Shocking New Rules in Bali: Menstruating Women Banned from Temples Amid Efforts to Curb Overtourism!

Bali Introduces Controversial Ban on Menstruating Women Entering Temples Amid New Tourism Regulations

Date: May 15, 2025

Bali, Indonesia — Known worldwide as a tropical paradise attracting surfers, spiritual seekers, and digital nomads alike, Bali has recently implemented a series of new tourism regulations designed to tackle the effects of mass tourism on the island’s environment and cultural heritage. While some measures have been welcomed as necessary steps to protect Bali’s unique identity, others have sparked controversy, namely a ban that prohibits menstruating women from entering temples.

New Regulations to Curb Overtourism and Protect Cultural Heritage

In late March 2025, the Balinese government, under the leadership of Governor Wayan Koster, announced strict rules aimed at regulating the influx of foreign tourists. According to statements made to Euronews, these regulations are intended to safeguard the island’s environment, reduce pollution from overtourism, and preserve Bali’s cultural and spiritual integrity, which many local residents feel is under threat.

Among the new policies are bans on single-use plastics and restrictions on behavior, such as prohibiting visitors from swearing or displaying disrespect toward locals, officials, or other tourists. Dress codes have also been tightened, especially regarding appropriate clothing for entering sacred temples, reflecting Bali’s deep respect for Hindu customs.

Controversial Ban on Menstruating Women Entering Temples

One of the most debated new measures relates to temple visitation: menstruating women are now explicitly banned from entering temples. While this restriction aligns to some extent with longstanding local customs—traditionally displayed on signs by temples—it had not before been codified into official regulations nor accompanied by clearly defined penalties.

The rationale is linked to religious beliefs prevalent in Balinese Hinduism, which view menstrual blood as impure, potentially rendering sacred temple grounds unclean. This perspective is not unique to Hinduism, as noted on the official tourism platform Visit Bali, which explains that other religions may hold similar prohibitions concerning menstruation and sacred spaces.

Mixed Reactions and Cultural Sensitivities

The regulation has drawn mixed reactions internationally. Many visitors and human rights advocates consider the ban discriminatory against women, framing it as an exclusionary practice that undermines gender equality. Critics argue that while cultural traditions deserve respect, enforcing such rules in a tourist context raises important ethical questions, especially given Bali’s global reputation as a destination that embraces spirituality and inclusivity.

On the other hand, some locals and cultural preservationists maintain that honoring these customs is essential to maintaining Bali’s spiritual values and resisting the homogenizing effects of mass tourism.

Alternatives for Visitors

For menstruating women visiting Bali, temple entry is off-limits during their menstrual cycles. However, the tourism board suggests alternative cultural activities available nearby, such as traditional Balinese dance performances and other entertainment options, to ensure that visitors can still experience the island’s rich heritage.

Bali’s Struggle with Mass Tourism Continues

Bali’s new regulations are part of a broader effort to manage the environmental and cultural impacts of a tourism boom that has intensified over recent decades. The island’s natural landscapes, spiritual sites, and community way of life face ongoing pressure from growing visitor numbers, prompting authorities to balance tourism benefits with sustainability and tradition.

While some new rules promote positive change, such as banning single-use plastics, others like the menstruation ban reflect complex intersections between culture, gender, and tourism—and underscore the challenges Bali faces in defining its future as a global travel destination.

For visitors planning a trip to Bali, it is advisable to stay informed about local customs and regulations to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.