Bali Introduces New Guidelines to Curb Bad Tourist Behavior

By Weena Tan
Published: May 19, 2025
Last updated: May 19, 2025

Bali, the enchanting Indonesian island known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, welcomed 6.3 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. As the island aims to attract between 6.5 million to seven million tourists in 2025, it faces growing challenges, including traffic congestion, public disturbances, environmental degradation, and the desecration of sacred sites. In response to the rising tensions surrounding disruptive tourist behavior, Balinese officials have enacted new guidelines aimed at promoting respectful tourism.

The Economic Impact of Tourism

Tourism is the backbone of Bali’s economy, accounting for an estimated 60-70% of the island’s regional GDP, a figure significantly higher than the national average of about 5% for Indonesia. However, the influx of international visitors has spurred concerns, particularly regarding the misconduct of a minority of tourists. Increasing incidents of crime, public indecency, and disrespect towards the local culture have led to frustration among the Balinese community.

Addressing the Problem

In the first three months of 2025, nearly 130 foreign nationals were deported from Bali, averaging more than one person per day. This figure marks a significant increase compared to the 85 deportations during the same period in 2023. Complaints against foreigners have also surged, with 4,366 formal reports lodged in the first quarter of the year alone. The governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has vowed to tighten enforcement against disruptive visitors, launching a campaign to educate tourists about local customs and acceptable behavior.

Recent Incidents of Misconduct

Incidents of tourist misconduct have recently garnered widespread media attention. A German tourist faces serious charges after gatecrashing a sacred temple performance and stripping naked, while a violent episode involving a 27-year-old American man resulted in his deportation after he damaged property in a local medical clinic. Other bizarre incidents include footage of an Australian tourist requiring assistance from security due to public intoxication and a Norwegian man being deported for hiking a sacred mountain without a licensed guide. These cases highlight the pressing need for improved tourist etiquette.

New Tourist Guidelines Introduced

To counteract bad behavior, Bali has introduced strict new guidelines for tourists, encompassing a range of regulations:

Dress Codes and Respect for Sacred Spaces

Visitors must dress modestly at religious sites and behave respectfully. This includes adhering to specific dress codes when entering temples and avoiding actions deemed disrespectful.

Traffic and Road Regulations

New traffic guidelines mandate that tourists hold valid driver’s licenses, obey traffic laws, and wear helmets while riding motorbikes. Additionally, tourists are prohibited from driving under the influence and must utilize registered rental vehicles.

Tourism Levy

A tourism levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $15) is now required from all tourists before leaving the island. This fee, payable through the "Love Bali" platform, aims to enhance local infrastructure and services.

Responsible Tourism Practices

Tourists are encouraged to engage in responsible behavior, such as minimizing their environmental impact and avoiding the use of single-use plastics. Licensed tour guides are recommended for activities exploring cultural and natural sites.

Reporting Misconduct

Residents and tourists are encouraged to report any misconduct through a dedicated WhatsApp hotline, which aims to deter unruly behavior.

Increased Law Enforcement

Bali has deployed over 70 tourism police officers to monitor compliance with the new guidelines actively. Their role includes ensuring proper dress codes in temples and addressing any disturbances caused by tourists.

Stricter Immigration Laws

The island is also implementing stricter laws regarding visa overstays, with potential prison sentences increased dramatically from one year to a maximum of 20 years or life imprisonment for violations.

Conclusion

As Bali strives to balance economic growth with cultural preservation, the newly established guidelines reflect a commitment to fostering a respectful and responsible tourism environment. With a concerted effort to educate tourists on local customs and enforce regulations, Bali hopes to enhance the experience for both visitors and residents alike. The initiative serves as a reminder that tourism should not only benefit visitors but also respect the traditions and livelihoods of locals.