Travel
Bali issues rules of conduct for tourists
Anyone who travels to a foreign country often encounters other customs, traditions and customs there. In the future, tourists in Bali will no longer be able to claim that they didn’t know anything about it.
Denpasar – In response to a series of improper behaviors by holidaymakers in Bali, the local government has introduced a ‘Tourist Card’ containing the destination’s applicable code of conduct. According to Wayan Koster, the island’s governor, the guide is given to each traveler upon arrival at the airport of the Indonesian holiday island and is embedded in the passport along with the visa. Often referred to as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali is recognized worldwide for its exceptional culture.
The map places special emphasis on dealing with temple etiquette, clothing, and codes of conduct at sacred sites such as banyan trees. “Respect the sanctity of temples, pratimas (sacred statues) and religious symbols,” reads one of the instructions. Desecrating sacred sites, idols, and religious symbols, such as by climbing sacred structures or taking nudity, is strictly prohibited.
In addition, tourists are encouraged to obey the traffic rules and rent scooters and cars only from legal providers. The authorities also strongly discourage the use of swear words, foul language and aggressive behavior, all with the goal of preserving Bali’s reputation and image.
The new regulation is based on a number of incidents in recent months. For example, a Russian tourist was forced to flee the country after posting a picture of herself snuggled up naked against a revered banyan tree on social media channels. The tree is considered sacred by Hindus worldwide – including the Balinese.
Another Russian tourist was also forced to flee the country after posing shirtless on top of Gunung Agung volcano, revered as the seat of the gods. Both tourists apologized for their behavior.
Bali differs from the other islands of Indonesia in its predominantly Hindu character. The beliefs of the residents are unique and at the same time highly complex. For example, visiting a temple often requires wearing a sarong (a long skirt for both men and women).