Chapters
ToggleBali new rules 2025: Because Paradise Comes with a Few (Very Reasonable) Rules
Attention, world travelers! Baliโthe island of gods, stunning beaches, and Instagram-worthy sunsetsโhas rolled out some new rules to keep its magic alive. And honestly? Theyโre pretty easy to follow. Think of them as “how to not be that tourist” guidelines.
Governor Wayan Koster just signed Circular No. 07 of 2025, a shiny new set of doโs and donโts for foreign visitors. The goal? To keep Baliโs culture sacred, its environment clean, and its vibes respectful. So, before you pack your neon crop tops or plan your “wild escape from reality”, hereโs the lowdown:
ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ
The Must-Dos (Yes, Really, Theyโre Mandatory)
- Respect the Sacred Stuff โ Temples (Pura), religious symbols, and rituals? Treat them like your grandmaโs fine chinaโno climbing, no inappropriate outfits, and definitely no “hold my beer” moments.
- Dress Like You Have Manners โ Baliโs not the place for your “I woke up like this” beachwear. Cover up when visiting temples, tourist spots, or just strolling around. (Save the bikini for the beach, folks.)
- Behave Like a Decent Human โ No shouting, no public drunkenness, no arguing with traffic cops. Basically, donโt be the reason locals roll their eyes.
- Pay the Tourist Levy (Itโs Easy!) โ Before you even land, pay your Bali Tourist Tax online at lovebali.baliprov.go.id. Think of it as your VIP pass to paradise.
- Get a Licensed Guide โ Want to explore waterfalls, rice terraces, or hidden temples? Bring a guide who actually knows Baliโs culture (and wonโt accidentally lead you into a sacred zone).
- Money Matters โ Exchange cash at authorized money changers (look for the Bank Indonesia QR code). Pay with QRIS (Indonesiaโs QR payment system) or rupiahโno USD shortcuts!
- Drive Like a Pro (Or Just Rent a Driver) โ If youโre renting a scooter, wear a helmet, follow traffic rules, and please donโt ride shirtless (yes, weโve seen it). Oh, and no drunk drivingโBaliโs roads are chaotic enough.
- Stay Legal โ Only book licensed accommodations and official transport. No shady Airbnb vans, okay?
๐ฏRead: 4 Must-Visit Lakes in Bali: Where Water Meets Wow
ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ
The Big No-Nos (Unless You Want Fines or Jail Time)
- No Temple Trespassing โ Some areas are strictly off-limits unless youโre praying in proper Balinese attire (and ladies, if itโs that time of the month, sit this one out).
- Donโt Be a Tree-Climbing Influencer โ Sacred trees โ jungle gyms. Keep your feet on the ground.
- No Disrespectful Pics โ That “naked yoga on a temple” shot? Hard pass. Keep your clothes on near holy sites.
- Trash Goes in the Bin โ Baliโs not your ashtray. Donโt litterโespecially near lakes, rivers, or beaches.
- Plastic = Problem โ Single-use plastics (bags, straws, styrofoam) are banned. Bring a reusable bottle instead!
- Keep Your Cool โ Rude behavior, fights, or hate speech (online or offline) can get you deported.
- No Illegal Jobs or Side Hustles โ Working without a permit? Selling drugs? Trading sacred artifacts? Big mistake.
๐ฏRead: Transform Your Spirit: 3 Must-Visit Melukat Temples in Bali
ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Baliโs not playing around. Violators face fines, deportation, or even jail time. Skip the tourist tax? Youโll be turned away at attractions.
How to Report Bad Behavior
Also, tourists who skip paying the mandatory tourist levy might be denied access to popular attractions. And yep, Bali has a dedicated hotline for reporting rule-breakers: just WhatsApp 0812-8759-0999.
The Bali Provincial Security Police and Satpol PP are now on active patrol, and yes, theyโre serious about enforcing these rules.
P.S: Baliโs rules arenโt about killing your funโtheyโre about respecting the islandโs soul. Follow them, and youโll leave with amazing memories (and no legal trouble).
Now go enjoy that nasi goreng, chase those waterfalls, and please wear pants at the temple. ๐โจ
๐ฏRead: 9 Best Bali Store Luggage Services to Ditch Your Bags
ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ
๐ก Pro Tips for First-Timers: How to Bali Like a Boss (And Not a Basic Tourist)
Because nothing says “clueless visitor” like arguing with a temple guard about your micro-bikini
1. Sarong = Your New VIP Pass
Your designer shorts mean nothing to the temple gods. Toss a sarong in your bag – it’s the ultimate cultural cheat code (and doubles as a picnic blanket for those impromptu nasi goreng feasts).
2. QRIS Apps: Download Before You Down Bintangs
Get GoPay/OVO set upย beforeย you land. Watching you fumble with cash at a warung is how locals spot newbies from 50 meters away.
3. Google Maps Lies (Like Your Ex)
That “5-minute drive”? Could be 25. Trust grandma-style directions from locals instead – they’ll point you to secret waterfalls and the best babi guling stand.
4. Licensed Transport or Bust
That random dude’s “taxi” with no meter? Hard pass. Your Instagram doesn’t need a “#BaliJailExperience” post.
5. Learn 3 Magic Words
“Tolong” (please), “terima kasih” (thanks), and “maaf” (sorry) will get you further than your high school French ever could.
6. Bali Runs on Island Time
Your 10AM tour will start at… sometime. Breathe. That extra 30 minutes is just more time to perfect your “I’m so zen” beach pose.
7. Cash is King (But Don’t Carry a Throne)
ATMs take Sundays off. Keep enough for parking fees, spontaneous bakso stops, and bribing monkeys not to steal your sunglasses.
8. Pause Before You Post
That “edgy” sacred tree climb photo? Save it for your “How I Got Deported” TED Talk.
9. WhatsApp = Your Bali Survival Kit
From driver contacts to villa staff, everything happens here. Pro tip: Save all contacts with ๐๏ธ or ๐จ emojis so you remember who’s who after three margaritas.
10. Smile & Ask Away!
Balinese people will happily explain customs – way better than learning from an angry temple guard’s whistle.
Remember: The best souvenirs aren’t fridge magnets – they’re memories where you didn’t end up on Bali Police’s social media.ย ๐
๐ฏRead: ESIM Bali With Internet Data 60 GB Valid 30 Days By Telkomsel- Only $16
ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ
FAQ: Bali’s New Rules โ Your Questions, Answered (Without the Boring Stuff)
Not full traditional costume (unless itโs a ceremony), but think “modest grandma chic” โ covered shoulders/knees. Some templesย willย hand you a sarong like a fashion penalty. ๐
Nope! Just Indonesiaโs QR payment system. Scan it with your phone like youโre paying for overpriced avocado toast โ but way more useful.
Youย could, but why risk standing in line when you could be sipping coconut water? Pay online atย lovebali.baliprov.go.idย and start vacationing faster.
Only if you enjoy explaining traffic violations via Google Translate. Get anย International Driving Permitย โ your future self (and wallet) will thank you.
Depends how “accidental” it is. Forget your sarong? Fine. Climb a sacred tree for a selfie? Congrats, youโre starring inย Bali Police: The Instagram Reel. ๐จ
Yup. Say goodbye to plastic bags, straws, and that sad little styrofoam box. Bali loves turtles, and you should too. ๐ขโป๏ธ
Note: Baliโs rules arenโtย suggestions. Treat them like a sacred coconut โ with respect, or face the consequences.”ย ๐ฅฅโก
ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ
Ready for Your Bali Adventure? (Or Maybe Lombok & Labuan Bajo Too?)
Youโll be famousโฆ on police Instagram. ๐๐ธ #BaliJailSelfie
Now that youโre an expert on Baliโs rules (and officially not “that tourist”), how about making your trip even smoother? Meet Hey Baliโyour ultimate travel buddy in Indonesia!
๐ Need wheels? Rent a car in Bali for just IDR 500,000 for 12 hoursโperfect for island-hopping in style.
๐๏ธ Prefer zipping through traffic? Scooter rentals start at IDR 50,000/day (helmet included, because safety first, folks).
And hey, Baliโs not the only paradise around!ย Lombokโs untouched beachesย andย Labuan Bajoโs epic Komodo dragonsย are waiting too. Letย Hey Baliย handle your rides, tours, and insider tipsโbecause the only thing you should worry about is which Instagram filter to use.
Final Quote (Because Bali New Rules 2025 Should Come with a Smile):
“Baliโs new rules arenโt about being strictโtheyโre about keeping the island as magical as your vacation photos. So dress respectfully, pay with QRIS, and remember: if you wouldnโt do it at your grandmaโs house, donโt do it in a sacred temple!” – Giostanovlatto
Now go forth, explore responsibly, and leave nothing but footprints (and maybe a few broken hearts). ๐ด๐
Need a ride? Hey Baliโs got you covered! ๐๐จ
ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ๐ใฐ๏ธ
Meet the Author
Giostanovlatto is a self-proclaimed “professional wanderluster” who believes that life is too short to stay in one place. When heโs not busy chasing sunsets or hunting for the best local food, you can find him striking up conversations with strangers (who often become friends by the end of the trip).