What is a sarong in Bali: more than just a piece of cloth!

what is a sarong in Bali?

the story beyond the piece of cloth

The sarong in Bali is an ancient, sacred, everyday symbol. A colorful thread that connects spirituality, culture, beauty, and respect. You see it everywhere: hanging outside shops, wrapped around Balinese women’s waists, or draped over tourists’ shorts at temple entrances. But what is a sarong in Bali really?

Let me tell you a story scented with incense and moving to the rhythm of the waves: the story of the sarong. If you’ve ever wondered what a sarong truly is in Bali, here you’ll find all the answers, with curiosities, street stories, and a traveler’s eye.

In this article about what is a sarong in Bali, we’ll explore:

The history of the sarong: a journey across islands, spirituality, and traditions
The sarong in Bali: spirituality, respect, and everyday life
Types of sarongs in Bali: they’re not all the same
Batik: the sarong that tells a story
When, how, and why a sarong is worn in Bali
How to wear a sarong in Bali (without looking clueless)
Where to buy a sarong in Bali (and where to avoid)
Other temple clothing in Bali
Our sarong: part of the family

The history of the sarong: a journey across islands, spirituality, and traditions

Where does the sarong come from?

The term sarong comes from Malay and literally means “covering” or “skirt.”

Its origins are ancient, common to many islands in Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and even East Africa.

But in Bali, the sarong gained its own meaning, tied to Hindu religion and spiritual ceremonies.

It wasn’t born here, but it found a home—and a unique way of use.

Why is the sarong so important in Bali?

Because it’s sacred.

It’s worn out of respect—for the gods, the temples, and the land itself.

It’s mandatory during religious rituals, daily offerings, and important ceremonies. No matter who you are: if you want to participate, your legs must be covered with a sarong.

Not doing so is considered disrespectful. Even entering a temple without a sarong is seen as an offence.

The sarong in Bali: spirituality, respect, and everyday life

One fabric, a thousand meanings

The sarong isn’t just a beach pareo or a light cloth to tie around your waist. In Bali, it’s a symbol of respect, harmony, and connection with the sacred.

So what is a sarong in Bali really?

It’s a piece of fabric about 2 meters long, often colorful, sometimes hand-decorated, wrapped around the waist by men and women alike. Often it’s paired with a sash (selendang) tied around the waist or shoulders, depending on the ceremony.

It’s a “sacred” garment—even if you find it at a stall for a couple of euros. For Balinese people, it’s a second skin. For us, it was the first step toward a daily gesture of respect for their culture.

Why do you need a sarong to enter a temple in Bali?

Quick answer: RESPECT.

But let’s not be brief here. Balinese people believe clothes can become “stained” if worn during impure acts or non-sacred activities. That’s why the temple sarong is worn exclusively for temple visits. Balinese often wear sarongs in daily life, but rarely inside temples—they consider it impure.

They also have a unique concept of “dirty” garments: even washed, some items never become pure. That’s also why they avoid walking under hanging laundry—it brings bad luck.

Types of sarongs in Bali: they’re not all the same

Ceremonial sarongs

These are the most elegant, made of stiff fabric, deep colors (blue, purple, gold), decorated with geometric or floral patterns. Men and women wear them, often paired with a kebaya (traditional blouse) and a selendang.

Everyday sarongs

These are for home, market trips, or just lounging. Balinese wear them as naturally as we wear jeans or shorts—light, colorful, soft, and practical.

Tourist sarongs

Found everywhere in markets or beach shops, often very cheap. Fine for a quick temple visit, but they lack symbolic value and quality. Once you live here or attend ceremonies, you’ll immediately notice the difference.

Batik: the sarong that tells a story

What is Batik?

Batik is a hand-dyeing technique from Java that took on its own identity in Bali. Patterns are traced with hot wax on the fabric, then dyed. When the wax is removed, the original lines remain. Every piece is unique.

Balinese Batik: symbols and spirituality

Batik patterns tell stories: gods, sacred animals, cosmic balance. Symbols of protection, fertility, and peace. Colors are never random: gold and purple for royalty, red for energy, black and white for balance between good and evil. Even children learn to recognize batik symbols.

When, how, and why a sarong is worn in Bali

Sarong etiquette: it’s not just for style

The sarong isn’t worn because it’s pretty. It’s worn out of respect.

Whenever you enter a temple, participate in a ceremony, or accompany someone carrying offerings, you must wear it.

Tourist or long-term resident, it’s mandatory in sacred places. Balinese will always lend you a sarong with a smile, but they’ll appreciate it more if you come prepared.

How to wear a sarong in Bali (without looking clueless)

The first time I tried, an old Balinese man had to help me. The right knot matters (different for men and women), or a pin, and a little practice. Don’t worry: Balinese are patient. And kids? They love wearing sarongs, pretending to be little Zen monks.

Practical tips:

Temple visit: sarong + sash = basic mandatory outfit
Ceremony: ask which sarong is appropriate
Buy a good one: you’ll use it more than you think
Never let it touch the ground
Never wear it on your head or to clean something—it’s sacred

Where to buy a sarong in Bali (and where to avoid)

Markets: where the sarong tells a story

For a real, handmade sarong, visit markets in Gianyar or Klungkung. Ask the maker about its use and origin. Many are batik or traditional Balinese fabrics. Buy more than one: one for temples, one for the beach, one to feel a bit Balinese every day.

Avoid the airport sarongs

Cheap, synthetic, folded in plastic—they might look nice but wear out fast. For respect, choose a genuine Bali sarong.

Other temple clothing in Bali

Udeng: Balinese men’s headpiece, symbol of respect and purity
Shirt or Kebaya: Men wear collared shirts, women traditional lace blouses
Saput/Kamben: extra layers of sarong for decoration and ceremony
Selendang: sash to secure sarong, symbolizing purity
Footwear: simple sandals; shoes are not required

✅ Recommended Clothing Summary

Gender	Essential Items
Men	Udeng (headpiece), shirt with covered shoulders, sarong + saput, selendang, sandals
Women	Shirt/short sleeves covering shoulders, kebaya (for ceremonies), sarong, selendang, sandals

When to wear them

Tourist visit: sarong + selendang + long-sleeve shirt (and udeng for men) is fine.
Ceremony or ritual: more ceremonial preparation — udeng + dress shirt for him; kebaya and formal sarong for her. Saput is recommended for men, and the selendang should be neatly tied.
With these items, you won’t just respect Balinese culture—you’ll enter the temple with the awareness of being part of an authentic, sacred experience, not just for a costume selfie.

Our sarong: part of the family

Our first sarong was bought for a ceremony. Everyone was thrilled we wore traditional clothes. Since then, it’s always with us. The kids love tying it and playing little monks. It’s our ticket to an authentic Bali experience—a silent embrace of Balinese culture.

Every time we wear it, we feel a bit more part of the island.

Now that you know what a sarong in Bali really is, promise me you’ll wear it mindfully. It’s not fashion or folklore—it’s living culture.

Planning a trip to Bali with kids?

From mystical temples to the rice fields of Sidemen, from local markets to beaches: Bali is a family-sized adventure waiting for you. I’ve gathered practical tips, authentic stops, and low-budget ideas to help you discover the island with curious eyes and light backpacks.

And if you want to go even deeper, to discover the Real Bali — the one you won’t find in brochures — I recommend Viaggiaibali.com: a complete guide for those who dream of truly living it, with a sustainable and respectful eye towards local communities.

Read all articles about Bali with kids →
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