American Tourist Deported from Bali for Organizing Sexual Wellness Retreat
A female tourist from the United States was deported from Bali after organizing a sexual wellness retreat at a villa in the popular tourist area of Seminyak, Indonesian authorities confirmed.
According to the head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Winarko, the tourist violated Indonesian immigration regulations by conducting commercial activities while on a tourist visa. She arrived in Bali on September 4 with a visa on arrival intended solely for tourism purposes. Under Indonesian law, activities such as hosting commercial events are strictly prohibited under this visa category.
The incident came to light after local residents reported "suspicious activities" at the villa she had rented. Subsequent investigations revealed that the retreat involved private classes focusing on intimate relationships, emotional closeness, and sexual practices. Reports indicated that the retreat ran from September 4 to 8, with each participant paying at least US$7,000 to attend.
Immigration officers arrested the woman at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as she was preparing to fly to Jakarta. She was deported on September 18 via an EVA Air flight to Los Angeles, with a stopover in Taipei.
Bali, a renowned international tourist destination, has experienced a significant rise in immigration violations by foreign nationals in recent years, largely attributed to overtourism. In response to these challenges, Bali authorities established a 100-member task force last month dedicated to monitoring disruptive tourist behavior and curbing immigration offenses.
The case underscores the strict enforcement of visa regulations in Indonesia and highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to maintain order amid increasing tourism pressures on the island.
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