Uluwatu is Bali’s most in-demand destination right now. With more tourists visiting the Bukit Peninsula than ever and development happening at a rapid pace, police in the area are committed to keeping both tourists and residents safe from crime.
Bali is one of the safest destinations in the world, which is in part why more than 7 million international tourists visited the island in 2025.
Bali has just been named TripAdvisor’s Best Destination in the World for 2026, and it is the island’s culture, natural wonders, value for money, and safety rating that all came together to secure the win.
While Bali may be safe and welcoming, crime is still a very real risk across the island. Wherever there are wealth inequalities, crime is increasingly likely to rear its head.
It’s not only crimes against tourists that are a risk, but the Uluwatu, being a nightlife haven, has also seen its fair share of foreigners who break the law and engage in socially disruptive behaviour.
This week, South Kuta Police have been conducting increased night patrols in the area, focused around Uluwatu and the surrounding tourism hotspots.
The patrols took place on Tuesday, 10th, and Wednesday, 11th February, beginning at 11 pm and carrying on until 3 am. The patrols were led by Supervisory Officer (Pawas), AKP I Wayan Suwita, accompanied by Controlling Officer (Padal), Aipda I Made Susila, and other personnel.
The team patrols areas that have been identified as being vulnerable to criminal activity, including the KFC Jimbaran area and Jalan Uluwatu I, the main gate of Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Ungasan, the BPG Security Post in Pecatu Village, the Ungasan Village Office, and Jalan Darmawangsa Kampial, to the Puja Mandala Complex Service Post and Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Nusa Dua.
Speaking to reporters, South Kuta Police Chief, AKP Muhammad Bhayangkara Putra Sejati, stated that the patrols were part of a police mapping program to identify vulnerable areas. He explained, “Personnel is conducting dialogue and stationary patrols along vulnerable routes, as well as scanning barcodes at designated points to ensure the public’s immediate presence on the ground…These patrols aim to provide a sense of security and prevent crime.”
Tourists in the Uluwatu area have been advised to be extra cautious when using motorcycle taxis known as Ojol, as well as online motorcycle taxi apps like Grab and GoJek.
There has been an increase in anecdotal reports of tourists being bullied and even blackmailed into paying more for their rides. Many women have taken to online forums to share their experiences of taking motorcycle taxis in Uluwatu late at night.
The reports follow a similar pattern: the driver takes the passenger down a dark road, usually off route, and demands more money for the ride, threatening to leave them if they don’t pay.
In some cases, women have been threatened with violence.
| 💸 Scams | 15 REPORTS |
| 👊 Assault | 2 REPORTS |
| 📢 Harassment | 1 REPORTS |
Tourists traveling anywhere in Bali are advised to use online motorcycle taxis with all the in-app safety features activated. Tourists who need a car are also advised to hire a local driver who comes personally recommended or recommended by their accommodation provider.
Any tourist traveling in Bali who becomes the victim of a crime must make a report to the local police as quickly as possible.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, First Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, who is the Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Badung Police, explained, "During January, seven foreign nationals reported being victims. The cases varied, including assault, vandalism, fraud, and aggravated theft, and assault.”
Adding "If there is a public order disturbance, report it immediately to the nearest police station or via the National Police Call Center at 110.”
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles... Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don't Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun's latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.