DENPASAR, Bali (BPN) – In a bid to preserve Bali’s cultural heritage and ensure a sustainable tourism environment, the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has introduced new guidelines for foreign tourists through a Circular Letter No. 07 Year 2025.
The circular letter lays out essential rules that all visitors must follow to help maintain Bali’s unique identity and ensure the well-being of both residents and tourists alike.
Key Do’s and Don’ts for Foreign Tourists:
Respect Sacred Sites: Tourists are reminded to honor the sanctity of temples, religious symbols, and sacred areas, including wearing appropriate attire and refraining from entering restricted zones unless involved in religious activities.
Adherence to Local Customs: Foreign visitors are required to respect Balinese traditions, culture, and ceremonies. This includes participating with reverence in religious events and following local etiquette in daily interactions.
Dress Appropriately: Wearing modest clothing is mandatory when visiting sacred places, public spaces, or engaging in tourism activities. This ensures that both religious and cultural values are upheld.
Maintain Good Conduct: Visitors are urged to behave politely in public areas, including beaches, restaurants, and shopping centers, maintaining respect for the island’s environment and its people.
Tourism Fees: As part of the new regulations, foreign tourists must pay a tourism levy electronically before departure or during their stay via the official Bali tourism website. This fee is essential for supporting sustainable tourism practices.
Guided Tours with Licensed Guides: To enhance their understanding of Bali’s culture and environment, tourists must be accompanied by licensed tour guides when visiting local attractions.
Currency and Transactions: Foreign tourists are required to exchange currency only through officially licensed money changers and must use the Indonesian Rupiah for all transactions.
Road Safety and Traffic Laws: When driving in Bali, tourists must adhere to local traffic laws, including having an international or national driving license, wearing helmets, and respecting speed limits and road signs.
Accommodation Regulations: Foreign tourists must stay in registered accommodations that comply with local laws. Ensuring that accommodations are legally approved helps safeguard Bali’s tourism standards.
Respect Local Regulations at Tourist Attractions: Each tourist destination may have its specific set of rules that visitors must adhere to, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the integrity of these attractions.
Key Restrictions for Tourists:
Sacred Sites: Foreign tourists are prohibited from entering the Utamaning Mandala and Madyaning Mandala (sacred temple areas) unless they are participating in a religious ceremony and wearing traditional Balinese attire. Additionally, women who are menstruating are not allowed in these spaces.
Sacred Trees and Structures: Climbing sacred trees or defacing holy places such as temples, statues, and religious symbols is strictly prohibited.
Environmental Care: Tourists must avoid littering in public spaces, including sacred lakes, rivers, and the ocean. The use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam is banned.
Respect for Local Customs: Tourists must refrain from using foul language, disturbing the peace, or engaging in aggressive behavior towards locals or other visitors, whether in person or via social media.
Illegal Activities: Engaging in illegal activities such as trafficking in flora and fauna, sacred artifacts, or prohibited substances will result in severe penalties.
Work and Business: Foreign tourists are not allowed to work or engage in business activities without proper documentation from the relevant authorities.
Enforcement and Penalties:
Governor Koster emphasized that violations of the above rules will result in legal consequences, with tourists facing fines, penalties, or even deportation.
Specific violations related to sacred sites and behavior will be handled by local authorities, and a dedicated WhatsApp hotline has been established for reporting violations.
The new regulations are part of Bali’s efforts to maintain its cultural integrity while providing a sustainable tourism environment.
Tourists are urged to respect the island’s rich heritage and natural beauty to ensure Bali remains a world-renowned destination for generations to come.
