The updated code of conduct for the Island of the Gods will be ready by the end of the year, at which time it will be distributed to all foreign visitors at Ngurah Rai Airport.
The head of Ngurah Rai's immigration office confirmed that arriving tourists will soon receive booklets with advice on what they can and cannot do upon entering the province. This initiative was originally launched in 2023 but was paused after the Tourism Office decided to promote travel recommendations through alternative methods.
Suhendra, the head of Ngurah Rai's immigration office, discussed upcoming changes in how the travel rules will be communicated to tourists. He mentioned that the Bali information cards have been reviewed and updated, and will soon be handed out to all arriving passengers at the airport.
“What you can and cannot do in Bali” is a set of recommended rules for daily life and travel on the island, developed during the tenure of former Bali Governor Wayan Koster. The code was created in response to a rising number of reports of inappropriate behavior by foreigners on the island. Over the past 12 months, the Bali Tourism Office and Bali Immigration have been working together to identify tourists whom authorities believe are acting inappropriately. Suhendra confirmed that alongside the record-breaking number of visitors to Bali in 2024, the number of foreigners being deported, detained, or denied entry to Indonesia is also increasing. The head of the Ngurah Rai immigration office reported that 66 people were deported between January and June 2024. During the same period, 561 foreigners were denied entry, with the main reasons being involvement in criminal cases, lack of a visa, expired passports, and being on Interpol's watch list.
As for the rules for tourists in Bali, many of them are incredibly simple. They are easy to follow with even the slightest desire to respect the island's culture. The National Tourism Board "Wonderful Indonesia," which is responsible for updating the rules, stated, “Believe us, a little understanding goes a long way in making your adventure in Bali filled with incredible memories, interesting encounters, and unforgettable experiences.”
Many of the rules are related to temple etiquette. As former Governor Koster noted in 2023, the most important rules state that "tourists must respect the sacred nature of Bali's temples and all other religious symbols on the island."
Rules two and three explain that "tourists must respect Balinese culture, customs, traditions, and art, as well as the wisdom of the Balinese people." It further states, "Tourists must dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting holy sites, popular attractions, and public places."
The Bali government has repeatedly stated its goal of fostering a cultural and respectful attitude among tourists towards the local way of life. At the same time, officials appear to want to use both a carrot and stick approach.
Part of the effort is directed towards a zero-tolerance policy for disrespect and violations of local laws. On the other hand, Bali authorities want to encourage travelers who choose to visit culturally significant sites in areas that are not yet overrun with tourists.
Sources: antaranews, NusaBali
You can add one right now!