Bali news
Airport-to-Canggu water taxi still waits on 14 feasibility studies
The idea of a water taxi from Bali's airport to Canggu is still on paper: the project is waiting on the results of 14 separate feasibility studies. No launch date is mentioned. For now the trip to Canggu stays on wheels,…
Too many rooms in Bali: a hotel price war ahead?
Bali Discovery says the oversupply of hotel rooms in Bali is now undeniable and the island risks a never-ending price war. For travellers that is probably good news, as hotels will compete for guests. Compare offers acro…
Hundreds report losses in alleged gold investment fraud in Bali
Bali police are investigating alleged gold investment fraud, with hundreds of people reporting losses. Details of the case and the amounts are not given in the report. The lesson is simple: double-check any promise of ea…
Bali tightens control on digital bookings as small hotels lose out to Airbnb
Small hotels in Bali say they are being displaced by Airbnb, and the island's government is tightening control over digital bookings. The specific measures are not detailed in the report. If you book stays through platfo…
Indonesia renames 32 immigration offices, Bali included
Indonesia's immigration service has changed the names of 32 offices, and Bali is on the list. The reports don't say whether anything changes in how the offices work. Before booking an appointment or extending a visa, che…
Investment Ministry takes over KITAS for foreign workers
Media report that the Investment Ministry will now handle issuing stay permits (KITAS) for foreign workers. How the procedure, timing and transition will work is not spelled out in the reports. If you work in Indonesia o…
Starlux launches direct Taipei-Bali flights
Taiwan's Starlux is launching direct flights from Taipei to Bali. Business Traveller calls it a boutique airline option for travellers. If you route through Taiwan or plan an Asia trip, it is one more option to consider.…
Tourist tries to burn a spider away and torches a Bali villa
A tourist in Bali tried to chase off a spider with burning paper and ended up burning down the villa. The source gives no details on damage or consequences. The lesson is simple: fire is no answer to bugs in a rental wit…
South Korean tourist goes missing after snorkelling at Gili Trawangan
A South Korean tourist has gone missing after snorkelling at Gili Trawangan. The source does not say how the search ended. Currents around the islands can be tricky, so do not snorkel alone, tell your guide or host where…
Indonesia plans a visa system overhaul to attract investment
Jakarta Globe reports Indonesia plans to overhaul its visa system to attract more investment. Separately, ANTARA says the Investment Ministry will issue stay permits for foreign workers. What exactly will change is not o…
Ngurah Rai Immigration deports nine foreigners, two accused of posing as investors
Ngurah Rai Immigration has deported nine foreigners, two of them accused of posing as investors. Full details of the cases have not been released. If you live in Bali on an investor-type visa, what you actually do should…
Motel Mexicola brawl goes viral, Aussie tourists may face deportation
A brawl between foreign tourists at Motel Mexicola in Seminyak was filmed and quickly spread across social media. Australian outlets report the Aussies involved could face deportation, and online calls to ban Aussies fro…
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