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.
Indonesian building materials company Batara Group has opened its first BUILDHAUS showroom in Denpasar, Bali, offering premium construction materials and serving as an experience center for architects and contractors. The move aims to expand supply networks to support Bali's growing property and construction sector.
Indonesian actress Luna Maya has clarified that a house in Bali drawing public attention after a 'melaspas' purification ceremony is not a new purchase but a property she has owned since 2011, rebuilt after it fell into disrepair during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the home, previously rented out, will now be used privately as a base for visits to Kuta and Seminyak and will not be re-rented commercially.
Indonesian actress Luna Maya has clarified that her Bali residence, which drew public attention after a Balinese Hindu melaspas ceremony, is not a newly purchased property but a home she has owned since 2011 that was rebuilt after suffering severe damage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bali Police announced the arrest of a 36-year-old Brazilian woman accused of smuggling approximately 3.6 kilograms of liquid cocaine from Brazil to Bali. The suspect reportedly confessed to being hired as a courier for a $50,000 fee, disguising the drugs in bottles resembling beauty products. She was apprehended on October 6 upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in a joint operation with customs officials.
Bali United secured a 6-1 win over Persijap Jepara in Indonesia's Super League 2026-2027 at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar. Dutch forward Jort van der Sande, who had gone three matches without scoring, netted his first hat-trick of the season.
The Denpasar Immigration Office in Bali has deported two Chinese nationals who allegedly practiced medicine illegally at a private hospital while holding only tourist visas. An investigation triggered by a public complaint found the pair lacked proper residence permits and medical practice licenses.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has designated six low-emission zones—Ubud, Nusa Penida, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Sanur, and the Gajah Mada Cultural Heritage Area in Denpasar—under the Kerthi Bhumi Satwika program aimed at balancing tourism development with environmental sustainability.
An Indonesian man convicted in a land/property fraud case worth Rp 50 billion was arrested by prosecutors while on a family vacation at a restaurant in Bedugul, Tabanan Regency, Bali. The case is not directly tied to foreign tourists, but it highlights ongoing risks of property and land fraud in Bali's real estate market.
Denpasar City is redeveloping the historic Gajah Mada Heritage Area, known as a Chinatown district, into a creative economy and cultural tourism hub. The project includes restricting large vehicles, widening pedestrian walkways, and integrating local small businesses and traditional markets. The initiative follows flood damage to the area in September 2025.
Bali Water Police intercepted an unmanned boat carrying 22 live green turtles off Serangan Island, South Denpasar, foiling a suspected wildlife smuggling attempt. The suspect fled before officers arrived and remains under pursuit. While there is no direct safety impact on tourists or residents, the case highlights ongoing enforcement against illegal wildlife trade in Bali's coastal waters.
State-owned Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bali Tourism Board to explore digitalizing payment of Bali's foreign tourist levy (PWA), aiming to expand banking services tied to the tourism sector.
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism reported that foreign tourist arrivals reached 10.58 million from January to August 2026, a 5.38% year-on-year increase. In August alone, 1.6 million visitors arrived, up 6.27% from the same month last year, with growth driven largely by increases from Southeast Asia and other Asian markets.
Euro News Travel's 2027 tourism trend forecast highlights Bali's declining appeal among international travelers, citing the demolition of long-standing local businesses by developers and rising prices. The outlet recommends alternative destinations such as Lombok and Raja Ampat.
According to the head of Indonesia's Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) in Badung, Bali's target of 7 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2026 remains uncertain due to global geopolitical instability. Only 5.2 million arrivals were recorded from January to September, leaving about 1.8 million needed in the final three months. New flights from China, Taiwan, Melbourne, and increased Moscow routes are expected to help.
A remark by Indonesian senator Gusti Arya Wedakarna suggesting foreign tourists tip more generously than domestic visitors—making locals more eager to serve them—has drawn criticism from Bali businesswoman Ni Luh Djelantik. The exchange has reignited debate over tipping practices, bargaining behavior, and equal treatment of domestic and international tourists in Bali.
Bali's police chief has changed from Insp. Gen. Daniel Adityajaya to Insp. Gen. Pasma Royce following an official handover ceremony at National Police Headquarters. The change is described as part of routine organizational refreshment, and no major shift in Bali's security operations is expected.
State-owned Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bali Tourism Board to explore digitalizing payment of Bali's foreign tourist levy (PWA). The existing Rp150,000 per-person fee structure remains unchanged, but the move aims to make payment more convenient.
A Visa Global Travel Intentions (GTI) 2026 study finds that foreign tourists choose Indonesia for different reasons depending on their home country, with affordability ranking as the top factor overall. About 77% of respondents traveled with family, and nearly 60% of travel spending went to flights, accommodation, and food.
Amid a rise in hotel and villa sale listings across Bali, a hospitality management expert clarifies that selling a property does not necessarily indicate business failure. Many sales are driven by favorable capital gains rather than financial distress.
Miyagi Prefecture's training ship 'Miyagi Maru' has departed Kesennuma Port carrying high school students for a fisheries training voyage. After conducting tuna longline fishing practice in the North Pacific, the ship is scheduled to arrive in Bali on November 2 for exchange with local fisheries high school students, before returning to Kesennuma on November 19.