
Indonesia plans to attract more high-spending international visitors to Bali by developing a marina at the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub in Benoa Port. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono noted that the global cruise and yacht tourism market is growing by approximately 7.5 percent annually. The minister stated that attracting these high-value visitors would generate significant economic benefits for the marina and Bali's economy, as some visitors stay for extended periods, continuously spending on goods and services. The Benoa Port marina, scheduled for completion in 2028, will accommodate up to 188 yachts, including superyachts and megayachts. The port will also be expanded to handle five large cruise ships simultaneously. The development includes modern water and electricity utilities, advanced docking facilities, entertainment venues, shopping centers, green spaces, and public areas.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readTransNusa has introduced nonstop flights connecting Bali and Phuket, offering a direct air link between these two Southeast Asian island destinations. The inaugural service from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport took place on September 9, 2026. The flight duration is approximately four hours. Initially, the route will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, before becoming a daily service from October 3, 2026. This new route eliminates the need for connecting flights, making it easier to combine Bali and Phuket in a single itinerary. Datuk Bernard Francis, TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, stated that the route aims to boost tourism, create economic opportunities, and strengthen TransNusa's hub in Bali. The direct connection also facilitates international passengers combining Phuket and Bali with other Indonesian destinations. Flights depart Bali at 11:30 AM, arriving in Phuket at 2:35 PM. Return flights leave Phuket at 3:35 PM, arriving in Bali at 8:35 PM. The service uses an Airbus A320 with 174 seats. Introductory one-way fares start at IDR 2,399,000 or USD 135. TransNusa offers three fare products: SEAT 20kg baggage, SEAT-PLUS, and FLEXI-PRO 30kg baggage, hot meal, priority boarding, flexible changes. This launch precedes Thailand's new visa-exemption rules, effective September 15, 2026, which could encourage multi-destination trips for long-stay travelers and remote workers. The Phuket launch is part of TransNusa's broader ex
Must readHayley Davis, a Perth woman, incurred a $10,650 bill for a New Year's Eve VIP daybed at Atlas Super Club in Kuta, Bali, after misinterpreting the cost. She believed the daybed, which included a private pool and a performance by American rapper Swae Lee, cost $1650. During the event, she attempted to tip the waitress with the remaining $7000 on her tab due to a language barrier, leading to the group receiving numerous bottles of alcohol. It took three days for Davis to realize the actual cost when her card was declined for a small purchase, revealing the $10,650 charge. Her friends eventually paid their shares of the bill, though an additional $700 in interest had accumulated. Davis admitted to converting the currency incorrectly.

For travelers who appreciate fashion, certain hotels around the world offer more than just luxurious stays; they provide a deep connection to the fashion industry. These establishments, from historic European palaces to modern resorts, are designed to immerse guests in a world of style. In Florence, Italy, Hotel Lungarno, owned by the Ferragamo family, showcases Renaissance art and Murano glass, placing guests near prime shopping and the city's fashion heritage. Milan's Portrait Milano, also a Ferragamo property, is set in a 16th-century seminary in the Quadrilateral della Moda, offering an insider's view of the city's fashion roots. Paris features several iconic hotels with strong fashion ties: Hôtel Plaza Athénée, known for its Dior connections and appearances in popular culture; Hôtel de Crillon, a historic palace favored by couture clients and fashion editors, with suites designed by Karl Lagerfeld; and the Ritz Paris, once home to Coco Chanel, offering gilded glamour and a partnership with fashion brand FRAME. In London, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park provides spacious closets and concierge access to Harrods, along with an award-winning afternoon tea. For a more tropical fashion experience, the W Bali — Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia, recently launched "Club Lacoste," a padel court with an in-house Lacoste boutique. New York's The Mark is a hub for the city's fashion scene, famous for its Met Gala connections and Bergdorf Goodman access. Nammos Mykonos in Greece integrates