Updated September 2026
Bali warmly welcomes visitors from around the world, but it is important to remember that Bali is not only a holiday destination. It is home to a deeply spiritual culture, active religious traditions and communities whose customs form an important part of everyday life.
Visitors are expected to respect Balinese culture, sacred places, the environment and Indonesian laws throughout their stay.
The Bali Government has issued Governor Circular No. 7 of 2025, which updates the previous Circular No. 4 of 2023 and outlines the obligations and prohibitions for foreign tourists visiting Bali.
Obligations for Foreign Tourists in Bali
Visitors to Bali are required to:
- Respect temples and sacred places, including temples, pratima or religious effigies, sacred objects and religious symbols.
- Respect Balinese customs, traditions, art, culture and local wisdom, particularly when ceremonies and religious processions are taking place.
- Dress appropriately and respectfully when visiting temples, sacred places, tourist attractions and public areas.
- Behave respectfully at sacred places, tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, on roads and in other public places.
- Pay the Bali Tourism Levy where applicable. The levy can be paid electronically through the official Love Bali website:
https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ - Use licensed tour guides when visiting tourist attractions in accordance with current requirements. Guides should understand local conditions, Balinese customs, traditions and local culture.
- Exchange foreign currency only at authorised money changers, including licensed banks and non bank money changers displaying the appropriate Bank Indonesia licence information.
- Use Indonesian Rupiah for transactions while in Indonesia.
- Use approved Indonesian payment systems, including QRIS where applicable.
- Follow Indonesian traffic laws if driving a car or riding a motorbike.
This includes:
- Holding a valid international or Indonesian driving licence appropriate for the vehicle
• Wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike
• Following traffic signs and road rules
• Not carrying more passengers than the vehicle permits
• Dressing appropriately while riding
• Never driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs - Use legal and properly registered transport and vehicle rental services.
- Stay in legally licensed accommodation.
- Follow any additional rules that apply at individual tourist attractions, temples, cultural sites and activities.
What Tourists Must Not Do in Bali
Foreign visitors must not:
- Enter restricted sacred areas of temples, including the Utamaning Mandala and Madyaning Mandala, unless entering for worship and complying with the applicable religious requirements, including appropriate Balinese ceremonial clothing.
- Enter restricted sacred temple areas while menstruating, in accordance with Balinese religious customs.
- Climb sacred trees, monuments, temple structures or other sacred objects.
- Behave disrespectfully at sacred places, including posing for inappropriate or nude photographs or photographs wearing inappropriate clothing.
- Litter or pollute Bali’s environment, including beaches, lakes, rivers, springs, the ocean and public areas.
- Use prohibited single use plastics, including plastic bags, Styrofoam and plastic straws, in accordance with Bali’s environmental regulations.
- Use abusive language, behave aggressively, create disturbances or behave disrespectfully towards government officials, local communities, other visitors or members of the public.
- Spread hate speech or false information, including through social media.
- Work or conduct business activities without the correct Indonesian permits and immigration documentation.
- Participate in illegal activities, including illegal drugs or the unauthorised trade of protected flora, fauna, cultural artefacts, sacred objects or other prohibited goods.
Bali Tourism Levy
Foreign tourists who are required to pay the Bali Tourism Levy should make payment through the official Love Bali website:
https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/
The current levy is IDR 150,000 per eligible international visitor.
Payment of the levy is one of the obligations included in the Bali Government’s current tourist guidelines.
Read more about Bali entry requirements, visas and the Tourism Levy in our Bali Immigration, Customs & Tourism Levy Guide.
Respect Bali’s Temples and Sacred Places
Temples are an important part of daily life in Bali and are active places of worship rather than simply tourist attractions.
Visitors should dress respectfully, follow instructions at the temple, avoid interrupting ceremonies and never climb on temple structures or sacred objects for photographs.
Different temples may have their own entry requirements, including the use of sarongs and sashes and, at some locations, requirements relating to local or licensed guides.
When in doubt, ask your guide or temple staff before entering an area or taking photographs.
Responsible Travel in Bali
At Ubud Traveler, we believe the best way to experience Bali is to understand and respect the people, culture and environment that make the island so special.
Small actions make a difference. Dress appropriately when visiting sacred places, respect ceremonies, dispose of rubbish responsibly, use legitimate local businesses and take time to understand Balinese customs.
Travel with a local. Respect the culture. Experience the real Bali.
