Bali is the go-to destination for every Indian traveller today. Indonesia’s little state is nothing short of a paradise with its beautiful mountains, glass-clean beaches and mesmerising landscapes. But, questions have been raised. Is Bali government bringing in changes that will defer tourists from coming in?

The Indonesian Province had strict entry rules for tourists during the pandemic only made it more desirable, and since entry requirements were eased last year, tourists from all over the world rushed to this paradise.

However, the government does not seem to be happy and content with what this boom has brought. Hence, the government is implementing new rules and major changes to streamline its tourism which will cause a major impact on tourists.

Why is the government doing this?

For starters, the tourists have been driving scooters without a valid international driving license. Secondly, they are getting naked  next to sacred monuments.

Also, Viral TikToks have also been affecting Bali’s reputation and showing polluted beaches, dirty streets, and poor infrastructure, and local authorities are working hard to change this reputation.

Seeing all this, Bali’s governor Wayan Koster has officially announced new rules that will affect travelers in the upcoming days, including a list of Do’s and Don’ts for tourists. 

New Rules in Bali affecting tourists

Must carry an Official License

Driving scooters is one of the most popular experiences in Bali and almost anyone could do it. Earlier, it was very easy to obtain a scooter. Anybody, with a little money, could approach a vendor and get a scooter. 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 as rules were pretty flexible and motorbike rentals were not obliged to verify if a tourist had a driver’s license. 

But now, possessing a valid driving license for this has become mandatory.

To ensure that rules will be obeyed, a Tourism Task Force has been deployed in Bali to fine violators, in alliance with the traffic police.

Scooters can now be rented only from certified scooter providers.

No Stepping Foot on Mountains

Governor’s decision affects not only the tourists but also the locals.

As reported by The Bali Sun, It is now forbidden for everyone to visit any of Bali’s twenty-two mountains “unless there are religious ceremonies or disaster management and special activities that are not for tourism activities.”

This led to the shutting down of popular activities such as Mount Batur trekking, affecting nature lovers and locals that relied on generating income from such activities.

This measure has been after foreigners were disrespectful towards the sacred mountains of Bali.

Stay only in Registered Hotels and Villas

There has been a staggering increase in the number of hotels and villas that have come up in the past few years. These hotels are not registered and are listed on portals like AirBnb. This is helping them avoid taxes without taking proper registration.

Officials in Bali announced there will be consequences for those staying at accommodations that do not pay taxes —including Airbnb, guesthouses, B&Bs, and guesthouses— and there could be investigations or raids taking place soon. 

Visitors should make sure that the property has business credentials and double-check with owners that they have the right permits to avoid any risk.

Other Rules

Other rules are related to the three main changes, and there’s also been a currency reminder: travellers must pay in Indonesian rupiah, use the Indonesian Standard QR Code, and exchange foreign currency at authorized businesses and banks.

Regarding the “don’t” list, it has been mentioned that travellers can’t enter holy spaces in temples except for praying and wearing traditional Balinese clothes —women must not have their period. 

Travellers can’t touch or climb sacred trees, pollute, or use single-use plastic. 

Conclusion

Overall, the decision taken by the government is towards the benefit of the locals and travellers. The moves help preserve nature and also prevent accidents which occur due to the illegal deployment of scooters and rental of villas.

Keep reading with us and explore more about Bali here.

Download our app on the Play store today.