Emergency Help Abroad – Bali (Indonesia)

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Bali — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws — possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences and, for serious offences, the death penalty.

• Even small quantities of illegal substances can result in arrest, detention and prosecution.

• Carrying weapons (including certain knives and defensive sprays) is heavily restricted and may lead to arrest.

• Local rules on alcohol vary; public drunkenness or disorderly behaviour can attract police attention.

• Drink-driving is illegal and taken seriously, especially in tourist areas.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Bali is strongly influenced by Hindu traditions and wider Indonesia is majority Muslim — modest dress is expected at temples and in villages.

• Disrespectful behaviour at temples (including climbing on shrines or posing inappropriately) can cause serious offence and lead to intervention by local authorities.

• Public displays of affection may be frowned upon in more conservative areas.

• Littering on beaches, in rice fields, forests or villages is prohibited and increasingly enforced.

• Damaging offerings, shrines or religious decorations is deeply disrespectful and can lead to confrontation or police involvement.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification; travellers should carry their passport or a clear copy.

• Petty theft and bag snatching can occur in busy areas — especially around Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu.

• Scams involving taxis, money changers and unlicensed guides exist; always use reputable providers.

• Participation in political demonstrations or protests is strongly discouraged and may result in arrest.

• Attempting to bribe police or officials is illegal and may worsen your situation.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Riding scooters or motorbikes without the correct licence or helmet is illegal and can invalidate insurance.

• Traffic police carry out checks — on-the-spot fines may be issued for traffic violations.

• Using unlicensed taxis or “street” transport can be risky; official taxis or reputable apps are recommended.

• Overstaying your Indonesian visa or entry permission can lead to fines, detention and difficulties when departing.

• Entering restricted areas or border zones without permission is a criminal offence.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is regulated; flying near airports, crowds, temples or certain protected areas without permission can lead to fines or confiscation.

• Photographing military sites, strategic infrastructure or some government buildings is restricted.

• Many temples and cultural sites have rules on where photography is permitted — always follow local signage.

• Always seek permission before close-up photography of individuals, especially in rural villages or ceremonies.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or sand from beaches and marine areas is illegal in protected zones and can damage fragile ecosystems.

• Swimming in areas with strong currents, large waves or “no swimming” signs is dangerous and may be prohibited.

• Feeding monkeys or other wildlife (for example at Uluwatu or Ubud’s Monkey Forest) is discouraged and may be restricted for safety reasons.

• Starting fires or barbecues outside authorised areas can result in fines, especially during dry season.

• Disposing of rubbish into rivers, rice fields or the sea is illegal and harmful to the environment.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing on, sitting on or touching temple shrines and sacred statues is considered highly disrespectful.

• Entering temple inner courtyards or restricted ceremonial areas without permission is forbidden.

• Removing stones, carvings or artefacts from cultural or archaeological sites is illegal.

• Purchasing souvenirs made from endangered species (such as certain shells, corals or animal products) is illegal and items may be confiscated.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or automatic in the UK may be approached very differently in Bali.

• Don’t disrespect temples, including climbing on shrines, entering restricted areas or wearing revealing clothing inside sacred spaces.

• Don’t touch or sit on offerings (canang sari) placed on pavements, entrances or altars; step carefully around them.

• Don’t ride scooters without helmets or proper licensing, as accidents are common and insurance may not cover you.

• Don’t drink heavily then swim, especially at beaches with strong rip currents.

• Don’t underestimate the risk of “Bali belly”, and avoid washed salads, tap water and ice in uncertain venues.

• Don’t stand too close to ceremonial processions, and never interrupt rituals for photos.

• Don’t climb or sit on sacred trees, which are often wrapped in cloth and considered spiritually protected.

• Don’t point your feet at people, altars or religious items, as it’s viewed as disrespectful.

• Don’t display affection excessively in public, especially in temples or rural communities.

• Don’t approach or feed monkeys, particularly at Uluwatu and Ubud, where they may grab bags, glasses or phones.

• Don’t ignore volcanic activity warnings, especially near Mount Agung or active areas.

• Don’t litter on beaches or near rivers, where plastic pollution is a major issue.

• Don’t purchase wildlife products or coral souvenirs, as this harms Bali’s ecosystems and is often illegal.

• Don’t disrespect local dress codes at ceremonies, where modest, traditional clothing may be required.

• Don’t ride under the influence of alcohol, as police checks are increasing.

• Don’t assume all areas are safe to walk at night, especially far from main roads or well-lit streets.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments, as many small warungs (local eateries) take cash only.

• Don’t enter someone’s compound without permission, as these are private family spaces.

• Don’t disrespect Nyepi (Day of Silence) by making noise, using bright lights or going outside when movement is restricted.

• Don’t ignore rules for swimming near reefs, where sharp coral and strong waves can cause injuries.