Balinese Temple Etiquette & Dress Code: What to Wear, Sarong Rules & Sacred Taboos

1. The Mandatory Attire: Sarong (Kamen) & Sash (Selendang)

Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees before entering any temple grounds. The traditional dress consists of:

• Kamen (Sarong): A wrap-around length of batik or woven fabric covering legs down past the knees.
• Selendang (Sash): A waist sash tied firmly around the midsection, symbolizing the spiritual binding of lower worldly instincts before stepping onto sanctified stone.

2. Spiritual Purity and Menstruation Guidelines

In Balinese Hindu tradition, blood is viewed as spiritually vulnerable and ritually potent (sebel). Signs at all temple entrances politely request that women who are actively menstruating, or individuals with open bleeding wounds, refrain from entering the inner consecrated courtyards (Jeroan).

3. Respecting Devotees, High Priests & Offerings

• Never Walk in Front of Seated Worshippers: When devotees are engaged in prayer, pass behind them quietly.
• Do Not Step on Canang Sari: The small woven palm-leaf offering baskets placed on walkways contain flowers and incense. Take care never to tread over them.
• Keep Heads Lower Than the Priest: It is considered deeply disrespectful to position oneself physically higher than an officiating high priest (Pedanda) or climb on sacred stone shrines.