Bali is a bucket list destination for many British people (Image: Getty)
Bali authorities have issued a strict warning to tourists and published a list of comprehensive guidelines that threaten legal action against those who visitors follow.
With over 300,000 British tourists visiting the island each year and Australians make up the majority of visitors, Bali has become a popular destination for a vibrant nightlife and party scene, attracting young backpackers with its cheap living expenses.
However, the island also has many sacred Hindu sites, including temples, leading to tourists behaving “inappropriately”.
In response to growing concerns, Bali Governor Wayan Koster introduced new regulations on March 24th to tackle tourism behaviour. He said: “We have issued similar regulations before, but as things change, we need to adapt. This ensures that tourism in Bali is respectful, sustainable and in harmony with local values.”
Tourists should be careful when visiting sacred places (Image: Getty)
Coster emphasized that the new rules are intended to promote responsible tourism, saying, “I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while in Bali.”
The regulations were announced before Nyepi, a Bali holiday that requires everyone, including staying indoors. The governor said a special task force has been established to monitor and implement the rules, and “We have prepared a special team to carry out the operation. Naughty foreign tourists will be dealt with in no time.”
Bali has cracked down on the antics of unruly tourists in recent years, leading to many well-known deportations that disregard local laws and customs. In the incident from 2023, Russian tourist Louisa Kosiv was faced with deportation after posing naked in front of a sacred tree.
In 2022, the incident involving Canadian actor Jeffrey Cragen sparked local disapproval when he played a naked haka on Mount Batur, which is considered a sacred place.
Despite announcing an emotional apology, Jeffrey was deported and reinforced Bali's warning that tourists could expect “legal consequences” for such misconduct.
Visitors are prohibited from using single-use plastics (Image: Getty)
Visitors to Bali must adhere to strict guidelines. This requires avoiding the spread of “hate speech and misinformation on social media” by avoiding discreet and respectful clothing in public places, foul language and rude use.
Additionally, environmental protection is in place, including a ban on single-use plastics and beverages sold in plastic packaging. It is also expected that tourists will respect, observe, and refrain from climbing sacred trees and monuments, especially during the rituals.
In the movement to preserve the cultural and natural landscape, Bali has introduced tourist lending, detailed on its official website. This contributes to the “preservation of Bali's culture and natural environment.”
This mandatory fee is a one-time payment of Indonesian rupiah of 150,000 people, worth almost £7. Non-compliant visitors who do not pay this collection will find themselves unable to enjoy Bali's attractions.
Tourists need a licensed tour guide to visit a specific cultural site (Image: Getty)
Weian Coster announced that Bali police are paying attention to tourists to ensure they adhere to the new rules on the island.
“Bali is a beautiful and sacred island and our guests hope that we will show the same respect that spreads to them,” he declared.
Bali DOS list
1. Respect sacred places and symbols
2. Dress properly
3. I will act with respect
4. Pay Tourism Tax – This can be paid on the official Love Bali website
5. Using a Licensed Tour Guide – Tourists must accompany you when visiting cultural or natural sites
6. Funds must only be exchanged with a certified money changer
7. Please follow the traffic laws, such as wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
8. Use legal transport such as licensed car rentals
9. Stay only at licensed facilities
Only worshipers can enter certain sacred temples (Image: Getty)
Bali not list
1. Unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire, enter the sacred temple area (Utamaning Mandala & Madyaning Mandala). Menstrual women are also prohibited from entering these areas
2. Climbing sacred trees and monuments
3. Garbage or contaminate the island
4. Use disposable plastic
5. Show positive or rude behavior
6. Work without a visa or run a business
7. Participate in illegal activities
