SAS and Garuda Indonesia codeshare partnership boosts Europe-Southeast Asia tourism
Bali newsBali10 min read
SAS and Garuda Indonesia have launched a codeshare partnership, effective mid-June 2026, to enhance tourism between Europe and Southeast Asia. This agreement allows travelers from Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to access Indonesian destinations like Jakarta and Bali with seamless transfers via Amsterdam and Tokyo Haneda. Tickets became available on June 9, 2026, with first flights commencing on June 15, 2026. The partnership aims to simplify travel itineraries, increase visitor flow, and promote cultural exchange. Future plans include seasonal connections to Bangkok during the winter 2026/2027 season. Both leisure and business travelers will benefit from streamlined bookings, a wider selection of flight schedules, and the ability to earn and redeem frequent flyer points across EuroBonus and GarudaMiles programs. This collaboration between the SkyTeam members is expected to boost tourism revenue for both regions by facilitating easier travel for Scandinavians to Indonesia and for Indonesians to Europe.
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Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, in Sanur, has undergone a revival, re-emerging in early 2024. Originally built in 1966 as Bali's first 10-storey hotel, it was a vision of Indonesia's first President Sukarno to position Bali on the global stage. The redesign, led by Indonesian architects Gregorius Supie Yolodi and Maria Rosantina, preserves the original structure and materials, maintaining its historical significance while integrating new elements. The hotel is located within The Sanur complex, Indonesia's first health and wellness-focused special economic zone, which includes Bali International Hospital and other wellness facilities. This positions the hotel as part of a broader vision for Bali as a hub for wellness and quality of life. The hotel features roso Restaurant, offering a culinary journey through Indonesian cuisine, and Arunika Restaurant, a beachfront option. Family-friendly amenities include the Niskala Kids Club with cultural activities and a Family Getaways Package. For events, the Bali Beach Convention Center offers 3,750sqm of space for up to 5,000 guests, alongside smaller meeting rooms and outdoor venues. The Heritage Journey program, rooted in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, provides cultural experiences like canang sari offering making and Balinese dance sessions, including the Sandikala Ritual, a sacred dusk procession.
Must ReadBali has established a new immigration task force, Dharma Dewata, comprising approximately 100 officers, to target foreign influencers and content creators conducting commercial work while on tourist visas. Penalties for violations can include fines, deportation, arrest, and lifetime bans from the island. The task force conducts patrols in areas with high influencer activity and monitors social media in real time to identify potential offenders. Between January 1 and April 12, 2026, Bali Immigration deported 165 foreign nationals and detained 62 for various violations, including working without a license and overstaying visas. The crackdown specifically targets commercial activities such as brand collaborations, sponsored posts, photography assignments, and barter deals e.g., free accommodation or meals in exchange for social media promotion. Travelers with large followings who post for personal use without receiving compensation are generally not at risk. However, even non-monetizing Instagrammers could face issues if a business gains promotion and they benefit, such as through a free meal. The government has not yet issued clear, line-by-line guidelines, and while minor violations might lead to fines or delays, serious breaches could result in severe consequences. Patrols and social media monitoring are concentrated in expat areas and content creator hubs like Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, Kerobokan, and Uluwatu. For those planning commercial work, the E33G Remote Worker Visa is
Must ReadThe Paradisus by Melia Bali in Nusa Dua provides a luxurious, all-inclusive holiday experience designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, particularly for those seeking a break from daily decision-making. The resort offers an extensive all-inclusive package covering meals at its eight restaurants, free-flowing drinks, 24-hour room service, and mini-bar access. Guests can enjoy lagoon access rooms, and the resort features "The Reserve," an adults-only sanctuary with a separate check-in, tranquil pool, dedicated beachside area, and a quiet breakfast option at Sante restaurant. Daily activities include Balinese coffee tasting at Kopi Petani, cultural workshops such as Batik painting, Penjor and Janur art, and Devdan theatre performances. The resort also offers yoga and Pilates classes overlooking the ocean, and the Yhi Spa provides treatments like a two-and-a-half-hour authentic Balinese ritual, along with a sauna, steam room, and plunge pool. Dining options range from Japanese cuisine at Tokimeku with a sake bar, Spanish dishes at Peseta, to Middle Eastern fare at Samira, complete with mood lighting and belly dancers. The experience aims to provide a calm and restorative escape, allowing guests to unwind without the burden of planning.