Bali remains open to tourists and expatriates but in compliance with certain rules. I Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, has issued a new circular to clarify things. Effective May 31, it sets out new rules for international tourists and expatriates alike. According to the governor, who has observed a "growing laxity" among some foreign visitors, this measure is essential.
Strict respect for sacred sites
Foreigners visiting Bali seem to be loosening up. Several videos (notably on TikTok) have caused a bad buzz in recent months, showing soiled beaches, dirty streets, tourists undressing near sacred monuments, dancing naked in sacred places, driving naked and without a license, etc. The circular is a reminder of the prohibitions and penalties for such infractions in Bali.
The first rules concern sacred places. The authorities have noted with concern that when visiting sites in Bali, some foreigners have shown attitudes that are not in line with the local culture. For example, they climb on sacred monuments and trees, photograph themselves in inappropriate attire (too short clothes, low-cuts, etc.), and do not respect religious symbols.
Since the reopening of borders, Bali has regained its status as a tourist destination. The government is making massive investments to attract tourists and expatriates. After the Second Home Visa, it has recently introduced the Golden Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa because digital nomads are the new target for governments around the world. Bali hopes to gain attractiveness with its 5-year digital nomad visa, which is much longer than other states. But Bali also hopes that these expatriates will respect local traditions.
The authorities point out that sacred sites (such as the famous Pratima temple) are not tourist places. Foreigners are forbidden to enter them unless they come to pray. If they come to pray, they must wear traditional Bali clothing. Moreover, women should not enter these places during their menstruation. Likewise, Bali's twenty-two mountains are sacred monuments. It is forbidden to climb them unless there is a religious ceremony. As well as disrespecting tradition and culture, these wild climbs threaten the environment.
Attitude in public places
Foreigners often tend to forget that dressing simply is not as "simple" as it seems. In Bali, respect for local culture and traditions also means that "modest, reasonable and appropriate" dress is mandatory. The rule applies everywhere: traditional dress for prayers, appropriate dress for public squares, tourist areas or activities.
This means no tight-fitting, short, low-cut, or other clothing considered disrespectful of local culture. The modest dress goes hand in hand with respectful behavior in all places (tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, etc.). To ensure that the rules are respected, guides may even accompany travelers visiting tourist attractions. Making noise, using foul language, being violent, inciting hatred, or spreading false information is also prohibited.
Be careful where you stay in Bali! The circular reminds foreign visitors that they are obliged to stay in hotels with the requisite authorizations. The measure seeks to end the practice of Airbnb accommodations and other guesthouses that allegedly pay no taxes, unlike licensed hotels. The authorities have taken these measures precisely to regulate them better. The measure could also affect informal accommodations (staying with friends or locals, for example).
Foreigners are also advised to watch out for litter. Bali is committed to fighting environmental pollution and ensuring greener tourism. Throwing garbage into the street, sea, or river is strictly forbidden. The use of single-use plastic bags and plastic straws is also banned.
Business rules
Some tourists seem to have forgotten an elementary rule: as tourists, they can't work or do business in Bali. If they wish to engage in commercial activities, they must first obtain the right to do so from the relevant authorities, who will issue them with an official document. Buying or selling sacred cultural objects, artifacts, flora, or fauna is illegal, as is buying or selling drugs. Caution is also called for when exchanging foreign currency. According to the circular, these exchanges can only occur in authorized establishments with a license number and a QR Code logo issued by Bank Indonesia.
Driving in Bali
Driving without a license in Bali is forbidden. In fact, foreigners must hold a valid international or national license and use appropriate vehicles. Riders of two-wheeled vehicles must wear helmets. This measure comes after numerous cases of unlicensed scooter riders without appropriate clothing were reported. Riding a scooter in Bali is fashionable. However, many foreigners don't wear helmets and ride around in shorts. It is also forbidden to carry more passengers than the vehicle's capacity. And, of course, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains strictly forbidden.
What does this mean for expatriates?
The government insists that these rules are, above all, reminders of common sense. The problem is that these "common sense reminders" may not be understood by a particular segment of expatriates. We're talking about certain young people, including some influencers, who have contributed to Bali's success with their age group. They film their lives as hip digital nomads in a city known for its beautiful scenery, but without always considering the local culture. These free-spirited influencers often seem more interested in sensations than in respect for culture. Hence the excesses displayed on social networks.
On the other hand, there are questions about accommodation. Will expatriates have to find government-approved accommodation before moving? Will they be able to stay with friends? Could this be the end of the small arrangements between expatriates and/or with local acquaintances? For the moment, the circular only tightens the screws for tourists.
Will Governor I Wayan Koster's circular attract fewer expatriates and digital nomads? While it's still too early to draw conclusions, some observers are optimistic. They point out that most expatriates also come to Bali for its living environment. The government's measures are part of a global effort to preserve the environment. More and more expatriates claim to be ecologically aware and don't want to live in a country or city asphyxiated by tourists and waste. They are the first to feel concerned by respect for their environment.
Could Bali introduce an expat quota?
On the business side, however, controls could be stepped up. The circular makes it clear that foreigners need to have the documents required to carry out a particular business activity. This is particularly true for young influencers, whose contracts and activities are sometimes unclear. The most pessimistic will say that the government is trying to chase them out of Bali to attract digital nomads and wealthy foreign investors instead. In early May, I Wayan Koster mentioned the possible introduction of a quota to regulate the number of foreigners in Bali better. More than the circular, it is this measure that, if applied and extended to all foreigners, could effectively limit the number of expatriates in Bali.
For the moment, no quotas have been announced. The government hopes its circular will have the desired effect. But I Wayan Koster has already warned that mass tourism in Bali is a thing of the past. Will expatriates be affected? Not immediately, if we consider the measures introduced to welcome them. Once again, the government's clear-cut stance is part of its drive to promote a greener Bali. Far from discouraging would-be expatriates, it could actually attract them. No to mass tourism that denatures, but yes to travel and expatriation that preserves Bali's landscapes and respects its culture. That's what this new circular is all about, and it is exactly what many digital nomads are looking for.
