Balinese Culture and Temple Etiquette: Sarongs, Offerings and Ceremonies

Bali is an island within predominantly Muslim Indonesia where a distinctive form of Hinduism is practised, and everyday life is intertwined with religious rituals. The basic rules you should follow as a visitor are: enter temples wearing a sarong and sash, with your shoulders covered; do not step on the small offerings (canang sari) on the ground; do not stand higher than the priest and worshippers during ceremonies; and use your right hand when giving and receiving things. The Balinese are hospitable, and these small signs of respect are noticed everywhere.

Balinese Hinduism: a brief background

Faith in Bali grew from a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions with local beliefs. Because of its thousands of temples, the island is often called the "island of the gods". Every village has several temples, and every house a family shrine. At the heart of the faith is the idea of Tri Hita Karana, which seeks balance between people, nature and the gods. The traditional subak system that irrigates the rice fields is also a reflection of this idea.

That is why rituals in Bali are not a tourist show but part of people's everyday lives. Throughout your trip you will come across ceremonial processions in the street, temple celebrations and offerings made every morning.

Canang sari: small offerings everywhere

On pavements, at shop entrances, on vehicles and in temples you will see small baskets woven from coconut leaves, holding flowers, rice and incense. These are called canang sari and are offered to the gods every day as a sign of gratitude.

• Take care not to step on offerings on the ground. When walking along busy pavements, looking down soon becomes a habit.
• Do not touch the offerings or move them.
• If you step on one by accident, don't panic; by the end of the day most offerings are considered to have served their purpose anyway. Still, being careful is a sign of respect.

Rules in temples (pura)

Temples in Bali are called pura. The rules expected at temples open to tourists are usually written on signs at the entrance:

1. Sarong and sash: Everyone, men and women alike, ties a sarong (waist wrap) and a sash (selendang) around the waist. Many large temples lend or rent them at the entrance, but carrying your own is practical.
2. Shoulders covered: Instead of sleeveless tops, choose a T-shirt or shawl that covers your shoulders.
3. The temple's inner courtyard: In many temples, the most sacred inner part is open only to worshippers. Do not enter areas marked by signs.
4. The height rule: Do not climb on temple walls, altars or statues. During ceremonies, take care not to stand higher than the priests and worshippers or to walk in front of them.
5. Photography: Avoid close-ups of people's faces while they pray, and do not use flash. During a ceremony, it is best to ask permission.
6. Rules on personal circumstances: At some temples in Bali, signs at the entrance ask women who are menstruating, people with open wounds and those recently in mourning not to enter. This is a traditional rule and is clearly stated on the signs.

If you come across a ceremony

If you meet a ceremonial procession on the road, move to the side and wait for it to pass. Traffic often stops for these processions too. Witnessing a temple ceremony from the outside is very moving; simply watch quietly, do not block the procession and do not walk among the worshippers. To enter a temple during a ceremony, appropriate clothing and permission are essential.

We explain where important days such as Nyepi (the day of silence) and Galungan fall in the calendar in our article When to go to Bali.

Manners in everyday life

The right-hand rule. Use your right hand when giving, receiving or eating; the left hand is traditionally associated with cleaning, so it is not used for these purposes.

The head is sacred. Just as in Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Bali. Do not touch anyone's head, including children's.

Pointing. Pointing at someone with your index finger is considered rude; use your thumb or an open hand instead.

Tone of voice. The Balinese avoid confrontation; raising your voice and openly showing anger are frowned upon. Resolving problems calmly and with a smile is always more effective.

Clothing. Swimwear is natural on the beach, but walking around villages, markets and town centres in swimwear or topless is frowned upon.

Greetings. "Om Swastiastu" is the traditional greeting of Balinese Hindus. The Indonesian phrase "terima kasih" (thank you) will also serve you well everywhere.

Respect for nature and animals

In the monkey forests, do not feed or touch the animals. Rice terraces are mostly private property and provide farmers with their livelihood; walk on the marked paths and do not damage the banks. When snorkelling and diving, not stepping on or touching coral and not leaving litter on beaches are the most basic ways to protect the island's nature. Experiences such as elephant rides, animal shows and coffee produced from caged civets are criticised on animal welfare grounds.

A legal and institutional reminder

Indonesia's laws and Bali's local rules are updated from time to time, and codes of conduct for tourists may also be published. Before travelling, check visa and entry requirements and the current rules with Indonesia's official sources and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.

For a list of temples to visit, see our article Things to see in Bali. We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sarong required to enter a temple in Bali?

Yes, almost all temples open to tourists require a sarong and sash. Large temples lend or rent them at the entrance; carrying your own is more practical.

What are the flower baskets on the ground, and is it a problem to step on them?

These are daily offerings called canang sari. Stepping on them deliberately is considered disrespectful, so take care to step over them or walk around them.

What religion do people follow in Bali?

Most of Bali's population follows Balinese Hinduism, blended with local traditions. Across Indonesia as a whole, the majority are Muslim.

Can you take photos during ceremonies in Bali?

You can, from a distance and respectfully. Avoid close-ups of worshippers' faces, using flash and blocking the procession; if you are not sure, ask permission.