U.S. Consulate Pledges Support For New Tourist Rules In Bali

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The Deputy Head of Politics and Economics for the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya, Indonesia, has met with the Deputy Governor of Bali to discuss the new rules for tourists on the island.

The Provincial Government’s announcement of the do’s and don’ts for tourists in Bali has hit the headlines over the last few weeks, and the announcement has got support from international representatives. 

Clint Shoemake from the US Consulate in Surabaya met with the Deputy Governor of Bali, Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, late last week.

The Deputy Governor, often referred to by his nickname Cok Ace, welcomed Shoemake to his offices in Denpasar. 

Shoemake told Cok Ace and the audience of reporters, “We are very happy to support the circular [letter] issued by the government regarding what tourists may and may not do.”

He added that tourists coming to Bali, irrespective of whether they are from the USA, should respect the local culture, especially holy places such as temples. 

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The Consulate Representative confirmed that the new rules for tourists in Bali would be communicated thoroughly to American travelers heading to the island.

Noting that many U.S. travelers visit Bali simply because of the unique culture and the beauty of the island’s nature. He added that tourists must place a role in taking care of the islands. 

Deputy Governor Cok Ace shared his gratitude for the support of the US Consulate for the new rules. He said that there have even over 70,000 US tourists visiting Bali this year alone.

In fact, travelers from the United States come as the fourth most frequent international visitors to Bali. In first place comes Australia, followed by India and the UK. 

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Cok Ace said that he wants to see “tourists contribute to protecting nature and respecting Balinese customs and culture.”

And this is what the new do’s and don’t outline for tourists.

The rules, now available as scannable QR codes across the arrivals spaces at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, outline exactly how tourists can respect the culture of the island. 

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Although Indonesia is a majority Muslim nation, Balinese Hinduism is the most prevalent faith on the island.

Following a rise in foreigners behaving badly on the island, and the incrementally increasing number of incidences of tourists disrespecting sacred sites, officials on the island have laid out the rules once and for all. 

The rules as laid out by the provincial government for tourists in Bali include guidance on how to behave at temples, how to dress appropriately, and how to be a good tourist.

Tourists are required to respect the local religion during their visit, especially during visits to the island’s many temples.

Tourists must dress appropriately, including wearing a sarong and a modest shirt or t-shirt on top. The rules also remind tourists to hire a local licensed tour guide when visiting key attractions.

The rules, as supported by the U.S. Consulate, also remind tourists about the laws around driving in Bali and hiring motorcycles.

Tourists may only hire motorcycles from a licensed vehicle rental provider; they must have the correct driving license and insurance and obey the traffic laws of Indonesia.

Tourists are also reminded that on the tourist visa, whether a visa on arrival or a socio-cultural visa working or conducting income-generating business activities is not permissible. 

The Tourism Board of Indonesia goes one step further in its advice and guidelines for tourists in Bali. Wonderful Indonesia is actively encouraging tourists to take a deep dive into Balinese culture.

Whether this be through attending a traditional ceremony, visiting a temple, trying local cuisine, or learning some basic Indonesian or even Balinese language phrases to make new friends and even more travel memories.