(NewsNation) — Bali Governor Wayan Koster is heightening guidelines for tourists, according to the Indonesian government's Love Bali program.
Koster and Bali's head of tourism, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, expanded on a list of dos and don'ts first published in 2023.
"We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt," Koster said during a Monday press conference. "This ensures that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable and in harmony with our local values."
Rules include shelling out for Bali's tourist levy, equivalent to $9 USD. Left unpaid, travelers would be blocked from certain attractions in the Indonesian province.
Other new rules include respecting sacred sites and symbols, dressing in "modest and respectful clothing," and behaving respectfully while in public.
Also outlined are requirements for foreign travelers to use only licensed tour guides, authorized money exchange services, legal car rentals and licensed accommodations.
For those driving in Bali, the rules of the road require you:
- Have an international or national driver's license
- Obey traffic signs
- Don't drive under any influence
- Wear a helmet on motorbikes or motorcycles
As outlined by the new rules, tourists are forbidden from:
- Entering sacred areas without traditional attire or while menstruating
- Climbing sacred monuments and trees
- Using single-use plastics
- Littering
- Operating a business without proper permitting
- Trading drugs, endangered animals and other prohibited things
- Swearing or being rude to Balinese locals and officials, as well as other tourists
The announcement warns that those who violate the new rules, known formally as Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025, "Will face legal consequences in accordance with Indonesian law."
“All stakeholders must fully understand, implement, and communicate this circular to their teams and foreign visitors. Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,” Koster said.
The Balinese government said it encourages the public to report infractions to its official WhatsApp hotline, which would prompt action from the province's law enforcement.