A Ukrainian woman and a Russian man working as hair stylists at a salon in Tibubeneng, Badung, have been deported from Bali after immigration authorities found they were working outside the scope of their residence permits. The Russian man was also working as a freelance DJ. Both have been proposed for a five-year entry ban.
Things to Consider: Remote Worker visas (ITAS Remote Worker) are strictly for remote work on behalf of an overseas employer and do not permit direct paid work at local businesses such as salons, bars, or event venues in Bali. Employment-based ITAS holders must also ensure their actual job duties match what was declared by their sponsoring company. Anyone considering side jobs or freelance work (e.g., DJing, styling) should verify in advance with immigration authorities or a licensed visa agent whether such activity is permitted under their current visa category, as violations can result in deportation and a five-year entry ban.
Badung Regency in Bali is studying a plan to build a 2.4-kilometer underground tunnel as an alternative solution to chronic traffic congestion along the Gatsu Barat–Kerobokan–Canggu corridor. The proposal is still at the concept and feasibility-study stage, with no confirmed construction timeline.
Bali's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office deported 17 foreign nationals between September 8 and 18, 2026, following a routine immigration patrol. Ten were cited for disturbing public order under Article 75 of the Immigration Law, while seven others were deported for overstaying their visas by more than 60 days under Article 78. Australians made up the largest group among those cited for order violations.
US couple Shane and Sherry Peterson sold their home and business at age 55 to start a nomadic life around the world, beginning in Bali. They rented a pool villa there for about $900 a month and adapted to local life by shopping at markets and renting motorbikes. Over roughly three years, they have visited more than 10 countries while keeping their monthly budget under $3,000.
An Iranian man (25) was beaten by a group of people at a restaurant in Seminyak, Badung Regency, Bali, after he confronted a man who was harassing his wife. The victim suffered facial and head injuries, and police are investigating, though no suspects have been arrested yet.
Three environmental organizations in Bali have called for a moratorium and review of tourism development due to ecological pressure. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism dismissed concerns over a rise in hotel property listings for sale, stating that foreign tourist arrivals to Bali actually grew by 15.34%.
Indonesian listed company PT Bukit Uluwatu Villa (BUVA) has taken an indirect stake in the operator of Zumana, a new beachfront lifestyle complex at Sunset Bay, Kuta, expanding its presence in Bali's entertainment sector. Zumana soft-opened on August 19, 2026, with an official grand opening event scheduled for September 25-26.
Saka Museum at AYANA Bali in Jimbaran is hosting the exhibition 'KAMASAN: The Noble Tradition of Balinese Painting' from August 28, 2026 to May 30, 2027, featuring over 30 works spanning the 16th-century origins of the Kamasan style to contemporary reinterpretations.
Bali's Tourism Office held a webinar for 818 civil servants across regencies and cities to strengthen understanding of the Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA), its purpose and mechanism. As of September 20, 2026, PWA collections reached Rp289 billion, though only 65 of about 150 registered payment points are currently active.
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is promoting 'slow travel' through quieter Bali destinations including Ubud, Sanur, Sidemen, and Jatiluwih, aiming to offer visitors deeper cultural and natural experiences as part of sustainable tourism efforts.
The Bali branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) has called on the government to be cautious of property speculators taking advantage of a wave of hotel sales across Bali. The trend, driven by global geopolitical pressure, weaker consumer spending, and currency fluctuations, is reportedly widespread in most tourism areas except Sanur.
The chairman of Bali's Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) said Bali's tourism sector is shifting focus from quantitative metrics like visitor numbers and hotel occupancy to quality-based, more inclusive and sustainable tourism that benefits local communities. The statement was made at an international conference at Bali State Polytechnic in Badung regency.
A video showing an alleged hypnosis scam in Tabanan went viral on social media, prompting a public tip that led Kuta Police to arrest two Iranian nationals hiding at a hotel in Kuta. Since the crimes occurred in Tabanan, the suspects have been handed over to Tabanan Police, who are still investigating the total losses and possible additional crime scenes.
UK media outlet Time Out has included Bali's Ungasan Cliffside Resort in its list of the world's 33 most beautiful hotels, published in late August. The list, based on views, interiors and architecture, also features properties such as an Irish castle and the Four Seasons Florence.
Hundreds of hotels across Badung, Tabanan, Gianyar, and Karangasem in Bali are being offered for sale through online property platforms such as Lamudi and OLX, with prices reaching into the tens of billions of rupiah. Bali's hotel association (PHRI) says low occupancy rates, shareholder decisions, and operational difficulties are among the factors, while also raising concerns about the broader tourism economy.
The Batu Lumbang Mangrove Ecotourism site in Denpasar is being developed as a nature and environmental education destination. Supported by PLN Indonesia Power, the site now attracts more than 100 visitors per day.
On April 15, 2025, Bali's provincial council passed a revision to the regulation governing the foreign tourist levy (PWA), expanding exemption categories, fund usage, and administrative sanctions for non-payment. Implementation is targeted for May 2025, with direct implications for foreign visitors.
A record 47 Indonesian hotels and resorts have been included in the Michelin Keys 2026 list, up sharply from 33 the previous year, making Indonesia the second-ranked country in Southeast Asia after Thailand. Many Bali properties, including Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, were among the top-rated hotels, which Indonesia's Tourism Minister said reflects the growing quality of the country's hospitality industry.
On September 20, 2026, hundreds of runners participated in the Sudaji Peace Trail Fun Run in Sudaji Village, Sawan District, Buleleng Regency, Bali. The event combined trail running through rice paddies with organic farming experiences and a local small business market, aiming to promote community-based, sustainable tourism.
On September 20, 2026, the 63rd International Association of Women Police (IAWP) conference opened in Nusa Dua, Bali, gathering over 500 delegates from 43 countries. Indonesia's National Police Chief presided over the opening ceremony, with the event running through September 24. Direct impact on tourists and residents is expected to be minimal.
A traditional salt farmer in Belatung Village, Klungkung, Bali, is producing 8 kg of organic sea salt per day thanks to faster drying in the dry season. The salt is popular with hotels and foreign tourists, especially Japanese visitors.