Bali Implements Ban on Menstruating Tourists in Temples Amid Behavioral Crackdown

Bali, Indonesia — In a significant shift in tourism policy, the Indonesian island of Bali has enacted new regulations prohibiting menstruating women from entering its temples. This decision is part of a larger initiative aimed at curbing what local authorities describe as the “misbehavior” of tourists who, according to officials, fail to respect the island’s cultural and religious customs.

Strict Regulations Unveiled

On March 24, 2025, Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, announced these controversial guidelines aimed at regulating visitor behavior. According to reports, the explicit ban on menstruating tourists is based on longstanding local beliefs regarding menstrual blood, which is traditionally considered “dirty” and said to compromise the purity of sacred temple sites. The governor stated, “I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,” underscoring the need for compliance with local traditions.

Cultural Beliefs Underpinning the Ban

The new rules reflect a desire to maintain the sanctity of temple grounds, with belief systems that warn of "negative effects" on women who enter while menstruating. According to local cultural perspectives, these women could experience adverse physical reactions, including pain or fainting, and may also invoke "mystical events," such as spiritual possession. Alarmingly, there are claims that their presence could lead to negative repercussions for surrounding communities, including potential natural disasters and disease outbreaks, as stated by Visit Bali.

Despite the seriousness of the ban, the announcement did not provide clarity on how local authorities would enforce this policy or verify a visitor’s menstrual status.

Comprehensive Changes to Tourist Conduct

The menstruation ban is part of a broader framework aimed at regulating tourist conduct. New guidelines outline that visitors must wear appropriate attire—specifically traditional Balinese clothing—when entering sacred temple areas, and further restrictions have been placed on behaviors such as public profanity, littering, and the use of single-use plastics. In a bid to ensure compliance, a dedicated task force has been established to monitor tourist behavior, with penalties for violators that could range from fines to incarceration.

Governor Koster remarked on the evolution of these regulations, 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.”

The Context of Overtourism Concerns

Bali’s tightening grip on tourism management comes in response to increasing concerns of overtourism, an issue that has plagued many popular destinations worldwide. With an expected influx of 14 to 16 million visitors this year, Bali has been proactive in introducing visitor management strategies. In February 2024, a tourist entry fee of 150,000 rupiah (approximately $10) was instituted to support environmental preservation efforts.

Recent incidents of misconduct by tourists have amplified the need for stricter regulations. For example, in 2023, a foreign tourist was seen meditating naked at a Hindu temple, and a Norwegian visitor faced visa revocation for hiking to a sacred location without an authorized guide earlier this year.

Conclusion

Bali’s new regulations signal a robust commitment to preserving cultural integrity and improving tourist accountability. As these measures unfold, it remains to be seen how they will affect the island’s reputation as a major global tourist destination and whether they will resonate with visitors seeking a more respectful travel experience.