Known globally as a “tourist paradise”, Bali has long been a dream destination for millions of international tourists. However, the rapid increase in the number of visitors in recent years is posing significant challenges for this sacred island. Although Balinese culture is considered more open than many other parts of Indonesia, the government and local people are increasingly frustrated by the disrespectful and unethical behavior of some tourists.
Bali is predominantly Hindu, where religious beliefs and the sanctity of places of worship are paramount. However, offensive images such as tourists wearing revealing clothes at temples, taking inappropriate photos in sacred places, arguing with police, being drunk in public or violating traffic laws have caused a wave of outrage in the community. This not only damages the image of tourism but also destroys the sanctity of local culture.
Bali has issued a series of new regulations to control inappropriate behavior, especially at sacred sites, such as dressing modestly and not swearing.
Faced with this alarming situation, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster firmly asserted: "Bali tourism must be based on culture, quality and dignity." He emphasized that although tourism is a key economic sector, Bali needs to prioritize quality over quantity of tourists, and be more selective in receiving 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. The regulations, which largely align with existing Balinese laws and cultural norms, are being enforced with closer monitoring and harsher penalties.
Since February, Bali has also started charging a tourist fee of 150,000 rupiah (nearly $11) to international visitors. Those who do not pay will be denied entry to tourist attractions and may be prosecuted under the law.
Accordingly, tourists are required to dress modestly when visiting public places and especially sacred temple areas. In addition, tourists are not allowed to swear, cause trouble, or post false information on social networks that negatively affect the image of Bali.
Another important rule is that visitors are not allowed to enter the temple area if they are not a believer and are not wearing traditional Balinese clothing, and women who are menstruating are also prohibited from entering these places. To protect the environment, visitors are prohibited from using disposable plastics. Furthermore, taking offensive photos at religious sites is strictly prohibited, and visitors are encouraged to hire a licensed tour guide for a more authentic travel experience and understanding of the local culture.
The new rules can also be said to cause quite a few obstacles for tourists, especially Western tourists with more open styles and lifestyles.
To ensure the effectiveness of the new regulations, the local government has set up a task force to monitor and handle foreign tourists who misbehave. Governor I Wayan Koster affirmed: "Tourists who misbehave will be dealt with immediately." Komang Nova Sewi Putra, Deputy Speaker of the Bali Legislative Assembly, also called for stronger measures, including immediate deportation if violations are detected.
However, with the beauty of Bali and affordable prices for many tourists, despite the newly issued regulations, international tourists still flock to this beautiful island.
In fact, according to Bali’s immigration office, 136 foreigners have been deported since the beginning of the year for various offenses, including inappropriate contact, making noise, and violating local rules. In addition, Bali has also started charging international visitors a 150,000 rupiah (about $11) tourist fee since February. Those who do not pay will be denied entry to tourist attractions and may be subject to legal action. The measures, introduced ahead of Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, on March 29, when the entire island will shut down for 24 hours, further underscores the government’s determination to maintain the island’s dignity and culture.
The strict implementation of the new regulations has not met with any significant reaction from tourism businesses, as they understand that this is a necessary step to protect and develop Bali tourism sustainably. What is important now is that businesses need to actively disseminate these "do's and don'ts" to tourists before they set foot in Bali, so that each trip is not only a memorable experience but also a respect for the "Island of the Gods".
