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Travelers continue to fall in love with Bali and many digital nomads choose this beautiful destination as a base.
It seems that the time this Indonesian province had strict entry rules for tourists during the pandemic only made it more desirable, and since entry requirements were relaxed last year, tourists from all over the world rushed to this paradise.
However, the government is not entirely happy with this tourist boom and has been implement important new rules and changes that affect international travelers in the last days.
Because? Well, there are multiple reasons.
One of them is that certain travelers have not been behaving properly and it has been publicly denounced: from wild tourists stripping naked next to holy monuments to visitors driving scooters without the corresponding license.
In addition, the viral TikToks have also affected Bali’s reputation showing polluted beaches, dirty streets and poor infrastructure, and local authorities are working hard to change this reputation.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has officially announced new rules that will affect travelers in the coming days, including a list of do’s and don’ts for tourists.
These are the three main changes Announced:
1) Travelers must carry official licenses to drive scooters
Riding scooters is one of the most popular experiences in Bali and almost anyone could do it.
Riding scooters freely—wearing only swimsuits—without a driver’s license and dealing with crazy scooter traffic was one of the most popular videos shared by digital nomads in the province.
While it is not legal to rent a scooter without a driver’s license, it became common knowledge that visitors could rent a scooter without an official permit, since the rules were quite flexible and motorcycle rentals were not required to check if a tourist he had a driver’s license.
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Well not yet.
Travelers must have an international driver’s license or local permit, a SIM.
According to information shared by the bali sunto ensure that the rules are obeyed, a tourism task force has been deployed in Bali to fine violators, in partnership with the traffic police.
Scooters should only be rented from certified scooter providers.
2) No one can step on mountains and volcanoes
Governor Koster has taken a more radical decision regarding tourist activities in Bali’s mountains and volcanoes that will also affect the locals.
As reported by the bali sunIt is now forbidden for everyone to visit any of the twenty-two mountains in Bali. « unless there are religious ceremonies or disaster management and special activities that are not for tourist activities. »
This measure has been applied after foreign visitors were disrespectful to the sacred mountains and nature.
Popular outdoor experiences like trekking on Mount Batur are now banned, affecting nature lovers as well as locals who rely on these tourist experiences.
3) Visitors can only stay in registered hotels and villas
Travelers should be careful when booking their accommodation in Bali.
Officials in Bali Announced there will be consequences for those who stay in tax-free accommodations—including Airbnbs, guesthouses, B&Bs, and guest houses—and there could be investigations or raids soon.
Tourists staying in official hotels and other registered accommodation should not have any problems.
However, it can affect digital nomads or villa renters who have arranged informal stays with friends, family or locals.
Visitors should ensure the property has business credentials and double check with the owners that they have the correct permits to avoid any risk.
About the do’s and don’ts
Governor Koster had previously announced a list of dos and don’ts for travelers and the official guidelines have recently been published.
Certain rules are common sense for self-respecting travelers, but due to recent incidents, the authorities thought they should clarify them.
As mentioned in the « to do » list, tourists should respect sacred nature and religious symbols, as well as Balinese culture and its people, and dress accordingly when visiting sacred spaces, public spaces, and tourist attractions.
Other rules relate to the three main changes, and there has also been a currency reminder: travelers must pay in Indonesian rupiah, use the standard Indonesian QR code, and exchange foreign currency at authorized businesses and banks.
Regarding the “do not do” list, it has been mentioned that travelers are not allowed to enter the sacred spaces of the temples, except to pray and wear traditional Balinese clothing; women should not have their period.
Travelers are not allowed to touch or climb sacred trees, pollute or use single-use plastic.
Other rules mentioned simply emphasize good behavior and want visitors to not spread hate speech or act aggressively.
In general, these guidelines only reinforce existing laws and remind travelers to be respectful.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
