Authorities in Bali have issued a stern warning to tourists, releasing a comprehensive list of guidelines for visitors to follow and threatening legal action against those who misbehave.
With over 300,000 British tourists visiting the island each year, and Australians making up the majority of visitors, Bali has become a popular destination for its vibrant nightlife and party scene, attracting young backpackers with its inexpensive living costs.
However, the island is also home to numerous sacred Hindu sites, including temples, which has led to issues with tourists behaving 'inappropriately'.
In response to growing concerns, Wayan Koster, the governor of Bali, introduced new regulations on March 24 to tackle tourist behaviour. He stated: "We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt. This ensures that Bali's tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values."
Koster emphasized that the new rules aim to promote responsible tourism, saying: "I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali."
The regulations were announced ahead of Nyepi, a Balinese holiday that requires everyone, including tourists, to stay indoors. The governor warned that a special task force has been established to monitor and enforce the rules, stating: "We have prepared a special team to conduct an operation. Foreign tourists who are naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly."
Bali has been clamping down on unruly tourist antics in recent years, leading to a number of high-profile deportations for those flouting local laws and customs. In an incident from 2023, Russian tourist Luiza Kosykh faced deportation after posing naked in front of a sacred tree.
Back in 2022, an incident involving Canadian actor Jeffrey Craigen stirred local disapproval when he performed the Haka naked atop Mount Batur, which is considered a holy site.
Despite issuing an emotional apology, Jeffrey was deported, reinforcing Bali's warning that tourists can expect "legal consequences" for such misbehaviour.
Visitors to Bali must adhere to strict guidelines, which include dressing modestly and respectfully in public, abstaining from using foul language or rudeness, and avoiding spreading "hate speech or misinformation on social media".
Additionally, there are environmental protections in place, such as prohibitions against single-use plastics and beverages sold in plastic packaging. Tourists are also expected to respect and observe Balinese culture and traditions, particularly during ceremonies, and refrain from climbing on sacred trees and monuments.
In a move to preserve its cultural and natural landscape, Bali has introduced a tourist levy detailed on the official website, which contributes to "protecting the culture and natural environment of Bali."
This mandatory fee is a one-time payment of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah, roughly equating to £7. Non-compliant visitors who do not pay this levy will find themselves restricted from enjoying Bali's attractions.
Wayan Koster has announced that Bali's police force will be keeping a close eye on tourists to ensure they adhere to the island's new rules.
"Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them," he declared.
1. Respect sacred sites and symbols
2. Dress appropriately
3. Behave respectfully
4. Pay the tourist levy - this can be paid on the official Love Bali website
5. Use licenced tour guides - certified guides must accompany tourists when visiting cultural or natural sites
6. Money should only be exchanged at authorised money changers
7. Follow traffic laws, including wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike
8. Use legal transportation such as licenced car rentals
9. Stay at licenced accommodation only
1. Enter sacred temple areas (Utamaning Mandala & Madyaning Mandala) unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire. Menstruating women are also prohibited from entering these areas
2. Climb sacred trees or monuments
3. Litter or pollute the island
4. Use single-use plastics
5. Show aggressive or disrespectful behaviour
6. Work or run a business without a visa
7. Take part in illegal activities
