Photoshoot in Traditional Balinese Costume with a Professional Photographer
Bali has a way of pulling you into its culture. For me, the fascination has always been there.
A Hindu island in the middle of the world’s largest Muslim country. A culture that’s uniquely local, not something you’ll casually stumble across elsewhere. And on top of that, subtle similarities to my own Malay background that somehow make it feel both foreign and familiar.
So every time I return to Bali, I look for ways to experience the culture beyond beaches and cafés.
On one of my trips, that curiosity led me to a traditional Balinese costume photoshoot, complete with ceremonial attire, full makeup, hairdo, and a professional photographer.
I’m sharing my firsthand experience so you know exactly what these photoshoots are like and what to know if you’re considering one yourself.
A traditional Balinese costume photoshoot is not a quick outfit change and a few snaps. It’s a full styling experience that draws inspiration from ceremonial attire worn for important occasions.
For women, this usually includes a kebaya (a fitted traditional top), a batik sarong known as a kamben, a sash, structured underlayers like a corset, and jewelry.
Hair and makeup are an essential part of the look and tend to be more elaborate than everyday Balinese dress.
The whole process takes time. There’s outfit selection, styling, makeup, hair, accessorizing, and only then the actual shoot. It’s definitely not something you want to rush through.
Best places to do a traditional costume photoshoot in Bali
If you’re picturing yourself in a flowing kebaya, standing in front of a majestic temple or palace, Bali has plenty of options, but picking the right spot can be trickier than it seems.
Some of the most iconic temples, like Uluwatu, Besakih, or Tirta Empul, are stunning, but they’re also popular pilgrimage and tourist sites. That means crowds, long queues, and occasional photobombers are almost guaranteed.
In my case, my photographer suggested the Bali Relics Museum in Denpasar, a building from the early 1930s that turned out to be the perfect backdrop for the photoshoot.
Plus, I didn’t have to dodge a dozen other tourists stepping into my frame!
So, the best thing to do is to ask your photographer for recommendations. They should know the best spots for lighting, ambiance, and avoiding busy crowds, as well as any rules, special etiquettes, or restrictions a place might have.
How to book a traditional Balinese costume photoshoot
Most of these experiences are arranged either through local studios, photography boutiques, or independent photographers who collaborate with stylists and costume providers.
A good starting point is platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or similar activity booking sites, where you can see reviews, availability, and sometimes special deals.
For example, you can check out a few photography packages here:
If you prefer a more direct approach, many photographers maintain Instagram or other social media profiles.
Sending a polite message asking about costume shoots, styling, and pricing can get you on their schedule, even if they don’t openly advertise it.
I recommend asking about:
- What the package includes (outfit, hair, makeup, props)
- How long the session takes
- If location suggestions are provided
Keep in mind that availability can vary depending on the season, so booking at least a few days ahead is usually safer.
The makeover
The makeover process was easily one of the most memorable parts of the day.
Once the stylists arrived, I was welcomed into the boutique and asked to choose a kebaya from an impressive collection. But with all the different cuts, fabrics, and colors available, decision paralysis kicked in fast.
Eventually, Sagung, the head stylist stepped in and helped me choose one that best complemented my skin tone. We went with bright orange.
I thought I was more of a white-lace kind of girl, but in the end I was happy with the choice she made.
The kebaya was paired with a green batik kamben, a sash, and a lace-up corset underneath. It was my first time wearing one, and it forced me to stand and sit a little straighter. Slouching was no longer an option.
Hair and makeup followed, with the photographer occasionally chiming in about what would translate best on camera. If the makeup wasn’t on point, then a lot of editing needed to be done post-shoot.
Personally, I thought I looked a little too white-washed. I would have preferred a foundation shade that was closer to my natural tan, but I decided to leave it to the experts.
The final touches were the accessories: earrings, bangles, rings, brooches, and decorative hairpins that pulled everything together.
The photoshoot
Once the look was complete, I slipped on my flip-flops and off we went to the museum, which was just across the road from the boutique.
The photographer I worked with was Mega Gumelar. At the time, she was still a photography student from Jakarta, but don’t let that fool you. Even then, she was a total pro, having done more than five years of fashion and editorial work.
She also had some modeling experience under her belt, which made a huge difference during the shoot. She guided poses, adjusted posture, and made sure nothing looked awkward or forced.
Mega explained that the attire I was wearing was known as Adat Lengkap, traditionally worn for important ceremonies.
In everyday life, Balinese people may wear simplified versions of the traditional clothing for work or school — something I found highly impressive, considering the corset situation.
Moving in traditional attire requires a certain elegance (that I clearly didn’t possess). Luckily, I had flip-flops. Pairing a kebaya with my usual choice of footwear (hiking boots) would have been… tragic.
It was a relief when Mega announced she had gotten all the shots she needed. Afterwards, we strolled back to the boutique, enjoying a delightful glass of cendol along the way.
Getting the photos & final results
The edited photos arrived by email the same day, and if the photoshoot was great, the final results were even better!
The colors of my outfit worked beautifully with the background, the tones felt natural, and my earlier worries about looking too pale disappeared.
I couldn’t stop smiling at the overall vibe of the photos. Some kind of sorcery must have been involved, because I actually looked elegant, if I say so myself.
Is a traditional Balinese costume photoshoot worth it?
Photography services for travelers aren’t new, especially in iconic destinations.
It’s a huge hit for solo travelers like me, because taking photos of yourself while traveling alone is no easy feat. Besides, some places are just too beautiful for my (lack of) photography skills to do them any justice.
But although I had been tempted to use these services before, I had to refrain because I never had any nice outfits with me. I also don’t travel with makeup.
So, the fact that this photoshoot in Bali took care of all that was the clincher for me.
Yes, some of the photography packages may feel pricey by Indonesian standards, but you’re paying for skilled stylists, cultural knowledge, and a photographer who knows how to bring out your best angles.
Despite my lack of confidence going in, the photographer made me feel comfortable throughout the session. We started the day as strangers and ended it as friends. And I left with photos that remain some of my favorite travel memories in Bali.
Cultural etiquette & respect
Wearing traditional attire comes with responsibility. These photoshoots are widely accepted in Bali when done respectfully, but intention matters.
Listen to guidance from stylists and photographers, avoid exaggerated or inappropriate poses, and treat the attire as cultural dress rather than a costume.
FAQs
Can tourists do a photoshoot in traditional Balinese costume?
Yes, when done respectfully and with cultural awareness, these photoshoots are common and widely accepted.
Do I need to book in advance?
Usually yes, especially outside peak seasons or if working with specific stylists or photographers.
Are these photoshoots suitable for men or couples?
Yes. Men’s attire typically includes a batik shirt, kamben, saput, sash, and udeng headpiece, and couples can often coordinate looks.
Have you ever hired a photographer when you travel? Share your experience in the comment section below!
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sambil melawat ke tempat orang sambil kita melihat budaya mereka kan, cantik sis dengan persalinan ni, semua gambar pun menjadi
Terima kasih, Aju. Saya memang suka aktiviti begini bila melancong. Bukan setakat dapat melihat budaya orang, tapi juga dapat turut serta.
oh my god! Cantiknya semua gambar photoshoot u and yes, you do look like local bila pakai and makeup macam tu. Bestnya! Power la hasil kerja Mega ni
Thank you, Farhana! Ya, hasil kerja Mega ni memang hebat. Sangat puas hati. Kalau berminat, boleh follow beliau di instagram atau Tiktok.
How much did they charge you for the photoshoot and how many hours was it?
Hi, Anu. I paid 60GBP. The whole experience took about 3 hours, if I’m not mistaken, including makeup and hairdo.
Great photos, Ummi 😍 Saya suka betul gambar with shadow tu..location photoshoot pun cantik
Thanks, Edahyu. Muzium ni memang cantik, dan popular sebagai tempat photoshoot. Masa saya pergi tu pun ada lagi beberapa group lain yg tgh buat pre-wedding photoshoot. Dekat pula tu dengan butik Ayuning Bali Busana.
Whoa interesting info..now i know that we can booked those package when travel. Yeah at least it is worth for a very good photo session.
Yes, Bella. There are actually many photography packages around the world aimed at travelers. Some people may think it’s narcissistic to hire a photographer to take your travel photos, but to each their own. And this one in particular was really worth my money.
tak pernah hire photographer and i tak taktau pulak airbnb ada such service kan. best jugak ni. next time viait bali again nak try la. cantik2 gambar..
Hi, Bae. Selain daripada penginapan, Airbnb ni juga sebenarnya ada banyak aktiviti atau ‘experience’ yang kita boleh join. Nanti saya akan tulis satu artikel tentang ni. Kalau Bae berminat, boleh la register Airbnb guna link di atas dan bookmark dulu experience ni. Nanti bila ke Bali, boleh cuba.
Memang cantik hasil kerja Mega. Dan yang paling teruja, dia seorang wanita. Akak pula yang rasa bangga. Kerlasss semua gambar-gambar ummi.
Terima kasih, Kak Eiza. Betul tu, hasil kerja Mega memang mantap. Dan kita sebagai wanita seharusnya sentiasa memberi sokongan antara satu sama lain. 🙂
You are so beautiful dear.. place and dress really suite you well.. I really like it when Mega snap your pictures naturally..
Thank you, Rozita. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was happy with the results too. Mega is really good at what she does.
Cantiknyaaa Ummi. Berbaloi bayar mahal sikit tapi hasil dia awesome giler. Sy tak pernah tau pulak ada pakej macam ni. Next time boleh try 🤗
Terima kasih, Dikbee. Memang saya rasa berbaloi sangat. Nanti Dikbee ke Bali, boleh la cuba servis ni 🙂
Cantikkkk…suka pakaian tradisional diaorang. Kalo i pun mesti wat photoshoot banyak2 camni hehe
Cantik kan pakaian tradisional Bali ni, Min? Lebih kurang serupa dengan kebaya kita di Malaysia, tapi tak sama. Kalau Min berminat nak buat photoshoot ni di Bali, boleh la simpan details photographer ni dulu ya.
that’s such a beautiful photoshoot! you look Balinese and the dress looks great on you
Thank you, Grace! I was happy with the result too. 🙂
Wowww Ummi so gojes nyaaa… dah macam Puteri Gunung Ledanhg okay… cantikkkkk…
Teringin gak nak cuba pakai baju tradisonal gini, tapi tunggu slim dulu hahahaha
Terima kasih, sis! Jangan puji lebih-lebih sangat. Hehe. Ala, cantik tak semestinya slim. Every body is beautiful, what…
Interesting bah.. can try their photography services next time.. Didn’t know this service exist tho.. normally we had the one that took your photo and print it instantly only.. so gorgeous bah all the photo you shared.. nice one..
Thank you, Kitkat. Ya I think I have also come across something similar where they put you in the costume, put on makeup, then take one or two photos to be printed instantly. That would probably be cheaper. But if you want good quality photos, I highly recommend this one 🙂
Cantiknya sesi penggambaran ni. Lokasi kat mana tu ? Pernah pi Bali, jalan-jalan kat sawah dan pantai. Kalau ada batu camtu kat bahagian mana eh kak. Rasa nak pi Bali next year. Hehe. Semuanya sesuai la dari pakaian, mekap dan style. Gambar cun!
Terima kasih, Ruby! Muzium ni nama dia Bali Relics Museum, kat Denpasar, ibu kota Bali. Boleh pergi naik Grab/ojek. Tapi rasanya kalau nak cari senibina batu2 macam ni, ada je kat mana2. Cari la kat temple ke. Kadang2, hotel dan rumah orang pun ada buat stail macam ni. Ataupun kalau berminat nak buat photoshoot ni dengan Mega, boleh la hubungi dia sendiri 🙂
Nice dress and nice shoot picture hehehe very goodlah I want try have male costume for Bali right heheheheheh
Haha, ya can. Try la. Right now the package is not listed on Airbnb. But you can try asking the photographer directly on her ig or Tiktok. She’s quite viral on tiktok.
very nice traditional costume. lucky u were able to don the costume. siap pakej dengan make up sekali. wow. dah macam real photoshoot untuk campaign.
Thank you, Zharif! Memang best pakej ni, siap dengan kostum, mekap, hairstyling semua. Kalau ke Bali, jangan lupa cuba ya.
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OMG, you’re gorgeous, and you’re right, you look Balinese.
Aw, thank you, Ildi! 🙂
I had no idea that the traditional attire of Bali is well, so stylish and elegant and woah! they wear a bindi (forehead sticker) too, similar to what married women wear in India. Needless to say, you look really pretty in the attire 🙂
Thank you, MagicandBliss! Yes, the Balinese are mostly Hindu. This is one of the things that fascinate me about Balinese culture. In my own country, most Hindus are of Indian descent; it’s pretty rare to see a Southeast Asian face with a bindi — except in Bali. 😀
Loved this post! First of all, you look gorgeous and the outfit and camera angles were perfect. Next, I have heard of people hiring photographers during their travels, but I would never have considered doing that. You may have changed my mind. This experience seems so fun and lovely. What great memories you take home with you and an awesome way to learn of another culture.
Thank you, Ildiko! In the beginning, I also had some reservations about hiring a photographer abroad. In my opinion, it was only for serious social media influencers and definitely not for me. But after seeing the resulting photos, I changed my mind about it, because those photos can make great souvenirs for ourselves, regardless of whether we choose to share them on social media or not. And especially this one in Bali, where you also get to put on their traditional costumes, hairstyle, and makeup. 🙂
Nice!! I always take photo in traditional costume/local wedding costume whenever I travel overseas. So far have worn close to 50 different costumes for photoshoot in 20+ countries.
That’s awesome, Min! It’s also one of my favorite things to do when abroad. 😀