I want to visit a temple – any cultural tips? Part One
There are a number of guidelines to follow when you enter a Hindu temple in Bali.
The first one is that you must be appropriately dressed. In the most basic form, this means that you should wear a sarong, a sash around your waist and a shirt that covers your shoulders. Preferably you should try to avoid letting what you’re wearing underneath show, i.e. your trouser legs poking out from the bottom of your sarong. The man should wear a head-cloth called an udeng. Oh and don’t forget – please sandals, not shoes. It’s best to ask a local Balinese to dress you up in temple gear or simply buy some at a local market or store (great souvenir). If there is no ceremony on, the above will suffice; otherwise it’s best to wear the complete costume.
A woman should be aware that if she is menstruating she is forbidden to enter the temple according to Balinese custom. If you have an option, best towait till another day. If there is a ceremony on, be aware that there are designated entry and exit points – the gate with the ngeranjing sign means enter and the one with medal means exit. If the worshippers are queuing up to pray, let them go in first.
When you walk in, take note of people praying and be sure not too walk too close to them (if possible) or in front of them. Be aware that silence is optimal for prayer and try not to talk loudly when people are worshipping. It’s usually all right to take photos in the temples but not with a flash and not in front of people praying. Perhaps flash photography is ok when people are not praying but don’t take flash photos of priests performing rituals. Don’t be disappointed if photos of sacred objects don’t come out – Bali is full of mystery!
