Planning a Bali Getaway? Uncover the Essential New Travel Rules to Know Before You Go!

Planning a Bali Tour? Here Are the New Travel Rules You Should Know

Bali continues to captivate travelers worldwide with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, religious sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes—from terraced rice fields to enchanting waterfalls. As one of the top travel destinations for Indian and international tourists alike, the Indonesian island is now introducing new travel regulations aimed at preserving its cultural heritage and maintaining respectful tourism.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali soon, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the updated rules recently announced by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster. These guidelines, unveiled just days ahead of the island’s sacred Nyepi holiday on March 29, 2025, represent an effort to enhance sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism.

What the New Tourism Regulations Entail

On March 24, 2025, Governor I Wayan Koster issued a directive that outlines specific behavioural expectations and entry requirements for visitors. These regulations come in response to concerns over inappropriate behaviour at Bali’s temples, religious sites, and public areas, aiming to safeguard the island’s cultural and spiritual integrity.

Key elements of the new rules include:

• Respectful Conduct at Religious Sites: Visitors must wear modest and appropriate clothing when visiting temples and sacred areas. The regulations explicitly prohibit certain behaviours, such as taking nude or inappropriate photographs and climbing on sacred trees or monuments. Notably, menstruating women are not permitted to enter temple grounds, in accordance with traditional local customs.

• Adherence to Balinese Traditions: Tourists are urged to honour local customs, especially during ceremonies. Entry to sacred temple complexes is restricted to worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire.

• Tourist Levy and Entry Fees: Bali has implemented a tourist levy, including a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (roughly €9) for international visitors. Payment of this fee is mandatory and non-compliance may result in denied access to attractions. There is also a proposal to introduce a daily Sustainable Development Fee similar to Bhutan’s $100 daily charge for foreign tourists, reflecting Bali’s commitment to environmental conservation.

• Use of Licensed Services: Visitors must employ licensed guides and stay in officially approved accommodations. Currency exchange is restricted to authorized outlets to protect tourists from scams.

• Prohibitions on Anti-Social Behaviour: Swearing, causing disturbances, disrespect towards locals or officials, and spreading hate speech or misinformation on social media are strictly banned.

• Ban on Single-Use Plastics: To protect Bali’s environment, single-use plastics such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws, and drinks packaged in plastic are prohibited.

Governor Koster emphasized the seriousness of these regulations, warning that violations could lead to legal consequences under Indonesian law. “We issued similar regulations before, but as circumstances change, we need to adapt to ensure that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and harmonious with our local values,” he stated. To enforce these rules, a special team has been prepared to take firm action against tourists who disregard the guidelines.

Additional Measures Against Overtourism and Misbehaviour

Bali’s new policy measures reflect a global trend of popular tourist destinations implementing stricter rules to manage visitor behaviour and environmental impact. For instance:

• In October 2024, Prague banned organised nighttime pub crawls in the city to address long-standing complaints about noise, littering, and disruptive tourists.

• In Italy, destinations such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Sardinia introduced regulations limiting the number of people on beaches, restricting traffic in historic centres, and controlling selfie-taking to preserve local heritage.

Moreover, in September 2024, Indonesia took a decisive step for Bali’s preservation by temporarily halting the construction of new hotels, villas, and nightclubs in specific tourist areas. This ban aims to curb overdevelopment and protect the island’s natural beauty and cultural legacy.

What Visitors Should Do Before and During Their Bali Trip

Travelers planning a visit to Bali should:

• Review and understand the cultural customs and respectful practices expected by locals.

• Prepare appropriate clothing for temple visits, including sarongs or traditional Balinese attire where required.

• Budget for the mandatory tourist levy and keep receipts handy to avoid access issues.

• Engage licensed local guides and book accommodations with verified approval.

• Avoid behaviours that could be considered disrespectful or disruptive, especially in public and religious spaces.

• Support Bali’s environmental goals by using eco-friendly alternatives and avoiding single-use plastics.

By adhering to these new rules, tourists can contribute to the preservation of Bali’s rich heritage and ensure a pleasant and culturally enriching experience for themselves and future visitors.

As Bali evolves to balance tourism with sustainability and respect for its traditions, staying informed of such changes is crucial. Travelers are encouraged to plan responsibly and approach their Bali visit with cultural sensitivity and mindfulness.