Bali announces new rules for tourists | 7NEWS – YouTube

Aussie tourists heading to Bali will now need to adhere to even stricter rules when exploring the island after Balinese officials announced this week they are updating their international tourism guidelines.

Governor Wayan Koster and the Bali’s head of tourism, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, announced on Monday an updated list of the do’s and don’ts that international tourists must follow in order to keep tourism “respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with Bali’s local values”.

The original list of rules was created in 2023, and handed out to tourists on arrival at the airport. The introduction of the rules followed several incidents of antisocial behaviour from tourists. This week Koster said there were necessary updates to the list of rules due to recent developments.

“We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt,” he said.

The seven don’ts for Bali tourists

1. Don’t enter sacred temple areas unless worshipping in traditional Balinese attire. Menstruating woman are strictly prohibited from entering.

2. Don’t climb sacred trees or monuments. Photo taking is also strictly prohibited.

3. Don’t litter.

4. Don’t use single-use plastics. Items such as plastic bags, plastic straws or plastic-packaged drinks are strictly prohibited.

5. Don’t engage in any aggressive or disrespectful behaviour. This includes swearing, causing disturbances, being rule or sharing hate speech.

6. Don’t work or run a business without proper permits. Tourists must hold official documentation to conduct work in Bali.

7. Don’t participate in illegal activities. This involves trading of any prohibited goods such as drugs or endangered animals.

Mandatory Bali tourist levy

There is also a list of nine do’s tourists must abide by including following traffic laws and paying the mandatory tourist levy of $15 before arriving or on arrival in Bali. Any visitors who fail to pay the fee will be denied access to attractions.

Tourists caught not abiding by these freshly updated rules will face legal consequences, which could include fines or even jail time.

“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,” Koster said.

Bali continues to grapple with troublesome travellers

This week’s announcement of rules for visitors is the latest in Bali’s crackdown on international tourists as some continue to disobey the island’s customs and traditions, while others are simply engaging in disrespectful behaviour.

Yahoo News has reported on countless incidents of tourists doing the wrong thing in Bali, from tourists posing naked at a sacred sites to a long list of reckless behaviour while on the back of a scooter.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.