Australia’s message to Aussies in Bali

Australia has an important message for Aussies visiting Bali as the popular island continues to crackdown on unruly tourists.

Australia has pledged to play its part in ensuring Aussies don’t act up when visiting the Island of the Gods.

Bali has always been a top destination for Aussies wanting a close, affordable fun and cultural experience with millions visiting each year.

In November last year alone, foreign tourist visits to Bali reached 72,900 people, with Aussies contributing to 24 per cent of all international arrivals, specifically 118,182 visits, according to The Bali Sun.

Australian Consulate-General in Bali, Jo Stevens this month met with the Head of Bali Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun to discuss guidelines on the do’s and don’ts for international visitors to Bali.

And while most Aussies are respectful of the island’s local customs and traditions, there’s still some that need reminding.

Over the past few years, Bali has cracked down on unruly tourists, introducing a dos and don’ts list, a hotline for anyone to dob in misbehaving travellers, as well as a special task force to monitor foreigners’ activities.

A $15 tax has also been introduced that will go towards the island’s mission to combat mass tourism and badly behaved visitors.

Australian Consulate-General in Bali, Jo Stevens, has reminded Aussies to be respectful of the island.

Aussies have been reminded to be respectful of Bali’s local customs and traditions.

It comes after she met with the Head of Bali Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, on March 13 to discuss guidelines on the do’s and don’ts for international visitors to Bali.

“This is a very clear and useful guide for visitors to this beautiful island. I encourage all Australians to respect Bali’s unique culture and follow the ‘do’s and don’ts’, for a safe and enjoyable visit,” Ms Stevens said in a statement.

In 2023, an Aussie woman was filmed arguing with a cop for not wearing a helmet.

“Australians love visiting Bali, where our strong people-to-people ties are clearly visible.”

In 2024, over 1.5 million Auone stralian tourists visited Bali. Ms Stevens revealed that for the most part the Australian Consulate General does not have to get involved, nor offer consular assistance.

She said the vast majority of Australians enjoy a fun, safe and hassle-free holiday in Bali, supporting the local culture and economy – “a trend we want to see continue”.

She added the Australian Consulate-General in Bali is working closely with the Bali Provincial Government to promote respectful traveller behaviour, through social media campaigns and the latest travel advice for Indonesia on Smartraveller – the Australian Government’s online travel advice.

“I am pleased that the Australian Consulate-General in Bali is so supportive of the Bali Provincial Government’s efforts to promote respectful traveller behaviour,” Mr Pemayun said.

“Bali is like a second home to Australians and we encourage all foreign travellers to respect Bali’s culture, laws and natural environment.”

The list of do’s and don’ts for Bali travel was first published back in 2023. The list of twelve obligations and eight prohibited behaviours were created by Governor Wayan Koster during his first term in office.

“Everyone should take this circular seriously, implement it, and disseminate it to all their staff and foreign tourists visiting Bali,” Mr Koster said at the time.

Ms Koster said the rules aim to restore “quality and dignity” to Bali’s tourism sector.

Included on the list of don’ts is climbing and touching holy trees and posing naked at cultural or religious sites – which has happened in the past.

Another don’t is uttering offensive words, behaving disrespectfully, causing disturbances, and acting aggressively towards government authorities and local communities.

Ms Stevens pointed Aussie tourists to the Smarttraveller website to receive up-to-date government-issued travel advice for all of Indonesia, including Bali.