Bali CrackDown on Bad Behaviour

Bali CrackDown on Bad Behaviour

Just like all over the world, bad behaviour such as shouting, being inpolite and not respecting local customs can get tourists into trouble. More so in Bali as they adapt a heavy crackdown attitude enforcing stronger penalties to unruly tourists.

In the case of a British nurse in Sri Lanka who sported a buddha tattoo sitting on a lotus flower, she ended up in jail. Suffered sexual harassment and was expelled. Read the full story here. The problem here is that the British nurse did not know that she was infringing local customs, and was causing insult.

In the case of Bali, loud drunk Australians on the coast from the surfing crowd are infamous. As indeed are the British in Magaluf, Mallorca. So with a view to protecting the Bali’s sacred sites and cultural integrity, the Balinese authorities have come up with various guidelines.

Dressing appropriately when visiting sacred sites is essential. In addition to this menstruating women are not permitted to visit, though controlling that may be somewhat difficult. This prohibition is not only restricted to Buddhism. In the Muslim world, menstruating women are considered unclean and should not visit mosques during this time nor fast during Ramadan. In addition these Balinese directives also include statements intended to protect the environment, and improper postings in social media.

Pura Maospahit in Bali

The Directives

Here is a list of the 7 things foreign tourists are NOT allowed to do.

• 1. Foreigners are not permitted to enter sacred temple areas (Utamaning Mandala & Madyaning Mandala) unless they are worshippers and they are wearing traditional Balinese attire. The directive also states that ‘menstruating women are also prohibited from entering these areas.
• 2. Foreigners are not allowed to climb sacred monuments or trees. Unacceptable behaviour also includes taking nude photos at these sites.
• 3. Nor should they litter Bali’s environment.
• 4. The use of single-use plastics is forbidden.
• 5. Foreigners are request to act quietly and in peace at all times. Aggressive or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated. This also includes hate speech in social media and the spread of misinformation.
• 6. Foreigners are not allowed to run a business without having the proper permits.
• 7. Any form of illegal activity

On a similar line, the government organisation, “Love Bali”, requests that all tourists pay the tourist levy, exchange money exclusively at authorised money changers, and stay in licensed accommodation. Additionally respect sacred sites, dress and behave respectfully at all times.

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