The Indonesian province of Bali is a popular destination for travelers and digital nomads alike. While it had strict entry rules during the pandemic, these were eased last year. Due to this, travelers started heading to beautiful Bali in their droves which has regrettably led to the province introducing new regulations. Read on to find out more about the three strict rules that have recently been implemented and how they could affect you.

Why is Bali introducing new strict rules?

It seems local authorities are not totally happy about the recent tourism boom and have now imposed three new rules on all international travelers. One of these was brought in as certain travelers have been behaving badly. Public reports spoke of wild tourists removing their clothes next to sacred monuments, while others spoke of visitors driving scooters without the proper license.

Meanwhile, TikTok has been full of clips that badly affect Bali’s reputation as a destination. Among these were dirty streets, polluted beaches and poor infrastructure, which have led local authorities to work hard to change. Here’s an example:

Do’s and Don’ts for tourists in Bali

Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster recently announced new rules that will affect international visitors, including the following Do’s and Don’ts.

1. Travelers must carry official licenses to drive scooters

Driving scooters and motorbikes is popular with travelers visiting Bali and up until now pretty much anyone could do so. However, among the most popular TikToks revealed travelers driving scooters wearing only swimsuits and without a license. The clips also revealed riders dealing with the crazy scooter traffic in Bali.

While it isn’t legal to rent a scooter without the correct license, it soon became known that the rules were pretty flexible and motorbike rental businesses were not obliged to verify a tourist’s driving license. With the new regulations, travelers will require an international driver’s license or a local SIM permit.

According to the Bali Sun, a Tourism Task Force has been deployed in Bali to fine violators, along with the local traffic police to ensure rules are followed. Moreover, scooters must only be available for rental from certified scooter providers.

2. Travelers are forbidden to visit any of Bali’s mountains

Governor Kosta made a new regulation relating to mountains and volcanoes in Bali that will affect both travelers and locals. The Bali Sun reported that the province’s 22 mountains “unless there are religious ceremonies or disaster management and special activities that are not for tourism activities.”

This regulation came into force after international visitors were disrespectful towards nature and the sacred mountains. Meanwhile, the regulation also bans popular outdoor experiences like Mount Batur trekking, which affects all nature lovers and travelers.

3. Travelers can only stay at registered hotels and villas

This new regulation is a tricky one, and now travelers must be careful when booking their Bali accommodation. According to Bali officials, there will be consequences for anyone staying at unlicensed accommodations that do not pay taxes. This covers Airbnb properties, B&Bs and guesthouses and people are warned that investigations or raids will take place in the near future.

While travelers staying at official hotels or registered properties will have no problem, this rule could affect digital nomads or travelers who have arranged informal stays with locals, family or friends. When booking their accommodation, visitors should ensure the property has the correct business credentials. Moreover, they should check with the property owners to ensure they have the correct permits.

Other regulations in Bali

Besides the three new rules, visitors are also urged to pay in Indonesian rupiah, use the Indonesian Standard QR code, and exchange foreign currency at only authorized businesses and banks.

Also on the don’ts list, travelers cannot enter holy spaces in temples except for when praying. Meanwhile, they must wear traditional Balinese clothing and women must not have their period at the time. Moreover, visitors cannot touch or climb sacred trees, they must avoid pollution and using single-use plastic.

Basically, the new regulations and guidelines go to reinforce existing laws and remind tourists to be respectful during their visit.