7 surprising acts that could get you banned in this top tourist destination

7 surprising acts that could get you banned in this top tourist destination

Isn’t it wonderful to explore new places? We have always loved discovering the world and creating memories along the way. However, as we’ve traveled, we’ve learned that it’s not just about us. 

We are guests in these destinations, and each place has its customs and traditions. Our goal is to leave these beautiful places just as lovely, if not more so, for our grandchildren and everyone who comes after us. 

Similarly, a popular tourist destination recently issued a clear reminder to respect the people, culture, and environment, or face the consequences. 

Indonesian authorities have issued stern reminders of the rules to ensure that the Balinese way of life is respected and that tourists can harmoniously enjoy the island’s offerings. 

Governor Wayan Koster made it clear that disrespect towards Bali’s people, culture, and environment will not be tolerated. 

‘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,’ he said.

To maintain the island’s sanctity and sustainability, here is an updated list of seven banned acts that could lead to fines, jail time, or even deportation for tourists who choose to flout them:

1. No entering sacred temple areas, unless for worship while wearing traditional Balinese attire.
2. No climbing sacred trees or monuments, including taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites.
3. No littering or polluting Bali’s environment.
4. No using single-use plastics, including plastic bags, Styrofoam, and plastic straws.
5. No aggressive or disrespectful behaviour, including swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials or other tourists. This includes sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media.
6. No working or running a business without proper permits.
7. No participating in illegal activities, such as trading in drugs or endangered animals.

In addition to these prohibitions, Koster has also provided a list of ‘Dos’ to guide tourists on how to conduct themselves respectfully in Bali, which includes:

1. Do respect sacred sites and symbols.
2. Do dress appropriately when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces, tourists are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing.
3. Do behave respectfully.
4. Do pay the tourist levy of about $14.25.
5. Do use licensed tour guides.
6. Do exchange currency at the authorities’ money changers.
7. Do follow traffic laws, including having a valid international or national driver’s licence, wearing a helmet, and follow traffic signs.
8. Do use legal transportation.
9. Do stay at licensed accommodation

The governor emphasised that these rules will be ‘strictly enforced,’ and tourists who fail to pay the tourist levy, approximately $14.25, will be denied access to attractions. This fee is part of Bali’s commitment to sustainable tourism and maintaining the island’s infrastructure.

‘Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,’ he said.

This comes after a video footage has surfaced showing a tourist being transported on a trolley through the streets of Bali by security personnel with his wrists and ankles restrained.  

The video, which was posted on social media, is captioned, ‘Intoxicated foreigner creates a scene at Y Sport Bar, Legian—begins hitting people.’

The man’s nationality was unknown, but the incident occurred after Australians were involved in a brawl at the well-known Finns Beach Club in nearby North Kuta earlier this year. Five tourists clashed with around 15 security personnel during that event. 

The chaos began when a man was accused of harassing a woman inside the club before he was removed and subsequently confronted the security staff. Bali police stated that he had been previously cautioned about anti-social behaviour before being ejected from the bar.

Approximately 1.5 million Australians travel to Bali annually, and while most behave appropriately, a handful of incidents have tarnished the reputation of Aussie travelers. 

‘It is only a small minority that misbehave. It is just to give everyone a bit of a reminder—respect Bali, respect their rules, you’re in a foreign country, just behave, as you would anywhere,’ said Robbie Gaspar, president of the Indonesia Institute.

It’s important to point out that Bali isn’t the sole location where Australians have encountered trouble due to inappropriate actions. 

Late last year, there was a report about an Australian who had to be transported back to her hostel in a cart by police following a night out in Thailand. 

Tahli Benson, 19, a hospitality employee from Geelong, along with her friend Sina Baumann, 23, from Germany, were enjoying a night on Koh Phi Phi in Krabi on 29 November when they fainted at a local bar. 

A viral video showed Sergeant Major Saneh Jualaong transporting the two back to their lodgings in a pushcart he borrowed from a nearby store.

Is Bali part of your travel list this year? What do you think about these regulations? Have you experienced Bali’s hospitality firsthand? Share your stories and travel recommendations in the comments below!

Also read: Aussies are skipping Bali for THIS ‘Number One’ international holiday spot—Find out where!