Australian Government Warns Tourists About Safety Risks in Bali

Advisory Issues for Visitors

The Australian Government has recently issued a travel advisory aimed at Australian citizens traveling to Indonesia, with a specific emphasis on safety concerns in Bali. The advisory is available on the official Smartraveller website, managed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It calls for heightened caution among tourists as they enjoy their holidays in this popular destination.

Safety Hazards Highlighted

The advisory points out that several Australians have drowned in coastal areas due to rough seas and strong backwaters, particularly along Bali’s unguarded beaches. "Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong backwaters on popular tourist beaches including in Bali. Many beaches are unguarded," the statement notes, echoing concerns raised by various media outlets, including news.com.au.

Alongside swimming hazards, the Australian government has reminded travelers to take precautions regarding visa conditions and cultural expectations during their stay. Minor passport damage can lead to denied entry, and visitors are urged to respect local customs and laws. The advisory cautions, "Offensive behaviour that disrespects local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can result in criminal penalties and even deportation."

One particularly alarming warning in the advisory pertains to the risk of methanol poisoning from tainted alcoholic beverages. Tourists are advised against leaving food or drinks unattended, as there have been reported incidents of such poisoning in Bali and Lombok.

Response from Bali Tourism Authorities

In response to the Australian Government’s advisory, the Bali Provincial Tourism Office has sought to reassure tourists about their safety, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local rules and regulations. Bali Tourism Head I Wayan Sumarajaya remarked, "If all tourists obey the rules, I am sure they will be safe in Bali," ensuring that safety is a shared responsibility.

Acknowledging the inherent risks associated with an international tourist destination, Sumarajaya noted, "Bali, as an international tourist destination, naturally carries risks, especially since it depends heavily on nature-based attractions such as beaches, in addition to cultural tourism." He indicated that any incidents involving tourists could severely impact Bali’s reputation as a tourist hub.

To enhance visitor safety, the Bali Provincial Government has implemented standardized safety measures across the tourism industry, which include both tourism safety standards and disaster safety protocols. The introduction of Circular Letter Number 7 of 2025 outlines new rules of conduct for foreign tourists, summarizing these in a "Do’s and Don’ts" list to guide acceptable behaviors.

Tourism Figures Remain Strong

Despite the travel advisory, officials have reported that tourist arrivals remain robust, particularly from Australia. Recent data highlights an increase in visits from 1,876,975 tourists between January and May 2023, rising to 2,391,860 in the same period in 2024, and reaching 2,663,734 visits so far in 2025. Australian tourists continue to dominate these figures, reflecting the island’s enduring appeal despite safety concerns.

Conclusion

While the Australian Government’s advisory serves to inform and protect its citizens, both Australian travelers and Bali’s tourism authorities emphasize the necessity of caution and adherence to local laws during visits. With robust measures in place and ongoing communication between governments and local officials, the hope is to maintain Bali’s status as a favored destination for holidaymakers around the world.