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 couple was arrested by Kuta Utara police for stealing four aluminum rolling doors from a shop in Canggu, Bali, causing losses of around Rp5 million. CCTV footage was key to identifying the suspects.
The 'Bali Chess International Kapal Api FIDE Rated 2026' tournament is being held in Bali from October 31 to November 5, 2026, attracting players from eight countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Russia. The event combines sport and tourism, with total prize money of 111 million rupiah.
On November 2, 2026, the body of an unidentified foreign man was found on Ketewel Beach in Gianyar, Bali, with a severe laceration to the head. Police are investigating whether the injury was caused by rocks and waves or another cause, including possible foul play.
The Mount Semeru observation post in Lumajang, East Java, recorded six hours of lahar flood tremors following heavy rain on Monday. The volcano remains at Alert Level III (Siaga), with authorities warning of hot clouds, falling rocks, and lahar flows. Heavy rain also caused river levels to rise, breaching a levee in Purorejo Village, Tempursari District, Lumajang Regency.
A landslide struck Pelaga Eco Park in Badung Regency, Bali, burying one glamping accommodation unit. The site owner suspects two guests may have been inside the structure when the landslide occurred, and a joint search and rescue team continues operations. The Badung regency government has pledged to review safety conditions at tourist accommodations in landslide-prone areas.
On October 29, 2026, an Indonesia-China investment forum held at a resort in Uluwatu, Bali, announced a contract to build 1,000 affordable homes for low-income families and introduced 3D concrete printing technology for a planned wellness resort in Uluwatu. The event highlighted deepening bilateral cooperation in property and construction.
According to 2025 data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS), 97.37% of households in Denpasar own a motorbike, the highest rate in the country, well above the national average of 84%. The figure underscores how deeply motorbikes are embedded in daily life in Bali and is relevant for tourists who commonly rent motorbikes to get around the island.
Denpasar Immigration Office arrested three foreign women—from Uganda, Russia, and Nigeria—suspected of running an online prostitution operation at a villa in Denpasar. The case was uncovered after a community tip-off, followed by cyber and enforcement team surveillance, leading to arrests on the night of October 28.
The Bangli Regency government in Bali has partnered with the Denpasar Immigration Office to provide immigration services, including passport issuance and renewal, at the local Public Service Mall (MPP). This will save residents from having to travel to Denpasar. The regent also emphasized stricter action against problematic foreign tourists and support for deportation of visa violators.
According to data from Indonesia's Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, the property sector attracted around Rp135.22 trillion in investment from January to September 2026. Of the roughly Rp40 trillion in foreign direct investment (PMA), Bali ranked first among provinces at 21.24%, followed by DKI Jakarta and West Java.
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally urged Russia to immediately halt the recruitment of Indonesian citizens into its military, following reports that an Indonesian national recruited by Russian forces died in Ukraine. The ministry noted possible links to human trafficking and advised the public to be cautious of overseas job offers.
Bali's Directorate General of Taxes regional office reported that tax revenue in Q3 2026 reached Rp12.69 trillion, up 8.91% year-on-year, partly driven by a program reducing or eliminating administrative sanctions (fines and interest). Unlike a full tax amnesty, taxpayers must still pay the principal tax owed, but can apply for a 25-100% reduction in penalties if they meet certain criteria. The program is relevant to foreign residents and expats who own businesses or property in Bali.
Air New Zealand has announced a new nonstop route between Christchurch and Denpasar (Bali), set to launch during the 2027 winter season with three flights per week. The route aims to improve access to Bali, a popular holiday destination for South Island residents.
Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Bali has deported an Indian national found to be holding two passports with different identities. The discrepancy was discovered during departure inspection for a Manila-bound flight, and forensic analysis suggested the biodata page of one passport had been altered.
Budget carrier Vietjet has announced a major promotion offering Eco class base fares starting from Rp 0, including flights from Jakarta and Bali to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Bookings are available for travel between November 2026 and October 2027, alongside new routes such as Hanoi–Tainan.
On October 29, a private snorkeling boat caught fire after an explosion off Gamat Bay, Nusa Penida, in Klungkung Regency, Bali. Four foreign tourists and the crew jumped into the sea and were safely rescued, though the boat captain suffered leg burns. Police are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Indonesian immigration authorities raided a luxury residential complex in Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, arresting 21 foreign nationals from Vietnam, Myanmar, and China accused of running an international online gambling operation. Officials say the suspects abused their stay permits, and all have been transferred to a detention facility in Bali for further investigation.
The Speaker of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD), Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, invited foreign property investors to develop residential real estate in Indonesia's tourism areas during the Indonesia-China Bridge Forum held in Bali on October 29. The call is linked to the government's 3 million homes program and seeks alternative financing and construction technology from international partners.
At a journalist discussion forum in Denpasar, Bali DPRD Commission III Chairman Nyoman Suyasa said the planned Gilimanuk–Mengwi toll road remains in the planning and land-preparation stage, with land acquisition posing a major challenge. The route has also been revised, with the Soka–Mengwi section now prioritized for toll construction while Gilimanuk–Pekutatan will instead see road widening.
Digimap, operated by Indonesian retail giant PT Mitra Adiperkasa, has reopened its store at Beachwalk Kuta as an Apple Premium Partner with a new concept. This marks Digimap's third Apple Premium Partner store in Bali, combining sales and service center in one integrated space.