Bali’s tourism leaders are so worried about the types of tourists the destination is attracting that they’re thinking of introducing new rules to crack down on disrespectful behaviour.
Bali’s deputy governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Sukawati told media that he believes the “quality of tourists” visiting the Indonesian island has changed in recent years, with the main difference being that they lack respect for sacred sites.
Offensive behaviour includes squatting on holy shrines, taking photos in yoga poses and bikinis in front of temples and even, climbing temples, News.com.au reported.
Image: Dennis Rochel/Unsplash
Tjokorda Oka Artha Sukawati said Bali has been “too open” with its visitors and it might be time restrictions were introduced, such as banning tourists from unaccompanied temple visits.
“This is the government’s attempt to maintain the Pura (temples). The temples need to be preserved since they are the spirits of Bali’s cultures and customs.”
Tjokorda Oka Artha Sukawati
Image: Patrick Schöpflin/Unsplash
Should the rule be passed by officials, tourists would need to hire a local guide or book a local tour to visit any of Bali’s historical Hindu temples.
Outside of Bali, Cambodia was also forced to tackle bad behaviour in 2016 when it introduced a strict dress code for visitors at the sacred Angkor Wat. The rule prevents people from entering the site with exposed knees and shoulders.
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