How Schoolies in Bali could get into trouble thanks to little-known rules
Australian school leavers have been warned to brush up on local laws on a popular tourist island to stay out of trouble during graduation festivities.
In just a few weeks, high school exams are coming to an end across Australia and Year 12 students are looking to let loose after months of grueling studies.
Hotspots for ‘Schoolies’ include the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, both of which are preparing for the traditional influx of partygoers, but many young Aussies are also expected to travel further afield and party in Bali, Indonesia.
With more than 8,000 new Aussie graduates expected to come to the island, travel experts have warned to keep the island’s lesser-known rules in mind to ensure their trip goes off without a hitch.
Travel insurer at Insure&Go David Mayo said school leavers on the island need to remember local drinking laws and these are not the same as in Australia.
“I don’t think many people fully realize the legal risks they face if they drink while traveling abroad, as the minimum drinking age in Bali is 21,” he said. Yahoo.
He said while the country is a magnet for Western tourists, travelers should read up on the dangers before flying.
‘Bali has its own dangers. Whether it’s protecting yourself from the tropical heat and dengue-transmitting mosquitoes, or dealing with brazen monkeys who take away belongings, be prepared,” Mayo said.
Aussies holidaying in Bali should remember the local rules when it comes to motorcycles
A travel insurer has warned that the drinking age in Bali is 21 years higher than the school season in Australia
He also advised school leavers to stay off motorcycles when looking for transportation options on the island.
“While it may seem like a convenient and fun way to get around, students can get caught out because they don’t realize that their insurance may not cover them unless they are properly licensed and wearing a helmet.”
Just this month, Indonesia announced a crackdown on tourists who overstay their holiday visas.
Their Ministry of Immigration launched Operation Jagratara, deploying 125 officers across Bali to catch tourists breaking visa conditions and wider laws in general.
Crimes that previously punished tourists with six months to a year in prison are now punishable by ten years or a maximum of twenty years behind bars.
Earlier this month, Bali unleashed about 125 police officers to monitor the behavior of tourists on the island
Drinking alcohol is frowned upon in most of Indonesia, but in Bali it’s big business (stock image)
School leavers in Australia are flocking to a host of idyllic destinations, including Byron Bay, Bali and the Gold Coast
Earlier this year, Bali Governor Wayan Koster attempted to introduce powers to tackle ‘bogan’ behaviour.
Around the same time, the Bali Tourism Board shared a campaign post reminding tourists to “show respect” for the island’s rich culture.
“For everyone’s safety, comfort and mutual respect, we ask that you follow some common sense rules,” their poster read.
Tourists should remember to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, with a fine of around $25 for non-compliance.
The tourism board also asked travelers to “avoid drunken and indecent behavior in public,” adding that “this is giving some countries a bad reputation.”
It also warned tourists against wearing revealing clothing or sharing unwanted messages on social media.
‘Do not post offensive, vulgar photos on social media…Restrict skimpy beachwear to appropriate locations.’
Although Bali is more relaxed than other parts of Indonesia, the country is still very conservative and predominantly Muslim.
The Bali Tourism Board also warned that long-term travelers without the correct visa are “strictly prohibited” and that undercover immigration officials are working to catch those flouting the rules.
