Australian school leavers have been warned to brush up on local laws on a popular resort island to avoid getting into trouble amid graduation festivities.
In a matter of weeks, secondary school exams will come to an end across Australia and Year 12 students are looking to relax after months of grueling study.
Hot spots for ‘Schoolies’ include the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, which are preparing for the traditional influx of partygoers, but many young Australians are also expected to travel further afield and celebrate in Bali, Indonesia.
With more than 8,000 new Australian graduates expected to arrive on the island, travel experts have warned to be aware of the island’s lesser-known rules to ensure their trip is hassle-free.
Insure&Go travel insurer David Mayo said school leavers should remember local drinking laws while on the island and they are not the same as those in Australia.
“I think many don’t realize some of the legal risks they face when drinking while traveling abroad, given that the minimum drinking age in Bali is 21,” he said. yahoo.
He said that while the country is a magnet for Western tourists, travelers should educate themselves about the dangers before flying.
‘Bali has its own set of dangers. Whether it’s protecting yourself from tropical heat and dengue-carrying mosquitoes or dealing with cheeky monkeys stealing belongings, you have to be prepared,” said Mr Mayo.
Australians holidaying in Bali should remember the local rules when it comes to motorbikes.
Travel insurer warned Bali drinking age is 21 ahead of Australian school season
He also suggested that school dropouts not use motorcycles when looking for transportation options around the island.
“While it seems like a convenient and fun way to get around, students can get caught out because they don’t realize that their insurance might not cover them unless they have the proper license and wear a helmet.”
Earlier this month, Indonesia announced a crackdown on tourists who overstay their holiday visas.
Its Immigration Department launched Operation Jagratara, which saw 125 officers deployed to Bali to catch tourists breaking visa conditions and broader laws generally.
Crimes that would previously have seen tourists jailed for six months to a year will now be punished by ten years or up to a maximum of 20 years behind bars.
Earlier this month, Bali sent about 125 officers to monitor the behavior of tourists on the island.
Drinking alcohol is frowned upon in most of Indonesia, but it’s big business in Bali (file image)
Australia’s school leavers are flocking to a number of idyllic destinations including Byron Bay, Bali and the Gold Coast.
Earlier this year, Bali Governor Wayan Koster attempted 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,” the sign read.
Tourists must remember to wear a helmet whenever riding a motorcycle, with a fine of approximately $25 for failure to comply.
The tourist office also asked travelers to “avoid drunk and indecent behavior in public,” adding that “some countries are getting a bad reputation for this.”
It also warned tourists not to wear revealing clothing or share objectionable posts on social media.
“Do not post offensive and vulgar photos on social media… Limit skimpy beachwear to appropriate locations.”
While 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 working without the proper visa are “strictly prohibited” and said undercover immigration agents are working to catch defaulters.