
GWK Cultural Park in Ungasan, near Uluwatu, recently hosted a community training event ahead of the Maybank Marathon, also known as the Bali Marathon. Ch. Rossie Andriani, GWK Cultural Park's Operations Director, stated that the park's well-managed area makes it a safe and comfortable venue for such events, supporting a healthy lifestyle and sports ecosystem. The Maybank Marathon is scheduled from August 21st to 23rd, 2026, at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar, close to Ubud. It includes marathon, half-marathon, and 10K categories. Weekly long run training events are being organized by the Maybank Marathon team, with previous runs held at ITDC, The Nusa Dua, Level 21 Mall, and KCI Udayana. Other upcoming runs include the Jatilwuih Fun Run on June 20th, 2026, and the Bali Culture Run in Nusa Dua on July 26th, 2026. Bali also has various running communities like FLOWERBOY in Seseh and RUNAMUK in Canggu, offering different distances for all skill levels. Additionally, racket sports are expanding, with Liga.Tennis opening a new venue in Uluwatu.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readImmigration officers at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport arrested Angelo Pandeli, a 55-year-old Australian man, who was listed on an INTERPOL Blue Notice. Pandeli was found hiding in the toilet of a US-registered Gulfstream Executive Jet N917CJ that was scheduled to depart for Maputo, Mozambique, at 10:00 am. He was attempting to travel using a falsified Brazilian passport and identity, which lacked an entry stamp or valid residence permit in Indonesia. Authorities believe Pandeli is a key figure in a transnational organized drug cartel with links to the Hells Angels motorcycle gang in Australia. He has reportedly lived in several Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries using various false identities. Following his arrest, Pandeli was deported to Australia to face legal proceedings and has been blacklisted from future visits to Indonesia. The Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Bugie Kurniawan, stated that the arrest was part of immigration oversight to maintain national security against transnational criminals.
Must readNusa Penida is undergoing significant infrastructure improvements in 2026 to manage its rapid growth as a tourist destination. These upgrades include faster cargo services to address supply shortages and reduce prices for goods, food, and amenities, benefiting both residents and travelers. The island is also implementing smarter visitor management systems, such as a dedicated checkpoint at Banjar Nyuh Harbour for collecting the Nusa Penida Tourism Retribution Fee and verifying tourist QR codes. These systems aim to streamline arrival procedures, collect data on visitor flows, and fund further infrastructure development. The tourism boom is driven by markets including Australia, India, China, Singapore, the UK, and the US, with visitors increasingly seeking multi-destination itineraries that include Nusa Penida's marine biodiversity and adventure tourism. Travelers planning a trip to Nusa Penida in 2026 and beyond can expect faster ferry services from Sanur and Padang Bai, improved dining options, and smoother arrival processes, as Indonesia focuses on strategic planning to manage tourism growth responsibly.
Must readSad Kahyangan Lempuyang Temple, also known as the Gates of Heaven Temple, will be closed to tourists for five days, reopening on Monday, June 22. The closure is to accommodate thousands of pilgrims attending Galungan, Kuningan, and the temple's Pidolan founding celebration ceremonies. I Nyoman Jati, Head of Purwayu Traditional Village, confirmed the decision, which was made after discussions with relevant parties, including tour guides. Tour guides and private drivers have been informed and will offer alternative options for guests. Tourists and non-worshippers will be refused entry, and traditional village leaders Pecalang will provide explanations to those unaware of the closure. Preparations have been made for pilgrim comfort and safety, including parking arrangements assisted by Pecalang and police. Visitors to nearby attractions should anticipate increased traffic and potential road closures. Lempuyang Temple, a major attraction in Karangasem Regency, typically receives 800 tourists daily in addition to worshippers. Galungan and Kuningan will be observed in Bali until June 27, 2026.