Aussie school leavers have been warned to brush up on a popular tourist island’s local laws to stay out of trouble amid graduation.
In a few weeks, high school exams will come to an end across Australia and year 12 students will be looking to let their hair down after months of grueling studies.
Hotspots for ‘Schoolies’ include the Gold Coast and Byron Bayboth of which are preparing for the traditional influx of partygoers, but many young Aussies are also expected to travel further afield and celebrate in Bali, Indonesia.
With more than 8,000 new Aussie graduates expected to hit the island, travel experts have warned to keep the island’s lesser-known rules in mind to make sure their trip is hassle-free,
Travel insurer at Insure&Go David Mayo said school leavers should remember the local drinking laws while on the island and that they are not the same as Australia.
‘I think many don’t fully realize some of the legal risks they face when drinking while traveling overseas, given Bali’s alcohol consumption minimum age is 21,’ he said Yahoo.
He said that while the country is a magnet for Western tourists, travelers should read up on the dangers before flying.
‘Bali has its own set of dangers. Whether it’s protecting against the tropical heat and dengue-carrying mosquitoes, or dealing with cheeky property-grabbing monkeys, be prepared,’ Mr Mayo said.
Aussies on holiday in Bali should remember the local rules when it comes to motorbikes
One travel insurer warned Bali’s drinking age is 21 ahead of school season in Australia
He also suggested that school leavers stay off motorbikes when looking for transport options around the island.
“Although it seems like a convenient and fun way to get around, school kids can be 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 Department of Immigration launched Operation Jagratara which saw 125 officers deployed across Bali to apprehend tourists who breached visa conditions and wider laws in general.
Crimes that would previously have sent tourists six months to a year in prison will now be punishable by ten years or up to a maximum of 20 years behind bars.
Earlier this month, Bali unleashed around 125 officers to monitor tourists’ behavior on the island
Drinking alcohol is frowned upon in most of Indonesia, but is big business in Bali (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, the governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, tried to introduce powers to crack down on ‘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 reads.
Tourists must remember to wear helmets when riding motorcycles, with a fine of around $25 the cost of non-compliance.
The tourist board also asked travelers to ‘avoid drunken and immoral behavior in public’, adding, ‘some countries get a bad reputation for this’.
It also warned tourists against wearing revealing clothing or sharing posts on social media.
“Do not post offensive, vulgar images on social media … Limit skimpy beach wear to appropriate locations.”
While Bali is more relaxed than other parts of Indonesia, the country is still highly conservative and predominantly Muslim.
The Bali Tourism Board also warned that long-term travelers working without the appropriate visa are “strictly prohibited” and said undercover immigration officials were working to catch non-compliers.
