Amidst a series of significant tourism announcements in Bali, there has been a wealth of information to digest.
Bali’s Governor Koster recently issued Circular Letter Number 4 of 2023, which outlined twelve obligations and eight prohibited behaviors for tourists visiting the island. These measures are aimed at ensuring visitors abide by the law and have an enjoyable stay while also addressing the growing issue of unruly behavior by foreign tourists.
The obligations for tourists in Bali are largely common sense and reflect the expectations of being a guest in another country. They include showing respect for holy temples, sacred objects, landscapes, as well as Balinese culture, customs, traditions, art, and local wisdom.
Furthermore, tourists are expected to dress modestly and respectfully in holy places, tourist attractions, and public spaces. When visiting temples, the dress code mandates wearing a sarong and a modest shirt, t-shirt, or traditional kabaya. Modest attire is also required in cafes, restaurants, shops, and on the streets.
While beachwear is permissible at the beach, beach and night clubs, resorts, hotels, and villas, it is considered inappropriate to wear revealing clothing elsewhere in Bali. In the past, Bali has been tolerant of tourists disregarding local cultural norms in this regard, but moving forward, efforts will be made to educate tourists about cultural sensitivity, and fines may be imposed for non-compliance.
Two obligations that require more nuance pertain to vehicle hire and accommodation. Historically, it has been relatively easy for tourists to rent mopeds and explore the island independently. However, authorities in Bali are now strictly enforcing traffic laws. Although plans to ban tourists from driving in Bali have been discussed, currently, tourists can still rent vehicles as long as they meet specific criteria outlined in Governor Koster’s Circular Letter 4 of 2023. These criteria include driving in an orderly manner, possessing a valid international or local motorcycle license, wearing a helmet and appropriate protective clothing, not exceeding the vehicle’s passenger capacity, and abstaining from alcohol or illegal drugs while driving. Additionally, tourists can only rent vehicles registered under a legal business entity or the two-wheeled transportation leasing association. It is the responsibility of both the rental owner to operate legally and the renter to ensure they are renting from a legitimate entity.
Regarding accommodation, tourists must choose establishments with valid business permits. Hotels, guesthouses, villas, and B&Bs must be legally registered and display their business permits prominently, allowing tourists to support legal enterprises in Bali.
To ensure tourists are aware of these new guidelines, an information card summarizing the do’s and don’ts will be placed inside travelers’ passports as they enter Bali through Immigration. This initiative aligns with the provincial government’s goal of promoting high-quality and sustainable tourism on the island.
