There are new rules banning tourists from taking photos at certain times at an iconic and sacred site in Bali that foreigners flock to for its beauty.
Tanah Lot Temple in Tabanan is one of, if not the most, photographed temples on the Indonesian island.
It sits on a large offshore rock and is known for having stunning sunsets. Visitors can walk to the temple at low tide.
But when the tide is high and the waves are rough, tourists will now be banned from taking risky photos on rocky locations around the temple due to safety concerns.
AKP I Nyoman Artadana, head of the water and air police unit in Tabanan, said the waves became very dangerous last weekend at 1 to 1.5 meters high, prompting the new rules, according to The Bali Sun.
“We have advised tourists not to take selfies near the waves and not to get close to the shoreline to the north of Tanah Lot Temple,” he told local media.
He said the new rules would be enforced by all tourism teams at the temple including lifeguards, temple security staff, and pecalang (village security) when the waves were rough.
Thanah Lot Temple is more than a popular tourist spot, it is a place of worship used by Balinese Hindus to worship the guardian gods of the sea.
According to the Thanah Lot website, an entry ticket costs $6 for foreigners and $2 for Indonesians.
There has been many changes for tourists in Bali this year. The way authorities are dealing with foreigners is changing and Australians have been warned they must be prepared.
This includes knowing the local laws and customs to avoid hefty fines or being kicked out of the country.
In the first three months of the year, 620 foreigners were deported from Indonesia, according to the director general of immigration.
Hotel workers are being instructed to educate foreign guests on what they can and can’t do, and there is an official campaign cracking down on unruly behaviour with large billboards expected to be installed.
There has been talk of imposing a tax on tourists and Bali’s governor has flagged a proposed ban on tourists using motorbikes.
He also requested changes that mean Russian and Ukrainian tourists would no longer be allowed to get a visa on arrival in Indonesia.