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.
On August 31, 2026, six volcanoes across Indonesia—Mount Ibu, Mount Semeru, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, Mount Ili Lewotolok, Anak Krakatau, and Mount Sinabung—erupted on the same day. Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) stated these eruptions were independent events with no evidence of a shared triggering mechanism. None of the volcanoes are located in Bali, but the simultaneous activity could affect domestic flights and travel routes across Indonesia.
The body of a 44-year-old Polish tourist who went missing at Tembles Beach in Jembrana, Bali, was found after a three-day search, roughly 7.5 km away at Yeh Kuning Beach. The search began after his motorbike and belongings were found abandoned on the shore, indicating he had been swept away by a rip current.
Minikino Film Week 12, Bali's international short film festival, will run September 11-18, 2026, centered in Denpasar. From 1,454 international submissions, 122 films from 60 countries were selected, with the full programme reaching 202 shorts across 42 screening programmes.
Swarga Suites Bali Berawa, an all-suite beachfront hotel along Berawa Beach, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The property has grown alongside the rapidly developing Berawa area, expanding its dining, wellness, and leisure offerings while maintaining its tropical beachfront identity.
According to Bali's statistics agency (BPS), foreign tourist arrivals to Bali reached 697,809 in July 2026, up 15.34% from 604,962 in June. The increase is attributed to holiday seasons starting in key source countries including Australia, China, South Korea, and Europe. Australia remains the largest source market.
A popular Bali-based running club, Entourage Bali, came under fire after allegations of discrimination against local applicants and noise complaints from its 'silent disco run' events in Canggu. Indonesian immigration authorities banned two Dutch nationals linked to the club from re-entering the country, amid a broader trend of stricter enforcement against foreigners in Bali and rising deportation numbers.
Bali Interfood 2026, an international F&B and hospitality trade exhibition, opened on September 2 at BNDCC in Nusa Dua, Bali. The three-day event features 110 exhibitors from eight countries, including 35 small businesses, with an expected 15,000 visitors, alongside gelato competitions, wine pairings, and culinary workshops.
Malaysia's AirAsia has announced its first codeshare partnership with Turkey's Pegasus Airlines, allowing Southeast Asian travelers, including those from Indonesia, easier access to five European destinations via Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul. The partnership will eventually cover over 100 routes between Asia and Europe.
Indonesian immigration authorities in Tabanan, Bali, apprehended a Nigerian national who had overstayed his visa for eight years. The man attempted to flee during questioning but was caught with the help of local police and community security. He is now held at the Denpasar immigration detention center pending deportation.
The Mount Rinjani National Park authority in West Nusa Tenggara has restricted climbing activities starting September 1, 2026, to prevent forest and land fires. Existing paid bookings remain valid, but new online reservations are temporarily suspended. The overall trekking quota has not been reduced.
Lombok Island, located just east of Bali, is gaining attention as an alternative destination amid Bali's overtourism issues like traffic congestion and rising costs. It offers clear-water snorkeling, the Gili Islands, and diverse areas like Senggigi and Kuta, though local transportation has some unique restrictions travelers should know about.
Indonesia's immigration authority is modernizing border and entry control through a 'digital fence' program using AI, drones, and facial recognition technology. Facial recognition has already been implemented for immigration checks at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, and a new immigration service point for foreigners has opened in a Kuta shopping mall.
Bali's economy grew 5.78% year-on-year in Q2 2026, but an economist from Warmadewa University warns that growth driven by hotels, villa construction and property investment does not automatically translate into higher purchasing power for local residents, as rising land prices and living costs offset wage gains.
On September 1, 2026, Bali Province, Badung Regency, and state railway operator PT KAI signed an MoU to develop a battery-powered tram connecting Ngurah Rai International Airport to Canggu. The project aims to ease severe traffic congestion, with partial operations targeted for 2028 and full commercial service by 2029.
On September 1, 2026, the Bali Provincial Government, Badung Regency, and Indonesian Railway Company (KAI) signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a tram line connecting Ngurah Rai Airport, Kuta, Legian, and Canggu. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion in southern Bali and is planned for phased opening in 2028 and 2031.
Japanese TV personality Erina Arai shared details of a three-generation family trip to Bali with her one- and two-year-old children on social media. Her post highlights practical tips on food and water precautions as well as effective use of hotel facilities, offering useful guidance for other travelers visiting Bali with young children.
PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto has called for a review of the proposed North Bali International Airport, warning that speculative land buying is already occurring despite the project remaining only a plan. He argues Bali's development should prioritize a long-term 'Bali for 100 years' vision protecting culture, ecology, and local land rights over short-term economic growth.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster officially inaugurated nine new members of the Denpasar Consumer Dispute Resolution Board (BPSK) for the 2026-2031 term on August 31, 2026. The provincial government plans to establish similar boards in Badung, Tabanan, and Gianyar regencies, expanding consumer protection coverage across Bali's main tourist and residential areas.
Denpasar Immigration Office detained two Nigerian nationals during a patrol in Ubud, Gianyar Regency, for suspected immigration violations. One had overstayed for 379 days while the other could not produce immigration documents. Both were taken to Denpasar for further investigation.