No swearing, tax hike & tourist POLICE: Strict new holiday rules at Brit hotspot as it cracks down on ‘naughty’ visitors
A TOURIST hotpot loved by Brits is slapping down a strict new rule book on “naughty” visitors.
Bali has announced a raft of rules including a swearing ban and a tourist tax – enforced by a police force dedicated to cracking down on troublemakers.
The governor decided to call time on the unchecked fun, after reports of misbehaviour by foreign holidaymakers.
The tropical paradise is particularly popular with backpacking Brits and Aussies.
Officials are pleading with tourists to show more respect to local culture – or face harsh punishment.
The island has a history of a no-nonsense attitude towards troublemakers, deporting hundreds each year.
I Wayan Koster, the provincial governor of the Indonesian island, announced the clampdown in a statement on Monday.
He said: “As things change, we need to adapt.
“This [set of rules] ensures that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values.”
They emphasise that tourists must respect Bali’s religious customs, pay for goods with the local currency and obey road laws.
Foreigners are also banned from sacred temples from non-religious purposes, swearing, or running businesses without the proper licenses.
A catch-all levy has also been applied to anyone visiting the island.
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They must now pay 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs – about £8 – on the government website when they leave the island.
Koster’s announcement comes days before Nyepi – Bali’s sacred silent day – which falls on Saturday, March 29 this year.
From 6am on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, everyone – including tourists – must stay indoors.
Ahead of the Hindu festival, Koster said: “We have prepared a special team to conduct an operation. Foreign tourists who are naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly.”
Local reports have identified a trend of foreigners with tourist visas running illegal businesses.
Professor Putu Anom, from the University of Surabaya, said that tourists are setting up unlicensed services to plan trips themselves.
This is not only illegal, but also squeezes out locals offering tourism services.
Anom told The Bali Sun: “There are tourists who stay in Bali for a long time and [offer tourism services] to their friends. That must be prohibited, and the government must be firm.”
He added that Bali was facing a glut of tourist services, especially in the hospitality sector, and warned it could lead to an economic crash.