“I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,” Governor Wayan Koster stated, as quoted by the New York Post.

The regulation is part of guidelines introduced in an effort to curb misbehavior and improve the island’s image.

Under the new rules, women are prohibited from entering Balinese temples while on their period, based on the belief that menstrual blood is “dirty” and could “make the temple impure,” Visit Bali reported.

However, officials have not clarified how they intend to enforce this rule or check if a woman is menstruating, according to Metro.

While some tourists have expressed support for the measure, others have raised concerns.

“Their country, their rules. Good for Bali,” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“It’s not a new practice. Before entering the temple, they tie a yellow sash around every woman and ask if she is on her period, as it is forbidden in their culture. When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” another commented.

However, some netizens described the rule as “very funny.”

Bali was named Asia’s most beautiful island at this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards by DestinAsian magazine.

In October last year, the island received the same accolade from readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

Bali welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and expects 6.5 million this year.