Bali reads the riot act to tourists behaving badly

Bali’s leaders are taking a no-nonsense approach to visitor shenanigans following a spate of bad behaviour as tourist high season kicks off.

Australian tourists are on notice to pack their best behaviour for Bali with local leaders vowing to throw the book at unruly visitors after a shocking week of incidents involving international guests.

As the island paradise enters its tourism high season which will see thousands of Australians make the trip, the Bali Sun reports leaders are furious at the antics of visitors so far.

Bali welcomes tourists, as long as they are well behaved like these ones. Picture: iStock.

A now viral video was taken on Saturday of an impatient tourist at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida who didn’t want to wait for his turn to take a photograph at the famous lookout.

Nusa Penida Police Chief, Police Commissioner Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta issued a press statement in the wake of the incident which he said involved the tourist uttering “dirty words”.

“The commotion occurred because tourists did not want to follow the rules when carrying out photo activities and provoked the driver’s emotions by saying inappropriate words, resulting in a commotion,” Mr Sumerta told the Bali Sun.

The following day, an Englishman allegedly got into even more strife after stealing a truck and mowing down infrastructure at the airport.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport general manager Handy Heryudhitiawanspoke to local media about the damage.

Bali is entering its busiest season for tourism. Photo: iStock

“We can convey that there was an incident where a foreigner broke into I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Sunday at (10pm) using a truck and hit the tollgate barrier and other facilities,” he said.

“The information is that the foreigner comes from England, but you can check the truth with the Police or North Kuta Police.

“We experienced some damage to facilities, but this did not disrupt the operations of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, which can continue to run normally.”

A police investigation into the alleged incident is underway.

The misbehaviour comes as Bali’s peak tourism body, Wonderful Indonesia, released new guidelines titled Travel with Respect fro Bali about local laws and customs for visitors.

“For Balinese locals who welcome visitors as guests with open hearts and arms, it’s a sacred land where ancient traditions and modern life intertwine,” the guidelines read.

“To truly enjoy the magic of this island paradise while you’re here, it’s essential to understand and respect local customers and way of life.

“Trust us, a little bit of understanding goes a long way in ensuring that your Bali adventure is filled with incredible memories, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences.”

Advice includes dressing appropriately with shoulders and knees covered especially in holy places and never climbing sacred trees or taking “disrespectful selfies”.

Despite the high profile incarceration of Schapelle Corby and the execution of two members of the Bali Nine, Australians continue to be charged with drug offences in Bali.

On April 30, South Australian man Troy Smith was arrested for allegedly possessing 3.15g of methamphetamine.

The 49-year-old from Port Lincoln faces 12 years jail if convicted.

BALI LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Don’t enter sacred sites if you have an open wound or are menstruating.

Read signs and do not climb sacred trees.

Dress modestly – cover your shoulders and knees at holy sites.

Don’t take “disrespectful selfies”.

Check before taking photos in sacred areas. Turn off your flash and shutter sound.

No littering.

No gambling.

Originally published as Bali reads the riot act to tourists behaving badly