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.
A traditional ceremonial parade called 'Mapeed' was held near Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, featuring Balinese women carrying offerings called 'gebogan' on their heads. The cultural festival involved 23 customary villages showcasing local arts and traditions.
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism announced plans to accelerate tourism recovery in Flores, including Labuan Bajo, following an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The ministry aims to strengthen standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergency response, evacuation routes, and crisis communication systems to give tourists and businesses clear guidance during emergencies.
On the night of August 27, 2026, Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration conducted the "Dharma Dewata" operation in Canggu, Badung Regency, Bali, detaining six foreign nationals—five suspected of overstaying their visas and one ITAS (limited stay permit) holder—for further examination. All six were taken to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, where investigations are ongoing.
A 39-year-old Russian national, identified only by the initials AP, is being detained and investigated by Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration after being caught filming a Papua protest by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in Wamena on August 15, 2026. AP entered Indonesia through Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on July 3, 2026, on a tourist visa, and had reportedly visited Papua ten times before, with increasing frequency since 2024. Authorities are also examining whether the footage was intended for commercial use, which could constitute a visa violation.
A case study of a Balinese woman marrying a German national highlights the increasingly common but complicated bureaucratic process of international marriages in Bali. The couple's document processing took nearly two years and cost close to Rp50 million (roughly $3,000 USD). The article also notes that citizenship status does not automatically change upon marriage to a foreign national.
A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XIII, Mafirion, has called on the Directorate General of Immigration to overhaul its system for monitoring foreign nationals in Bali. He criticized the current reactive approach—acting only after violations go viral—and urged continuous, data-driven surveillance from entry to departure.
East Bali—including Karangasem and Klungkung regencies—offers a quieter alternative to Bali's crowded south, with beautiful beaches, views of Mount Agung, and rich cultural heritage. The article highlights historic sites in Semarapura, coastal towns like Candidasa and Manggis, and hidden viewpoints popular on social media.
Bali's Provincial Tourism Office says affordable airfares are essential for maintaining tourism mobility to and from the island. The remarks came during the opening of the Garuda Indonesia Travel Festival (GATF) 2026 in Denpasar, where officials noted that around 55% of Bali's economic growth depends on the tourism sector.
The 7th Tanah Lot Festival opened on August 28, 2026, at the Tanah Lot tourist area in Tabanan, Bali. The first day featured traditional dances from nine customary villages, a Gebogan offering parade, and a sunset music event, attracting large crowds of tourists and locals alike, along with numerous local food and small business stalls.
The 7th Tanah Lot Art and Food Festival is being held from August 28-30 at the Tanah Lot tourist site in Tabanan Regency, Bali. The event features traditional performances and local Tabanan food stalls, aiming to boost local businesses and attract tourists.
Bali authorities are intensifying enforcement against foreign tourist misconduct following recent high-profile arrests, including an Australian man detained over an alleged public sex act and a Swiss tourist jailed for mocking Nyepi. Officials have outlined key rules covering drugs, premarital sex laws, work visa violations, religious site conduct, environmental protection, and driving requirements that visitors must follow.
Bali remains one of Indonesia's most popular destinations for foreign tourists, offering a mix of beaches, culture, tropical nature, and cuisine. This roundup highlights 10 top spots—from Ubud to Nusa Dua—suited to different travel styles.
Buleleng's Foreign Monitoring Team (TIMPORA) and Singaraja Immigration Office conducted a joint operation involving 14 agencies, inspecting the Celukan Bawang coal power plant, Villa Bilabong, and Singaraja Montessori School. No immigration violations were found at any location, and administrative compliance was praised. Authorities plan to continue regular monitoring going forward.
Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport served approximately 13.2 million passengers over the seven-month period from January to July 2026, with operations running smoothly. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney topped international routes by passenger volume, while Australia remained the largest source of foreign tourist arrivals.
State-owned telecom company Telkom Indonesia announced a plan to position Indonesian waters as an alternative route for global undersea cables, during the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (Batic) 2026 held in Nusa Dua, Bali. The move aims to make Indonesia a strategic hub in the Asia-Pacific amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Radisson Hotel Group, partnering with Indonesian developer HQC Group, is launching a new wellness- and lifestyle-focused hotel, Bloom Hotel Bali Ungasan, in South Bali. The 145-room property will be about five minutes from Melasti Beach with easy access to Uluwatu and other Bukit Peninsula attractions.
State utility PLN is expanding a solar power plant (PLTS) in Gilimanuk, Jembrana, Bali, aiming for a capacity of up to 300 MWp. Equipped with battery storage, the project will supply electricity to major tourist areas including Denpasar, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Sanur, reducing reliance on imported fuel and supporting Bali's image as an eco-friendly destination.
Police in Buleleng, Bali arrested a 25-year-old substitute teacher for allegedly stealing smartphones by luring victims into a fake TikTok 'running challenge.' At least six cases were confirmed with total losses of about Rp15 million, and the stolen phones were sold or pawned to fund online gambling. While no tourists have been reported as victims, the scam method occurred in public areas and could affect anyone approached on the street.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster showcased the island's regulated approach to Balinese arak, a traditional spirit, as a model for Wakatobi Regency in Southeast Sulawesi to develop its own tourism and local products. He emphasized that rather than banning arak, Bali chose to regulate it, which has supported local small businesses and boosted sales to tourists.
Bali's disaster management agency (BPBD) is encouraging tourist accommodations to obtain a Disaster Preparedness Certificate (SKB), which is mandated by local regulation but not yet enforced with penalties. As of mid-2026, only 117 hotels and accommodations have been certified, mostly star-rated hotels in Badung. Officials say certification boosts guest trust and business competitiveness.