Bali, Indonesia’s famous tropical paradise, has had enough of tourists behaving badly. From littering to disrespecting sacred temples, foreign visitors have been causing problems for locals. Now, Bali’s government is fighting back with strict new rules—and those who break them will face serious consequences.
In recent years, Bali has seen a surge in tourists who ignore local customs. Some have been caught drunk, naked, or even climbing sacred statues for photos. Others have polluted beaches, harassed wildlife, or caused traffic accidents while riding scooters without licenses. The situation has gotten so bad that Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, announced tough new measures in March 2025. “Bali is a sacred island,” he said. “Visitors must respect our culture—or face the law.”
Foreign tourists must now follow strict guidelines, including respecting sacred places by not climbing temples, taking nude photos, or entering restricted areas. They must dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. A new tourist tax of 150,000 IDR (about $10) must be paid online before arrival. Visitors must also use licensed guides when exploring cultural sites and obey traffic laws, including wearing helmets on motorbikes and having a valid driver’s license. Single-use plastics like bags and straws are now banned to protect Bali’s environment.
Bali is serious about enforcement. Officials will fine or deport tourists who disrespect temples or the environment. Rule-breakers may be banned from popular attractions, and those involved in illegal activities, like drug use or vandalism, could face arrest. Locals can report bad behavior via a WhatsApp hotline (+62 81-287-590-999), and police will monitor tourist hotspots to catch offenders.
Many other tourist hotspots are also fighting back against bad behavior. Italy fines visitors for littering, Japan restricts overcrowding at temples, and Spain has banned noisy party boats. Like these places, Bali wants to protect its culture while still welcoming respectful travelers.
Bali remains open to tourists, but with one condition: behave responsibly. As Governor Koster warned, “We expect guests to show the same respect we give them.” Those who don’t may find themselves fined, deported—or even blacklisted from returning. For now, the message is clear: Bali is watching, and bad behavior won’t be tolerated.
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