In Bali, as in any other part of the world, there are no limits to how hard you can party, and a wild night can quickly turn bad when enjoying Bali’s nightlife.
Bali is a rather tolerant the Balinese are very friendly and welcoming. Bali Tourists can enjoy being who they want to be without being harrassed or judged which some abuse by being a “little bit too carefree”.
If you are not careful, a night out in Bali may quickly go bad and if you let your guard down and indulge in some unhealthy behaviors and illegal practices.
Sex & Prostitution in Bali – The Bali Prostitutes
In Bali’s discos, clubs, bars, and even pubs, you’ll see young local girls, “kupu kupu malam” (working girls often coming from poorer rural areas of Java), the “night butterflies”.
At least in the south of Bali, taxi drivers, security guards, and street vendors will know where the popular karaoke bars and massage parlors are in Kuta, Legian, and Denpasar, as well as the “Houses of ill Repute” in the narrow back lanes.
The dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, IndonesianCupid are often used by prostitutes to find new clients online.
Massage parlors that offer Plus and Plus Plus services are now often run online and offer outcall massage services, where the “therapist” comes to your hotel or villa giving you more service than what is advertised BUT….
Don’t engage in Prostitution in Bali – it is illegal
Actually, prostitution is illegal in Indonesia. Yet, it still exists of course. It is also a big business like in almost any other popular tourism destination in the world. So also in Bali, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye, and tourists aren’t the only ones looking for some action, domestic tourists from all over Indonesia come to Bali to “party”.
Regular customers of massage parlors in Indonesia, especially the rich and wealthy, tend to request what is known as a “happy ending” or “plus services” massage. That’s why establishments who do not offer these sex services do calal themselves Day Spa or Family Spa.
Sometimes, police will raid these clubs and plus-plus massage parlours. And when they do, they will make an example of everyone, and show no mercy to the owners, managers, workers and the clients, whether you are a foreigner or not. The law will slap you.
Even though it is against the law, prostitution is common, so tourists should be wary of anyone who offers their services. Locals who are too helpful and offer rides, Viagra, and other things to tourists under the false illusion of wanting to “help” should be avoided by tourists. Keep your guard up, or you might be conned into purchasing something illegal.
Respect the Local Customs and the Balinese Culture
We read about it in the headlines every day: “Drunk Tourist Urinates on Sacred Temple,” “Angry Tourists Attack Local,” “Tourists Party Loud Till 4am,” ” Intoxicated Tourists Race Scooters Into Canggu’s Ditches,” or “Tourist Poses Naked on Sacred Tree.
As we said, even though Bali is very open-minded and the Balinese have a lot of patience with tourists, Indonesia is still a conservative country. People from other places should be respectful of the locals and their culture and the local government is becoming more strict when it comes to misbehaving tourists.
Official Guide to How to Behave in Bali
Just Say No to Drugs In Bali – be smart!
In Indonesia, using or trafficking drugs is similar to playing Russian roulette. If you choose to use them, you may end up in a big mess so to speak.
Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Indonesia, and foreigners who are caught are either imprisoned or might even be sentenced to death.
Although the death penalty is only used in extreme cases, it is frequently used against some drug traffickers. In 2021, Indonesia imposed the most confirmed death sentences for drug offenses, with 89. Seven of them were foreign nationals.
More than half of Indonesia’s hundreds of people on death row are there because of drug crimes. This makes Indonesia, along with Iran and Saudi Arabia, one of the most dangerous places in the world to possess or sell drugs.
However, people continue to sell drugs in Bali, sometimes even in broad daylight, in the Kuta and Legian backstreets (and not to forget Gili Trawangan). Tourists can buy marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, mushrooms, or whatever they want. We’ve already given you the reasons why partaking in that game is risky. Don’t believe it’s safe to buy and use drugs just because a security guard is openly selling them or because many people are taking them right in front of you.
Too many young tourists in Bali and the Gilis lose everything to drugs: their money, passports, credit cards, sense of reason, control of their motorbikes, health, and sometimes worse.
Stay alert. What might seem like a good time at first might easily turn into an issue or a demand for money. Although everything is pretty clear, even the most clueless tourists will know what they’re getting into. Some are cleverer than others. Don’t let your emotions control your decisions and instead rely on your common sense and good judgment.
You Never Know when the police will come for you
The cases of Schapelle Corby and the Bali Nine made it clear that authorities would not hesitate to crack down on drug trafficking harshly. Many nightclubs are subject to frequent, unpredictable police raids.
There’s no telling who’s watching or if there are any ongoing investigations, so this could be a bad idea.
Drinking and Driving in Bali is No Bueno!
“Don’t drink and drive.” is a common phrase that continues to be ignored despite the fact that hundreds of visitors to Bali are injured or killed each year riding motorbikes. In Bali, one of the worst things you can do is get on a scooter while intoxicated or high on drugs whether you cause an accident or not. Scootering or motorcycling alone in Bali is risky in and of itself. Inexperienced drivers, stray dogs, potholes, ditches, darkness, and who knows what else populate the highways. Drunken visitors are the last thing Bali needs.
Petty Thieves and Con Artists
Even though about 5 million people from other countries and 8 million people from Bali visit each year, the crime rate is low. Most people who come to Bali say that they feel and experience a very high level of safety while they are here. But you shouldn’t forget about your own safety, especially in Kuta, where drunk people at parties are easy targets. Stay with your close friends and be careful by setting limits.
