On March 24, 2025, Bali’s Governor, I Wayan Koster, announced new tourist guidelines aimed at promoting respectful and sustainable travel practices. Issued as a document entitled: “Circular Letter (SE) No. 07 of 2025 Concerning New Regulations for Foreign Tourists During Their Stay in Bali,” it outlines dos and don’ts for foreign tourists during their stay on the island.

These new guidelines, crucial for preserving Bali’s cultural and spiritual identity, are an update of the code of conduct issued in 2023. They were developed in response to incidents involving traffic violations, disrespect for Bali’s traditions, and desecration of sacred sites. The goal is to preserve Bali’s reputation as a premier cultural and spiritual travel destination.

Related article: Basic Balinese Etiquette to Keep in Mind When Visiting Bali

New Guidelines Aim to Enforce Responsible Tourist Behavior in Bali

The provincial government of Bali has issued a comprehensive Tourist Guidelines Booklet to encourage respectful and sustainable tourism, now available at immigration checkpoints, hotels, and travel platforms. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over overtourism, cultural disrespect, and environmental harm.

The guidelines emphasize cultural sensitivity, requiring tourists to wear modest clothing, particularly when visiting temples or sacred sites, and to respect religious practices and ceremonial customs.

Environmental responsibility is a key focus, with a ban on single-use plastics and littering. Tourists are urged to dispose of waste properly and avoid polluting Bali’s rivers, beaches, and water features.

To curb traffic violations, all tourists wishing to drive must hold either an international driver’s license or a valid national license. Helmets and adherence to speed limits are mandatory. Visitors are also instructed to stay only in licensed hotels, resorts, or villas.

Prohibited actions include engaging in unauthorized work or business, using offensive language in public, and participating in online harassment or spreading hate speech related to Bali.

Additionally, a mandatory tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah (about USD 10) is now in effect. Funds will be directed toward improving tourism services, protecting the environment, and preserving local culture.

To support awareness, authorities have collaborated with airlines, travel agencies, and digital platforms to distribute brochures and signage in multiple languages. Tourists are encouraged to use certified travel operators, and to research cultural etiquette before attending ceremonies or entering religious sites such as temples and other places of worship.

Related article: Top 6 Temples to Visit in Bali, Indonesia

Enforcement will be handled by a newly established task force and Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), with residents and fellow tourists encouraged to report violations.

Overall, these measures reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining Bali’s reputation as a culturally rich and spiritually significant destination, while ensuring a more harmonious relationship between locals and visitors.

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