Sun, Sea, Sand… But No Sex in Bali?

Sun, sea, sand and sex... there is nothing that gets Aussies hotter under the collar and in the mood than when they are on holiday.

But, for loved up couples heading to Bali, this could all be about to change. Indonesia is extremely popular, with about 1.18 million Australians booking flights to go here each year. The majority heading to this beautiful island known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world and ideal for honeymoons.

But now a law has been proposed that would ban sex before marriage with those being caught facing up to a year in prison.

This could be an issue for Aussies who according to Durex's Great Aussie Sex Survey, holidays are the most common occasion for them to have sex.

Sex & Relationship Expert, Annabelle Knight explains: "Essentially our sex lives get a bit of a boost when we go away, especially to hot countries where we might have a little less clothing on and a little more skin on show. From a psychological standpoint we tend to be more relaxed on holiday and in a stress free and positive state of mind, which can have a positive effect on libido and desire."

Despite the fact the law has since been delayed, the Australian government has still posted a warning to tourists. Its Smarter Traveller site stated: "The Indonesian Parliament recently considered revising the Criminal Code... A revised Criminal Code could have implications for foreign residents and visitors, including tourists."

The law has been delayed but not before holidaymakers started cancelling their flights and accommodation, rearranging their trips for fear of being arrested.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Australian Elizabeth Travers, who runs about 30 villas on the island, said: "The law has not even changed yet and I have already received cancellations. One client said they no longer trust coming to Bali because they are not married."

She added: "I have traded through two bombings and multiple nature disasters and think that if the central government is serious about enforcing such laws, the tourism industry would be destroyed and trigger the end of life in Bali as we know it."

The delay has come after a backlash from both travellers and local businesses - especially given than tourists contribute the most to the economy and this could have a huge impact if they are to stay away. This is just one of several controversial laws to be proposed - on an island that is known for already having quite strict laws - and a petition was set up which received more than a million supporters.

Human Rights Watch also intervened, stating: "The current bill contains articles that will violate the rights of women, religious minorities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, as well as freedom of speech and association."

While the delay is a positive sign, if these laws were to come in it would take around two years for them to come into effect. So, what could this mean for your future holiday and do you really need to be cancelling a once in a lifetime trip?

The UAE is a country that already has very strict laws around how you can behave with your significant other. The Dubai code states: "Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency."

In 2017, Jamie Harron from Scotland, was arrested for public indecency in the UAE because he touched a man's hip in a bar. It cost him £32,000 in legal fees and three months in jail (although he was out after 24 hours). A couple hit the headlines for kissing in a restaurant, receiving a month in jail while another were found having sex on the beach, receiving a prison sentence not only for indecent behaviour but sex outside marriage.

So, what is it really like to go to a destination where there are laws around how you can behave with your significant other?

Chelle Shohet, who has been to Dubai with her partner Jon 10 times before they were married and seven times after they tied the knot, said she was wary the first time she visited: "On the first trip I was unsure as to what we could and couldn't do so I read up on it and was cautious and paid attention to our surroundings."

When it comes to the laws she said: "It all depends on if you are respectful and discreet.

If you are loud brash and flaunt the rules and a native Dubai person takes offence then yes the rules are strict and severe."

Chelle confirms that there are various things you can't do: "Don't kiss especially snog in public. Don't be overly touchy and feely and physically affectionate in public." But, she added: "You can get a room together unmarried in the international hotels and you can hold hands and or link arms."

She adds that she's been quizzed on this topic regularly and thinks some people are put off by concerns over cultural clashes. However, says: "We felt very comfortable and happy to go there repeatedly even taking family (including unmarried family) with us."

Chelle recalls only one time when it was an issue. She became ill during a trip to Dubai and had to have emergency surgery in the 'women and children's hospital'. She was in intensive care post surgery for four days before being put on a women's gynaecologist ward with other local residents of Dubai and explained: "I was very seriously ill and would have died had the doctors not acted so quickly. My then partner - now husband - was with me and had to wait outside. He said he did feel at that point that he couldn't argue or demand answers as he was aware it was a women's hospital and he didn't want the fact we were not married to become an issue. But ultimately we were very grateful for the amazing treatment and support I received."

Speaking of the proposed law in Bali, Chelle said: "I do not think in this day and age this will be popular or practical. I think it will be something that - like the hotels in Dubai have done - Bali will find ways around the rules in order to maintain the tourism."

So, whether this law is approved or not, don't let it put you off visiting this breathtaking destination - respect all the laws and customs and you'll have once-in-a-lifetime experiences, without fear of your trip ending in a prison cell.