Planning a Bali Tour? Important New Travel Rules You Should Know
Bali, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, vibrant cultural heritage, and sacred temples, remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. As visitors plan their trips to this Indonesian paradise, it is crucial to be aware of recent changes in tourist regulations introduced by Bali’s provincial government. These new guidelines, announced by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster on March 24, 2025, aim to preserve the island’s cultural integrity, protect sacred sites, and promote respectful tourism.
New Regulations Introduced Ahead of Nyepi Festival
The announcement came just days before Nyepi, Bali’s sacred Day of Silence observed on March 29, when the entire island shuts down for 24 hours. This unique festival requires everyone—including tourists—to remain indoors to honour local customs. Governor Koster emphasized that these updated rules would help ensure that tourism in Bali remains respectful, sustainable, and aligned with traditional values.
Among the key provisions are updated expectations around tourist behavior, attire, and participation at religious and cultural sites. Visitors must now adhere strictly to a set of guidelines designed to safeguard Bali’s unique heritage.
What Tourists Need to Know
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Respect for Sacred Sites and Local Customs: Tourists visiting temples and religious complexes must wear modest clothing appropriate for worship areas. The use of traditional Balinese attire is required when entering certain sacred spaces. Another significant stipulation prohibits menstruating women from entering these temple areas, reflecting longstanding local customs.
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Prohibited Conduct: Visitors are forbidden from swearing, causing disturbances, or showing disrespect to locals, officials, or other tourists. Behavior that disrupts public order or the peaceful atmosphere of religious and public spaces will not be tolerated.
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Restrictions on Photography and Activities: Taking nude or inappropriate photos at religious sites is banned. Climbing sacred trees or monuments is also prohibited to prevent damage to these culturally important landmarks.
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Tourist Levy and Legal Consequences: Since February 2025, Bali charges a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (around €9) for international visitors to support conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives. Tourists who fail to pay this fee may be denied access to attractions. Governor Koster warned that violations of the rules, including non-payment or disruptive behavior, could result in legal action under Indonesian law.
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Use of Licensed Services: Tourists are required to employ licensed tour guides and stay only in approved accommodations. Currency exchange must be conducted through authorized outlets to ensure safety and fair practices.
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Environmental Protections: To minimize pollution, single-use plastics such as plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks have been banned across the island.
Measures Addressing Overtourism and Environmental Impact
In a related move to safeguard Bali’s environment and cultural richness, the Indonesian government temporarily halted new hotel, villa, and nightclub construction in select tourist zones starting September 2024. This moratorium targets overtourism problems and aims to preserve Bali’s natural beauty and heritage for future generations.
Global Trends to Manage Tourist Behavior
Bali’s new tourism rules echo similar steps taken worldwide to handle tourism-related challenges. For instance, Prague banned organized nighttime pub crawls in October 2024 in response to resident complaints about rowdy tourist behavior. Likewise, Italy introduced restrictions on beach capacities and traffic in popular cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice to manage overcrowding and maintain cultural sites.
Final Thoughts
Visitors planning a trip to Bali should familiarize themselves thoroughly with these updated travel rules. Responsible tourism that respects local customs and the environment is essential to ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for everyone and preserving Bali’s unique cultural landscape.
By following the new guidelines, tourists can contribute positively to Bali’s tourism industry and enjoy a meaningful and respectful travel experience on this exceptional island.
Travelers are encouraged to check for any further updates from official sources before visiting Bali to stay informed about ongoing or additional regulations.
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