LGBTQIA+ in Bali

As a mostly Muslim country, Indonesia's culture is quite conservative. Although homosexuality is legal in most parts of the country, there is still political tension and revisions to the country's criminal code are currently being considered which could potentially criminalize gay sex and same-sex relationships. If these laws were passed, many advocacy groups fear it would result in a huge setback to human rights and equality. The LGBTQIA+ community in Indonesia has also been known to be targeted and harassed by police. There is increasing pressure being placed on the Indonesian government on moral issues, and in the past few years, public figures and politicians have been using anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric as a means to win votes.  Gay dating apps and media portraying queer behaviour as “normal” have also been banned. Same-sex marriage, civil partnerships, and adoption are all illegal, and the lack of anti-discrimination laws means that discrimination and attacks against the queer community regularly go unpunished.

Bali is predominantly Hindu and has always been more liberal and accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community. That said, sex is a taboo subject in society and public displays of affection are still frowned upon for couples – whether they're straight or queer. It's unlikely that the issue of sexuality will come about while travelling here, but it's best to use discretion when in doubt. When it comes to room sharing for LGBTQIA+ travellers, it's unlikely big hotels will have any issues with same-sex travellers sharing a bed. However, if you're staying at a small, family-run guest house or homestay and are allocated separate beds, you might feel more comfortable not drawing attention to your relationship – though Balinese locals are generally very warm and welcoming towards travellers. 

There are quite a few queer-friendly bars, restaurants and resorts in Bali, and also an (unofficial) gay strip on Jalan Camplung Tanduk Road in Seminyak at the southern end of the island. Here you'll find a number of trendy gay bars, restaurants, drag shows and queer-friendly beach bars. Outside of Bali it can be harder to find queer-friendly establishments. 

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a traveller of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know when you're booking your trip and we’ll arrange the rooming accordingly. There is also the option to book your own room on some tours if you don't wish to share a room.