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Latest news
Bali news·1 hour ago
Golfphoria 2026 returns to Bali International Golf with festival atmosphere and world record target
Bali International Golf BIG is hosting Golfphoria 2026, an annual golf tournament designed to be a festival-like experience. This year's event, held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, features a Reggae theme and aims for a Guinness World Record with 312 participants, following its previous Indonesian MURI Record for the largest virtual golf tournament. Players will virtually compete on the Dunluce Links of Royal Portrush. The tournament offers a large prize pool, including hole-in-one challenges, motorcycles, luxury holiday packages from Komodo Luxury and IndonesiaJuara Trip, cash prizes, and golf accessories. Supported by 47 sponsors, Golfphoria 2026 also includes a social responsibility program, "Everyone Can Play Golf, Everyone Has the Right to Get a Chance," offering free golf training to children from orphanages in Denpasar. President Director of Bali International Golf, Sayyid Haekal, stated that Golfphoria aims to make golf accessible to everyone. The event is part of BIG's vision to become a premier sports and lifestyle destination in Bali, expanding its facilities with a billiards arena, padel courts, and a running track. Juara Holding Group, through Komodo Luxury and Bali Premium Trip, supports the event, linking golf with broader travel experiences in East Indonesia.
6 min read
Bali news·1 hour ago
Menjangan Island: Bali's hidden gem for nature and cultural immersion
Menjangan Island, located 10km off Bali's northwest shore, is a tiny island within the West Bali National Park Conservation Area. It is one of six islands in Bali Province, alongside the main island, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Serangan Island. The island is named after the Javanese word for deer, "Menjangan," and is home to Java Deer, which can be seen swimming to Bali each spring. While overnight stays are not permitted on Menjangan Island, visitors can enjoy day trips for snorkeling, diving, visiting the Menjangan Temple with its Lord Ganesha statue, and exploring mangroves. Accommodation options near West Bali National Park include NusaBay Menjangan by WHM, offering luxury stays inside the park from USD 100 with activities like snorkeling and guided walks. The Menjangan by LifestyleRetreats provides 4-star service in beach villas, Javanese-style joglo villas, and luxury suites from USD 85 per night, set within a 382-hectare property known for its birdlife, including the critically endangered Bali Starling.
4 min read
Must readBali news·5 hours ago
Top 10 activities in Ubud, Bali
Ubud, Bali, offers a blend of Balinese culture, outdoor activities, and unique experiences. The area is known for its traditional customs, crafts, and temples. Visitors can explore lotus-filled temple ponds, watch royal courtyard dance performances, and discover a grotto carved into the rice fields of Sanggingan. The article highlights 10 recommended activities, including visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest, dining at local warungs, exploring temples like Pura Taman Saraswati and Tirta Empul, and attending dance performances at Puri Saren Agung. Other activities include the Campuhan Ridge Walk, discovering a hidden grotto in Sanggingan, exploring the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and visiting art museums such as Museum Puri Lukisan and the Agung Rai Museum of Art ARMA. The article also suggests experiencing traditional Balinese healing practices with a balian. It advises visitors to allow for spontaneous detours and to approach cultural experiences with respect.
21 min read
Must readBali news·6 hours ago
Indonesia plans Bali international financial center to attract global investors
Indonesia is developing Bali into an international financial center, aiming to attract global investors seeking alternatives amid geopolitical tensions. Luhut Pandjaitan, chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, stated that investors are interested in moving assets to Bali due to its peaceful environment. To compete with established hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia plans to improve transparency and address corruption. Legislation for the financial center has been passed, with details on its location and incentives expected soon. The hub may operate under international commercial law, similar to Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" framework. This initiative is part of President Prabowo Subianto's strategy to boost economic growth to 8% by 2029, leveraging Indonesia's digital infrastructure, AI development, and young workforce. Despite concerns from MSCI regarding transparency and market governance, Luhut affirmed the government's commitment to reforms to build investor trust and strengthen the economy.
3 min read
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