
Sad 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.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.

Indonesia is expanding its tourism offerings beyond Bali, with destinations like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Batam gaining prominence for leisure, MICE Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, weddings, and extended stays. Philip Barnes, Country General Manager, The Ascott Limited – Indonesia, highlights the country's scale and diversity, noting that the challenge is to increase awareness of existing experiences. Central Java, particularly Yogyakarta, offers cultural, heritage, and culinary experiences, while Jakarta serves as a hub for business travel and events. Batam, close to Singapore, is ideal for short breaks and golf. Ascott operates 88 properties across Indonesia, catering to various travel styles with brands like Ascott, Somerset, Citadines, Oakwood, Harris, Fox, Yello, Vertu, Pop!, and Preference. The company plans to exceed 100 properties in Indonesia within the next 12 to 18 months. Collaboration with trade partners is crucial for raising awareness among Indian travelers, and understanding traveler expectations, including service and cuisine preferences, is key. The focus is also expanding to corporate meetings, destination weddings, social celebrations, and long-stay travel, with Ascott's portfolio including meeting and event facilities in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Batam.

Foreign tourist arrivals to Bali in April 2026 saw a 17.21% increase from March 2026, with 553,328 visitors, according to the Bali Provincial Central Statistics Agency BPS-Bali. However, this figure represents a 6.41% decrease compared to April 2025. The Head of BPS-Bali, Agus Gede Hendrayana Hermawan, noted that the monthly increase indicates a positive recovery trend, though cumulative arrivals from January to April 2026 are still 1.11% lower than the same period in 2025. Air arrivals through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport increased by 18.85% from the previous month, while sea-based tourist visits through Benoa Port, Padang Bai, and Celukan Bawang sharply declined by 94.61%. Australia remains the top source market with 146,414 visitors in April 2026, followed by India, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Middle East and Africa showed the highest monthly growth in visitors. Hotel occupancy rates also improved, with star-rated hotels reaching 57.94% and non-star-rated hotels at 34.81%. Badung Regency had the highest occupancy at 57.95%. The average length of stay for international tourists at star-rated hotels was 3.114 nights.

Didier Jardin has been appointed as the new General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan. Jardin brings over three decades of experience with Four Seasons, having started his career with the company in 1994. His most recent role was General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. This appointment is expected to enhance the guest experience and maintain the high standards of luxury and service at the Bali resorts, reinforcing their status as premier destinations.