Bali’s Shocking New Ban: Menstruating Tourists Barred From Sacred Temples

Bali’s New Tourism Rules Raise Eyebrows Worldwide

Paradise has its price—and in Bali, that might now include disclosing your menstrual cycle. The popular Indonesian island destination has unveiled a series of controversial new tourism policies, including a ban that has sparked global conversation: women on their periods are now officially prohibited from entering Bali’s sacred temples.

Governor Wayan Koster announced the unprecedented rules on March 24 as part of broader measures aimed at curbing what he described as “misbehaving tourists” who have been overrunning the tropical paradise. “I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,” the governor declared, signaling a dramatic shift in how the island manages its booming tourism industry.

The Menstruation Ban: Mystical Beliefs Behind the Controversy

According to local authorities, the menstruation restriction stems from deep-rooted cultural beliefs that menstrual blood is “dirty” and would “make the temple become impure.” Visit Bali’s official guidance explains that these beliefs have been passed down through generations, warning of supposed supernatural consequences for those who ignore the taboo.

“Many women experience pain and faint while in the temple. Reportedly, there are also mystical events that can befall menstruating women in temples, such as possession,” the site cautions visitors, adding an even more extraordinary claim that “residents around the temple could be affected by natural disasters and diseases” prompted by a menstruating visitor.

For tourists concerned about missing out on temple visits, the tourism authority offers this alternative: “If you are menstruating while on holiday in Bali, don’t worry! There are many other entertainment spots around the temple, such as watching traditional dance performances.” How authorities plan to enforce or verify a visitor’s menstrual status remains conspicuously unaddressed in the new regulations.

Beyond Periods: Bali’s Comprehensive Tourism Crackdown

The menstruation ban is just one facet of Bali’s broader push to preserve what officials call the island’s “cultural integrity and sacred sites.” The new guidelines create a comprehensive code of conduct for the millions of international visitors who flock to the majority Hindu island each year.

Visitors must now “dress appropriately when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces,” with special emphasis that tourists won’t be permitted to “enter sacred temple areas unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire.” This marks a significant shift in access to some of the island’s most iconic and photographed locations.

Additional prohibitions target environmental concerns and behavioral issues, including bans on single-use plastics like bags and straws, prohibitions against public rudeness, swearing, and littering. The island has formed a special tourism task force whose specific mandate is to monitor visitors and issue penalties ranging from fines to jail time for those deemed “naughty” violators.

Cultural Respect or Excessive Control? The Global Reaction

The new policies have ignited debate among travel experts, cultural commentators, and health advocates worldwide. While many support Bali’s right to protect its cultural heritage and sacred spaces, the specific targeting of menstruating women has drawn criticism as potentially discriminatory and based on outdated taboos rather than factual concerns.

“We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt,” Governor Koster explained, defending the measures. “This ensures that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values.”

In his final statement on the matter, the governor emphasized: “Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them.” The question remains whether these new rules will achieve their stated goals of cultural preservation or potentially alienate segments of Bali’s international tourism market.

What This Means for Travelers Planning a Bali Vacation

For would-be visitors to the Island of the Gods, these new regulations create additional considerations when planning itineraries. Women may need to schedule temple visits around their menstrual cycles or prepare to visit alternative cultural attractions during certain days of their trip.

As responsible tourism advocates have noted, respecting local customs is a fundamental aspect of ethical travel. However, the lack of clarity on enforcement mechanisms for the menstruation ban has left many potential visitors with questions about privacy and practical implementation.

Whether these controversial measures will stem the tide of tourism or simply reshape visitor behaviors remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Bali is taking dramatic steps to reclaim control over how tourists interact with its most cherished cultural and spiritual sites, even if that means wading into previously unregulated aspects of visitors’ private lives.