To visit a Balinese temple (pura), you must wear a sarong (kamen) and a sash (selendang) tied at the waist — usually rented or lent free at the entrance — and cover your shoulders and knees. Behave quietly and respectfully: don't climb on shrines, don't point your feet at sacred objects, don't stand higher than a praying person or priest, and don't step on the canang sari (small offerings) on the ground. By tradition, menstruating women should not enter.
A pura is a Balinese Hindu temple and an active place of worship, not just a sight. A little respect goes a long way and is genuinely appreciated by locals.
Dress: a sarong (kamen) covering the legs is mandatory for everyone, with a sash (selendang) tied around the waist. Shoulders should be covered — bring a light shirt or scarf. Most temples rent or lend sarongs at the gate, sometimes included in the entry donation.
Behaviour: keep your voice low, never climb on or sit on shrines, and don't place yourself higher than the priest or worshippers (so don't stand on walls for photos during a ceremony). Walk around people who are praying, not in front of them. If a ceremony is on, watch quietly from the side and follow locals' cues.
Offerings: the little woven trays of flowers you see everywhere — canang sari — are daily offerings. Don't step on them on the pavement, and never move or take one.
"Permisi, boleh masuk?"
"Excuse me, may I enter?"
"Boleh foto di sini?"
"Is it okay to take photos here?"
"Di mana sewa sarung?"
"Where can I rent a sarong?"
"Om Swastiastu." (greeting a local at the temple)
"Hello / peace be with you."
"Suksma." / "Terima kasih."
"Thank you."
The menstruation rule. By Balinese Hindu tradition, women who are menstruating (a state called cuntaka, ritual impurity) should not enter temple grounds. Signs at the entrance state this; it isn't enforced intrusively, but respecting it matters to locals.
Don't point feet or backs at shrines, don't use flash during prayers, don't interrupt a ceremony for a photo, and dress modestly even outside formal temples. A donation at the entrance is customary. When in doubt, watch what locals do and follow their lead.
Do I have to wear a sarong at a Bali temple?+
Yes — a sarong (kamen) and a sash (selendang) are required for everyone, covering the legs and tied at the waist. Most temples rent or lend them at the entrance, often with your donation.
Can women on their period enter a Bali temple?+
Traditionally no — Balinese Hindu custom asks menstruating women not to enter temple grounds (a state called cuntaka). Entrance signs note this; it's respected on trust rather than checked.
Can I take photos in a Bali temple?+
Usually yes for the architecture, but ask first ("boleh foto?"), never use flash during prayers, don't photograph people praying up close, and never climb on shrines for a shot.
What should I not do at a Bali temple?+
Don't climb or sit on shrines, don't point your feet at sacred objects, don't stand higher than the priest or worshippers, don't step on canang sari offerings, and keep your voice low.
What are canang sari?+
The small woven trays of flowers, rice and incense you see on the ground and on shrines everywhere in Bali — daily Hindu offerings. Step around them; never tread on or take one.
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