New Travel Rules for Tourists Visiting Bali: What You Need to Know

As Bali continues to be a favored vacation spot for travelers worldwide, it is vital for prospective visitors to be aware of the new regulations introduced by the local government. Bali’s Governor, I Wayan Koster, unveiled these measures recently, following a need to preserve the island’s cultural integrity and uphold the sanctity of its numerous sacred sites.

A Respectful Approach to Tourism

Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes. However, with the influx of tourists, challenges have arisen regarding respectful behavior and the preservation of local customs. To address these concerns, the new rules, announced on March 24, 2025, are designed to ensure that all visitors engage with the island in a respectful and responsible manner.

The new guidelines coincide with Nyepi, also known as the Day of Silence, a sacred holiday observed on March 29. During Nyepi, everyone on the island, including tourists, is expected to remain indoors for a full 24 hours.

Key Regulations for Tourists

The new directives emphasize the necessity of adhering to appropriate guidelines, particularly when visiting temples and religious sites. Some of the primary regulations include:

• Dress Code: Tourists are required to wear modest clothing while visiting sacred sites and other public spaces. It is particularly important to dress appropriately when entering temples, where women who are menstruating are not permitted.

• Behaviour Practices: Tourists are prohibited from using profane language, causing disturbances, or engaging in disrespectful behavior towards locals, other visitors, or historical sites.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Tourists are urged to observe and honor Balinese customs and traditions, particularly during ceremonies.

Restrictions on Access and Conduct

The local government has established several clear rules regarding access to sacred areas:

• Access to Sacred Areas: Only worshippers in traditional Balinese attire are allowed entry into sacred temple areas, and foreigners must respect these regulations seriously.

• Climbing Sacred Monuments: Visitors are banned from climbing on sacred trees or monuments and from taking inappropriate or nude photographs at religious sites.

• Licensing Requirements: Tourists are encouraged to use licensed guides for their excursions, stay in approved accommodations, and only exchange currency at authorized outlets.

To improve conservation efforts, Bali has also implemented a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately €9) for international visitors. Those who fail to pay this fee may be denied access to local attractions, and any regulatory violations could lead to legal actions under Indonesian law.

Environmental Initiatives

In conjunction with the new tourist regulations, Bali is taking strong measures to curb environmental degradation and the negative impacts of overtourism. Recently, the island has enacted restrictions on the construction of new hotels, villas, and nightclubs in selected tourist areas to preserve the natural landscape and cultural richness of the island.

Moreover, the use of single-use plastics has been banned across the island, including plastic bags, straws, and drinks packaged in plastic, promoting a more sustainable approach to tourism.

Conclusion

As Bali continues to be a prime destination for travelers, adherence to these new rules is crucial for maintaining the island’s cultural and environmental integrity. Authorities are offering robust guidelines that reflect a commitment to respectful tourism, ensuring that both visitors and locals can coexist harmoniously. Those planning to visit Bali in the near future should stay informed and respect these regulations to enjoy a fulfilling experience on this beautiful island.