WanderSafe — LGBTQ+ Travel Safety

Bali, Indonesia

Exercise Caution

Bali's Hindu-majority culture is more tolerant than other Indonesian islands, and tourist areas like Seminyak have operated LGBTQ+ venues for decades with minimal incident for discreet foreign visitors. However, Indonesia's 2025 Criminal Code creates new legal uncertainty — same-sex relations between unmarried partners are now technically criminalized nationwide, including Bali. The practical risk in Seminyak tourist areas remains low, but the legal situation has materially changed and should be understood before travel.

Data sources: ILGA World 2025

Indonesia's legal framework is hostile to LGBTQ+ relationships. The revised Criminal Code (RKUHP, enacted 2025) is the most significant legal change: it criminalizes cohabitation outside of marriage and extramarital sex — provisions that are applied to same-sex couples who cannot legally marry. Same-sex cohabitation is now explicitly illegal nationwide, including Bali. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. Bali has no separate legal protections; Indonesian national law applies.

Same-sex marriage
banned
Not recognized anywhere in Indonesia. Marriage is legally defined as between a man and a woman.
Same-sex relationships
banned
2025 Criminal Code criminalizes cohabitation outside marriage and extramarital sex. Applies nationwide including Bali.
Anti-discrimination protections
banned
No national protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Legal gender recognition
banned
No legal pathway for gender marker changes.
Adoption by same-sex couples
banned
Not permitted.
LGBTQ+ organizations
partial
Technically permitted but face increasing pressure. Komnas HAM (national human rights commission) has limited LGBTQ+ protections.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services (Indonesia)
112
Bali Police
+62 361-224111
Rainbow Railroad
· www.rainbowrailroad.org
STEP — Smart Traveler Enrollment
· step.state.gov
US Embassy Jakarta
+62 21-5083-1000 · id.usembassy.gov

Identity-Specific Guidance

Trans Women

Trans Men

Gay Men

Lesbian & Bi Women

Nonbinary Travelers