Know Before You Go: Bali
The laws, local rules, safety tips, and cultural things I’d want to know before landing
Bali is one of those places where people sometimes arrive thinking beach clubs, temples, scooters, and sunsets.
And yes, all of that is there.
But Bali also has its own religious traditions, local rules, and cultural expectations that travelers really should understand before they land.
Some of them are not just “good etiquette.”
They can actually affect your trip.
Nyepi Means the Entire Island Shuts Down
This is probably the biggest one to know.
Nyepi, also called the Balinese Day of Silence, is the Balinese Hindu New Year.
For 24 hours, Bali basically stops.
That includes:
The airport
Cars
Buses
Shops
Beaches
Most outdoor activity
Pedestrian traffic
Tourists are expected to follow the rules too. You stay inside your hotel or accommodation, keep noise low, minimize lighting, and do not go out wandering around. Bali’s airport also closes for the 24-hour period, so you should not book a flight arriving or departing on Nyepi.
Hotels generally continue operating on a limited basis, but service can be reduced because staff numbers are lower.
💡 SHANE’S TIP
Check whether Nyepi falls during your trip before you book your flights
I would not treat it like an inconvenience either.
If you happen to be in Bali during Nyepi, lean into it.
It is one of the most unique cultural experiences you could have there.
Just make sure you are stocked with anything you need beforehand because you are not running to the store once it starts.
Pay the Bali Tourist Levy
Foreign tourists are currently required to pay a Rp150,000 tourist levy when visiting Bali.
The payment is generally made through the official Love Bali system, and you receive a digital voucher with a QR code as proof of payment. The Bali government recommends paying before arrival to make the process easier.
There are exemptions for certain visa and residency categories, so check the official Love Bali guidance if that applies to you.
Cannabis Is Absolutely Not Legal
This is not Amsterdam.
Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws.
Cannabis, THC products, CBD products, edibles, and hash are illegal, even if you have a medical prescription from home. Drug possession, use, and trafficking can carry severe penalties.
Do not bring:
Weed
Gummies
CBD oil
THC pens
Anything cannabis-related
I would not play with this one at all.
Check Your Prescription Medication
This one surprises people too.
Some medications that are legal and routinely prescribed in the U.S. can be illegal in Indonesia, including certain amphetamine-based ADHD medications.
If you take prescription medication, check the Indonesian rules before traveling and carry proper documentation.
Do not assume that because your doctor prescribed it, another country automatically allows it.
Indonesia’s New Criminal Code Applies to Tourists Too
Indonesia’s updated criminal code took effect in January 2026 and applies to foreigners as well as Indonesian citizens.
Among the changes, sex outside marriage and cohabitation outside marriage are illegal, although those offenses generally require a complaint from a close family member such as a spouse, parent, or child.
I would not panic about this as a typical tourist staying at a hotel, but I would know the law exists before traveling.
The same updated code also includes restrictions around insulting the president, vice president, and state institutions.
Respect Temples + Religious Ceremonies
Bali is not just a tropical vacation destination.
Religion is woven into everyday life.
If you are visiting temples or sacred areas:
Dress respectfully
Follow posted rules
Wear a sarong when required
Do not climb on sacred structures
Do not interrupt ceremonies for a photo
Follow instructions from temple staff or local guides
Bali’s tourism rules specifically emphasize respecting temples, religious symbols, ceremonies, and local customs.
If something looks sacred, I am not touching it just because it would make a good picture.
Do Not Assume Every Beautiful Place Is Yours to Enter
Bali has become one of those destinations where social media can make people feel entitled to every rice field, temple, cliff, or private property they see online.
Do not trespass.
Respect signs.
Respect local land.
And do not climb somewhere unsafe or restricted just because you saw somebody else do it on Instagram.
Be Smart About Scooters
Scooters are everywhere in Bali.
That does not mean everybody should rent one.
Traffic can be hectic, road conditions vary, and local driving can feel very different from what you are used to.
If you are going to ride:
Make sure your license is valid for the vehicle
Check whether you need an international driving permit
Wear a helmet
Do not ride after drinking
Make sure your insurance actually covers scooter accidents
Do not rent one just because everybody else on TikTok did
If you are not comfortable riding at home, Bali is probably not where I would learn.
Traffic Can Humble Your Itinerary
Something can look 20 minutes away on a map and take much longer.
Traffic around places like:
Canggu
Seminyak
Kuta
Ubud
Denpasar
can get heavy, especially around peak periods and ceremonies.
Bali’s tourism guidance specifically notes that ceremonial processions can take over entire roads and slow traffic considerably.
So if you have:
Dinner reservations
Tours
Airport transportation
Spa appointments
Sunset plans
give yourself extra time.
Do Not Drink Tap Water
For drinking, I would stick to bottled or properly filtered water.
And yes, I am including brushing my teeth in that rule too if I am not confident about the water source.
Bali belly is not the souvenir I am trying to bring home.
Be Careful With Street Alcohol
Stick with reputable bars, restaurants, and hotels for alcohol.
Cheap or unregulated alcohol can be risky anywhere, and Bali is not somewhere I would gamble on mystery liquor because it was inexpensive.
If the deal feels suspiciously cheap, I am passing.
Learn a Little Cultural Etiquette
You do not need to become an expert in Balinese culture before visiting.
But small things matter.
I would know:
Use your right hand when giving or receiving something when possible
Do not step on ceremonial offerings placed on the ground
Dress modestly at temples
Keep your voice down around ceremonies
Ask before photographing people during religious moments
The goal is not to walk around terrified of making a mistake.
Just remember you are visiting someone else’s home.
💡 SHANE’S TIP
Bali is one of those places where I think travelers should do a little more homework than just saving restaurants and beach clubs.
Check:
Nyepi dates
Entry requirements
Tourist levy
Medication rules
Local customs
Transportation
Temple etiquette
Because the more you understand how Bali actually works, the better the trip is going to feel.
The Bottom Line
Bali is beautiful, but it is not just a backdrop for vacation pictures.
It has its own religion, traditions, laws, and rhythms.
Respect Nyepi
Respect the temples
Do not bring drugs
Know what medication you are carrying
And give yourself more time than Google Maps says you need.
You can still have an incredible trip.
You just need to know where you are going before you get there.