
Bali's popular tourist beaches are urging visitors to strictly follow a four-color flag safety system managed by local lifeguards. This is particularly important during July and August, as these months can bring high tides, tidal swells, higher wave heights, and strong undercurrents. A red flag indicates high danger, meaning swimming is not advised. A single yellow flag signifies a medium hazard, while a green flag indicates a low hazard. Areas marked with red and yellow flags are considered safe for swimming but only under lifeguard supervision. Lifeguards are increasing patrols along beaches like Jerman Beach and Mengening Beach, dividing staff into northern and southern zones for comprehensive monitoring. Visitors, especially those with children, are advised to closely supervise their kids and always obey lifeguard instructions for their safety.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readStarting in 2026, all foreign tourists visiting Bali must pay a one-time IDR 150,000 S$10.85 tourist levy, separate from any visa fees. This levy, established under Bali Provincial Regulation No. 6 of 2023, funds cultural preservation, environmental protection, and tourism infrastructure. Payment is made once per trip through the official Love Bali portal, which issues a QR code voucher for arrival. Accepted online payment methods include credit cards Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, bank transfer, virtual account, UnionPay, and QRIS. If online payment fails, tourists can pay at the BRI bank counter in the international arrivals hall at Ngurah Rai International Airport DPS. Exemptions apply to Indonesian citizens and certain foreign visa categories, such as KITAS/KITAP residency permit holders, diplomatic and official visa holders, student and family-unification visa holders, Golden Visa holders, and transport crew members. Some exemptions require advance application via the Love Bali portal. Children traveling on foreign passports are not automatically exempt. The levy is non-refundable. Tourists are advised to use only the official Love Bali website ending in .go.id to avoid scams and to pay before flying to bypass airport queues. The tourist levy is distinct from the Visa on Arrival, which costs IDR 500,000.
Must readGildas Loaëc, co-founder of Maison Kitsune, has established a holiday home and rentable guesthouse in Bali called Rumah Rubah, meaning "fox house" in Indonesian. Located in Pererenan, near Canggu, the property spans over 43,055.6 sq ft and features a lush garden with a traditional drum tower. Loaëc, who has been visiting Bali for over 20 years, describes the villa as a blend of Japanese-inspired design with open-air elements, a beautiful patio, antiques, contemporary Balinese art, and locally crafted furniture. Architect Maximilian Jencquel designed the house, which was built on a former rice field that sloped nearly 10 meters down to a creek, part of the Subak irrigation system. Jencquel focused on rebuilding the ecosystem and positioned the house in the center of the site to create a sense of isolation. The design incorporates Balinese spatial thinking, emphasizing a journey through layers and landscapes before reaching the house, with circulation designed to be indirect, creating moments of compression and release. The house utilizes natural materials, teak structures, and modern amenities like solar panels and rainwater harvesting. When Loaëc is not in residence, Rumah Rubah is available for rent as a guesthouse.
Must readIndonesian authorities are strengthening enforcement of visa regulations in Bali, reminding international visitors to align their activities with their visa type. While ordinary tourists are unaffected, digital nomads, remote professionals, and travel influencers who engage in commercial activities on a tourist visa may face scrutiny. Tourist visas are intended for leisure travel, not employment or business-related work. Activities like creating promotional content for businesses, participating in commercial partnerships, or providing paid services may require a different visa. The goal is to ensure legal clarity and fairness, not to discourage tourism. Travelers are advised to check official government information on visa requirements before traveling to avoid complications.