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Globally renowned as a "tourist paradise," Bali has long been a dream destination for millions of international travelers. However, the rapid increase in tourist numbers in recent years is posing significant challenges to this sacred island. Although Balinese culture is considered more open than in many other parts of Indonesia, the authorities and local people are increasingly frustrated by the disrespectful and illogical behavior of some tourists.
The people of Bali are predominantly Hindu, where religious beliefs and the sacredness of places of worship are paramount. However, offensive images such as tourists dressing immodestly at temples, taking inappropriate photos in sacred places, arguing with police, public drunkenness, and traffic violations have caused outrage in the community. This not only damages the image of tourism but also diminishes the sanctity of the local culture.
Bali has issued a series of new regulations aimed at controlling inappropriate behavior, particularly at sacred sites, such as modest dress and prohibiting swearing.
Faced with this alarming situation, Bali's Governor, I Wayan Koster, firmly asserted: "Bali tourism must be based on culture, quality, and dignity." He emphasized that while tourism is a key economic sector, Bali needs to prioritize quality over quantity of tourists, and be more selective in accepting international visitors.
To regulate tourist behavior and restore the "quality and dignity" of Bali's tourism industry, a new Code of Conduct for international tourists has been issued. These regulations, largely consistent with existing laws and Balinese cultural norms, are being enforced with stricter monitoring and more severe penalties.
Starting in February, Bali also began charging a tourism fee of 150,000 rupiah (approximately $11) for international visitors. Those who do not pay will be denied entry to attractions and may face legal consequences.
Accordingly, tourists are required to dress modestly when visiting public places, especially sacred temples and shrines. Furthermore, tourists are prohibited from swearing, causing disturbances, or posting false information on social media that could negatively impact Bali's image.
Another important rule is that visitors are not allowed into temple areas unless they are devotees and are wearing traditional Balinese clothing, and women during their menstrual cycle are also prohibited. To protect the environment, visitors are forbidden from using single-use plastic items. Furthermore, taking inappropriate photos at religious sites is strictly prohibited, and visitors are encouraged to hire licensed guides for a proper travel experience and a better understanding of the local culture.
These new rules can certainly create some obstacles for tourists, especially Western tourists with more open and liberal lifestyles.
To ensure the effectiveness of the new regulations, local authorities have established a task force specifically to monitor and handle foreign tourists who behave inappropriately. Governor I Wayan Koster affirmed, "Tourists who behave improperly will be dealt with immediately." Komang Nova Sewi Putra, Vice President of the Bali Legislative Council, further called for even stricter measures, including immediate deportation upon detection of violations.
However, with Bali's beauty and affordable prices for many tourists, despite the newly issued regulations, international tourists are still flocking to this beautiful island.
In fact, according to the Bali immigration office, 136 foreigners have been deported since the beginning of the year for various offenses, including inappropriate behavior, making noise, and violating local rules. In addition, since February, Bali has also started charging a tourism fee of 150,000 rupiah (approximately US$11) for international visitors. Tourists who do not pay the fee will be denied entry to attractions and may face legal consequences. These measures were implemented ahead of Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, which takes place on March 29th, when the entire island suspends all activities for 24 hours, further demonstrating the government's determination to maintain the island's sanctity and culture.
The strict enforcement of the new regulations has not met with significant resistance from tourism businesses, as they understand that this is a necessary step to protect and develop Bali's tourism sustainably. The important thing now is for businesses to actively disseminate these "do's and don'ts" to tourists before they arrive in Bali, so that each trip is not only a memorable experience but also a sign of respect for the "Island of the Gods".
