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ToggleBali new rules 2025: Because Paradise Comes with a Few (Very Reasonable) Rules
Attention, world travelers! Bali—the island of gods, stunning beaches, and Instagram-worthy sunsets—has rolled out some new rules to keep its magic alive. And honestly? They’re 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 do’s and don’ts for foreign visitors. The goal? To keep Bali’s culture sacred, its environment clean, and its vibes respectful. So, before you pack your neon crop tops or plan your “wild escape from reality”, here’s the lowdown:
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The Must-Dos (Yes, Really, They’re Mandatory)
- Respect the Sacred Stuff – Temples (Pura), religious symbols, and rituals? Treat them like your grandma’s fine china—no climbing, no inappropriate outfits, and definitely no “hold my beer” moments.
- Dress Like You Have Manners – Bali’s 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 – No shouting, no public drunkenness, no arguing with traffic cops. Basically, don’t be the reason locals roll their eyes.
- Pay the Tourist Levy (It’s Easy!) – 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 – Want to explore waterfalls, rice terraces, or hidden temples? Bring a guide who actually knows Bali’s culture (and won’t accidentally lead you into a sacred zone).
- Money Matters – Exchange cash at authorized money changers (look for the Bank Indonesia QR code). Pay with QRIS (Indonesia’s QR payment system) or rupiah—no USD shortcuts!
- Drive Like a Pro (Or Just Rent a Driver) – If you’re renting a scooter, wear a helmet, follow traffic rules, and please don’t ride shirtless (yes, we’ve seen it). Oh, and no drunk driving—Bali’s roads are chaotic enough.
- Stay Legal – Only book licensed accommodations and official transport. No shady Airbnb vans, okay?
🎯Read: 4 Must-Visit Lakes in Bali: Where Water Meets Wow
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The Big No-Nos (Unless You Want Fines or Jail Time)
- No Temple Trespassing – Some areas are strictly off-limits unless you’re praying in proper Balinese attire (and ladies, if it’s that time of the month, sit this one out).
- Don’t Be a Tree-Climbing Influencer – Sacred trees ≠ jungle gyms. Keep your feet on the ground.
- No Disrespectful Pics – That “naked yoga on a temple” shot? Hard pass. Keep your clothes on near holy sites.
- Trash Goes in the Bin – Bali’s not your ashtray. Don’t litter—especially near lakes, rivers, or beaches.
- Plastic = Problem – Single-use plastics (bags, straws, styrofoam) are banned. Bring a reusable bottle instead!
- Keep Your Cool – Rude behavior, fights, or hate speech (online or offline) can get you deported.
- No Illegal Jobs or Side Hustles – Working without a permit? Selling drugs? Trading sacred artifacts? Big mistake.
🎯Read: Transform Your Spirit: 3 Must-Visit Melukat Temples in Bali
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What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Bali’s not playing around. Violators face fines, deportation, or even jail time. Skip the tourist tax? You’ll 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, they’re serious about enforcing these rules.
P.S: Bali’s rules aren’t about killing your fun—they’re about respecting the island’s soul. Follow them, and you’ll leave with amazing memories (and no legal trouble).
Now go enjoy that nasi goreng, chase those waterfalls, and please wear pants at the temple. 🙏✨
🎯Read: 9 Best Bali Store Luggage Services to Ditch Your Bags
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💡 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 up before 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 🏍️ or 🏨 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. 😉
🎯Read: ESIM Bali With Internet Data 60 GB Valid 30 Days By Telkomsel- Only $16
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FAQ: Bali’s New Rules – Your Questions, Answered (Without the Boring Stuff)
Not full traditional costume (unless it’s a ceremony), but think “modest grandma chic” – covered shoulders/knees. Some temples will hand you a sarong like a fashion penalty. 😉
Nope! Just Indonesia’s QR payment system. Scan it with your phone like you’re paying for overpriced avocado toast – but way more useful.
You could, but why risk standing in line when you could be sipping coconut water? Pay online at lovebali.baliprov.go.id and start vacationing faster.
Only if you enjoy explaining traffic violations via Google Translate. Get an International Driving Permit – 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, you’re starring in Bali Police: The Instagram Reel. 🚨
Yup. Say goodbye to plastic bags, straws, and that sad little styrofoam box. Bali loves turtles, and you should too. 🐢♻️
Note: Bali’s rules aren’t suggestions. Treat them like a sacred coconut – with respect, or face the consequences.” 🥥⚡
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Ready for Your Bali Adventure? (Or Maybe Lombok & Labuan Bajo Too?)
You’ll be famous… on police Instagram. 🚔📸 #BaliJailSelfie
Now that you’re an expert on Bali’s rules (and officially not “that tourist”), how about making your trip even smoother? Meet Hey Bali—your ultimate travel buddy in Indonesia!
🚗 Need wheels? Rent a car in Bali for just IDR 500,000 for 12 hours—perfect for island-hopping in style.
🏍️ Prefer zipping through traffic? Scooter rentals start at IDR 50,000/day (helmet included, because safety first, folks).
And hey, Bali’s not the only paradise around! Lombok’s untouched beaches and Labuan Bajo’s epic Komodo dragons are waiting too. Let Hey Bali handle your rides, tours, and insider tips—because 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):
“Bali’s new rules aren’t about being strict—they’re about keeping the island as magical as your vacation photos. So dress respectfully, pay with QRIS, and remember: if you wouldn’t do it at your grandma’s house, don’t do it in a sacred temple!” – Giostanovlatto
Now go forth, explore responsibly, and leave nothing but footprints (and maybe a few broken hearts). 🌴💛
Need a ride? Hey Bali’s got you covered! 🚙💨
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Meet the Author
Giostanovlatto is a self-proclaimed “professional wanderluster” who believes that life is too short to stay in one place. When he’s 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).