In Reply to: dressing for bali posted by bazzaboy on Wednesday, 10. August 2005 at 22:00 Bali Time:
Many people don't realise that overly casual or revealing clothes are actually not considered good manners when dealing with government officials. No one will say anything and heaps of people travel in brief clothing so it is up to you. Just be aware of your choices. I realize you are talking about comfortable clothes for climate, not turning up in a bikini top so I'm just raising this as a point of interest. If you have any kind of a problem re lost luggage or paperwork etc. you will be better received the better you are dressed. It's not so long ago that you actually couldn't get past check in at Denpasar airport wearing a singlet, that was male or female!!!
Also if you have to go to any government department or police station during your stay it goes better if men wear long pants and not a singlet and women avoid skimpy tops and short shorts.
By the way if anyone thinks I'm just a bit prudish I'm not. In Australia I defend anyone's right to wear as much or as little as they like!! It's just a cultural thing in Indonesia.