Bali Implements New Guidelines for Tourists in Effort to Curb Misbehavior

Bali, Indonesia – The provincial government of Bali has announced a comprehensive set of new regulations for tourists, aiming to address issues of misbehavior and preserve the island’s cultural integrity. This initiative comes on the heels of a significant rise in tourist numbers, with over 6.3 million visitors recorded in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year.

New Regulations

The announcement, made by Governor Wayan Koster in Spring 2025, includes specific guidelines that tourists must follow while enjoying the island’s rich cultural heritage. The regulations are encapsulated in Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025, which emphasizes maintaining order and respecting local customs.

Key Rules for Tourists

1. Respect Sacred Sites and Dress Appropriately: Visitors are required to wear modest and respectful clothing when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces.
2. Behavioral Expectations: Tourists must exhibit polite and considerate behavior, avoiding any actions deemed disrespectful.
3. Tourist Levy: A mandatory tourist fee of approximately $9 must be paid electronically prior to or during a stay. This can be processed via the official website: lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
4. Use Licensed Guides: Tourists are encouraged to engage with licensed tour guides when exploring the island’s cultural or natural sites.
5. Financial Transactions: Currency exchange should occur at authorized money changers to prevent fraud.
6. Traffic Compliance: Motorists must adhere to local traffic laws, including the use of helmets on motorcycles and avoiding DUI.
7. Legal Accommodation: Tourists are advised to stay only at licensed accommodations and use legal transportation methods.

Prohibited Activities

The guidelines also stipulate certain prohibitions designed to protect Bali’s cultural integrity:

• Entering sacred temple areas unless properly dressed and identified as worshippers.
• Climbing sacred trees or monuments.
• Littering and the use of single-use plastics, such as bags or straws, which are banned.
• Engaging in aggressive or disrespectful behaviors, including hate speech or posting misinformation on social media.
• Working or operating a business without proper permits.
• Involvement in illegal activities is strictly forbidden.

Enforcement of Regulations

Governor Koster stressed that these rules will be strictly enforced, with tourists who fail to pay the tourist levy facing denied access to attractions. Violators of the regulations could face legal consequences under Indonesian law.

Travel Advisory

Travelers from the U.S. are also advised to exercise increased caution when visiting Indonesia due to potential risks associated with terrorism and natural disasters. The ongoing situation has resulted in an official travel warning for the region, highlighting the need for vigilance.

As Bali continues to thrive as a premier tourist destination, these newly implemented regulations reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring a respectful and sustainable environment for both visitors and locals alike.

For travelers planning a trip to this popular destination, adherence to these new guidelines will be essential for a positive experience in Bali.