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.
Mount Semeru, on the border of Lumajang and Malang regencies in East Java, erupted five times early Monday, with ash columns reaching 300 to 700 meters above the summit. Authorities maintain the volcano at Alert Level III (Siaga) and advise avoiding areas within 13 kilometers of the crater along the Besuk Kobokan river. While located far from Bali, travelers with itineraries including East Java should take note.
A men-only retreat called "Bali Time Chamber" has opened in the mountainous area of northern Bali, banning women from entry, and its promotional videos on TikTok and Instagram have gone viral. The facility charges up to $3,000 and offers an environment for fitness, business networking, and meditation.
Klungkung Immigration Office in Bali is investigating two Chinese nationals, initials WN and KL, in Nusa Penida for allegedly working as dive instructors while holding business visas rather than work permits. Officials have summoned the pair and warned that deportation is possible if violations are confirmed. The district government is also cracking down on foreign-owned businesses over licensing and permit compliance.
Traditional timber double-outrigger fishing canoes called jukung pelasan, once common along southern Bali's beaches, are vanishing due to tourism development and the decline of local fishing. A recent survey found only six intact timber examples remain, with fiberglass replicas now used for tourist sunrise sails.
This opinion piece examines two Bali incidents: two Dutch organizers of a popular running event banned from re-entering Indonesia over allegations of excluding local residents, and the luxury villa "Villa Vedas" facing a closure recommendation for zoning violations. Citing a related incident involving Italian students in Bangkok, the article critiques the mindset that foreign capital entitles visitors or investors to prioritize their own interests over local communities.
On August 3, members of the Bali Tourism Driver Struggle Forum (FPDPB) visited the Bali Provincial Legislature to protest the delayed enforcement of a regional regulation on app-based tourism transport services (Perda ASKP), which was passed in October 2025 but has yet to take effect due to a prolonged review process by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Local drivers say ongoing issues include traffic congestion, unregistered vehicles, and unfairly low fares.
The 6th Sabdha Kite Festival was held in Pecatu Village, Badung Regency, with the Badung Regent providing support. Participation grew to 1,851 people across 14 categories, about 200 more than last year, as the event aims to preserve Balinese culture and promote local tourism.
Following the US-Israel strikes on Iran, flight disruptions via Dubai and Doha have driven up airfares, prompting many European tourists to avoid Southeast Asia. In Bali, travel agencies reliant on European markets report sharp booking declines, pushing the industry to court new markets like Australia, China, Singapore and South Korea.
Korean actor Kim Bin-woo has announced on social media that he and his family will relocate to Bali, describing it as a decision made after a year of deliberation. He explained the move stems from a desire to experience new challenges while his children are still young. The announcement follows recent controversies over noise and driving behavior, drawing additional public attention.
The third annual Bank BPD Bali Culture Run 2026 took place at Peninsula Island, ITDC Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, drawing around 4,000 runners from Indonesia and abroad. The event combined sports, culture, tourism and sustainability, featuring traditional Balinese performances along the route and a Race Village showcasing local small businesses.
Land prices in areas like Canggu have surged sharply, making it increasingly difficult for young Balinese to own land in their own hometown. As of January 2026, over 267,000 foreigners hold residency permits in Bali, and illegal 'nominee' land ownership schemes remain a persistent concern despite being ruled unlawful. A new regional regulation aims to crack down on such practices, but enforcement remains uncertain. The article also highlights the loss of rice paddies and gradual erosion of Balinese language and cultural identity.
Following a series of incidents involving misbehaving foreign tourists in Bali, a tourism observer has called for stricter enforcement of existing rules and better pre-arrival education. While a 2025 gubernatorial circular already sets conduct guidelines, the observer says stronger legal consequences are needed for real deterrence.
Amid a rise in cases of misconduct by foreign tourists in Bali, a tourism observer says the issue goes beyond individual behavior and points to a broader challenge in destination governance. He calls for stronger enforcement and better education about existing rules before tourists arrive.
A fire broke out on Thursday night, July 30, at a tenant outlet on the second floor of the international terminal at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport. No casualties were reported, and losses are estimated at around Rp10 million (about US$610). Police are continuing to investigate the cause.
Indonesian police held a mobile driving license (SIM Keliling) renewal service at Gianyar Town Square in Bali on August 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 WITA. The service only covers renewals of SIM A and C license types for local residents; it does not apply to foreign license holders.
Bali's visa revenue reached Rp405.25 billion in the first half of 2026, a significant drop from Rp717.8 billion in the same period last year. The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office remains the largest contributor, but officials attribute the decline to slower foreign tourist arrivals amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions.
The 48th Pesta Kesenian Bali (Bali Arts Festival) drew only 5,743 foreign visitors, about 0.8% of all foreign tourists who visited Bali during the same period. Tourism industry figures point to insufficient promotion and say hotels and restaurants could be enlisted to help attract more international visitors.
A new shopping mall, Sira Village Grand Outlet Bali, opened on July 31 inside the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (KEK) in Denpasar, with an investment of around Rp1.5 trillion. The development aims to strengthen Bali's appeal as a world-class tourism and lifestyle destination while supporting the sustainable, culturally-rooted growth of the Kura Kura Bali zone.
KYND Community, a fully plant-based café in Seminyak, Bali, is popular among tourists for its photogenic acai bowls and vegan tan tan ramen. Open daily from 7:30am to 9:00pm, with reservations available only for dinner.
A new shopping mall, Sira Village Grand Outlet Bali, has opened within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone on Serangan Island, Denpasar. Indonesia's National Special Economic Zone Council has called on developers to maintain sustainability principles, including preserving Balinese culture and supporting the local economy.