Balinese Traditional Clothes: Guide for Tourists Visiting Bali

Balinese traditional clothes are considered sacred and have been handed down for generations. They are an integral part of the Balinese culture. You may also see people wearing certain items to honor rituals, ceremonies, or festivals.

When traveling to Bali, there’s always a chance that you will coincide with a ritual, ceremony, or other event. To gain firsthand experience, you must dress appropriately. But don’t worry, it’s not at all hard nor as complicated as it seems.

Here are some things that you should know about Balinese traditional clothes before you go to the beautiful island of Bali!

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Why do the Balinese wear traditional clothes?

The term Balinese traditional clothes refers to the traditional clothing worn on the island of Bali. Balinese attire has so many different types and models. The clothes come in so many variant colors and have beautiful accessories. There are even specific types for both.

Traditional Balinese clothing has many purposes. It’s worn on many different occasions. The occasions can be anything from praying or rituals to weddings, toothfilling, cremation, and other ceremonies.

Some people wear traditional clothes to preserve their culture. Others do so because they want to honor rituals, ceremonies, or festivals by wearing certain pieces of clothing that have special meaning for these events. Wearing proper traditional Balinese clothes can also be a form of showing respect to the culture and elders.

Traditional Balinese clothing is also worn to formal events. The events, for example, are government meetings or meetings in the community or Banjar. With that, it can be understood that Balinese traditional clothes belong to the Balinese culture, and not necessarily to the religion. Thus, even non-Hindus can wear the attire.

The main difference is usually in the colour. To go to the temple, it’s more common to wear a white shirt or kebaya. For other events, it’s advised to wear more colorful Bali clothes. P.S. Only wear black to cremations.

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The Color Used in Balinese Traditional Clothes

In Balinese culture, colors convey profound meanings, especially in traditional attire. The colors white and yellow are particularly significant to symbolize purity. These colors in the Balinese traditional clothes are seen frequently during religious ceremonies. On the other hand, people typically reserve darker shades such as brown, purple, and red for special occasions like weddings, using them to represent depth, passion, and celebration. In contrast, they wear black at funerals to symbolize mourning and respect for the deceased.

What do you wear when visiting the Balinese Temple

Bali’s temples have a distinct charm that draws tourists from all over. When visiting these sacred sites, people need to dress modestly. This practice shows respect for Bali’s rich culture and traditions, ensuring that we honor the local customs while we explore and enjoy these beautiful places.

When visiting Balinese temples, you don’t need to wear full traditional Balinese attire, but you should follow a certain level of modesty.

• Make sure to cover the shoulders and upper arm. This might be unusual for Western tourists, but in Balinese Hinduism, covering the body, especially during temple visits, symbolizes purity and cleanliness.
• Covering the thighs and legs when visiting temples in Bali is important because Balinese culture places a high value on modesty, especially in religious contexts. Modest dress helps maintain a serene and focused atmosphere within the temple, allowing worshippers and visitors to engage in their rituals and prayers without unnecessary distractions.
• Highly recommended not to wear singlets or tank tops, the reason is the same as we previously mentioned.

Most importantly, it is to wear a Sarong and Sash, for men can optionally wear Udeng. But this is not mandatory for visitors; big temples might provide a Sarong and a Sash for either rental or free. It’s best to bring your own Sarong and Sash since it’s easy to find in a Balinese traditional clothes store and avoid costing an extra penny whenever visiting the temple for a rental Sarong and Sash.

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The Essential Pieces of Balinese Traditional Clothes

1. Sarong (Kamen)

A sarong, locally called a kamen, is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist. It’s worn by both, though the style of tying may differ. For temple visits, the sarong should cover from the waist to below the knees.

2. Sash (Selendang)

A sash is tied around the waist over the sarong. It symbolizes self-control and respect. In temples, it’s considered just as essential as the sarong itself.

3. Kebaya (For Women)

A kebaya is a fitted blouse made from lace or light fabric, usually worn with a sarong and sash. Women often wear white kebaya for temple ceremonies to symbolize purity, while brighter colors of kebaya are worn for weddings or cultural events.

4. Udeng (For Men)

The udeng is a traditional headcloth for men, folded and tied in a specific style. It represents clarity of mind and readiness for spiritual activities.

Where to Rent or Buy Traditional Clothes in Bali?

• Ubud Market: Great for affordable sarongs and sashes with traditional patterns.
• Specialty Boutiques: Many Ubud shops offer higher-quality kebaya and udeng, perfect if you want to keep them as souvenirs.
• Temple Entrances: Many major temples rent sarongs and sashes for a small fee.

Full of Symbolism in Balinese Traditional Clothes

Balinese traditional clothes are full of meaning and history. Each piece, from the colorful kebayas worn by women to the udeng and saput for men, tells a story. The bright colors and detailed patterns aren’t just for show. They signify different aspects of life, like social status, religious beliefs, and special occasions. The colors white and yellow are particularly significant to symbolize purity.

Gold and bright colors often represent wealth and good fortune, while specific designs can bring good luck or reflect spiritual beliefs. Balinese traditional clothes are not about looking good, but it is about expressing the deep cultural and spiritual roots of the Balinese people since the ancient era.

Embrace the Spirit of Bali with Traditional Attire Culture

Traditional Balinese attire is that extra sparkle that makes Balinese culture all the more special.  There are several reasons why the people of Bali wear traditional clothing. Typically, it is a sign of respect for the elders, the Balinese Hindu religion, and the Balinese culture.

Now you’re all set and ready to dress in traditional Balinese clothing. As you prepare the attire, don’t forget to pick the perfect place to stay. If you are planning to stay with us in Villa Umah Shanti or a private villa in Ubud, you can also check out Ubud Villas Rental by Red Lotus Property to get more details on all our villa rentals in Bali, especially in Ubud. Enjoy your holiday!