Can you go to Bali as an unmarried couple?

Although Bali is making efforts to stamp out badly behaved tourists, on the whole, the island is very lenient when it comes to unmarried couples. Sex outside of marriage has been illegal in Indonesia for decades. However, it was the case that charges could only be bought by an aggrieved spouse in the case of an affair.



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Bali travel: 'No marital checks' on hotels and rentals under new Indonesian sex laws, says governor | The Independent.

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If you're planning on heading to Indonesia (including the dream island destination of Bali) as a couple in the next few years, it might be worth reconsidering. The country has now implemented a new criminal code that will make a lot of things illegal – including having sex outside of marriage.

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The country just passed a law banning sex between unmarried people, and shockingly, it includes tourists. “Living together” is also to be punishable by up to six months in prison, which means two people sharing a hotel room could potentially be in jeopardy.

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Just like its name suggests, legend has it that all unmarried couples who travel to Bali on their own are cursed to break up.

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Public displays of affection are not always accepted by the Balinese people. Too much kissing or being overly affectionate is not acceptable by the locals who find it disrespectful. Holding hands is acceptable, but anything beyond that should be left behind closed doors.

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Gulf countries do not allow live-in relationships for unmarried couples. This is the case in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In fact, the 2022 World Cup highlighted some of Qatar's traditional laws.

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Can unmarried couples stay in the same hotel room? According to the law, it's illegal for unmarried couples to stay in the same room during a holiday in Dubai. In reality, this is not strictly enforced and it's unlikely you'll be challenged on it. Many unmarried couples visit Dubai every year without issue.

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The Indonesian parliament last week unanimously passed a new criminal code that includes provisions stipulating sex outside of marriage is punishable by one year in prison and couples who live together out of wedlock could face six months in prison. The old criminal code will remain applicable until 2025.

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Except for lovers holding hands, which the Balinese do openly, romantic gestures or emotions are rarely displayed in public. This, however, is not done in most parts of Indonesia or in villages. Lovers do not kiss in public, and visitors should respect the Balinese' aversion to such intimate gestures.

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Many foreign men vacation in Bali and want to get in touch with the Balinese island girl. Of course, there are many women you can meet. Not only can you meet beautiful local Balinese girls, but there is a constant turnover from other female tourists from all over Indonesia and the world.

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