Bali is introducing new tourist rules in an attempt to curb ‘naughty’ behaviour — rules include respect sacred areas and temples and menstruating women not being allowed into sacred temples

Authorities in Bali have issued new guidelines to address “misbehaviour” among tourists, in a bid to protect the island’s cultural integrity.

In a letter issued by Bali Governor Wayan Koster new rules are being introduced in a bid to curb bad tourist behaviour, with one rule preventing menstruating women from entering sacred temple areas. The letter reveals 16 rules and warnings to tourists visiting Bali, including that travellers “must respect sacred sites and symbols”, “dress appropriately” and “pay the tourist levy”.

The rules have been set out by Love Bali — a movement started by the Bali Provincial Government to enforce a new policy, the Comprehensive Development Plan. The goal is to preserve the integrity and balance of Bali’s nature, its people, and their culture.

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In a release from Love Bali, one rules states: “Visitors should observe and honour Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, especially during ceremonies.” Under the list of ‘what tourists shouldn’t do’, it states that tourists should not “enter sacred temple areas unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire”, adding that “menstruating women are also prohibited from entering these areas”.

Governor Koster 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.”

For a number of years now, Bali has been struggling with issues of overtourism, including travellers misbehaving, reports The Independent. In 2023, authorities considered introducing a tourist tax to discourage “cheap tourists who cause a lot of problems”. In addition, back in 2019, Governor Koster suggested that authorities should “send them home” after influencers were caught splashing themselves with holy water at a temple.

In 2024, Indonesia saw a significant rise in international tourism, with 13.9 million visitors compared to 11.68 million in 2023, according to the country’s tourism ministry data. If tourists do not follow the new rules, Governor Koster made clear that they could be denied access to attractions or face legal consequences in accordance with Indonesian law.

Under the new regulations, foreign visitors must:

• Respect sacred sites and symbols – including temples, religious statues (pratima), and other holy places
• Dress appropriately – when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces, tourists are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing
• Behave respectfully – whether at religious sites, restaurants, shopping areas, or public roads, tourists must maintain polite and considerate behaviour
• Pay the tourist levy – a mandatory tourist fee must be paid electronically via before or during their stay
• Use licensed tour guides – when exploring cultural or natural sites, tourists must be accompanied by certified guides who understand local traditions and natural conditions
• Exchange currency at authorized money changers – transactions should only be conducted at licensed exchange services with official QR codes from Bank Indonesia
• Follow traffic laws – tourists driving in Bali must have a valid international or national driver’s license; wear a helmet when riding a motorbike; follow traffic signs and not overload vehicle and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Use legal transportation – only licensed car rentals or transport services should be used
• Stay at licensed accommodations – visitors must book hotels, villas, or homestays that comply with Bali’s legal accommodation standards

What tourists are NOT allowed to do:

• 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 – such as throwing waste in lakes, rivers, or the ocean is strictly prohibited
• Use single-use plastics – plastic bags, styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged drinks are banned
• Engage in aggressive or disrespectful behaviour – including swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists. Sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is also prohibited
• Work or run a business without proper permits – tourists are not allowed to conduct business or work in Bali unless they hold official documentation from Indonesian authorities
• Participate in illegal activities – including trading drugs, endangered animals, sacred artefacts, or any prohibited goods