Bali, a dream destination for many, is tightening its rules to ensure visitors respect its rich cultural and natural heritage. If you're planning a trip to this tropical paradise, it's important to be aware of the latest regulations designed to maintain Bali's charm and order. From dress codes to tourism levies, here’s what you need to know to enjoy your trip while staying on the right side of the rules.
First up, temples. These aren't your average Instagram backdrops. Bali's temples are sacred spaces, and the island's authorities are laying down the law. Menstruating women, take note: entering these hallowed grounds during your cycle is a big no-no. It's not personal; it's cultural. And for everyone else, unless you're there to worship and are decked out in traditional Balinese attire, consider the temple grounds off-limits. This includes resisting the urge to climb sacred trees or monuments for that perfect selfie. Nude photo enthusiasts, especially, should seek alternative venues.
While beachwear is fine on the sand, it’s not appropriate in public places, temples, or traditional villages. Covering up when stepping away from the beach is not just about following the rules—it’s a sign of respect for local traditions. Bali is cracking down on disruptive behavior as well. Swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists is firmly frowned upon. Sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media? That's a fast track to the naughty list. In short, channel your inner saint, or at least pretend to.
Gone are the days of waltzing into Bali without contributing to its upkeep. As of February 14, 2025, foreign tourists are required to pay a $10 (approximately £7.70) fee upon entry. This 150,000 rupiah levy is Bali's way of preserving its cultural integrity and addressing the rise in "unruly behaviour" among visitors. So, before you sip that first Bintang, make sure you've paid your dues.
Single-use plastics are so last season. Bali has banned items like plastic bags, styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks. So, if you're still clutching that plastic water bottle, it's time to upgrade to a reusable one. Thinking of renting a scooter to zip around the island? Ensure you have the proper license and always wear a helmet. Bali's traffic laws aren't mere suggestions, and flouting them could lead to more than just a stern talking-to. Also, consider this: the island has been mulling over banning motorbike rentals for tourists altogether, aiming to reduce traffic accidents and promote safer transportation options.
Entrepreneurial spirits, beware. Running unlicensed businesses or working without the proper permits is a surefire way to expedite your departure from paradise. Bali is keen on protecting its local economy, so leave the hustling to the locals and focus on perfecting your tan instead.
Mark your calendars: Nyepi, Bali's sacred day of silence, falls on March 29. For 24 hours, from 6 AM Saturday to 6 AM Sunday, everyone—including tourists—is expected to stay indoors, refrain from using lights, and embrace tranquility. It's the perfect excuse to unplug, meditate, or catch up on that book you've been neglecting.
Bali’s mayor has warned that some transgressions could be met with legal consequences. Bali has introduced a series of new guidelines for tourists in a bid to clamp down on inappropriate behavior. Authorities say the strict measures aim to safeguard the Indonesian island’s cultural integrity and sacred sites. The rules cover clothing and behavior when visiting temples and religious complexes, including prohibiting menstruating women from entering.
The new regulations were issued by Bali governor I Wayan Koster on March 24, 2025. “We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt. This ensures that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values,” Koster said. The guidelines focus on ensuring respectful behavior when visiting sacred sites and enforcing the payment of Bali’s tourist levy. They also oblige tourists to use licensed guides and accommodation, follow traffic laws, and exchange currency at authorized outlets.
The new rules require tourists to wear modest and respectful clothing and to “behave respectfully whether at religious sites, restaurants, shopping areas, or public roads.” Visitors are banned from swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists. Sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is prohibited. Other outlawed activities include entering sacred temple areas without permission, littering, and working without permits.
Under the new guidelines, foreign tourists “should observe and honour Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, especially during ceremonies” and “dress appropriately when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces.” Tourists are not permitted to enter sacred temple areas unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire. The directive adds that “menstruating women are also prohibited from entering these areas.” Tourists are also not allowed to climb sacred trees or monuments or take inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites.
Last February, Bali introduced a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately €9) for international visitors to fund conservation efforts. As part of the new guidelines, “tourists who fail to pay the tourist levy will be denied access to attractions, and those caught violating the regulations will face legal consequences in accordance with Indonesian law.” Recently, Balinese officials floated a daily tourist tax similar to the $100 (€95) Sustainable Development Fee that Bhutan charges most international visitors.
The directive comes just a few days before Nyepi - a sacred holiday known as the day of silence - on March 29. The festival sees the island come to a standstill for 24 hours, requiring everyone, including tourists, to stay indoors. “We have prepared a special team to conduct an operation. Foreign tourists who are naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly,” Koster was quoted as saying by local newspaper The Bali Sun. He added that the island’s civil service police unit will be monitoring tourist behaviour and ensuring compliance with the new regulations. “Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,” Koster said.
