Bali Tightens Green Tourism Rules Across Key Resort Areas

Tourism in Canggu, Uluwatu and Ubud, all in Bali, will soon enter a new era in terms of tourism, considering the current initiatives of the government on the issue of spatial and environmental planning in order to meet the current trend of quality tourism. The new plan will provide for more development controls in areas that have been tourist attractions, along with environmental measures that need to be implemented in the tourism project. Such plans are relevant to the two most popular areas in Bali – Badung and Gianyar.

New Development Faces Stricter Environmental Conditions

Under the September 2026 development described by provincial authorities, new boutique resorts and villa projects in southern coastal and cultural tourism areas must incorporate closed-loop waste management systems.

The framework also requires a minimum of 40% open green space for affected developments. The requirement is intended to retain undeveloped areas within new projects as commercial construction expands around popular tourism corridors.

The spatial-planning approach comes alongside wider provincial efforts to strengthen environmentally focused tourism. In August 2026, Bali’s governor designated five areas as low-emission tourism zones, including Nusa Dua and Kuta in Badung and Ubud in Gianyar. The programme covers green energy, green mobility, ecosystem protection, reduced single-use plastics and community participation.

What It Means for Travellers

For visitors, the changes primarily affect how accommodation and tourism facilities are developed rather than introducing new entry requirements for travellers.

Guests staying in newly developed villas, boutique resorts and other accommodation could increasingly encounter properties designed around waste separation, resource recovery, landscaping and lower-impact operations.

The green-space requirement also has a direct relationship with the physical character of tourism districts. Instead of allocating every part of a development site to buildings, pools, roads or guest facilities, qualifying projects would need to retain a substantial proportion as open space.

This could become particularly relevant in fast-growing areas where tourism accommodation has expanded rapidly alongside restaurants, cafés, beach clubs and other visitor services.

Canggu Brings Beach Tourism Into Focus

Canggu remains one of Bali’s prominent coastal visitor areas, known for surfing, cafés, restaurants, beach venues and villa accommodation.

For travellers, development controls in the area are relevant because accommodation supply is closely connected to the wider tourism landscape. Environmental requirements could shape the design and operation of future properties without changing the area’s existing attractions.

Visitors can continue to combine Canggu stays with beach activities and excursions towards other parts of southern Bali.

Uluwatu Connects Resorts With Coastal Attractions

Uluwatu, also in Badung, is strongly associated with dramatic cliffs, beaches, surfing and the cultural significance of Uluwatu Temple.

The area has experienced substantial interest from luxury accommodation and villa developments. New environmental conditions therefore have particular relevance to future tourism projects along the southern coastline.

Travellers using Uluwatu as a base can access several coastal attractions while also exploring nearby areas of the Bukit Peninsula.

Ubud Adds the Cultural Dimension

In Gianyar, Ubud represents a different side of Bali tourism, with visitors drawn to traditional arts, temples, rice landscapes, wellness experiences and cultural attractions.

The provincial government’s quality-tourism policy specifically identifies environmental and cultural considerations as part of the wider tourism direction. Its tourism office describes quality tourism as including destination development, services, facilities and greater attention to environmental and cultural concerns.

The approach also reflects Bali’s longer-running policy direction towards balancing tourism with environmental and cultural protection.

Key Stats

• 40%: Minimum open green space specified for affected new developments.
• 2 regencies: Badung and Gianyar are central to the development.
• 3 major tourism areas: Canggu, Uluwatu and Ubud.
• 5 areas: Bali designated five low-emission tourism zones in August 2026.

What Travellers Should Watch

Travellers looking to take a Bali holiday from 2026 onwards should not expect to alter any of their pre-existing sightseeing itineraries owing to the zoning regulation. The immediate importance of this measure is in terms of future tourism development in Bali. For travellers selecting newer accommodations, environmentally friendly facilities could well become an integral part of their stay in Bali.