The First Interactive Virtual Tourism Centre on the GTPNet
developed by UNTPDC in cooperation with PUSDATA and Bali Trade Point
Because of its tropical climate, dress is generally quite informal in Bali. Accepted attire for men is shirt and long pants, however in the tourist areas, beaches and hotels, shorts and a tee-shirt will do. Long sleeved 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 in the tourist areas, hotels and beaches but may draw unwanted attention in the less tourist visited villages. 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 mosest clothing. Sarongs can almost always be hired at the temple gates, or you may be able to use your own. In either 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 footpaths, even 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 travel 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!
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 back, and above all, learn how to pack it correctly.
Remember the advice for all travellers: Before you leave home, unpack your bags and remove half of what you originally packed. Even then you will probably have more than you need to carry while away.
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. The prices vary greatly, and are generally not negotiable in the boutiques.
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.
