Urgent Bali warning issued for Australian tourists: What you need to know

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

The Australian government has updated its Smartraveller advisory, urging tourists to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Indonesia - particularly Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia.
This follows a series of recent incidents involving drownings and methanol poisoning.
'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,' the update warned.
'Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.
'Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok.'
The advisory also outlines important Do's and Don'ts for Bali, including safety tips and advice on how to avoid visa problems
'Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport,' it reads.
'Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged.'
It also urged Aussies to respect local customs.
'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.'
The updated warning follows the suspicious death of 23-year-old Byron Haddow from the Sunshine Coast, who died in Bali on May 27.
Earlier this year, Jacob Vennix, 32, drowned on the island after a strong current pulled him out to sea while he was on his honeymoon.
Last year six tourists, including two Australian teenagers, died of methanol poisoning in Laos.
In 2024 Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, died after visiting the tourist town of Vang Vieng in November when they suffered a suspected methanol poisoning.
Bali's list of 'Dos and Don'ts' for tourists
No entering sacred temple areas, unless for worship while wearing traditional Balinese attire.
No climbing sacred trees or monuments, including taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites.
No littering or polluting Bali's environment.
No using single-use plastics, including plastic bags, Styrofoam, and plastic straws.
No aggressive or disrespectful behaviour, including swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials or other tourists. This includes sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media.
No working or running a business without proper permits.
No participating in illegal activities, such as trading in drugs or endangered animals.
Do respect sacred sites and symbols.
Do dress appropriately - 'when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces, tourists are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing'.
Do behave respectfully.
Do pay the tourist levy of about $14.25.
Do use licensed tour guides.
Do exchange currency at authorities' money changers.
Do follow traffic laws, including having a valid international or national driver's licence, wearing a helmet, and follow traffic signs.
Do use legal transportation.