Bali has implemented a set of new rules for visitors in an effort to curb improper conduct.
The authorities state that these stringent measures are designed to protect the cultural integrity and holy locations of the Indonesian island.
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.
Updated regulations for managing foreign visitors in Bali
The new regulations were introduced by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster on March 24th.
“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 emphasize maintaining respectful conduct when visiting holy sites and require the payment of
Bali
’s tourist levy.
Tourists are required to hire only licensed guides and stay in approved accommodations, adhere to traffic regulations, and trade money exclusively at designated locations.
“I am putting this directive into effect immediately to manage foreign tourists during their stay in Bali,” Koster said additionally.
Updated regulations prohibit improper images and disposable plastic items.
The updated regulations mandate that visitors should dress modestly and show respect by behaving appropriately in various locations such as places of worship, eateries, commercial zones, or streets.
Visitors are
banned
The mayor stated that swearing, causing disruptions, or displaying rudeness towards locals, officials, or other visitors is not allowed. Additionally, he mentioned that “posting hateful messages or false information on social media platforms will also be forbidden.”
Activities that are prohibited encompass accessing holy temple zones without authorization, discarding waste indiscriminately, and operating without valid permits.
Single-use plastics such as plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, plastic straws, and beverages in plastic packaging have been prohibited.
Under the new guidelines,
foreign tourists
must respect and adhere to Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, particularly during rituals” and “ensure appropriate attire when going to temples, tourist sites, or public areas.
Furthermore, foreign visitors are not allowed to enter sacred temple zones unless they are worshipping and dressed in traditional Balinese clothing. The guideline further states that menstruating women are also barred from accessing these regions.
Visitors must refrain from climbing sacred trees or monuments and are prohibited from taking inappropriate or nude photographs at religious locations.
Visitors who do not pay the required levy may encounter legal repercussions.
In February, Bali implemented a single-entry charge of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (€9) for tourists from abroad aimed at supporting preservation initiatives.
Under the new rules, tourists failing to pay the tourism tax will not be allowed entry into attractions, and individuals found breaking these regulations will encounter legal repercussions as per Indonesian laws.
Recently, Balinese authorities proposed a
daily tourist tax
Similar to the $100 (€95) Sustainable Development Charge levied on most foreign tourists visiting Bhutan.
‘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’ve put together a specialized team for this mission.
tourists
“Those who misbehave will face immediate firm action,” Koster said according to The Bali Sun, a local newspaper.
He mentioned that the island’s civil service police force will keep an eye on tourists’ behavior and ensure they comply with the new rules.
“Bali is a stunning and holy island, and we ask our visitors to demonstrate the same level of respect that they receive,” Koster stated.