3-6-2023 (JAKARTA) In response to several incidents involving foreign tourists disrespecting local culture and laws, authorities in Bali have issued a circular outlining a set of dos and don’ts for visitors to the Indonesian resort island. The move aims to address the outrage expressed by residents and preserve Bali’s culture, environment, and security.
The circular, which will be given to tourists upon their arrival and attached to their passports, includes 16 rules. Breaking these rules could result in legal consequences under Indonesian law. The guidelines urge tourists to respect Bali’s culture by dressing modestly, showing reverence for temples and religious symbols, using the local currency, and adhering to local customs.
Furthermore, the circular emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment by avoiding littering, pollution, and single-use plastics. Tourists are also urged to obey traffic laws, refrain from drug and alcohol abuse, use licensed guides and accommodations, and avoid engaging in illegal work or business activities.
Additionally, the circular prohibits tourists from entering sacred areas of temples unless they are appropriately dressed in Balinese traditional clothing or engaging in prayer. Climbing sacred trees and desecrating temples, religious symbols, or holy objects, including taking nude photos, are strictly prohibited. Tourists are also warned against using vulgar language, behaving rudely, making excessive noise, or acting aggressively towards authorities, locals, or fellow tourists.
These measures are implemented following a series of scandals involving foreign visitors, including the case of two Russian bloggers who stripped naked at sacred sites and a German woman who disrupted a temple ceremony while nude. Balinese residents have also voiced concerns about foreigners ignoring traffic rules and engaging in unauthorized online work without proper visas.
Bali is renowned for its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, attracting millions of tourists each year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the island’s economy and tourism sector.
Below is the complete list of dos and don’ts for tourists, as reported by local media:
Obligations:
- Respect the sanctity of temples and other sacred religious symbols on the island.
- Respect customs, traditions, art, culture, and local wisdom during rituals and ceremonies.
- Wear appropriate clothing when visiting holy places, tourist attractions, public areas, and engaging in activities in Bali.
- Behave respectfully in sacred areas, tourist spots, restaurants, shopping areas, highways, and public places.
- Ensure the accompaniment of a tour guide with a permit or license when visiting tourist attractions.
- Exchange currency at authorized money changers, including banks and licensed non-bank establishments.
- Make payments using Indonesian Standard QR Codes.
- Use Indonesian rupiah for transactions.
- Adhere to Indonesian traffic laws and regulations, including obtaining an international or national driving license.
- Utilize legal transportation services, including cars and motorcycles.
- Stay at legally recognized accommodations.
- Comply with specific provisions or rules applicable at different tourist attractions.
Prohibitions:
- Do not enter holy or sacred places within temples unless praying. If doing so, wear traditional Balinese clothing and avoid visiting during menstruation.
- Do not climb sacred trees.
- Do not engage in behavior that desecrates sacred or sanctified places, temples, Pratima, and religious symbols, such as climbing sacred structures or taking immodest or nude photographs.
- Do not litter or pollute lakes, water springs, rivers, seas, or public areas.
- Avoid using single-use plastics, including bags, styrofoam, and straws.
- Refrain from using offensive language, impolite behavior, causing disturbances, or acting aggressively towards government officials, local communities, fellow tourists, or making derogatory remarks on social media.
- Do not engage in illegal work or business activities without proper licenses.
- Do not participate in illegal activities, including the trade of illicit goods, such as drugs.
