Bali Moves to Ensure Public Access to Beaches Amid Tourism Growth

Published on November 21, 2025

Bali is advancing plans to ensure public access to its beaches, as the island faces mounting complaints from residents about the increasing privatization of beach areas by hotels, villas, and beach clubs. Governor I Wayan Koster has proposed a new regulation aimed at addressing these concerns and reinforcing Bali’s commitment to maintaining open shoreline access for locals and visitors alike.

Bali’s Growing Tourism and the Need for Open Beaches

The tourism sector in Bali continues to thrive, with more visitors arriving each year to experience the island’s rich culture and stunning natural beauty. However, with this influx of tourists, local residents have raised alarms about the increasing restrictions imposed by private entities on access to beaches. These private beaches are often closed off to the public, making it difficult for local communities, who have long relied on the beaches for cultural and spiritual activities, to maintain their traditional practices.

Bali’s beaches are particularly significant for Hindu rituals such as the Segara Kerthi and Pakelem ceremonies, where performances, prayers, and offerings are made to the sea. These sacred ceremonies have been part of Balinese culture for centuries. As such, the governor’s proposed regulation seeks to prevent further restrictions on beach access, ensuring that these cultural traditions can continue unimpeded by private developments.

The Impact of Bali’s Tourism Boom on Local Access

With Bali’s popularity as a travel destination showing no signs of slowing down, the island’s rapid development has resulted in an increasing number of beachfront resorts and private facilities. Despite national laws stipulating that beaches cannot be privatized, enforcement has often been inconsistent. This has led to some commercial operators imposing barriers that limit public access, especially along the more heavily developed coastal regions.

Governor Koster’s proposal seeks to close the enforcement gap by explicitly reaffirming the public nature of Bali’s beaches. The regulation is intended to give local authorities greater authority to address the issue and prevent future privatization of these vital spaces. Bali’s government is also focused on addressing growing concerns about overcrowding and the increasing pressure on the island’s infrastructure.

New Measures to Regulate Tourism Behavior

In addition to the beach access regulation, Bali is introducing a series of new guidelines to manage the impact of tourism on local communities and sacred sites. Authorities have taken steps to regulate “inappropriate” tourist behavior, particularly at important cultural and religious locations. Visitors to Bali are now required to wear respectful clothing when visiting sacred sites, and there are restrictions on taking inappropriate photographs.

To further manage the influx of visitors, Bali has introduced a 150,000-rupiah (roughly €9) tourist tax for all arrivals. This fee is part of the government’s broader efforts to curb overcrowding and attract more responsible tourists. Officials have warned that non-compliance with these rules could lead to legal consequences.

Bali’s Strategy for Sustainable Tourism

Bali’s authorities have been exploring several options for sustainable tourism, including a proposed daily tourist tax modeled after Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee. This model aims to raise funds for environmental protection and conservation efforts while ensuring that only high-spending, responsible tourists are attracted to the island. With visitor numbers steadily climbing, the local government is also pausing approvals for new hotels in certain districts that are already overdeveloped.

Despite the growing pressure on its natural and cultural resources, Bali remains committed to finding ways to preserve the qualities that have made it such a popular destination for travelers. The introduction of measures like the beach access regulation and the tourist tax reflects the island’s efforts to balance the needs of the local community, the preservation of its cultural heritage, and the demands of the tourism industry.

A Way Forward for Bali’s Tourism Industry

Bali’s approach to managing its tourism sector reflects a broader global trend toward sustainable and responsible travel. As destinations like Bali continue to grow in popularity, authorities are increasingly focused on finding ways to manage tourism that respect both local culture and the environment. With ongoing developments and a focus on sustainability, Bali’s future as a prime travel destination will depend on how well it balances the interests of tourists, residents, and the tourism industry.

Image Source: AI