Bali officials to hand out ‘dos’ and don’ts’ cards to Aussie tourists at International airport
Bali is handing out a ‘do and don’t’ guide to tourists after a spate of unruly visitors was deported – so what’s on the list?
- Bali is going to issue do’s and don’ts cards at immigration
- Made to deal with unruly tourists
Australian tourists are among those given a ‘Dos and Don’ts’ card when they arrive in Bali, as the island cracks down on bad behaviour.
Numerous tourists, including some Australians, have broken local laws on the Indonesian island in recent months, forcing the government to take a stand.
In a circular distributed to government departments across the island, Bali Governor Wayan Koster signed off on the do’s and don’ts list.
Indonesia’s government is trying to crack down on unruly tourists by handing out ‘do’ and ‘don’t’ cards to anyone passing through Bali’s airport (pictured)
Upon arrival on the island, a total of 12 do’s and eight don’ts on cards will be handed to tourists related to tradition, religion and local law.
More than 130 tourists have been deported from the island since the beginning of the year.
Anggiat Napitupulu, head of the regional office of Bali’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights, said the cards will be inserted into passports when travelers present them to immigration.
“The map shows what is and what is not allowed in Bali,” he said.
In the letter, Governor Koster said the rules were intended to restore the “quality and dignity” of Bali’s tourism industry.
The decision came just a week after a German tourist was filmed naked disrupting a traditional Balinese dance performance.
Darya Tuschinski, 28, took off her clothes in a bizarre protest after she was reportedly refused a ticket to the Hindu dance performance.
She now faces two years and eight months in prison if found to have violated the country’s public morality laws.
Nudity has become a problem on the island after two Russian tourists were pictured wearing mother-of-pearl at a sacred religious site on the island.
One man was depicted dropping his pants in front of a volcano considered sacred to Balinese Hindus, while another was depicted posing nude in front of a sacred tree.
The decision came just a week after a German tourist was filmed naked disrupting a traditional Balinese dance performance
Dressing appropriately, especially at holy places, tourist attractions and public places, is one of the prohibitions issued by Governor Koster.
Among the long list of deportations is Australian Marita Daniell, who after living on the island for 23 years was returned to Australia for arguing with a fine.
She had been pulled over by local police for riding her scooter without a helmet before launching into a tirade.
The fine for riding a scooter without a helmet is about AU$25, but was kicked out of Bali for yelling at the police officers.
Governor Koster’s rules also refer directly to how tourists should treat police and local authorities, especially disrespectful behavior.
In the letter, the Governor calls on all government officials to enforce the new rules and keep an eye on tourists.
“Everyone should take this circular seriously, implement it and distribute it to all their staff and foreign tourists visiting Bali,” wrote Governor Koster.
Bali will start handing out the cards as soon as possible, a date has yet to be confirmed.