What is the dress code in Bali?

Bali generally has a very relaxed dress code, allowing visitors to wear comfortable, casual attire for most everyday activities, though specific venues and cultural sites have stricter requirements.

While the island is known for its laid-back vibe, understanding the appropriate attire for various situations will ensure a respectful and comfortable experience. It's generally advised to pack light, breathable fabrics suitable for a tropical climate.

General Dress Code in Bali

For everyday activities like exploring towns, shopping, or casual dining, Balinese culture is quite accommodating. Most people opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothing due to the warm and humid weather.

• Tops: T-shirts, tank tops, casual blouses, and light shirts are common.
• Bottoms: Shorts, skirts, light trousers, and casual dresses are widely accepted.
• Footwear: Sandals, flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes are practical choices.

However, keep in mind that while generally lax, some establishments, particularly more upscale restaurants or clubs, may require you to wear more than just a tank top and sandals to gain entry. Similarly, some beachside venues might deny entry if you've arrived without shoes or a shirt.

Specific Dress Code Requirements

Different locations and activities in Bali call for varying levels of modesty and formality.

1. Temple Visits and Religious Sites

Visiting Bali's beautiful temples requires respectful attire to honor local customs.

• Modesty is Key: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Sarong and Sash: Visitors are typically required to wear a sarong (kain) and a sash (selendang) around their waist. These are often provided for rent or included in the entrance fee at temple entrances, but you can also purchase your own.
• Appropriate Footwear: While not strictly enforced for shoes inside temples, it's polite to remove them before entering prayer areas.

2. Upscale Restaurants, Bars, and Nightclubs

For evenings out at finer dining establishments or trendy beach clubs and nightclubs, you'll want to dress up a bit more.

• Smart Casual to Semi-Formal: Think dresses, skirts, blouses, collared shirts, and tailored shorts or trousers.
• Footwear: Dressier sandals, heels, or closed-toe shoes are appropriate. Flip-flops and beachwear are generally not suitable.

3. Beaches and Pool Areas

Swimwear is, of course, appropriate for the beach and hotel pools.

• Swimwear: Bikinis, swim trunks, and one-piece swimsuits are perfectly acceptable.
• Cover-ups: When leaving the beach or pool area, it's polite to put on a cover-up, shorts, or a t-shirt before entering restaurants, shops, or public spaces.
• Venue-Specific Rules: As mentioned, some exclusive beach clubs or restaurants directly on the beach might have stricter policies, sometimes requiring shoes and shirts even in casual settings.

4. Local Villages and Markets

When exploring local villages or traditional markets, it's best to err on the side of modesty as a sign of respect for local customs.

• Modest Attire: While not as strict as temples, avoiding overly revealing clothing (e.g., very short shorts, low-cut tops) is appreciated.
• Comfortable Footwear: Essential for walking through markets.

5. Trekking and Outdoor Activities

For adventurous activities like hiking, volcano treks, or exploring rice paddies, practical clothing is essential.

• Comfort and Functionality: Light, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing is ideal.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals with good grip are recommended.
• Layers: If trekking to higher elevations (like Mount Batur for sunrise), a light jacket or long-sleeved top can be useful as temperatures can drop.

Bali Dress Code at a Glance

To make it easier, here's a summary of suggested attire for different occasions:

By following these general guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy all that Bali has to offer while respecting its beautiful culture and environment.