American tourist deported from Bali for organizing sexual wellness retreat

The tourist violated Indonesian immigration regulations by conducting commercial activities while on a tourist visa, Antara News Agency reported, citing Ngurah Rai Immigration Office head Winarko.

She arrived in Bali on Sept. 4 using a visa on arrival issued for tourism purposes. Hosting commercial events is strictly prohibited under this visa category.

Officials opened an investigation after local residents reported "suspicious activities" at her rented villa.

Investigators concluded she had been offering private classes on practices related to intimate relationships, emotional closeness, and sexual activity, Jakarta Post reported.

The retreat ran from Sept. 4–8, with each participant reportedly paying at least US$7,000.

Immigration officers arrested her at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as she prepared to fly to Jakarta.

She was deported on an EVA Air flight to Los Angeles via Taipei on Sept. 18.

Bali has witnessed a significant rise in immigration violations by foreign nationals in recent years, driven largely by overtourism.

In response, Bali authorities last month set up a 100-member task force to monitor unruly tourists and curb immigration offenses.