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.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced plans to accelerate infrastructure development to improve access to tourist destinations in northern, eastern, and western Bali, aiming to spread tourism's economic benefits beyond the southern region. A planned overpass in Jimbaran is also under discussion with the central government.
At its regional assembly, ASITA Bali called for a shift toward 'regenerative tourism,' which aims not just to reduce tourism's negative impacts but to actively benefit local communities, culture, and the environment. Travel agencies are urged to guide tourists toward village tourism, local products, and more meaningful travel experiences.
ASITA Bali, the regional tourism agency association, announced at its regional congress a focus on quality tourism development prioritizing cultural preservation, environmental protection, and local community welfare over simply increasing visitor numbers.
On 26 August 2026, tree planting began on a 1,000-square-metre plot near Pura Luhur Batukaru in Tabanan Regency, Bali, as part of a collaboration between the Bali Provincial Forestry Department, Nuanu Social Fund, the Bali Tourism Board, and local village authorities. The project planted 100 trees and will fund a full year of maintenance, with survival data to be published in 2027.
On October 28, 2026, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga will welcome around 150 delegates from the ASEAN Council on Petroleum and Energy (ASCOPE) to Subak Sembung in North Denpasar, showcasing its 'Uma Palak Lestari' sustainable farming program powered by solar and micro-hydro energy. The initiative also opens opportunities for eco-tourism and local small businesses in the area.
Inda Trimafo Yudha was unanimously elected as chairman of the Bali chapter of Indonesia's Tourism Recreation Park Business Association (PUTRI) for the 2026-2030 term during a regional conference in Denpasar. The organization plans to strengthen its presence across Bali's regencies and discuss tourist insurance schemes and traffic issues affecting tourism destinations.
Bali continues to face a fuel (BBM) shortage, resulting in long queues at gas stations across the island. A video of a foreign tourist distributing cold drinks and ice cream to drivers waiting under the hot sun went viral on social media. State oil company Pertamina has dispatched tanker trucks from Banyuwangi to help speed up fuel distribution.
Nuanu Creative City in Bali is auctioning a 15-meter observatory suite called Stella Solaris, with bidding starting from just Rp 1, running from October 15 to November 15, 2026. The unconventional sales method is drawing attention from potential foreign buyers and investors in Bali's premium property market.
As fuel shortages continue at gas stations across Bali, some sellers have been illegally reselling fuel in bottles and jerry cansβincluding to foreign touristsβat inflated prices of Rp150,000-200,000 per 1.5 liters. Provincial authorities have called on police to crack down, and work-from-home policies have been introduced to ease related traffic congestion.
Home improvement retailer Ace Hardware has returned to Indonesia under new management by retail giant MAP Group, now operating three stores (Sunter Mall, AEON Mall Tanjung Barat, and AEON BSD) as of October 13, 2026. Former license holder Kawan Lama Group ended its partnership and is now focusing on expanding its own brand, AZKO.
A severe fuel shortage has hit Bali since Oct 11, causing hours-long queues at petrol stations in Denpasar, Badung, and near the airport. Tanker delivery delays combined with surging demand have disrupted transport for tourists and residents, with some travelers risking missed boat connections.
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake at a depth of 10km struck off the coast of Bali on Tuesday, with tremors reported in popular tourist areas including Legian, Ubud and Canggu. It follows a series of earthquakes above magnitude 5 elsewhere in Indonesia in recent days. No tsunami warning or major damage has been reported so far.
A ramen restaurant called 'Ramen Otaku' in Lombok's Kuta area, near Bali, is gaining popularity among tourists. The shop features a giant face-shaped entrance, handmade noodles, and rich chicken paitan broth, with its bamboo architecture design also drawing attention for photos.
Mount Agung in Bali remains at the highest Awas alert level, with the timing of a potential eruption unpredictable. Thousands were forced to evacuate hastily and unprepared, and a lack of clear information on danger zones caused confusion among residents and a sharp drop in tourist arrivals. The article argues for stronger disaster management based on past experiences in Indonesia.
A Chinese tourist named Xu Li claims she lost jewelry worth approximately $10,000 (about 179 million rupiah) from her suitcase, which was stored in a car's trunk during a Bali tour to Nusa Penida and Lovina. Four other tourists in the same group also found their suitcase combination codes changed, but chose not to file reports out of safety concerns.
Bali Police have increased personnel at gas stations across Bali to manage vehicle queues for fuel (BBM) that have begun affecting traffic flow. Authorities are urging the public to remain calm, buy only what they need, and avoid panic buying.
On October 12, 2026, a memorial ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombings was held at the Humanity Tragedy Monument in Badung, Bali. Survivors, victims' families, and foreign tourists laid flowers and lit candles to honor the 202 victims, including 88 Australians.
The Badung Regency government in Bali will revive its Arts and Culture Festival after a two-year absence, running from November 5 to 16, 2026. The event features traditional dance and gamelan competitions with participants representing each district as well as the general public.
A video showing an altercation between a group of Russian tourists and local residents in a restaurant parking lot near Nyanyi Beach, Tabanan, Bali, has gone viral. The Russians allegedly made remarks demeaning locals based on skin color. As of October 12, full details, identities, and police action remain unconfirmed.
Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry, together with the UNFCCC Secretariat, is holding a REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) regional meeting for Asia-Pacific countries in Bali from October 12-15, 2026. Forestry experts and officials are gathering to share experiences and discuss policy challenges, with a field visit to Bali's mangrove restoration sites planned on the final day.