A TOURIST was fined $50 after being accused of wearing a tiny bikini which was “just a string” while on holiday at Boracay beach.
The female traveller was reported to the police after being spotted in the skimpy swimwear at the popular holiday destination.
The female tourist, from Taiwan, was with her boyfriend when she was caught wearing the bikini on the island of Boracay, south of Manila in the Philippines.
According to Boracay Inter-Agency Management and Rehabilitation Group’s (BIAMRG) Natividad Bernardino, the hotel had told them it was inappropriate, reported the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
However, she failed to apologize and explained it was a “form of art,” continuing to wear it.
The woman was then reported to the police and while there are no laws for wearing indecent clothing, she was fined PHP2,500 (£40) for “erotic and lewd photographs”.
Malay police chief, Major Jess Baylon said she was reported because the bikini was “literally just string”.
He told PNA: “We have taken this action for other tourists not to follow.”
While hotels and resorts have certain protocols in place, warning tourists on the unofficial dress code, Major Baylon said it was an “an eye-opener for resort owners to brief guests to dress appropriately”.
He added that the protocol was “not very extensive” which is why visitors continue to break the rules.
Officials warned tourists to “respect the country’s culture and tradition”.
A woman in Venice was fined £225 for sunbathing in her bikini in the city.
Tourists in Bali have also been warned not to wear bikinis at sacred temples as it is “disrespectful”.
The inventor of the bikini once said it has to be “pulled through a wedding ring” to be classed a bikini.
