Temple Etiquette

Here are some rules that have to be observed by the visitors in visiting a temple in Bali. I always give my tour members sarongs and sashes when they arrive in Bali.

You must dress decently for temple visits, which means a sarong and sash. If you don't have a sarong, at least wear long pants for men and women a dress that covers knees and shoulders for women (or a skirt with a blouse, etc). At most temples there is a donation box with a book for registering at the entrance. You should always put a donation in the box. A couple dollars in rupiah.

• Do not climb onto the temple buildings or walls.
• Do not stand or sit higher than a priest.
• Do not stand directly in front of the priest, or walk in front of the kneeling congregation. You must also not remain standing when people kneel to pray.
• If people are praying, avoid getting between them and direction in which they are praying.
• Use camera with discretion. Do not uses flash when the devotees are praying, it will be better not to use flash at all.
• By ancient law, menstruating women are banned from the temples, due to general sanction against blood in holy area same prohibition applies to people with open wound.