Bali's government would ensure "there will be no checking on marital status upon check-in at any tourism accommodation, such as hotels, villas, apartments, guest houses, lodges and spas," Mr Wayan said.
There will be “no checks on marital statuses at tourist accommodations like hotels, villas, guest houses or spas, or inspections by public officials or community groups,” clarified the governor.
Indonesia's new ban on extramarital sex sent shockwaves through its digital nomad community. On Tuesday last week, Indonesia's parliament approved a new criminal code banning sex outside of marriage, prohibiting unmarried couples from living together, and criminalising adultery.
The Indonesian government has proposed a new law under which unmarried couples won't be allowed to book or stay at hotels together in Bali. If couples were to stay together in a room, the consequences of the same will be equivalent to that of a criminal offence, landing them in Balinese jail.
JAKARTA -- Tourists to Indonesia will not be asked their marital status at check-in at hotels under Indonesia's newly ratified criminal code, the country's deputy minister for law and human rights said, pushing back against concerns that new laws which include articles criminalizing sex outside marriage could scare ...
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.
"Bali is Bali as usual, which is comfortable and safe to be visited," said Bali Governor Wayan Koster. Visitors will not be required to prove their marital status when checking into accommodation, and local officials will not carry out checks, Mr Koster said.
Unmarried tourists planning a fun Bali vacation will now have to be very cautious. The couple won't get a room unless they manage to produce a legal marriage certificate as a proof.
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.
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.
Under the revised criminal code, which replaces the colonial-era Dutch version enacted in 1918, pre-marital sex can be punished with as much as a year in jail and cohabitation by an unmarried couple can result in six months' imprisonment. Adultery also remains a crime that carries a potential 12-month prison sentence.
The document called “CNI” (Certificate of Non Impediment to Marriage) and states that you have no objection to get married legally in Indonesia. This document is usually obtained from your consulate or your embassy in Indonesia. But it can also be issued by the local authorities in your home country.
However, the Republic of Indonesia's new criminal code, passed on 6 December, will make sex outside of marriage punishable by up to one year in jail. It will also ban couples living together outside of marriage, and prohibit insulting the president or expressing ideas contrary to government policy.
Bali is a romantic destination, with warm weather, breathtaking sunsets, and incredible nature the island attracts many honeymooners and couples. The hotels and restaurants go above and beyond to romanticize the experience. Make sure to take the time and enjoy a couples' candlelit dinner.
Sexual relationships or unmarried couples cohabiting is illegal in Dubai. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal, however most hotels in Dubai do not enforce an 'only married couples' rule. The luxury hotels which mostly cater to foreigners are especially relaxed.
Bali is becoming a popular destination for solo travellers. To help you travel solo in Bali, below is our Bali solo travel guide, including the best places to visit in Bali for singles and solos, the best places to stay in Bali for solo female travellers, the best tours in Bali, and getting around Bali.
Although the government reassures that the measure will not affect Bali, this is a worrisome situation for many travelers, including digital nomads. Gulf countries do not allow live-in relationships for unmarried couples. This is the case in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Your marriage will be registered back home, before or after your wedding in Bali, which means you can easily arrange your marriage certificates, change your name and not have to abide by Indonesian religious marriage laws like same-sex marriage. You won't require a translator for your celebrant.
"A couple has to do what works best for their relationship dynamics. If this dynamic of having separate sleeping arrangements works for a couple, that is all that matters. I have known couples who have opted for separate sleeping arrangements and are still in a healthy relationship."
If you normally live with your partner, and you're worried that trialling separate bedrooms could signal problems in a relationship that's otherwise strong and healthy, don't be. Balancing psychological and physical space is a perfectly normal dance that changes over the course of a relationship.
What are your lifestyle expectations? Forgetting to consider these factors from the start could be a recipe for madness, which is why you need to think about what works for you two. If you're wondering 'whether a one-bedroom is big enough for a couple,' the answer is usually 'yes'.
The epicenter of single nightlife can be found on Legian Street in Kuta. Most of the tourists who live near here, and if you plan to visit bars and nightclubs, then you should try to stay in hotels around Kuta. That way, you can visit many of the best nightlife spots in Bali, and also those close to the beach.
The average cost of a trip to Bali is around $3000 USD for two people for two weeks. This budget includes flights, accommodation, food, activities, and transport within Bali. Of course, this is just an estimate and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific travel plans.
To have official or legal wedding in Bali is possible almost for all couples. Legal wedding registration in Bali is not expensive and procedure is quite clear and simple. Possessing both Religious and Civil (or Legal) wedding ceremonies in Bali is recognized as legal by most of foreign countries.
While Bali can be a very inexpensive place to live (as compared to many Western countries) if you are living humbly, eating local foods, and enjoying nature as your entertainment, it can be equally just as expensive (if not more) than the cost of living in your home country if you want to live the luxury lifestyle.