Bali gets tough on disrespectful tourists — behave or be deported!
- Replies 6
Bali - the ultimate getaway destination that many Aussies dream of. The sparkling white sand beaches, picturesque landscapes, and welcoming locals are enough to make anyone fall in love with this island paradise.
But for Aussies planning to visit Bali, there’s a new rulebook in town, and it's important that you are aware of it before you book your ticket.
According to travel experts, Indonesian authorities have become stricter when it comes to foreigners, and it could mean the difference between a dream holiday and a nightmare. So, what's changed?
Well, in the first quarter of this year, a whopping 620 foreigners were deported from Indonesia due to various violations such as misusing visas, residence permits, overstaying, and not following local regulations. Misbehaving is also on the list of no-no's, so be on your best behaviour.
To avoid falling foul of the law and ruining your Bali experience, experts are urging visitors to brush up on local customs and laws. As much as we love to kick back and relax on holiday, it's important to remember that we are guests in another country and must respect their rules.
In a recent case that made headlines, the spotlight fell on a Russian woman who had been residing in Bali under an investor visa.
Her actions landed her in hot water when she was arrested for participating in a nude photo shoot near a sacred tree. This incident has only added fuel to the fire of Bali's determination to crack down on unruly behaviour by tourists.
Experts in the tourism industry have gone so far as to speculate that Bali might be considering implementing a visitor levy tax. While this is yet to be confirmed, it's an indication of the measures being contemplated to regulate tourism on the island.
To further address these concerns, hotel staff members have been instructed to educate foreign visitors on the dos and don'ts of Bali's customs and laws. Moreover, plans are underway to erect large billboards that advocate for respect towards local traditions and regulations.
Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, the general manager for Bali operations at Intrepid Travel, a tour company based in Melbourne, has been residing on the island since February 2022. With his extensive experience, he is well aware of the challenges at hand.
Shekhawat has confirmed reports indicating that while the majority of foreign tourists exhibit appropriate behaviour, there has been an increase in incidents of misconduct.
He highlighted that local authorities have responded to these issues by intensifying their routine checks on the ground. This includes more frequent inspections such as driver's licence verifications and crackdowns on drink-and-driving offences.
Stephanie Yip, a travel expert at Finder, strongly emphasises the importance of conducting thorough research on etiquette and laws before embarking on any travel adventure. Her advice holds true for any destination, including Bali.
Yip urges travellers not to disregard signage when visiting tourist attractions. These signs are in place to provide guidance on what is and isn't permitted. It's crucial to pay attention to them and adhere to the guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
For those planning to rent a car or motorcycle, Yip advises familiarising yourself with the road rules before hitting the road. This precautionary measure helps avoid unnecessary fines or, worse, accidents.
In a place like Bali, Ms Yip issues a stark warning that failing to use proper manners and respect local customs and laws can lead to costly and unpleasant consequences. In extreme cases, it could even result in eviction.
As the world opens up for travel, it's more crucial than ever to be mindful of local customs and laws, especially in a place like Bali. The growing number of incidents of unruly behaviour by tourists is a cause for concern, not just for local authorities but also for responsible travellers who want to experience Bali's rich cultural heritage respectfully.
It's essential to remember that tourism can be a double-edged sword. While it can bring economic prosperity and promote cultural exchange, it can also create friction and tension when cultural differences clash.
As travellers, it's our responsibility to be mindful of our behaviour and respect local customs, so we can help preserve the authenticity of the places we visit.
What do you think about the issue of unruly behaviour by tourists in Bali? Have you ever had a negative experience while travelling abroad? What steps do you take to ensure that you're a responsible traveller? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below.
But for Aussies planning to visit Bali, there’s a new rulebook in town, and it's important that you are aware of it before you book your ticket.
According to travel experts, Indonesian authorities have become stricter when it comes to foreigners, and it could mean the difference between a dream holiday and a nightmare. So, what's changed?
Bali authorities are cracking down on misbehaving tourists, prompting a warning for Australian travellers to be prepared and know the local laws and customs. Credit: Unsplash/arty.
Well, in the first quarter of this year, a whopping 620 foreigners were deported from Indonesia due to various violations such as misusing visas, residence permits, overstaying, and not following local regulations. Misbehaving is also on the list of no-no's, so be on your best behaviour.
To avoid falling foul of the law and ruining your Bali experience, experts are urging visitors to brush up on local customs and laws. As much as we love to kick back and relax on holiday, it's important to remember that we are guests in another country and must respect their rules.
In a recent case that made headlines, the spotlight fell on a Russian woman who had been residing in Bali under an investor visa.
Her actions landed her in hot water when she was arrested for participating in a nude photo shoot near a sacred tree. This incident has only added fuel to the fire of Bali's determination to crack down on unruly behaviour by tourists.
Experts in the tourism industry have gone so far as to speculate that Bali might be considering implementing a visitor levy tax. While this is yet to be confirmed, it's an indication of the measures being contemplated to regulate tourism on the island.
To further address these concerns, hotel staff members have been instructed to educate foreign visitors on the dos and don'ts of Bali's customs and laws. Moreover, plans are underway to erect large billboards that advocate for respect towards local traditions and regulations.
Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, the general manager for Bali operations at Intrepid Travel, a tour company based in Melbourne, has been residing on the island since February 2022. With his extensive experience, he is well aware of the challenges at hand.
Shekhawat has confirmed reports indicating that while the majority of foreign tourists exhibit appropriate behaviour, there has been an increase in incidents of misconduct.
He highlighted that local authorities have responded to these issues by intensifying their routine checks on the ground. This includes more frequent inspections such as driver's licence verifications and crackdowns on drink-and-driving offences.
Travel experts advise tourists to research etiquette rules, local laws, and customs, and to behave respectfully to avoid fines or deportation. Credit: Unsplash/Mathis Jrdl.
Stephanie Yip, a travel expert at Finder, strongly emphasises the importance of conducting thorough research on etiquette and laws before embarking on any travel adventure. Her advice holds true for any destination, including Bali.
Yip urges travellers not to disregard signage when visiting tourist attractions. These signs are in place to provide guidance on what is and isn't permitted. It's crucial to pay attention to them and adhere to the guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
For those planning to rent a car or motorcycle, Yip advises familiarising yourself with the road rules before hitting the road. This precautionary measure helps avoid unnecessary fines or, worse, accidents.
In a place like Bali, Ms Yip issues a stark warning that failing to use proper manners and respect local customs and laws can lead to costly and unpleasant consequences. In extreme cases, it could even result in eviction.
As the world opens up for travel, it's more crucial than ever to be mindful of local customs and laws, especially in a place like Bali. The growing number of incidents of unruly behaviour by tourists is a cause for concern, not just for local authorities but also for responsible travellers who want to experience Bali's rich cultural heritage respectfully.
It's essential to remember that tourism can be a double-edged sword. While it can bring economic prosperity and promote cultural exchange, it can also create friction and tension when cultural differences clash.
As travellers, it's our responsibility to be mindful of our behaviour and respect local customs, so we can help preserve the authenticity of the places we visit.
What do you think about the issue of unruly behaviour by tourists in Bali? Have you ever had a negative experience while travelling abroad? What steps do you take to ensure that you're a responsible traveller? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below.
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