Bali Implements New Guidelines to Curb ‘Naughty’ Tourist Conduct

April 3, 2025 – Bali, widely recognized as the Island of the Gods, has taken a significant step towards managing tourist behavior with the introduction of a new set of guidelines. These regulations, implemented in 2025, are an extension of the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ first established in 2023 and are designed to address disrespectful and illegal activities committed by some visitors. This proactive measure comes in response to an increase in incidents that have marred the island’s reputation as a prime tourist destination.

Stricter Regulations Enforced

Under the leadership of Governor Wayan Koster, who recently secured re-election, Bali’s new regulations are aimed at ensuring that visitors adhere to local customs and laws. Governor Koster has warned that offenders, referred to as ‘naughty’ tourists, will face strict consequences for their actions.

The revised guidelines emphasize a foundation of respect for Balinese culture. Key regulations include:

Key Dos:

• Respect Local Customs: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and conduct themselves appropriately, particularly when visiting temples and participating in local ceremonies.
• Utilize Authorized Services: Tourists should only use licensed guides, registered accommodations, and official currency exchange services. Transactions are encouraged through Indonesia’s QR code system for transparency.
• Observe Local Laws: Compliance with traffic regulations and specific rules at tourist sites is mandatory.

Key Don’ts:

• Avoid Disrespectful and Illegal Behavior: This includes acts like trespassing in sacred areas, littering, or engaging in aggressive behavior both online and offline.
• Do Not Work Without a Permit: This rule is particularly relevant for digital nomads and long-term visitors to the island.

New Enforcement Measures

A significant change that comes with the 2025 guidelines is their transition from education-based to legally binding regulations. Tourists arriving in Bali will now be required to watch a mandatory cultural orientation video and pay a foreign tourist levy of IDR 150,000, equivalent to approximately €9. To ensure that these new regulations are enforced, Bali has created a special enforcement team known as SatPol PP. This team will monitor tourist behavior, with penalties for violations ranging from denied access to attractions to fines, jail time, and even deportation. In an innovative step, locals are now encouraged to report any infractions directly via WhatsApp, reinforcing the community’s involvement in maintaining respect for their culture.

Cultural Respect at the Forefront

The initial set of guidelines was introduced in 2023, shortly after Bali reopened its borders and welcomed an influx of digital nomads and social media influencers. This surge brought about various incidents of cultural insensitivity, prompting local authorities to reevaluate enforcement measures.

Governor Koster has been clear about the need for tourists to ‘sincerely respect’ local traditions and ceremonies, particularly in light of recent events leading to the crackdown. Just days before the announcement of the new guidelines, Bali observed Nyepi, a sacred Day of Silence which calls for self-reflection and reduced activity across the island.

Notably, previous incidents fueled the need for stricter regulations; in 2023, two Polish nationals were deported for filming a video where they argued with local authorities during Nyepi, while a Russian tourist was expelled for posting nude photos taken at a temple.

Balancing Tourism and Preservation

Tourism is a vital part of Bali’s economy, contributing to 60-70% of the island’s GDP in 2019. In 2024, Bali welcomed 6.33 million visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. However, local authorities are faced with the challenge of balancing the preservation of cultural heritage while also appealing to international travelers, raising concerns about potential conflicts between tourism growth and cultural integrity.

As these regulations roll out, it remains to be seen how effectively they will be received by tourists and the impact they will have on Bali’s ongoing relationship with the global travel community.