GUIDELINES FOR TOURISTS. Planning your dream getaway to the Island of the Gods in 2025? Get ready for breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual experiences. But before you pack your bags, it’s essential to be aware of the new Guidelines for Tourists in Bali, implemented to ensure a more respectful, sustainable, and enriching experience for everyone – both visitors and locals.
Think of these guidelines not as restrictions, but as a roadmap to navigating Bali with grace and contributing positively to its unique charm. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know for your upcoming adventure:
The Golden Rules: Obligations for Every Visitor
- Embrace the Sacred: Bali’s heart beats to the rhythm of its spiritual traditions. When visiting temples, holy sites, and even encountering religious statues, remember to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered. Show reverence and avoid any disruptive behavior. Remember, the inner areas of temples are often reserved for worshippers in traditional attire.
- Respectful Conduct is Key: Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, enjoying a serene sunset, or dining at a local warung, be mindful of your behavior. Avoid loud or offensive language, aggressive actions, and be particularly cautious about what you share online – no spreading misinformation or hate speech!
- Pay Your Part: The Tourist Levy: Contributing to the preservation of Bali’s beauty is now a standard practice. A mandatory tourist fee of IDR 150,000 (around USD 10) needs to be paid electronically via the official Love Bali website or app before or upon arrival. Keep the QR code handy, as it might be checked at attractions and will soon be required for your departure boarding pass.
- Go Local with Guides: When delving into Bali’s cultural and natural wonders, opt for licensed tour guides. Their expertise will not only enrich your understanding but also support the local economy.
- Currency Smart: Ensure smooth transactions by exchanging your currency only at authorized money changers (banks or licensed non-bank operators displaying the official Bank Indonesia QR code and license number). And remember, use the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and the Indonesian Standard QR Code (QRIS) for payments.
- Drive Responsibly (If You Do): If you plan on hitting the road, make sure you have a valid international or national driver’s license. Always wear a helmet when on a motorbike, obey traffic laws, dress appropriately (no beachwear while driving!), avoid overloading vehicles, and absolutely never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For four-wheeled transport, stick to licensed providers.
- Choose Wisely: Licensed Accommodation: For a responsible stay, ensure you book your hotels, villas, or homestays with establishments that comply with Bali’s legal accommodation standards.
- Follow Local Instructions: Each tourist attraction and activity site might have its own specific rules. Pay attention to signage and instructions to ensure your safety and respect for the environment.
Steer Clear Of: Prohibited Actions to Keep in Mind
- Temple Etiquette: Remember, the inner sanctums of temples are sacred. Avoid entering these areas unless you are a worshipper in traditional Balinese attire and, for women, are not menstruating.
- Respect Nature’s Majesty: Do not climb sacred trees or monuments. This includes refraining from any disrespectful interaction, like taking inappropriate or nude photos at holy sites or on revered natural landmarks.
- No Defiling Holy Ground: Any behavior that disrespects holy places, temples, statues, and religious symbols is strictly forbidden. This includes immodest or nude photography.
- Leave No Trace: Bali’s beauty is its treasure. Absolutely no littering or polluting in lakes, rivers, the ocean, or any public area.
- Say No to Single-Use Plastics: In a bid for a greener Bali, the use of plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks is banned. Be mindful of your choices.
- Mind Your Manners: Vulgar language, impolite behavior, causing disturbances, or spreading hate speech or misinformation (online or offline) against anyone is unacceptable.
- Respect the Economy: Do not engage in any work or business activities without the proper legal permits.
- Stay Within the Law: Trading drugs, endangered animals, cultural artifacts, sacred objects, or any other prohibited goods is strictly illegal.
Why These Guidelines Matter (and Why You Should Care)
These guidelines aren’t meant to dampen your holiday spirit. Instead, they aim to:
- Preserve Bali’s Unique Culture and Traditions: By respecting local customs, you contribute to the longevity of Bali’s rich heritage.
- Protect the Natural Environment: Following the rules helps safeguard Bali’s stunning landscapes for future generations.
- Ensure a Positive Experience for Everyone: By being mindful of your behavior, you contribute to a harmonious environment for both tourists and locals.
- Promote Sustainable Tourism: These regulations encourage responsible travel practices that benefit the island in the long run.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
The Bali government is serious about these guidelines. A dedicated task force is in place to monitor and enforce them. Failure to pay the tourist levy can lead to denied access to attractions and payment being required before departure. Violations of other rules can result in fines and legal proceedings according to Indonesian law. There’s even a WhatsApp hotline (+62 81-287-590-999) for the public to report misbehaving tourists.
Your Role in a Better Bali
As a traveler, you have a significant role to play in ensuring your visit is both memorable and responsible. By understanding and adhering to these Guidelines for Tourists in 2025, you become a part of the solution, contributing to the preservation of Bali’s magic for years to come.
So, embrace the spirit of “Tri Hita Karana” – the Balinese philosophy of harmony between humans, nature, and the divine – during your travels. Be respectful, be responsible, and get ready to experience the true beauty of the Island of the Gods. Selamat Berlibur (Happy Holidays)!