Think You’re A Good Tourist? Soon Bali Hosts Will Give You More Than A Guided Tour!

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Do you think you’re a good tourist? Do you always read up on local customs before you travel?

Do you try to learn a little of the language of the place you’re visiting?

Do you support local businesses and explore off-the-beaten paths?

Of course, you do! We all like to think we’re excellent tourists, and most of us are. In Bali, however, there has been an increase in tourists misbehaving.

So, to keep everyone happy, leaders in Bali are calling on tour guides, hotels, and hosts to not only guide guests on the sights and sounds of the island but educate their visitors on how best to behave. 

Speaking to reporters, the secretary of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association for Bali, Perry Markus, explained what he wants to see happen. 

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Markus shared that tourism business leaders in Bali should play a more active role in educating tourists about local customs and culture.

He explained that he wants to see those working in the tourism sector playing a more proactive role in anticipating bad behavior from foreigners, in shutting it down before there is a chance for anyone to misbehave.

Markus said the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association for Bali has partnered with nine other tourism stakeholders to create an information flyer to help ensure that everyone is on the same page. 

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So how does the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association for Bali want people to behave? It’s quite simple, really…by the law!

Markus and his teams want to see tourists respecting local culture; this means dressing appropriately, honoring the rules of temples and ceremonies, and not getting blind drunk in public. 

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As is the hot topic of the moment in Bali, Makus also reiterated that foreigners must adhere to the rules of the road when driving a motorcycle.

This includes wearing a helmet, having an international driving license, respecting the rules of the road, and wearing clothes suitable for driving (no bikinis or boardies on the bikes!)

Markus’ final plea called on tourism leaders to educate tourists about what should and shouldn’t be posted on social media, or rather content that should not be created in the first place.

This includes vulgar and disrespectful photos and videos taken in Bali’s most sacred sites.

Sadly not for the first time, a foreigner has posted a video of himself standing half-naked at the summit of Bali’s holy mountain…TMI alert, he’s wearing just a hoodie.

The calls for cooperation and good behavior from Markus and the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association have been echoed by Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, AKA Cok Ace.

Cok Ace told reporters, “[we] have made leaflets in English, what foreign tourists should and shouldn’t do.” He confirmed that a social media awareness campaign would go live soon too.

He reiterated that the campaign has been in the works since the end of the lockdown and that the launch of the campaign has nothing to do with the recent rise in viral videos of foreigners behaving badly. 

If you’re in any doubt about the do’s and don’ts in Bali, here are some simple basic rules to remember when you’re on the Island of the Gods. 

Temple Ettqiuete:

1. Always wear a sarong when visiting a temple, and everyone must wear a shirt or t-shirt that covers the shoulders and torso.
2. Always check that you’re allowed to enter and make a donation or pay the entry fee if appropriate.
3. Never climb on temples, sacred trees, or other sacred sites. If you are menstruating, you are not allowed to enter a temple.
4. Always ask before taking photos.

Never use your left hand to pass anything to anyone, including money. Avoid pointing with your left hand too. In Indonesia and many parts of Asia, the left hand is considered dirty. 

Likewise, never show the sole of your feet to someone, nor point with your feet.

Never touch the top of someone’s head. This is the crown and a sacred part of the body. 

Do smile, engage, and interact. Be humble and curious. Try and learn a few phrases in Bahasa Indonesia; it really goes a long way.

Always remember that no matter how long you stay in Bali, you are always a guest on the island and should respect it as such.