Bali and Indonesia: drugs, methanol and the criminal code, a couples guide

Bali has everything for a couples' escape: rice terraces, temples, beaches and hospitality you can feel. But Indonesia is a country with its own laws, specific risks and a renewed criminal code. This guide summarises what the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice, safety and health pages, consulted in November 2026, says. It is not exhaustive and does not replace your own country's advice: what applies to you depends on your nationality.

Drugs: zero tolerance, in Bali too

Possessing, using, making or trafficking drugs is a serious crime under a zero-tolerance policy, with long prison sentences or the death penalty. The advice stresses that all cannabis products are illegal, including medicinal cannabis, CBD, THC, hash and edibles, in any form. Police may require urine or blood tests if they suspect use, and a positive result leads to arrest. It also warns that some venues offer drugs as free samples and that raids on places popular with foreigners are frequent, especially in Bali. Turn down any offer, however innocent it seems.

The new criminal code: cohabitation and sex outside marriage

The advice states that, under the new criminal code, cohabitation and sex outside marriage carry penalties if certain close family members of either party file a complaint. It is not a risk that affects most tourists, and it depends on a family complaint, but it is something every couple should know before booking. Check your own country's advice, which may detail how it applies to foreigners.

Adulterated alcohol: the invisible danger

Counterfeit alcohol containing methanol has caused deaths and serious illness in Indonesia, even in drinks bought at licensed bars, shops and hotels in tourist areas. Methanol cannot be detected by taste or smell. If you or your partner show symptoms after drinking, seek urgent medical help. Practical tips: be wary of prices that are too low, ask for sealed branded drinks and avoid cocktails of doubtful origin. The advice also reminds you that bar drinks can be stronger than at home.

Personal safety

The FCDO describes high rates of reported rape and sexual assault in Bali and Lombok, and drink spiking linked to sexual assault in Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. Tourists have also been assaulted or robbed after going to a room with strangers. Sensible measures: do not leave your glass unattended, do not accept drinks from strangers, do not go to rooms with people you have just met, share your location with your partner or someone you trust and travel back by reliable transport.

Theft, scams and money

Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common in busy tourist areas, especially in Bali. The advice describes card scams (including fake ATM phone numbers), unlicensed money changers who short-change customers (use only offices showing the Bank of Indonesia logo and a QR code) and tattoo, nail and spa scams in Bali: always agree the price in advance.

Traffic and motorbikes

In Bali road discipline is poor and motorbike accidents, some fatal, have risen sharply. Wear a good-quality helmet. UK licences are not valid and an international permit is required. After an accident, even a minor one, a foreigner may face attempts at extortion: wait for police at the scene.

Nature and calendar

Earthquakes are regular and a tsunami can reach shore within minutes of a quake or coastal landslide; the advice recommends the BMKG alert app and always following the authorities' instructions. Volcanoes can erupt without warning, with exclusion zones that change quickly and ash that can affect flights and air quality. During Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, there is a day of silence with lights off, people at home and the international airport closed; hospitals and emergency services keep running. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in daytime, and do not play loud music or dance in the street.

Health

Check vaccinations at least eight weeks ahead. Dengue and malaria are listed among the health risks; tap water is unsafe; there are street dogs in Bali and the rabies risk means seeking immediate medical care after any bite or scratch. Some medicines may have a different legal status in Indonesia. The advice warns that a medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of pounds: take out insurance with medical and repatriation cover.

Other useful rules

Buying, selling or capturing protected wildlife or its parts without a licence is illegal. In Aceh, Sharia law applies, banning alcohol, gambling and sex outside marriage with punishments such as public caning; police have arrested people at LGBT+ events elsewhere in the country. It is one more reason to check your country's advice before choosing an itinerary.

And couples' venues

We list no lifestyle venues in Bali or Indonesia: we could not verify any with a live official website and a checkable policy, and the legal framework described calls for caution. For the inspiring side of the trip, read our Bali for couples page, and for regional context, the Singapore guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy cannabis or CBD for personal use? No: the advice describes it as illegal in any form, including CBD and edibles.

How do I avoid methanol? Be wary of very low prices, choose sealed branded drinks and, if symptoms appear after drinking, seek urgent medical help.

What should I do after a motorbike accident? Wait for police at the scene and do not pay or sign anything under pressure; contact your insurer and your consulate.