Asia's most beautiful island to crack down on unruly tourists with new guidelines

Under regulations issued earlier this week by Bali governor I Wayan Koster, foreigners are required to respect the island's religious customs, conduct transactions exclusively in local currency, and obey traffic rules, the South China Morning Post reported.

Tourists are also prohibited from climbing sacred trees or monuments, as well as taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites, The Bali Sun reported.

Acts of littering or polluting Bali's environment such as throwing waste in lakes and rivers is strictly banned.

Those caught violating the regulations will face legal consequences under Indonesian law.

These moves come ahead of Nyepi Day, which will bring the island to a complete standstill with airports closed and travel activities suspended on March 29.

Bali was named Asia's most beautiful island at this year's annual Reader's Choice Awards by DestinAsian magazine.

In October last year, the island was honored with the same recognition by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its Readers' Choice Awards.

Bali welcomed 6.3 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This year it aims to attract 6.5 million tourists.