Bali has issued a fresh warning to tourists that they risk being deported if they fail to abide by a series of new laws. Officials in the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago are threatening legal action against those who misbehave.
With over 300,000 British tourists visiting the island each year, and Australians making up the majority of visitors, Bali has become a popular destination for its vibrant nightlife and party scene, attracting young backpackers with its inexpensive living costs. Komang Nova Sewi Putra, deputy chairman of the island’s legislative council, is stepping up penalties against badly behaved tourists by threatening them with legal consequences. Mr Purta believes deporting visitors who commit crimes will “make Bali safer”.
“If we were abroad and got into a fight, we would immediately be deported. Why isn’t this enforced in Bali? Once caught, deport them. This will make Bali safer,” Mr Putra told the South China Morning Post.
Bali Police reported 226 foreign nationals involved in crimes in 2024, marking an increase from 194 cases in 2023. US citizens topped the list with 34 offenders.
The most common offences committed by tourists are theft, traffic violations, narcotics violations, cybercrimes and abuse of residence permits for business purposes.
It comes after Bali introduced a set of new guidelines this year aimed at curbing misbehaviour among tourists.
Bali governor Wayan Koster who issued the guidelines said: “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 emphasised that the new rules aim to promote responsible tourism, saying: “I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali.”
Authorities say the measures are designed to protect the island’s cultural integrity and sacred sites.
The strict rules include dressing appropriately when visiting religious sites and prohibiting menstruating women from entering sacred temple areas.
Full list of rules tourists must follow in Bali
Foreign visitors must:
- Respect sacred sites and symbols
- Dress appropriately
- Behave respectfully
- Pay the tourist levy
- Use licensed tour guides
- Exchange currency at authorised money changers
- Follow traffic laws
- Use legal transportation
- Stay at licensed accommodations
Tourists are not allowed to:
- 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.
- Climb sacred trees or monuments – including taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites
- Litter or pollute Bali’s environment
- Use single-use plastics
- Engage in aggressive or disrespectful behaviour. Sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is also prohibited
- Work or run a business without proper permits
- Participate in illegal activities