongs, lacy kebayas, or batik shirts—often paired with smiles and a relaxed posture.

Want to look good and show respect? Try incorporating:

• A batik scarf or woven bag from a local artisan

• Earth tones or natural fabrics

• Jewelry made from wood, shells, or silver

It’s not about mimicking, but about harmonizing. Dressing like a traveler who cares makes a huge difference. It tells the island you’re not just here to take selfies—you’re here to connect.

Where to Buy Respectful & Stylish Clothes in Bali

The good news? You don’t have to pack everything. Bali is filled with gorgeous boutiques and markets offering clothes that are both respectful and stylish.

Check out:

• Ubud Art Market for affordable sarongs

• Magali Pascal or Indigo Luna for high-end, ethical pieces

• Threads of Life for authentic, sustainable textiles

Even small villages have tailors who can make a custom kebaya or outfit for special occasions. Supporting them doesn’t just help you blend in—it supports local craftsmanship too.

Dress Like You Belong, Not Like You Own the Place

Wearing the right clothes in Bali isn’t about rules. It’s about respect and presence. About honoring the places you visit and the people who live there.

When you dress with cultural awareness, you become more than just another tourist. You become a guest. A participant. A traveler who’s paying attention.

And the reward? Deeper smiles. Real invitations. Doors opened—not just to temples, but to moments you’ll remember forever.