Bali’s New Tourist Rules: What You Need to Know Before You Go!

Planning a Bali Tour? Important New Travel Rules You Need to Know

Bali, famed for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, vibrant religious traditions, and breathtaking natural landscapes, remains one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations. As the island welcomes visitors from across the globe, the local government has introduced a set of new regulations aimed at preserving Bali’s cultural integrity, environment, and ensuring respectful tourism practices. If you are planning a trip to Bali soon, here is everything you need to know about the recently announced travel rules.

New Travel Guidelines Announced by Bali Governor

On March 24, 2025, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster unveiled important new directives for tourists visiting the island. These regulations come just days ahead of Nyepi, Bali’s sacred Day of Silence celebrated on March 29, during which the entire island remains quiet and everyone—including tourists—is required to stay indoors for 24 hours.

According to Governor Koster, the new rules focus on promoting respectful behaviour at religious and cultural sites and safeguarding the island’s heritage. “We issued similar regulations before, but as circumstances evolve, it’s essential to adapt. This ensures Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with local values,” the governor said.

Key Rules for Visitors to Follow

• Respect at Sacred Sites: Visitors must wear modest, appropriate clothing when visiting temples and religious complexes. The rules specifically prohibit menstruating women from entering sacred temple areas, adhering to local customs.

• Behavioural Expectations: Tourists are expected to behave respectfully at all public spaces including temples, restaurants, shopping areas, and streets. Acts such as swearing, causing disturbances, or disrespecting locals, officials, or other tourists are prohibited.

• Prohibition of Hate Speech and Misinformation: Sharing hate speech or false information on social media platforms concerning Bali or its traditions is banned.

• Temple Access Restrictions: Only worshippers dressed in traditional Balinese attire may enter sacred temple areas. Visitors must also refrain from climbing sacred trees, monuments, or taking inappropriate photographs, including nude photos, at religious sites.

• Tourist Levy and Conservation Fees: Since February 2025, international tourists are required to pay a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately €9) to support conservation efforts. Failure to pay this fee will result in denied access to tourist attractions. Furthermore, proposals are underway to introduce a daily tourist tax similar to Bhutan’s $100 Sustainable Development Fee.

• Licensed Services and Official Procedures: Tourists must use licensed guides, stay in government-approved accommodations, follow traffic regulations, and exchange currency only at authorized outlets.

• Ban on Single-Use Plastics: To preserve Bali’s environment, the use of single-use plastics—such as plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, plastic straws, and drinks packaged in plastic—is strictly banned.

Governor Koster emphasized enforcement will be stringent: “We have prepared a special team to conduct operations, and foreign tourists who misbehave will be dealt with firmly.”

Broader Efforts to Manage Tourism and Preserve Culture

Bali’s new rules are part of a wider effort to manage the long-term sustainability of tourism on the island. In September 2024, Indonesia implemented a temporary halt on the construction of new hotels, villas, and nightclubs in popular tourist areas. This measure seeks to prevent overdevelopment, protect natural habitats, and maintain the island’s cultural richness.

Similar measures have been adopted worldwide. For example, Prague banned organised nighttime pub crawls in October 2024 following complaints about disruptive tourist behaviour. Italy has also introduced restrictions on tourist traffic, selfie-taking, and crowd sizes at prominent locations like Rome and Venice to protect heritage sites.

What Travelers Should Keep in Mind

If you are planning your Bali visit, it is vital to familiarize yourself with these new rules to ensure a trouble-free and respectful experience. Adhering to the local customs not only helps preserve Bali’s unique culture and environment but also enriches your travel experience.

From dressing modestly and respecting sacred rituals to paying the tourist levy and avoiding single-use plastics, every visitor plays a part in sustaining the charm and spiritual harmony of this iconic island. Planning ahead with these guidelines in mind will help you enjoy your Bali trip responsibly and respectfully.

Bali continues to welcome tourists with open arms, but with a clear message: respect and responsible tourism are non-negotiable. As visitors, embracing these changes is crucial to preserving the island’s soul for future generations to enjoy.