April 3, 2025, 11:00 am | Read time: 4 minutes
As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Bali is increasingly struggling with overtourism. In addition, many tourists do not abide by the rules of the predominantly Hindu island. For this reason, the government has issued new guidelines and warned of possible legal consequences. TRAVELBOOK shares all the information below.
Bali not only has beautiful nature to offer but also a rich culture, which is characterized above all by the Hindu faith. With its beautiful beaches, impressive temples, and the typical Balinese friendliness for which the locals are known, it is no wonder that the Indonesian island is so popular. Unfortunately, however, many tourists do not behave in a very respectful manner. Environmental pollution, reckless behavior in traffic, and inappropriate clothing in sacred temples are just a few examples of misconduct by tourists to Bali that regularly attract negative attention. Now, the government is taking tougher action and introducing new rules for tourists in Bali.
Overview
These New Rules Apply to Tourists in Bali with Immediate Effect
In an official announcement by the Balinese government, Governor Wayan Koster presented the new guidelines for foreign tourists in Bali. They are intended to ensure “that tourism in Bali remains respectful, sustainable, and in line with [Balinese] values.”
The Following Rules Now Apply in Bali
- Respect for sacred sites and symbols — this includes temples, religious statues, and other sacred places. Visitors should respect and honor Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, especially during ceremonies.
- Dress appropriately — When visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public places, tourists must wear modest and respectful clothing.
- Respectful behavior — Whether at religious sites, restaurants, shopping, or on public streets, tourists must behave politely and considerately.
- Pay tourist tax — A mandatory tourist tax must be paid electronically on this website before or during the stay.
- Use licensed tour guides — When exploring cultural and natural sites, tourists must be accompanied by certified tour guides who are familiar with local traditions and natural features.
- Exchange money only at authorized money changers — Transactions should only be made at licensed exchange houses with official Bank Indonesia QR codes.
- Traffic rules must be followed — Tourists driving in Bali must have a valid international or national driver’s license. In addition, you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, obey traffic signs, not overload vehicles, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Only legal means of transportation allowed — The use of unlicensed car rental or transportation services is prohibited.
- Stay in licensed accommodation — Visitors must book hotels, villas, or homestays that comply with Bali’s legal accommodation standards.
What Tourists Are Not Allowed to Do in Bali
- Enter sacred temple areas — unless they are worshippers in traditional Balinese dress. Menstruating women are also prohibited from entering these areas.
- Climbing sacred trees or monuments — Inappropriate photos or nude photos at religious sites are also prohibited.
- Polluting the environment in Bali — It is strictly forbidden to throw waste into lakes, rivers, or the sea.
- Use of single-use plastic — Plastic bags, polystyrene, plastic straws, and plastic-wrapped drinks are prohibited.
- Aggressive or disrespectful behavior — This includes swearing, disrupting, or rude behavior towards locals, officials, or other tourists. Sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is also prohibited.
- Working without proper authorization — Tourists are not allowed to do business or work in Bali unless they have official documents from the Indonesian authorities.
- Engaging in illegal activities — This includes trafficking in drugs, endangered animals, sacred artifacts, or other prohibited goods.
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What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Rules in Bali
Some of the rules are not necessarily new. For example, menstruating women in Bali have always been prohibited from entering Hindu temples. The ban on single-use plastic has also been in place since 2019, but Governor Koster made it clear in his announcement that these rules will now be strictly enforced. Anyone caught violating the rules will face legal consequences under Indonesian law. To promote the enforcement of the rules, the population is encouraged to report violations to a WhatsApp hotline. The Bali police will also actively monitor compliance with the regulations.