Planning a Bali Tour? Be Sure to Check These New Rules First
Bali, the Indonesian island renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes, remains a top destination for travelers from around the world. If you are planning a visit soon, it is essential to be aware of the recently introduced regulations aimed at preserving Bali’s cultural integrity and environment while promoting responsible tourism.
New Tourist Guidelines Announced
On March 24, 2025, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster unveiled a series of new rules for tourists, just days ahead of Nyepi, the island’s sacred Day of Silence observed on March 29. Nyepi is a unique 24-hour event during which the entire island comes to a standstill—no travel, noise, or outdoor activity is permitted, including for tourists who must remain indoors.
The newly introduced guidelines emphasize respectful conduct, especially at sacred and cultural sites, and introduce mandatory payments of Bali’s tourist levy. Visitors are required to dress modestly and behave appropriately at temples, religious complexes, public roads, dining areas, and shopping districts. Bali Governor Koster explained the rationale, saying, “We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt. This ensures that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values,” as cited by The Bali Sun.
Key Rules and Restrictions
- Respect at Sacred Sites: Tourists must wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Entry Restrictions: Menstruating women are prohibited from entering sacred temple areas, in accordance with local customs.
- Behavioural Expectations: Swearing, causing disturbances, disrespecting locals, officials, or fellow tourists is strictly forbidden. Hate speech and misinformation on social media are also banned.
- Restricted Activities: Climbing sacred trees or monuments and taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites is prohibited.
- Cultural Observance: Visitors should honor and observe local ceremonies and traditions while on the island.
- Tourist Levy: International visitors must pay a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately €9), which contributes to conservation efforts. Tourists who fail to pay this fee will be denied access to attractions.
- Licensed Services: Use of licensed guides and accommodation providers is mandatory.
- Traffic Laws and Currency Exchange: Tourists are expected to obey all traffic regulations and exchange money only at authorized outlets.
- Plastic Ban: To protect the environment, single-use plastics — including plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks — are banned.
Governor Koster warned that a special enforcement team has been deployed to ensure compliance, stating, “Foreign tourists who are naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly.”
Additional Measures to Combat Over-Tourism
In a bid to protect Bali’s environment and precious cultural heritage from overdevelopment, Indonesia placed a temporary moratorium in September 2024 on the construction of new hotels, villas, and nightclubs in key tourist areas. This decision aims to prevent overtourism and the negative consequences of excessive land development.
Similar Global Efforts
Bali’s tightening of rules joins a growing global trend to address tourism-related challenges:
- Prague, Czech Republic: In October 2024, the city banned organized nighttime pub crawls after repeated complaints about noise and disorder caused by rowdy tourists.
- Italy: Popular destinations like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Sardinia introduced regulations to limit traffic, control selfie-taking, and reduce overcrowding on beaches.
What Tourists Need to Know Before Visiting Bali
Whether you are drawn to Bali’s pristine beaches, its sacred temples such as Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, or its vibrant culture, planning your trip with awareness of these rules will ensure a respectful and enriching experience on the island. Complying with new regulations helps safeguard Bali’s unique heritage for future generations while making your stay more enjoyable and hassle-free.
For more detailed information on Bali’s travel rules, conservation efforts, and local customs, visit the official Bali tourism websites or consult licensed tour operators before your trip.
Stay informed, be respectful, and enjoy the wonders of Bali responsibly.
Author: OT Staff
Updated: March 29, 2025
Source: Outlook Traveller
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