Indonesia’s Bali Bans ‘Naughty’ Tourists? Bali’s New $30 Tourist Tax and Strict Laws

In a bold move to preserve its cultural integrity and promote sustainable tourism, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster has unveiled a new set of regulations targeting foreign tourists, set to take full effect in 2025. The Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025, an updated version of the 2023 policy, outlines stringent obligations, prohibitions, and penalties aimed at curbing disrespectful behavior and ensuring visitors align with the island’s cultural and environmental values. With Bali’s reputation as a global tourism hotspot at stake, the provincial government is doubling down on its mission to foster a tourism model that is “culturally rooted, high-quality, and dignified.”

Bali’s Governor Is Enforcing Stricter Tourism Laws in 2025

Governor Koster, recently re-elected for a second term, emphasized the urgency of these measures during a press conference at his official residence in Jayasabha. “The previous circular [No. 4 of 2023] was enacted shortly before my first term ended, leaving little time for enforcement. Now, with a renewed mandate, we’re seizing this momentum to solidify Bali’s vision for responsible tourism,” he stated. The governor’s resolve reflects growing local frustration over incidents of tourists disrespecting sacred sites, flouting traffic laws, and engaging in illegal activities—all of which threaten Bali’s social fabric and UNESCO-recognized heritage.

To ensure compliance, the provincial government will collaborate with foreign consulates and leverage digital tools to educate travelers before they arrive. “This isn’t about exclusion; it’s about mutual respect. We want visitors to leave not just with photos, but with a deeper understanding of Balinese culture,” Koster added.

Bali Tourist Rules: Dress Codes, $30 Tax, and Eco-Friendly Laws

The Circular Letter No. 7 mandates 13 core obligations for foreign tourists:

1. Cultural Respect: Visitors must honor the sanctity of temples (pura), religious symbols, and local traditions, including wearing modest clothing when entering sacred sites or attending ceremonies.
2. Environmental Responsibility: Littering and single-use plastics are banned, aligning with Bali’s broader war on pollution.
3. Financial Compliance: A tourism levy of approximately IDR 150,000 (USD $30) must be paid via the official portal, lovebali.baliprov.go.id, prior to arrival. This fee funds cultural preservation and infrastructure projects.
4. Economic Integrity: Transactions must use Indonesian Rupiah and the national QRIS payment system, while money exchanges are restricted to licensed providers to combat fraud.
5. Legal Accountability: Tourists must hire licensed guides, stay in permitted accommodations, and use registered rental vehicles. Those driving must hold valid international or national licenses and adhere to traffic laws.

Bali’s 2025 Banned Behaviors: Temple Etiquette, Sacred Trees, and Social Media Rules

Equally critical are the eight prohibitions designed to shield Bali’s spiritual and ecological treasures:

1. Entering temple inner sanctums (utama mandala) unless praying in traditional Balinese attire—a rule that also bars menstruating individuals from sacred areas, in line with local customs.
2. Climbing sacred trees, often found in temple grounds, which hold deep spiritual significance.
3. Disrespectful behavior, including public nudity, profanity, or social media posts deemed hateful or misleading.
4. Illegal activities such as unauthorized work, wildlife trafficking, or trading cultural artifacts.

Bali Tourist Penalties 2025: How Violators Risk Fines, Deportation, and Site Bans

Violators face steep consequences, from fines to deportation. Those evading the tourism levy will be denied entry to major attractions like Uluwatu Temple or Tegallalang Rice Terraces. A dedicated WhatsApp hotline (+62 812-8759-0999) allows locals and businesses to report misconduct, with reports funneled to Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and regional police for investigation.

Overtourism in Bali: How New 2025 Laws Protect Culture and Environment

Bali’s crackdown isn’t merely punitive—it’s a survival strategy. Over-tourism has strained the island’s ecosystems, with plastic waste choking rivers and overcrowding eroding the serenity of sites like Mount Batur. Culturally, Balinese Hindus have grown weary of tourists treating temples as Instagram backdrops rather than places of worship. The 2025 levy and rules aim to attract conscientious travelers while deterring those seeking Bali as a playground for excess.

A Global Precedent for Sustainable Tourism

Bali’s policies echo global trends, from Venice’s tourist tax to Iceland’s nature preservation fees. Yet the island’s approach uniquely intertwines cultural preservation with environmental stewardship. By mandating licensed guides, Bali ensures visitors engage meaningfully with local history, while QRIS payments bolster the formal economy.

Tips to Avoid Fines and Support Local Culture

For travelers, these rules are a roadmap to deeper cultural immersion. Dressing modestly at temples, hiring local guides, or simply carrying a reusable water bottle aren’t burdens—they’re gestures of respect that enrich the travel experience. As Governor Koster asserts, “Bali’s beauty lies in its balance. By honoring our traditions, visitors become partners in safeguarding this paradise for generations.”

In the end, Bali isn’t closing its doors; it’s raising the bar. Those who embrace these guidelines will discover a island where lush landscapes and ancient rituals thrive—not in spite of tourism, but because of it.

For travelers committed to Bali’s vision, Dijiwa Sanctuaries seamlessly blends luxury with Balinese tradition. These eco-retreats prioritize sustainability through traditional architecture, local cuisine, and cultural immersion—all while aligning with the island’s new guidelines. By staying here, travelers support Bali’s sustainability goals while enjoying an authentic, rule-compliant escape.

Note: This article was taken and modified from detik.com.