LGBT+ travel

Bali & Indonesia for LGBT+ travellers

Bali & Indonesia travel photo — Bali & Indonesia · photo from the Waymark library

BaliLegal, but conservative attitudesChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 18 September 2026

Bali is relaxed and has a visible gay scene. Aceh enforces Sharia law, which criminalises same-sex activity with public caning, even for non-Muslims. The FCDO also reports arrests at LGBT+ events elsewhere in Indonesia, and advises caution and discretion in public.

Legal and broadly accepted
Legal, but conservative attitudes
Illegal or prosecuted
Illegal; death penalty possible

RatingLegal, but conservative attitudes

Official advice updated18 September 2026

Areas covered4 on this page

Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country, but it is enormously varied. Hindu Bali has built its economy on tourism and has long welcomed LGBT+ visitors. The national picture has tightened, though. Indonesia's new criminal code penalises sex and cohabitation outside marriage if a close family member complains. In practice that makes complaints against tourists unlikely, but not impossible.

Island by island

Bali: SeminyakLegal, but conservative attitudes
Bali's gay bar strip is on Jalan Camplung Tanduk. Gay-friendly villas are common.
Gili Islands & LombokIllegal or prosecuted
More conservative Muslim islands. Keep a low profile.
Jakarta & JavaIllegal or prosecuted
The FCDO reports police raids on LGBT+ events. Be discreet.
AcehIllegal; death penalty possible
Sharia law applies to everyone. Same-sex activity is punishable by caning, prison or a fine.

Before you go

Stay in Bali if you want a relaxed trip.
Avoid travel to Aceh as an LGBT+ couple.
Watch for spiked drinks and methanol, which the FCDO flags in Bali.

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Bali & Indonesia

Stay and do

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Questions people ask

Is Bali gay friendly?

Bali is the most LGBT+-friendly part of Indonesia, with an open scene in Seminyak. Indonesian law is tightening, so keep affection low-key outside gay venues.

Is it illegal to be gay in Indonesia?

Not nationally, but Aceh province enforces Sharia law with public caning, even for non-Muslims. The FCDO also reports arrests at LGBT+ events elsewhere.

Is Seminyak gay friendly?

Seminyak has Bali's most visible gay scene, with bars and clubs. Discretion is still sensible outside venues.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.