Australian tourists could soon be banned from Bali under visitor cap restrictions

Caps on tourists numbers in Bali could see an application process that would make the Australian tradition of jetting off to the idyllic destination a lot more complicated.

Holidaymakers could have to meet a certain criteria before entering the Indonesian island as the government looks to impose restrictions to prioritise ‘quality’ tourists over ‘quantity’.

The restriction on visitor numbers is just one of many changes being introduced as locals lose patience with boisterous and littering foreigners not respecting local customs and sacred sites.

Idyllic holiday destination Bali could get a lot more complicated to travel to as officials introduce a series of measures to lift visitor behaviour, including caps on tourist numbers

Bali has long been seen as a party destination for Aussies, with thousands visiting the island every year but locals are losing patience for 'arrogant' visitors (pictured, a tourist detained in Bali)

Bali has long been seen as a party destination for Aussies, with thousands visiting the island every year but locals are losing patience for ‘arrogant’ visitors (pictured, a tourist detained in Bali)

Bali has a population of 4.3 million people but there were 6.3 million visitors in 2019 before travel was interrupted by the Covid pandemic.

The steady rise in tourists – up from less than 2 million in 2008 – has government officials worried the number could skyrocket over the coming years.

The sheer volume of visitors pouring in combined with the island’s reputation as a party hotspot has resulted in a string of controversies.

Earlier this year a tourist filmed himself naked at a sacred Hindu site. The episode was just one of a series of similar incidents.

Another tourist was seen screaming and lunging at security officers outside a religious ritual.  

While yet another group of travellers filed an official complaint about roosters crowing at dawn which infuriated Bali locals who rely on the poultry to make a living.

A figure of seven million tourists is being considered for the cap, which could see tough competition for places as Bali becomes increasingly known across the globe as a holiday destination for those on a budget.

The Indonesian Government are attempting to crack down on unruly tourists by handing out cards with 'dos' and 'don'ts' rules to anyone passing through Bali's airport (pictured)

The Indonesian Government are attempting to crack down on unruly tourists by handing out cards with ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ rules to anyone passing through Bali’s airport (pictured)

In recent months, the holiday island has been cracking down on misbehaving tourists by introducing multiple measures

In recent months, the holiday island has been cracking down on misbehaving tourists by introducing multiple measures

Applicants could have to show they have enough cash to fund their entire trip to successfully gain entry, while the slightest trouble there could result in a ban from returning.

The island’s governor Wayan Koster told local media: ‘These foreigners are very arrogant but I am not anti-foreigners.

‘A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to regulate the entry of foreign tourists.

‘For instance, there might be a consideration of a limit of seven million individuals based on certain criteria.’

Mr Koster said the island should focus on ‘quality tourism’.

‘This is to maintain Balinese culture and local wisdom which must be dignified,’ he said.

The island has already banned some tourists from driving mopeds following anti-social behaviour.

Marita Daniell (pictured centre) has been kicked out of Bali despite living there for 23 years after abusing officers who stopped her for not wearing a helmet while riding a scooter a road in Canggu, a resort village on the south coast of Island

Marita Daniell (pictured centre) has been kicked out of Bali despite living there for 23 years after abusing officers who stopped her for not wearing a helmet while riding a scooter a road in Canggu, a resort village on the south coast of Island 

A tourist tax is also being considered by President Joko Widodo’s government that would be between $45 and $150 and have the dual effect of boosting revenue from the island and lifting the standard of visitors.

‘Income from the tourism tax would help fund a range of measures and prevent Bali from becoming known only as a cheap destination,’ Bali Tourism Board chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana said.

‘Cheap destinations bring in cheap tourists who tend to cause a lot of problems.’

While Bali is less strict than the rest of Indonesia, the island is deeply conservative with many locals frowning upon excessive drinking or scantily-clad social media snaps at temples.

Foreigners acting as tour guides or renting out scooters, taking money away from locals businesses, has also become a problem, according to the Indonesian Hotel General Managers Association. 

The chairman of the Regional People’s Legislative Council of the Province of Bali (DPRD Bali) agreed the island should focus on attracting well-behaved visitors.

‘We need tourists, but tourists who are classy, ​​not tourists who throw tantrums,’ Nyoman Adi Wiryatama told provincial leaders at a meeting, according to The Bali Sun.

The tourism board announced plans on March 7 to use billboards to build awareness amongst visitors and educate tourists on how to behave in cultural settings. 

Authorities confirmed a minimum of 10 large billboards written in English will be installed where violations occur the most, including Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu. 

Just last week a German tourist was filmed disrupting a traditional Balinese dance performance while naked

Just last week a German tourist was filmed disrupting a traditional Balinese dance performance while naked

And just this week it was announced a total of 12 dos and eight don’ts will be handed on cards to tourists upon arrival on the island which cover tradition, religion and local law.

Among the ‘don’ts list’, tourists will be told not to defile sacred places or pollute the island such as throwing rubbish into its waterways.

Under the ‘dos list’, tourists are told to respect the customs, dress modestly and behave politely at sacred sites. 

Anggiat Napitupulu, who is the head of the Regional Office of the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights, said the cards will be slipped into passports when travellers hand them over to immigration.

‘The card contains what is allowed and what is not allowed to be done in Bali,’ he said.

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, an influential senior Indonesian politician, has now stressed that Bali must focus on 'quality tourism' instead of 'mass tourism'

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, an influential senior Indonesian politician, has now stressed that Bali must focus on ‘quality tourism’ instead of ‘mass tourism’

BALI’S DOS AND DON’TS LIST 

DOS:

  • Respect the sanctity of temples, pratimas (sacred statues), and religious symbols;
  • Wholeheartedly respect the customs, traditions, arts, culture, and local wisdom of the Balinese people during ongoing ceremonial processions and rituals;
  • Dress modestly, appropriately, and respectfully when visiting sacred areas, tourist attractions, public places, and engaging in activities in Bali;
  • Behave politely in sacred areas, tourist areas, restaurants, shopping areas, roads, and other public places;
  • Be accompanied by licensed tour guides (who understand the natural conditions, customs, traditions, and local wisdom of the Balinese people) when visiting tourist attractions;
  • Exchange foreign currency at authorised money changers (both banks and non-banks) that are officially licensed and display the authorisation number and QR code logo from Bank Indonesia;
  • Make payments using the Indonesian Standard QR code (QRIS);
  • Conduct transactions using the Indonesian rupiah;
  • Comply with the applicable traffic laws in Indonesia, including possessing a valid international or national driving license, obey traffic rules, dress modestly, wear a helmet, follow traffic signs, not exceed passenger capacity, and no driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;
  • Use four-wheeled transportation that is roadworthy and officially registered or two-wheeled transportation that is operated by a legal business entity or association for two-wheeler rentals;
  • Stay in accommodations that possess the required permits according to applicable regulations;
  • Adhere to all specific provisions/rules that apply to each tourist attraction and tourist activity.

DON’TS:

  • Trespass sacred territories: Steer clear of utamaning mandala and madyaning mandala, holy and sanctified spots like puras and pelinggihs — unless you’re there for a Balinese traditional ceremony, during which you must wear the appropriate attire, and you’re not menstruating;
  • Engage in behaviour that defiles sacred places, temples, idols, and religious symbols, such as climbing sacred structures and taking indecent or nude photos;
  • Litter and pollute lakes, springs, rivers, seas, and public areas;
  • Use single-use plastics like plastic bags, polystyrene (styrofoam), and plastic straws;
  • Utter offensive words, behave disrespectfully, cause disturbances, and act aggressively towards government authorities, local communities, and fellow tourists, both directly and indirectly through social media, including spreading hate speech and hoaxes;
  • Engage in work or business activities without proper documentation issued by the relevant authorities;
  • Get involved in illegal activities, such as trading illegal goods, including endangered flora and fauna, cultural artefacts, and sacred objects, as well as illegal drugs.

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