Thanks to its gorgeous beaches, world-famous hotels, and strong cultural identity, the Indonesian island of Bali attracts millions of curious tourists every year—and visitor numbers only continue to rise. However, as with any destination, laws and local customs need to be respected—something Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, reminded prospective tourists of in a recent statement.
To preserve Bali’s cultural integrity in an age of overtourism, Love Bali, an official government site promoting and regulating paradise island tourism, released updated information in response to reported visitor misbehavior.
At a press conference on March 24, the governor acknowledged the challenges an evolving tourism sector presents to the island island, saying: “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.”
The first guidance involves tourists visiting sacred attractions across the island, from temples to religious statues. Visitors must honor Balinese customs and cultural practices, dress respectfully in modest clothing, and use licensed tour guides when visiting natural or cultural sites. Wayan also reminded tourists to “behave respectfully” and exchange currency at authorized money conversion points with official QR codes from Bank Indonesia. Something that may seem optional or avoidable but should not be treated as such is the payment of the tourist levy. Paid electronically to Love Bali, this charge amounts to approximately $9 and goes towards the preservation of existing and construction of new infrastructure on the island.
Many travelers hire cars, motorcycles, and quadbikes to zoom between Bali’s attractions and beaches, prompting the governor to remind visitors of their responsibility to hold a valid driver’s license if operating the vehicle, wear a helmet, follow local traffic signs, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Addtionally, visitors are required to use only licensed car rentals and transport services, as well as stay only in hotels, villas, or homestays that comply with Bali’s legal accommodation standards.
