Bali, long seen as a carefree island paradise, is rewriting the rules of tourism. Earlier this year, Governor Wayan Koster unveiled strict new regulations designed to curb unruly behaviour and protect the island’s fragile culture and environment. The message is clear. Visitors must adapt to Bali’s values, not expect Bali to adapt to them.
- Pay the levy: Every visitor must pay 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (Tk 1095) via the official Love Bali portal. This fund supports the preservation of Bali’s culture and environment.
- Licensed services only: Hire licensed tour guides, use registered vehicles and stay in approved accommodations.
- Follow traffic laws: No reckless motorbike rides, speeding, or ignoring helmet rules.
- Dress modestly at sacred sites: Proper Balinese attire (sarong + sash) is required for temple visits.
- Respectful behaviour is mandatory: No swearing, obscene conduct or disrespectful photos.
- Sacred spaces off-limits for some: Menstruating women cannot enter holy areas, as per Balinese custom.
- Forbidden acts: Climbing sacred trees, posing nude or semi-nude at religious sites and other offensive acts are strictly banned.
The move comes after years of scandals involving misbehaving foreigners, from a Russian tourist posing nearly nude on a sacred mountain to a woman deported for taking explicit photos beside a holy tree. Authorities say such acts undermine Bali’s spiritual integrity and frustrate locals.
The island is also grappling with overtourism. After welcoming nearly 14 million visitors in 2024, Bali is struggling with traffic gridlock, waste and environmental strain. Officials hope the levy and behavioural rules will filter out what Koster once called “cheap tourists who cause problems” while generating revenue for cultural preservation and infrastructure.
Bali has assembled a special monitoring team, including civil service police, to patrol tourist hotspots. Those caught breaking rules face fines, deportation or blacklisting from re-entry. Online conduct is also under scrutiny: spreading hate speech or posting offensive content about Bali can bring penalties.
For now, Bali is signalling a clear shift. The island welcomes the world, but only on its own terms. Tourists seeking paradise must bring not only their swimsuits but also respect.
