Bali Great Escape
Visiting a Balinese temple is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich culture and spirituality of the island. However, it is important to observe certain courtesies to ensure you respect the local customs and traditions. Unfortunately, many tourists unintentionally cause offense by not following basic etiquette. Here are 10 simple rules to follow when visiting a Balinese temple:
1. Cover Your Bare Legs and Shoulders
To show respect, wear a sarong and a t-shirt that covers your shoulders when visiting a temple. If you don’t have a sarong, many temples offer them for a nominal fee. This isn’t a money-making exercise; it’s a way to help you observe the basic courtesies.
2. Wear Modest Clothing
Entering a temple in a bikini or without a shirt is very offensive. Always dress modestly to show your respect.
3. Remove Your Shoes
Removing your shoes is both an act of respect and a hygiene measure. Avoid tracking mud and dirt into the temple by taking off your shoes, sandals, or even cleaning your feet before entering.
4. Mind Your Feet
Be mindful of how you position your feet when sitting inside a temple. Your feet should never face holy objects or shrines. Sit cross-legged or kneel with your feet facing backwards.
5. Respect Ceremonies
Balinese temples are used for daily worship and ceremonies. If you come across a ceremony, try to be as non-disruptive as possible. Remember, the locals are worshipping or celebrating according to their customs. Always ask before taking photographs.
6. Speak Quietly
Temples are places of worship, so it’s important to speak softly and avoid unnecessary noise, no matter how excited you are to be in such remarkable surroundings.
7. Don’t Sit Higher Than a Priest
If a ceremony is taking place and a priest is present, avoid sitting on steps or any elevated position above them.
8. Avoid Flash Photography
Flash photography can degrade artifacts over time and can be disruptive to others. Try to avoid using flash to preserve the sanctity of the temple and the experience for everyone.
9. Turn Off Phone Notifications
The sound of phone notifications can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of a temple. Turn your phone off or set it to silent mode to avoid interrupting spiritual events.
10. Note on Local Customs
Local customs do not allow pregnant women, women who have given birth in the previous six weeks, or women who are menstruating to enter temples. This is a local tradition that should be respected, whether or not you agree with it.
11. Watching Street Processions
Public processions for funerals, weddings, and spiritual observances are common in Bali. Watching these processions is a mark of respect and is encouraged. Feel free to take photos, as long as you are not being intrusive.
If you have any suggestions for additions or better explanations, or if there’s something you disagree with, feel free to leave a comment. Watching public displays of communal spiritual worship is a mark of respect, and the larger the crowd for public processions, the more honor it brings to those involved.
For more information, you can find a guide to the best temples in Bali, including a useful map. If you want to take a day tour, we highly recommend our itineraries for the Bali Temples Tour, Lempuyang Temple Sunrise Tour, Danu Beratan Tour, or the East Bali Day Tour.
