Bali: The Online Travel Guide
What to wear.

"Due to the warm, humid climate, light-weight clothing is recommended, but long pants and a jacket or windcheater will definitely be required for travelling into the highlands."

Clothing Advice.

Because of its tropical climate, dress is generally quite informal in Bali. Accepted attire for men is shirt and long pants. Long sleeved  plain or batik shirts are acceptable for formal or evening wear, should you need to attend a formal event. For ladies, a dress, blouse, skirt or long pants are appropriate.

Bathers or shorts and a tee-shirt are acceptable only in the well defined tourist areas, hotels grounds and beaches, and may draw unwanted attention elsewhere. It is not unheard of that local people may be offended or embarassed at the sight of partly dressed tourists. A sarong makes and ideal wrap whenever a little more modesty is called for.

When you visit a temple, you must be dressed appropriately - that means, you must wear a sarong, and modest clothing.

Sarongs can almost always be hired at temple gates, or you may be able to use your own if you have one (always ask). In any case, a sash may also be required (which is generally hired). Pay due respect to local customs and dress correctly when visiting temples.

A pair of strong and comfortable walking shoes are a must. Most roads are very rough, and there are few servicable footpaths, except in the major cities. Thongs are OK on the beach or by the pool, but are not recommended for longer treks.

Due to the warm, humid climate, light-weight clothing is recommended, but long pants and a jacket or windcheater will definitely be required for travelling into the highlands.

Take as few clothes as you possibly can. The idea is to travel light, remembering that you will probably make a few clothing purchases (tee-shirts and singlets, shorts, batik dresses etc.) while you are there, so your bags are bound to get heavier the longer you stay!

For men, a couple of tee-shirts, a couple of pairs of shorts, a jumper (sweater), one pair of lightweight long trousers and a shirt with a collar (optional) plus underwear, socks and a pair of good walking shoes will do.

For women, a couple of tee-shirts, a couple of pairs of shorts, a jumper (sweater), a lightweight dress (not too short) plus underwear, socks and a pair of good walking shoes will get you by.

A batik sarong is a universal item, and may be worn by either sex (required to be worn when visiting temples), although it must be tied differently for men and women. When you buy a sarong (the cheapest are around Rp.6,000) ask to be shown how to tie it. At a pinch, your sarong may be used as a sheet whilst sleeping, or as a towel whilst on the beach. Carry your sarong with you whilst touring, as one must be worn whilst visiting temples. The alternative is to hire one.

Beachware will be required (nude bathing has not taken off in Bali).

Additional clothing may be purchased anywhere in Bali if you run short or need a special item. For information about buying items on Bali, you can check our section about money.

If possible, use a back-pack rather than a suitcase if you intend to travel around while on Bali. Ensure you have a good pack that is comfortable and is personally fitted to suit your shape and size. Above all, learn how to adjust and pack it correctly.

Buying clothes in Bali

The best places for finding locally made fashions for both men and women are in Kuta (everywhere), and in Ubud (almost everywhere, but especially the market, and in Monkey Forest road opposite the market). Many Balinese designers are now creating modern fashions items from traditional and often not so traditional materials, batiks and prints. Prices vary greatly, and are generally not negotiable in boutiques.

T-shirts, shorts, bikini's and beach-wear are available almost everywhere, in shops, markets and stalls. Prices are reasonable, and sometimes negotiable by bargaining.

Leather wear has long been the traditional "big ticket" purchase of tourists in Bali, and providing you know the cost of a leather jacket in your home country, you should be able to make a reasonable saving by shopping around and buying in Bali. The quality of the leather is often very variable however, so pay careful attention to the feel (soft), and the coloring (the leather should be dyed right through). Leather that feels hard is often under oiled and may crack within a couple of years.
 
Locally made shoes and bags are improving in quality when compared with those made only five or ten years ago. Most fashion shoes have good soles these days and the uppers are well finished.
 
Sporting shoes of every known brand are available, sometimes genuine, but often fakes. The fakes are not too difficult to pick however, as they are of vastly inferior quality.
 
Fake western designer label clothing can still be found, although like the shoes, the quality may be seriously lacking. Perhaps the best value are the blue jeans (from Bandung, Java) that are sold some rural markets and in the streets of Kuta at night.

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Contributions, including corrections, updates, new information and suggestions are welcome.

Disclaimer: All of the information available within this site is believed to be correct, however the author accepts no responsibility or liability for any outcomes that may result in using this site's contents.