Bali Bans Menstruating Tourists from Temples Amid Crackdown on Visitor Behavior

Bali, Indonesia – In a controversial move aimed at promoting respect for cultural practices, Bali has instituted a strict regulation that prohibits menstruating tourists from entering temples across the island. This policy is part of a broader initiative by local authorities to curb what they describe as “misbehaving tourists,” who have been perceived as disrespecting the region’s cultural and religious traditions.

New Guidelines Unveiled

The announcement, made by Bali Governor Wayan Koster on March 24, outlines the new guidelines that expressly ban women who are menstruating from temple access. According to Visit Bali, this restriction is rooted in traditional beliefs which deem menstrual blood as “dirty,” and entering a temple during menstruation could result in polluting the sacred space.

“I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,” Governor Koster stated during the announcement. The guidelines hinge on local superstitions passed down through generations, which warn that women entering temples while menstruating could experience negative outcomes, such as physical pain and fainting, or even “mystical” repercussions like spiritual possession.

Furthermore, the guidelines suggest that the presence of menstruating women in temples may have detrimental effects on surrounding communities, reportedly linking it to potential natural disasters and diseases.

Enforcement Challenges

The new regulations come with notable enforcement challenges, as the announcement did not clarify how authorities plan to verify a woman’s menstrual status upon entering temple grounds.

In addition to the menstruation ban, the new regulations implement comprehensive rules for tourist behavior at sacred sites. Visitors are now required to wear traditional Balinese attire to enter these areas, reinforcing the importance of maintaining cultural norms.

Comprehensive Behavior Regulations

The menstruation ban is only one element of Bali’s broader tourist conduct framework. Other newly established regulations prohibit the use of single-use plastics, rude behavior towards locals, public profanity, and littering. To maintain order and compliance, a dedicated task force has been set up, with authority to monitor visitor behavior and impose penalties ranging from monetary fines to potential incarceration for violations.

Governor Koster emphasized the need for these regulations by stating, “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.”

Addressing Overtourism

Bali’s newly enacted approach to manage tourism follows increasing concerns over overtourism, which is impacting popular destinations globally. The island is expecting between 14 to 16 million visitors this year alone. To support environmental protection efforts, Bali had previously implemented a tourist entry fee of 150,000 rupiah (approximately $10) in February 2024. Recent incidents have exacerbated local frustrations, including a foreign tourist meditating naked at a Hindu temple last year and another visitor, from Norway, losing his visa after hiking to a sacred site without a guide earlier this year.

The imposition of these new rules aims to preserve the cultural integrity of Bali while fostering an environment of respect and understanding for its rich traditions.

As Bali navigates the complexities of tourism in a culturally sensitive manner, local authorities remain vigilant in enforcing these new regulations to ensure that the island’s sacred sites are honored and preserved for future generations.