So Bali – the island that everyone dreams about for their next vacation – just dropped a bunch of new rules for international tourists and foreign media is paying attention.
Outlets like TimeOut, Metro, and Vietnam Express have all covered it, especially one rule that’s raising eyebrows: women on their periods aren’t allowed to enter temples. Yep, that’s true. Now, the reason is temple purity. Locals believe menstrual blood is so “contaminated” that it could defile sacred spaces.
Metro went as far as saying that stories passed for generations say how women faint, get possessed, or feel intense pain while inside temples if they enter menstruating. Spooky stuff.
But That’s Just One Part of It…
Dont’s for foreign tourists. These guidelines were covered in a Bali’s government issued a guidance document, otherwise known as a Governor Circular No. 7 of 2025.
Summarizing the information presented:
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship, beauté landmarks, and even at common gathering locations.
- Prohibited usages of single use items includes plastic bags, straws, or any other plastic materials.
- Local citizens should be treated with respect and no swearing or shouting is permitted.
- Only licensed guides and authorized changers of currency should be used.
- Driving is to be done with permits including: a helmet, a valid driver’s license, and rented vehicles from affiliated associations.
- Bookings should only be done at uncontested and offically sanctioned establishments.
- Also remember to pay your Rp 150,000 fee as a tourist via the website lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
What Are The Consequences?
Bali means business, so to speak. New changes have been put into place and there is a monitoring task force for Bali. Tourists who do not respect the guidelines will risk incurring fines, losing access to tourist sites, or being exiled from the island entirely. Further measures could include them being sued.
There is an advocate scheme in place to encourage reporting unethical conduct via WhatsApp. So yes, Big Brother is Watching (in a sarong).
Why All The Fuss?
Disrespectful behavior of tourists has been on the rise in Bali such as naked meditation in temples and uncontrolled hiking in spiritually guided areas. It’s not solely to manage tourists; it’s to protect the island’s culture, environment, and spirituality.
Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, said it best: “We’ve had similar regulations before, but with changing times, we need to adjust. Bali is sacred — we want our guests to treat it that way.”
Other regions that attract tourists are also doing battle courtesy of overtourism.
Earlier this year, Venice, Italy, began restricting large touring groups.
Spain, which welcomed a record 94 million tourists, is now restricting short-term rentals due to housing shortages, water overuse, and over-tourism.
Spain isn’t the only country dealing with issues. While Bali’s reported regulations might seem dramatic, they’re actually quite reasonable—attempting to make tourism more sustainable and respectful.
In the case of conservative tourism, Bali culture is often considered as unrestricted by a majority of tourists and travelers.
These said rules are meant to preserve the islands natural beauty and protect the environment for future generations. These travelers have indirectly deemed Bali a destination to be “checked off,” thus converting it to an unsustainable form of tourism.
So if you’re planning to visit the island of Gods, it is wise to read and understand the given rules.
