Bali Cracks Down on Unruly Tourists with New Regulations
DENPASAR, Indonesia – Bali has announced a new set of regulations aimed at curbing misbehavior among tourists and preserving the island's unique cultural heritage. Governor Wayan Koster unveiled Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025 at a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The new regulations are an update to SE Number 4 of 2023, reflecting the evolving challenges in the tourism sector. Governor Koster, accompanied by Bali’s Tourism Office Head, Tjok. Bagus Pemayun, emphasized the importance of these measures to ensure that Bali’s tourism industry remains respectful, sustainable, and aligned with local values.
What Tourists MUST Follow:
The circular outlines several mandatory guidelines for foreign visitors:
Respect for Sacred Sites and Symbols: Visitors must honor Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, especially at temples and religious sites.
Appropriate Dress: Modest and respectful clothing is expected when visiting temples, tourist attractions, and public spaces.
Respectful Behavior: Tourists are expected to behave politely and considerately in all settings, including restaurants, shopping areas, and public roads.
Tourist Levy Payment: A mandatory tourist fee must be paid electronically via the official website before or during their stay.
Use of Licensed Tour Guides: Certified guides are required for exploring cultural or natural sites, ensuring visitors receive accurate information and respect local traditions.
Currency Exchange at Authorized Locations: Transactions must be conducted at licensed exchange services with official QR codes from Bank Indonesia.
Adherence to Traffic Laws: Tourists driving in Bali must have a valid driver’s license, wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, follow traffic signs, avoid overloading vehicles, and refrain from driving under the influence.
Use of Legal Transportation: Only licensed car rentals or transport services should be used.
Stay at Licensed Accommodations: Visitors must book hotels, villas, or homestays that comply with Bali’s legal accommodation standards.
Prohibited Actions:
The circular also outlines a list of activities that are strictly prohibited for tourists:
Entry into Sacred Temple Areas: Tourists are not allowed to enter sacred temple areas (Utamaning Mandala & Madyaning Mandala) unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire. Menstruating women are also prohibited from these areas.
Climbing Sacred Trees or Monuments: Inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites are forbidden.
Littering or Polluting: Throwing waste in lakes, rivers, or the ocean is strictly prohibited.
Use of Single-Use Plastics: Plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks are banned.
Aggressive or Disrespectful Behavior: Swearing, causing disturbances, being rude to locals or officials, and sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media are prohibited.
Unauthorized Work or Business: Tourists are not allowed to conduct business or work in Bali without official documentation from Indonesian authorities.
Participation in Illegal Activities: This includes trading drugs, endangered animals, sacred artifacts, or any prohibited goods.
Enforcement and Reporting:
Governor Koster emphasized that these regulations will be strictly enforced. Violators will face legal consequences under Indonesian law. The public is encouraged to report violations via the official WhatsApp hotline: +62 81-287-590-999. Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) will monitor compliance, and the Bali Police will handle serious offenses.
This comprehensive set of regulations aims to promote responsible tourism in Bali, ensuring that visitors respect the island's unique culture and environment.
