In 2024, Bali welcomed 6.3 million international visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and aims to attract 6.5 million to seven million tourists this year. However, a surge in tourism also leads to challenges like traffic jams, public commotions, environmental damage, and desecration of sacred sites.
Bali’s foreign visitors represent both its primary economic driver AND its biggest headache. Tourism accounts for 60-70% of its regional GDP (2019 estimates – an outsized share compared to the national tourism sector, which represents about 5% of Indonesia’s GDP).
Bali’s image is being shattered by an increasing number of disruptive tourists who think they are above the law. including criminal ones who shoplift, dine and dash, abuse locals or film indecent exposure at Bali’s holy sites. The Balinese community has voiced frustration and anger over the behaviors of some tourists.
Foreigners being deported
Bali Governor Wayan Koster recently confirmed that nearly 130 foreign nationals were deported from Bali during the first three months of 2025 alone – that’s equal to more than one person every day on average. The most were from Russia followed by the U.S.
This is a rise in cases as compared to 85 foreigners being deported from Bali in the first quarter of 2023. Also there were 4,366 formal complaints against foreigners during the same time frame.
In 2023, Bali deported 340 foreigners, up from 188 in 2022.
Firm action against ‘naughty’ tourists
The governor is cracking down on these badly-behaved tourists, vowing to take immediate and firm action against ‘naughty’ tourists who do not respect the country’s customs. Here are some of the recent cases of badly-behaved tourists.
- Authorities arrested a German tourist who gatecrashed a sacred temple performance and stripped naked during the ceremony. The 28-year-old pushed past security to enter the performance space before removing her clothes. She faces up to two years and eight months in prison if found guilty of breaking the country’s public indecency laws.
- A 27-year-old American man was deported from Bali after a violent outburst at a local medical clinic. He was seen aggressively damaging property, including throwing furniture, tearing down curtains, and frightening other patients. Authorities confirmed that he tested positive for a cannabis derivative and cocaine.
- Bizarre footage emerged on social media of an Australian tourist being wheeled on a trolley through the streets by security staff, with his wrists and ankles tied, because he was drunk and created a ruckus at a bar.
- A Norwegian man had his visa revoked and was deported after being caught hiking a sacred mountain without a local guide. Local authorities require all hikers, both locals and foreigners, to be accompanied by a licensed guide while trekking the volcano.
- Footage of a brawl between tourists and security guards went viral on social media. The footage shows tourists, believed to be Australians, attacking security guards at a beach club. Bali Police confirmed the arrest of a 28-year-old Australian tourist in connection with the brawl. If prosecuted and convicted, he could face up to five years in jail.
New Tourist Guidelines
In order to rein in these bad behaviour by tourists, new guidelines that outline specific rules for tourists have been announced, including dress codes for religious sites, restrictions on motorbike rentals, and a requirement to pay a tourism levy, have been announced. Balinese officials have issued a card to tourists outlining acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.
Updated road and traffic guidelines
The updated road, traffic and transportation guidelines will now mandate tourists to:
- Hold a valid international or Indonesian driver’s license,
- Obey traffic rules and wear helmets when riding motorbikes in Bali,
- Obey traffic laws, including speed limits and passenger capacity rules,
- Refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and
- Use only registered rental vehicles.
Tourism Levy
A 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately US$15) levy has been introduced to be paid by all tourists before leaving the island. A mandatory tourist fee must be paid online through Love Bali before or during the visit.
However, locals on the island are increasingly pushing the authorities to increase the cost of visiting the island and in a bid to attract ‘higher quality’ visitors.
Respect for sacred spaces
Tourists must dress modestly and behave respectfully at temples, religious and sacred sites. This includes not entering sacred areas without permission or proper attire and avoiding disrespectful actions. Modest and respectful clothing is required when visiting temples, tourist attractions, and public spaces.
Engage in responsible tourism practices
The new rules encourage tourists to be mindful of their impact on the environment and local culture. Using single-use plastics like bags and straws is prohibited.
Inappropriate behavior
Tourists are banned from swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists.
Licensed tour guides
Tourists are encouraged to engage licensed tour guides when exploring cultural and natural sites.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency exchange should only be done at authorized money changers with permission from Bank Indonesia.
Stay at licensed accommodation
Tourists must stay in licensed hotels, villas, or homestays.
Reporting Misconduct
A WhatsApp hotline (+62 81-287-590-999) encourages residents and tourists to report misconduct, according to Travel and Leisure Asia.
Increased Tourism Police Patrol
Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit and law enforcement agencies will actively monitor tourists, ensuring rules are enforced. More than 70 tourism police officers have been deployed in popular districts, such as Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta.
Part of their job is also to ensure that tourists dress appropriately – for example, by wearing sashes provided – in the temples of Bali, the only Hindu enclave in Indonesia.
New laws for overstaying
Tourists overstaying their visa in Indonesia were previously subject to a maximum prison sentence of one year. In an amendment to the immigration laws announced in Oct 2024, the prison sentence has now increased to 10 years, plus an additional 10 years, meaning a maximum of 20 years or life imprisonment.
