On the evening of September 26, 2026, hundreds of truck drivers staged a protest that completely halted operations at Ketapang Port in East Java. The disruption spread to Bali's Gilimanuk Port, causing traffic queues exceeding 7 kilometers that had not fully cleared by the afternoon of September 27.
Things to Consider: If you are planning to cross from Bali to Java via the Gilimanuk-Ketapang ferry, expect significant delays and consider departing much earlier than usual or postponing your trip until conditions stabilize. Impact on Denpasar airport flights is limited, but if you're traveling overland by bus or rental car toward Java, check local traffic updates from Polres Jembrana or ASDP beforehand, follow officers' instructions, and avoid attempting to cut into queues. Given that similar disruptions have recurred multiple times in 2026, consider alternative options such as flying instead of the ferry if your schedule is time-sensitive.
On the morning of September 27, 2026, a protest by thousands of truck drivers at Ketapang Port in East Java restricted port access, causing a 3.5km vehicle queue toward Gilimanuk Port on the Bali side. Police have deployed additional personnel to manage traffic and report the situation remains under control.
Things to Consider: If you plan to travel from Bali to Java via Gilimanuk Port, consider departing several hours earlier than planned or postponing your trip until the protest situation calms down. Check local news and social media for real-time traffic updates, strictly follow police officers' instructions at checkpoints, and avoid cutting into other lanes. If you have a ferry booking, contact the ferry operator in advance to inquire about possible delays.
Indonesia's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office detained four foreigners—an Egyptian man, two Russian men, and a Nigerian woman—during a joint operation in Canggu, Bali. Three were suspected of misusing their stay permits to work as DJs at a nightclub, while the woman had overstayed her visa by 402 days.
Things to Consider: Foreigners staying in Bali should verify the type of visa or stay permit they hold and confirm that their activities fall within its permitted scope. Working in any capacity—including as a DJ—on a tourist visa or Visa on Arrival is illegal; those earning income should switch to a proper work visa or KITAS. Regularly check your visa expiration date via your passport or apps like M-Paspor to avoid overstaying. Since joint immigration operations occur without advance notice, it is advisable to always carry your passport and relevant stay permit documents.
Indonesia's national police (POLRI) collaborated with environmental NGO Seasoldier to plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings at the Mangrove Arboretum Park in Pedungan, Denpasar, Bali. The event, tied to the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) conference in Bali, aims to address coastal erosion that studies say is among the fastest in the world.
PT Angkasa Pura I officially closed its integrated monitoring post for the G20 Summit on November 18, 2022, after successfully handling arrivals and departures of world leaders' aircraft during the summit held November 15-16 in Bali. The company reported that regular commercial flights at Ngurah Rai Airport and eight other supporting airports continued smoothly despite the special security arrangements.
Following a mugging targeting a Malaysian tourist near Kerobokan/Seminyak and Canggu on September 13, North Kuta Police have intensified night patrols in popular tourist areas. Separately, a viral video showed foreign nationals allegedly stealing cash from a shopkeeper in Tabanan, and a French national was deported from Bali after overstaying his visa by 100 days.
Bali's Chamber of Commerce (Kadin Bali) is pushing the government to review the Online Single Submission (OSS) licensing system and reassess the Rp10 billion investment threshold for the Golden Visa, arguing it is now relatively low and allows foreign capital into sectors traditionally run by local small businesses. The chamber also raised concerns about foreign investors using local partners only to meet formal requirements while retaining full control of businesses.
Badung Regency in Bali is studying a plan to build a 2.4-kilometer underground tunnel as an alternative solution to chronic traffic congestion along the Gatsu Barat–Kerobokan–Canggu corridor. The proposal is still at the concept and feasibility-study stage, with no confirmed construction timeline.
Bali's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office deported 17 foreign nationals between September 8 and 18, 2026, following a routine immigration patrol. Ten were cited for disturbing public order under Article 75 of the Immigration Law, while seven others were deported for overstaying their visas by more than 60 days under Article 78. Australians made up the largest group among those cited for order violations.
US couple Shane and Sherry Peterson sold their home and business at age 55 to start a nomadic life around the world, beginning in Bali. They rented a pool villa there for about $900 a month and adapted to local life by shopping at markets and renting motorbikes. Over roughly three years, they have visited more than 10 countries while keeping their monthly budget under $3,000.
An Iranian man (25) was beaten by a group of people at a restaurant in Seminyak, Badung Regency, Bali, after he confronted a man who was harassing his wife. The victim suffered facial and head injuries, and police are investigating, though no suspects have been arrested yet.
Three environmental organizations in Bali have called for a moratorium and review of tourism development due to ecological pressure. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism dismissed concerns over a rise in hotel property listings for sale, stating that foreign tourist arrivals to Bali actually grew by 15.34%.
Indonesian listed company PT Bukit Uluwatu Villa (BUVA) has taken an indirect stake in the operator of Zumana, a new beachfront lifestyle complex at Sunset Bay, Kuta, expanding its presence in Bali's entertainment sector. Zumana soft-opened on August 19, 2026, with an official grand opening event scheduled for September 25-26.
Saka Museum at AYANA Bali in Jimbaran is hosting the exhibition 'KAMASAN: The Noble Tradition of Balinese Painting' from August 28, 2026 to May 30, 2027, featuring over 30 works spanning the 16th-century origins of the Kamasan style to contemporary reinterpretations.
Bali's Tourism Office held a webinar for 818 civil servants across regencies and cities to strengthen understanding of the Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA), its purpose and mechanism. As of September 20, 2026, PWA collections reached Rp289 billion, though only 65 of about 150 registered payment points are currently active.
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is promoting 'slow travel' through quieter Bali destinations including Ubud, Sanur, Sidemen, and Jatiluwih, aiming to offer visitors deeper cultural and natural experiences as part of sustainable tourism efforts.
The Bali branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) has called on the government to be cautious of property speculators taking advantage of a wave of hotel sales across Bali. The trend, driven by global geopolitical pressure, weaker consumer spending, and currency fluctuations, is reportedly widespread in most tourism areas except Sanur.
The chairman of Bali's Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) said Bali's tourism sector is shifting focus from quantitative metrics like visitor numbers and hotel occupancy to quality-based, more inclusive and sustainable tourism that benefits local communities. The statement was made at an international conference at Bali State Polytechnic in Badung regency.
A video showing an alleged hypnosis scam in Tabanan went viral on social media, prompting a public tip that led Kuta Police to arrest two Iranian nationals hiding at a hotel in Kuta. Since the crimes occurred in Tabanan, the suspects have been handed over to Tabanan Police, who are still investigating the total losses and possible additional crime scenes.
UK media outlet Time Out has included Bali's Ungasan Cliffside Resort in its list of the world's 33 most beautiful hotels, published in late August. The list, based on views, interiors and architecture, also features properties such as an Irish castle and the Four Seasons Florence.
Hundreds of hotels across Badung, Tabanan, Gianyar, and Karangasem in Bali are being offered for sale through online property platforms such as Lamudi and OLX, with prices reaching into the tens of billions of rupiah. Bali's hotel association (PHRI) says low occupancy rates, shareholder decisions, and operational difficulties are among the factors, while also raising concerns about the broader tourism economy.
The Batu Lumbang Mangrove Ecotourism site in Denpasar is being developed as a nature and environmental education destination. Supported by PLN Indonesia Power, the site now attracts more than 100 visitors per day.
On April 15, 2025, Bali's provincial council passed a revision to the regulation governing the foreign tourist levy (PWA), expanding exemption categories, fund usage, and administrative sanctions for non-payment. Implementation is targeted for May 2025, with direct implications for foreign visitors.