Bali Cracks Down on Unruly Tourists: Governor Koster Issues New Regulations

DENPASAR – In an effort to maintain order and preserve Bali’s cultural integrity, Governor Wayan Koster has issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025, which sets new guidelines for foreign tourists visiting the island. The regulation aims to address growing concerns over misbehavior among some visitors and ensure that Bali’s tourism industry aligns with local laws and customs. Governor Koster made the announcement during a press conference at Jayasabha on Monday (March 24, 2025).

Accompanied by Bali’s Tourism Office Head, Tjok. Bagus Pemayun, the Governor acknowledged the evolving challenges in the tourism sector over the past 1.5 years. He explained that this circular builds upon a previous version, SE Number 4 of 2023, but with necessary updates to address recent developments. "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," he said.

Governor Koster reaffirmed his commitment to high-quality, culture-based tourism, emphasizing that all tourism industry players will be held to clear standards. "Before we finalize the new Regional Regulation (Perda) and Governor’s Regulation (Pergub) later this year, I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali," he added.

What Tourists Must Follow

Under the new regulations, foreign visitors must:

1.     Respect sacred sites and symbols – This includes temples, religious statues (pratima), and other holy places. Visitors should observe and honor Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, especially during ceremonies.

2.     Dress appropriately – When visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces, tourists are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing.

3.     Behave respectfully – Whether at religious sites, restaurants, shopping areas, or public roads, tourists must maintain polite and considerate behavior.

4.     Pay the tourist levy – A mandatory tourist fee must be paid electronically via https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ before or during their stay.

5.     Use licensed tour guides – When exploring cultural or natural sites, tourists must be accompanied by certified guides who understand local traditions and natural conditions.

6.     Exchange currency at authorized money changers – Transactions should only be conducted at licensed exchange services with official QR codes from Bank Indonesia.

7.     Follow traffic laws – Tourists driving in Bali must:

• Have a valid international or national driver’s license
• Wear a helmet when riding a motorbike
• Follow traffic signs and not overload vehicles
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

8.     Use legal transportation – Only licensed car rentals or transport services should be used.

9.     Stay at licensed accommodations – Visitors must book hotels, villas, or homestays that comply with Bali’s legal accommodation standards.

What Tourists Are NOT Allowed to Do

1.     Enter sacred temple areas (Utamaning Mandala & Madyaning Mandala) unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire. Menstruating women are also prohibited from entering these areas.

2.     Climb sacred trees or monuments – This includes taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites.

3.     Litter or pollute Bali’s environment – Throwing waste in lakes, rivers, or the ocean is strictly prohibited.

4.     Use single-use plastics – Plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks are banned.

5.     Engage in aggressive or disrespectful behavior – This includes swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists. Sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is also prohibited.

6.     Work or run a business without proper permits – Tourists are not allowed to conduct business or work in Bali unless they hold official documentation from Indonesian authorities.

7.     Participate in illegal activities – This includes trading drugs, endangered animals, sacred artifacts, or any prohibited goods.

Enforcement & Penalties

Governor Koster made it clear that these rules will be strictly enforced. 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.

To report violations, the public is encouraged to use the official WhatsApp hotline: +62 81-287-590-999. Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) will actively monitor compliance, while the Bali Police will take legal action against serious offenders.

“All stakeholders must fully understand, implement, and communicate this circular to their teams and foreign visitors. Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,” Governor Koster concluded.