Can you hold hands in Bali?

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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Tourists visiting Indonesia will not be charged under a new law which will criminalise sex outside marriage, officials say. Dubbed the Bali bonking ban, the new legislation threatens up to a year in jail for unmarried couples who have sex or six months for those who cohabit.

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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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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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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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In Balinese customs, it's only considered polite to shake hands with others or beckon with the right hand. One exception is when you use both hands to offer something to someone; this is considered a compliment. Some foods are eaten with hands only, and you'd want to make sure to use your right hand to eat as well.

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How To Be Respectful When Visiting Bali, Indonesia
  1. Modesty is the best policy. Balinese people are conservative by nature. ...
  2. Point taken. It's considered rude to point or gesture at someone with your index finger. ...
  3. The right hand is the… right hand. ...
  4. Heads are off-limits. ...
  5. Observe the sanctity of temples and religious practices.


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This new law is a revision of the existing one and will ban all sex outside of marriage. Cohabitation between unmarried couples will also be banned.

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Bali has recently implemented strict rules for tourists to preserve the sanctity of its cherished traditions. As of July 2023, travelers planning to visit this Indonesian paradise must know the new strict rules to ensure a respectful experience.

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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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How can you avoid Bali Belly?
  1. Make sure all meat and seafood is thoroughly cooked (not raw or rare)
  2. Avoid the following foods while travelling: Sushi. Unpasteurised dairy products milk/cheese/ice cream. ...
  3. Water: Don't drink tap water. Don't use tap water to brush your teeth. ...
  4. Hygiene: Wash your hands after using the toilet.


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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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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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