Bali’s mayor has warned that some transgressions could be met with legal consequences.
Bali has introduced a series of new guidelines for tourists in a bid to clamp down on inappropriate behaviour.
Authorities say the strict measures aim to safeguard the Indonesian island’s cultural integrity and sacred sites.
The rules cover clothing and behaviour when visiting temples and religious complexes, including prohibiting menstruating women from entering.
The mayor has warned that some transgressions could be met with legal consequences under Indonesian law.
New guidelines to regulate foreign tourists while in Bali
The new regulations were issued by Bali governor I Wayan Koster on 24 March.
“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 said.
The guidelines focus on ensuring respectful behaviour when visiting sacred sites and enforcing the payment of Bali’s tourist levy.
They also oblige tourists to use licensed guides and accommodation, follow traffic laws and exchange currency at authorised outlets.
“I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,” Koster added.
New rules ban inappropriate photos and single-use plastics
The new rules require tourists to wear modest and respectful clothing and to “behave respectfully whether at religious sites, restaurants, shopping areas, or public roads”.
Visitors are banned from swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists. The mayor also said that “sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is also prohibited”.
Other outlawed activities include entering sacred temple areas without permission, littering, and working without permits.
Single-use plastics, including plastic bags, styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks, are also banned.
Under the new guidelines, foreign tourists “should observe and honour Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, especially during ceremonies” and “dress appropriately when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces”.
In addition, foreign visitors are not permitted to “enter sacred temple areas unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire”. The directive adds that “menstruating women are also prohibited from entering these areas”.
Tourists are also not allowed to climb sacred trees or monuments or take inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites.
Tourists who fail to pay visitor levy face legal consequences
Last February, Bali introduced a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (€9) for international visitors to fund conservation efforts.
As part of the new guidelines, “tourists who fail to pay the tourist levy will be denied access to attractions, and those caught violating the regulations will face legal consequences in accordance with Indonesian law”.
Recently, Balinese officials floated a daily tourist tax similar to the $100 (€95) Sustainable Development Fee that Bhutan charges most international visitors.
‘We expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them’
The directive comes just a few days before Nyepi – a sacred holiday known as the day of silence – on 29 March. The festival sees the island come to a standstill for 24 hours, requiring everyone, including tourists, to stay indoors.
“We have prepared a special team to conduct an operation. Foreign tourists who are naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly,” Koster was quoted as saying by local newspaper The Bali Sun.
He added that the island’s civil service police unit will be monitoring tourist behaviour and ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
“Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,” Koster said.
