"Politicians in Bali advocate strict enforcement of laws, urging the expulsion of tourists who engage in illegal activities"
In an effort to preserve Balinese culture, safeguard sacred sites, and promote eco-friendly practices, the Indonesian island of Bali has introduced new regulations for foreign tourists. The rules, which emphasize respect for local customs, behavior, and sacred sites, come with stricter enforcement and penalties for violations.
The new guidelines, issued by Bali governor I Wayan Koster on March 24, 20XX, require tourists to maintain a respectful dress code, especially when visiting religious sites, temples, tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, and public roads. Inappropriate dressing or disrespectful conduct is no longer tolerated.
Tourists are prohibited from climbing sacred trees or monuments, taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites, littering, swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists. Sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is also forbidden.
Entry into sacred temple areas is strictly controlled. Only worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire may enter, and menstruating women are prohibited from entering these temple areas. Tourists must not enter sacred areas without permission.
To support sustainability and reduce pollution, the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks is banned. Tourists are expected to stay only in legally registered accommodations and use official transportation services. Accommodation providers are mandated to report all overnight foreign guests to immigration, ensuring compliance with visa and legal stay regulations.
In addition to these behavioral rules, foreign tourists must pay a tourism levy (IDR 150,000, approx. USD 10) that supports sustainable tourism initiatives in Bali. Tourists who fail to pay the visitor levy face legal consequences.
The new regulations reflect a more rigorous implementation of existing rules with new circulars and guidelines issued from 2025 onward. Authorities have begun actively cracking down on violations, including unauthorized temple entry, disrespectful conduct, and illegal stays. Komang Nova Sewi Putra, deputy chairman of the island's legislative council, has called for the deportation of foreign nationals who commit crimes.
Bali's mayor has issued new guidelines for tourists to ensure respectful behavior and adhere to local values. The strict measures aim to safeguard the Indonesian island's cultural integrity and sacred sites. Visitors are required to wear modest and respectful clothing at all times, use licensed guides and accommodation, follow traffic laws, and exchange currency at authorized outlets.
The proposal for harsher penalties for tourists who break the law comes after Bali introduced a series of new guidelines for tourists. The guidelines focus on ensuring respectful behavior when visiting sacred sites and enforcing the payment of Bali's tourist levy. Tourists are expected to comply with these rules to ensure a harmonious and sustainable tourism experience in Bali.
- Visitors to Bali should be aware that stricter guidelines have been implemented in travel, lifestyle, and crime-and-justice sectors, with new regulations emphasizing respect for local customs, sacred sites, and traditions.
- As part of the new regulations, tourists are cautioned against engaging in disrespectful conduct or sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media related to general-news or politics, as these actions are prohibited.
- In the world of sports, foreign tourists are expected to abide by the rules and regulations, including staying only in legally registered accommodations, using official transportation services for a harmonious and sustainable tourism experience in Bali.
