Bali Rules for Tourists: The Do's and Don'ts That Can Get You Fined or Deported

Bali welcomes millions of foreign visitors, and most of what's expected of them is common courtesy. But the island has also had a series of widely reported incidents — tourists posing nude on sacred mountains, climbing temple shrines, riding without licences, working illegally — and authorities have responded with clearer rules and, in some cases, deportations. This guide puts the rules in one place, in plain language: the provincial do's and don'ts, temple and ceremony etiquette, behaviour and dress, legal matters like drugs and visas, and the traffic rules that affect anyone renting a scooter or car. Rules and how they're enforced change, so for anything important, check the official Indonesian immigration site and your government's travel advice.

The official do's and don'ts for tourists

In 2023 the Governor of Bali issued a circular on the obligations and prohibitions for foreign tourists, and visitors may be handed a summary on arrival. Its main points are summarised below in our own words; check the official provincial sources for the full, current version.

Temples and ceremonies

Temples (pura) are active places of worship, not just sights. When visiting:

• Wear a sarong and sash — many temples lend or rent them at the entrance. Cover shoulders and knees.
• Follow posted signs. Some temples ask people who are menstruating, have open wounds or are in mourning not to enter, in line with Balinese custom.
• Don't stand higher than a priest or walk in front of people praying; never sit on shrines or walls.
• Drones are generally not welcome over temples and ceremonies; ask permission and follow local rules.
• Give way to ceremonial processions on the road — roads may close for an hour or more. See Balinese ceremonies & road closures.
• Don't step on offerings (canang sari) on pavements and doorsteps; walk around them where you can.

Our Bali temple etiquette guide covers dress and parking at temples in more detail.

Behaviour and dress in everyday life

• Swimwear is for the beach and pool. Put a shirt on in shops, cafés, villages and on a scooter.
• Public nudity and lewd photos at sacred or public places can lead to arrest and deportation — several tourists have been deported for exactly this.
• Use your right hand to give and receive things; avoid pointing with a finger (use your thumb) and don't touch people's heads.
• Keep your temper. Shouting at officials, drivers or staff causes a loss of face and can escalate; calm and polite works far better.
• Noise and parties: respect villa rules and quiet hours in residential neighbourhoods.

Legal matters: drugs, alcohol, visas and relationships

Drugs

Indonesia's narcotics laws are extremely strict, with long prison sentences and, for trafficking, the death penalty. This includes cannabis and "party" drugs. Never buy, carry or use drugs, never carry a bag for someone else, and be aware that some medicines legal at home may be restricted — carry prescriptions in original packaging.

Alcohol

Drinking is legal for adults, and alcohol is widely sold in tourist areas. Drink only sealed, branded drinks from reputable venues — there have been methanol poisoning cases from illegally produced spirits. Never ride or drive after drinking.

Working on a tourist visa

A tourist visa or Visa on Arrival does not allow you to work for Indonesian clients or run a local business, including teaching, guiding, photography for hire or renting out property informally. Remote workers should check which visa fits their situation on the official immigration website. Immigration has deported foreigners for illegal work.

Relationships and the new criminal code

Indonesia's new Criminal Code came into force in January 2026. It includes offences relating to sex outside marriage and cohabitation that can only be prosecuted following a complaint from a close family member, such as a spouse, parent or child. Officials have said this is not aimed at tourists and that hotels won't check marital status. Read your government's travel advice for the latest interpretation.

Traffic and rental rules

Bali has discussed tightening scooter rental to foreign tourists in recent years; our Bali scooter rental rules 2026 page tracks what is actually in force. For paperwork, see international driving permit for Bali and documents to carry while riding.

Photos, drones and social media

A lot of recent incidents started with a photo. Posing nude or in underwear at temples, sacred trees, waterfalls or on mountains has led to arrests and deportations, and so has climbing shrines or sacred structures for a better angle. At ceremonies, ask before photographing people praying and never stand in front of a procession for a shot. At famous viewpoints like the Lempuyang gates or Nusa Penida's cliffs, follow the queues and staff instructions and stay behind barriers. Drones need permission in many places and are restricted near the airport, temples and crowds; if you bring one, check the current rules and ask locally before flying. A good rule: if you'd be embarrassed for the local family who owns or prays at that place to see the photo, don't take it.

Nyepi: the Day of Silence

Once a year, on the Balinese Saka New Year (usually in March), the whole island stops for 24 hours for Nyepi. The airport closes, roads are empty, and everyone — tourists included — must stay inside their hotel or villa with lights kept low. Hotels arrange meals for guests. It's a unique experience if you plan for it: stock up on snacks, and don't plan to arrive, leave or ride that day. Our page on renting a scooter during Nyepi, Galungan & peak season covers timing a rental around it.

Plastic, the environment and paying in Rupiah

• Bali has been restricting single-use plastic bags, straws and small plastic water bottles; bring a reusable bottle and bag.
• Pay in Rupiah — by cash, card or the QRIS code system many shops use. Prices quoted in foreign currency for local purchases go against the rules.
• Don't remove coral, shells or sand, and don't feed or touch wildlife (including monkeys at temples).

Quick self-check before you go

• ☐ Sarong or long trousers and a shirt that covers shoulders for temple visits.
• ☐ Licence + IDP for any scooter or car.
• ☐ No medicines that need prescriptions without the paperwork.
• ☐ Visa type matches what you plan to do (holiday vs remote work).
• ☐ Nyepi date checked if you travel in March.
• ☐ Reusable bottle and shopping bag.

Ride legally: scooters and cars from SiapPergi

Our Bali scooter rental follows the same rules: we check your licence + IDP and passport at handover (your passport is shown, not held), give you two helmets, and the STNK stays with the scooter. The Yamaha Fazzio 125 Hybrid (IDR 100,000/day) and Honda Vario 125 (IDR 100,000/day) are popular all-rounders; the cheapest is the Honda BeAT (Gen 2–3) at IDR 70,000/day.

Rather not ride? Self-drive cars start at IDR 310,000/day on our car rental page, or hire a car with a driver for temple days. Popular bases: Ubud, Seminyak and Uluwatu.

• Free delivery and pick-up to Ngurah Rai Airport and hotels or villas in Kuta, Legian & Seminyak.
• Other areas cost extra: Kerobokan, Berawa, Umalas, Sanur & Jimbaran IDR 60,000; Nusa Dua, Canggu & Pererenan IDR 80,000; Uluwatu IDR 100,000 (return trip included); Ubud and anywhere else, ask on WhatsApp.
• Pay in Indonesian Rupiah when the scooter arrives (bank transfer or e-wallet) — nothing paid in advance.
• Your passport is shown, not held — with your home licence + International Driving Permit at handover.
• No deposit on regular scooters. Big bikes (Harley-Davidson etc.) need a IDR 3,000,000 safety deposit, paid at your hotel after you confirm.
• 2 helmets with every scooter. Minimum rental 2 days. Free cancellation — just message the same WhatsApp chat.
• Optional extras: brand-new helmet IDR 50,000, phone/GPS holder IDR 20,000 per rental, plastic raincoat IDR 10,000 each.

Rent a scooter (licence + IDP ready)