Bali, long celebrated as an idyllic retreat, has seen changes to its tranquil atmosphere. The island introduced a tourism police force in February to manage the challenges posed by some disruptive visitors.
The force addresses several issues, including visitors who become excessively intoxicated and those who have been found begging.
“We’ve observed tourists who have run out of money and started begging; this has happened on a few occasions,” noted Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, head of Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit. “We also deal with local disruptions at popular tourist destinations, aiming to preserve a hospitable environment for everyone.”
The island has positioned over 70 officers in major tourist spots such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. These officers also ensure that visitors adhere to appropriate dress codes at the Hindu temples, reflecting Bali’s distinct Hindu culture. Dharmadi mentioned, “Often, tourists inadvertently break important religious rules due to ignorance.”
While measures to manage tourist behavior have been implemented, some local frustrations linger. The previous Governor, Wayan Koster, considered setting a limit on the number of tourists last May due to problematic behaviors, but this was never realized. Bali continues to grapple with its role as Indonesia’s leading tourist destination.
The tourist police now receive assistance from “tourist companion dogs.” Over the past year, Bali has deported 340 foreigners for various offenses, significantly more than the year before. These offenses include overstaying visas and disrespecting sacred sites.
Recent incidents, such as the arrest of American and Bermudian tourists after a publicized fight in a salon, and the apprehension of three Mexicans involved in a theft, illustrate the persistent challenges.
The number of tourists has surged. From a mere 51 foreign visitors in 2021, compared to 6.3 million in 2019, the figures climbed to nearly 5.3 million last year, surpassing the target of 4.5 million. This year, the goal is set at seven million visitors, according to Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, as noted by Bali tourism official Tjok Bagus Pemayun.
With the rebound in tourism, the tattoo industry in Bali is also flourishing. Fueled by the island’s rich cultural scene and artistic flair, tattoo studios in Bali are increasingly popular among tourists eager to capture their experiences with lasting art.
Renowned for mixing traditional Balinese patterns with modern tattooing techniques, Bali’s tattoo artists have made the island a key destination for tattoo enthusiasts. Studios are abundant in tourist-heavy areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, providing a broad selection of styles while adhering to stringent health and safety protocols.
As tourist numbers grow, so does the scrutiny on the tattoo industry. Local authorities are vigilant in ensuring that tattoo parlors operate with the necessary licenses and conform to health standards, crucial for maintaining Bali’s reputation as a safe place for getting inked.
Additionally, the growth of the tattoo industry on the island reflects a wider trend in travel, where visitors seek out enriching and personalized experiences. Getting a tattoo in Bali is often seen as more than a souvenir; it represents a deep, enduring link to the island’s rich cultural landscape.
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