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Must readBali news·10 hours ago
Perth woman faces $10,650 bill after New Year's Eve mix-up in Bali
Hayley 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.
17 min read
Bali news·17 hours ago
Fashion-focused hotels from Paris to Bali offer unique experiences for style-conscious travelers
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
8 min read
BreakingLombok news·2 days ago
Anak Krakatau eruption disrupts KPK corruption witness probe
The Corruption Eradication Commission KPK has rescheduled witness examinations in several corruption cases due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that Lalu Rudi Iskandar, Chair of the West Lombok Regency General Elections Commission, could not attend his scheduled questioning in Jakarta on September 7, 2026, because of flight delays caused by the volcanic ash. Mount Anak Krakatau erupted on September 5, 2026, leading to flight disruptions at airports, including Soekarno-Hatta Airport near Jakarta. The West Lombok corruption case emerged from a sting operation on July 20, 2026, against Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini. The KPK named Lalu Ahmad Zaini and President Director of PT Air Minum Giri Menang Sudirman as suspects on July 21, 2026, in an alleged conflict of interest in goods and services procurement. They, along with Alvonsus Gani, President Director of PT Meconel Sistim Instrument, are also suspects in an alleged bribery case within the West Lombok Regency Government. The KPK suspects the regent received Rp12.4 billion from these corrupt practices.
10 min read
Gili Trawangan news·3 days ago
Volunteer opportunity: Care for rescue horses on Gili Trawangan
A volunteer program on Gili Trawangan is seeking individuals to care for rescued horses and ponies. Volunteers will assist with daily stable routines, feeding, grooming, and general animal welfare for four hours a day, receiving one day off per week. Shared dormitory accommodation with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi is provided, but breakfast is not included. Free entry to local parties and events is also offered. Applicants must have prior experience with horses and be comfortable with basic horse care and stable work; applications without this experience will be declined. The program, "Horses of Gili," focuses on improving the lives of working ponies. Daily activities include taking ponies to the beach from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM and an afternoon routine from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Volunteers need to be over 18, fluent in English, and can be solo travelers, couples, or partners. Important rules for accommodation include no parties, no drugs, and quiet hours after 10 PM. Volunteers are responsible for their flights, travel insurance, internal transport, and obtaining a tourist visa, as the program does not sponsor volunteer visas. Food is not included in the work exchange.
7 min read
Must readGili Air news·4 days ago
Crown Princess Victoria visits Gili Meno to support coral reef insurance project
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden visited Gili Meno on Sunday, September 6, as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to highlight efforts in protecting coral reefs from climate change. During her visit, she learned about a pioneering parametric insurance scheme designed to protect vulnerable coral reefs. This initiative, developed by UNDP in collaboration with the Indonesian government, Swiss Re, and the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, triggers payments when environmental conditions, such as ocean temperatures, reach predetermined levels. These payments are intended to fund rapid reef restoration and support local communities affected by marine ecosystem damage. UNDP states this is the first parametric insurance specifically for coral reefs against rising ocean temperatures. Crown Princess Victoria participated in coral restoration activities, observed local marine conservation efforts, and helped release sea turtle hatchlings. Indonesia contains approximately 16 percent of the world’s coral reefs, with reef-based tourism around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air generating over IDR 9.5 trillion annually. The project is expected to benefit around 25,000 people, with about 5,000 receiving training in insurance and marine protection. Her visit to Indonesia, from September 4 to 8, focuses on sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity.
5 min read
BreakingGili Trawangan news·4 days ago
Gili Trawangan water crisis leads to early tourist departures and government intervention
A clean water crisis on Gili Trawangan has caused approximately 300 tourists to cut their holidays short and leave the island early. The water supply completely stopped around midnight on Thursday, September 3, impacting hotels and tourism businesses. Lalu Kusnawan, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association IHGMA in West Nusa Tenggara and head of the Gili Trawangan Hotel Association, confirmed the early departures. Some businesses have resorted to draining swimming pools for sanitation or bringing water from mainland Lombok by boat, which is costly and insufficient. The situation is particularly challenging as Gili Trawangan is currently experiencing high visitor numbers, with over 3,000 tourists daily in the Gili area. Tourism operators have raised concerns with local governments and plan to appeal to President Prabowo Subianto for a permanent solution to the recurring water supply issues. The West Nusa Tenggara government is now involved, with Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal coordinating with the central government and other stakeholders to restore the existing water network. Iqbal has discussed the emergency with the Minister of Environment, Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, who has committed to assisting. The provincial government aims to resume water network operations within one to two days, while the North Lombok government is providing immediate water supplies. Governor Iqbal apologized for the disruption and emphasized that restoring water is crucial for reside
6 min read
Lombok news·4 days ago
Crown Princess Victoria praises Karang Bajo's environmental wisdom
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, visiting as a United Nations Development Programme UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, commended the indigenous community of Karang Bajo Village in Bayan, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara NTB, for their dedication to preserving forests, water sources, and cultural heritage. During her visit on Sunday, September 6, 2026, she observed the community's way of life, including a tree-planting activity at the Mandala Spring area within the customary forest. She engaged in dialogue with residents, expressing her admiration for their efforts to maintain a balance between nature, culture, and community life, and for passing down local knowledge to future generations. The Princess was accompanied by the Governor of NTB, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal; the Deputy Head of the District of North Lombok, Kusmalahadi Syamsuri; the Head of the North Lombok Tourism Office; and a UNDP delegation. Nikrana, a traditional leader of Karang Bajo, explained that the community's philosophy views Earth as a mother to be respected and protected, a principle reflected in their traditions and institutions. The Bayan region features four customary forest areas with at least 27 springs, vital for the community's clean water and agriculture. Karang Bajo functions as both a traditional and tourism village, where culture, nature, and community coexist.
7 min read
Lombok-Kuta news·6 days ago
Mandalika tourism area sees 685,844 visitors in first half of 2026
The Mandalika tourism area recorded 685,844 visitors during the first six months of 2026, according to InJourney Tourism Development Corporation ITDC. This period also saw an increase in the average hotel occupancy in the Mandalika Area, rising from 44.94 percent in the first semester of 2025 to 50.95 percent in the first semester of 2026.
3 min read
Lombok-Kuta news·3 Sept 2026
Kuta Beach surf report and forecast for September 3, 2026
Kuta Beach in Bali is currently experiencing poor surf conditions with waves at 2-3 feet thigh to waist high as of 1:20 PM WITA UTC+8 on September 3, 2026. The wind is blowing at 13 knots from the southeast with gusts up to 17 knots, creating cross-shore conditions. The swell is composed of a 4.5 ft swell from the SW 232 degrees with a 15-second period, a 3.5 ft swell from the SSW 208 degrees with a 16-second period, and a 3.6 ft swell from the SE 126 degrees with a 5-second period. The tide is at 7.5 feet and the water temperature is 78°F. The weather is also 78°F, recommending SPF 50 sunscreen. The surf forecast for Kuta Beach indicates waves will be 2-3 ft today, dropping to 1-2 ft tomorrow, September 4. Over the weekend, waves are expected to be 2-3 ft on Saturday, September 5, and 2-3 ft+ on Sunday, September 6. The forecast shows an increase to 3-4 ft on Tuesday, September 8, and 3-4 ft+ on Wednesday, September 9. Kuta Beach is known for its consistent beachbreak, suitable for all skill levels, and performs best at high tide.
9 min read
Must readGili Islands news·1 Sept 2026
Hotel Bask to open on Gili Meno beachfront in 2027
Hotel Bask is scheduled to open in 2027 on the western coastline of Gili Meno, adjacent to the existing Bask Gili Meno resort. The new property will feature 32 guest studios, including 30 rooms of 63 square metres and two larger studios of 85 square metres. It will also offer dining venues and wellness facilities. The hotel's design, a collaboration between creative director James Brown, RIEM Studio architect Rieky Sanur, and Bask CEO Greg Meyer, focuses on tropical modernist living, aiming for a contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to the original Bask. The material palette includes sand-toned concrete, local stone, timber, dark metal, and textured plaster, complemented by native tropical plants. Interiors will feature stone dining tables, built-in sofas, leather lounges, timber chairs, and natural fibre rugs, along with large-scale paintings, monochromatic photography, and black geometric sculptures, continuing the visual style established by the first Bask Gili Meno resort. Bask CEO Greg Meyer stated that Hotel Bask aims to provide an intimate luxury experience reflecting its location and embodying Bask’s vision for elevated hospitality.
3 min read
Breaking
Gili Air news·25 Aug 2026
Satellite analysis shows minor damage on Gili Islands after Lombok earthquake
A UNOSAT map, based on satellite images from August 8, 2018, indicates minor damage on the Gili Islands following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Lombok Island on August 5, 2018. The analysis identified 15 potentially damaged buildings, primarily on Gili Air, and 6 potential gathering sites on Gili Trawangan. This preliminary assessment used a post-event Pleiades satellite image and Google Earth for pre-event imagery, which may affect the confidence level of the analysis. The findings have not yet been validated in the field.
2 min read
Gili Islands news·12 Aug 2026
Private tour explores East Lombok's hidden Gili Islands
Letsea Indonesia, a local tour operator based in Lombok, offers a private island-hopping tour to the hidden Gili Islands of East Lombok. The tour includes visits to Gili Kondo, a tropical island with white sand and clear turquoise water; Gili Petagan, a peaceful mangrove island; Gili Kapal, a sandbar island visible at low tide with 360-degree ocean views; and Gili Bidara, a snorkeling spot with clear water and colorful marine life. The experience, hosted in English, is approximately 9 hours long and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private boat, a tour guide, snorkeling gear mask and fins, a life jacket, and mineral water. The tour costs from $141 per guest and offers free cancellation up to 1 day before the start time. Guests aged 18 and up can attend. Letsea Indonesia specializes in personalized service and aims to provide a safe, smooth, and memorable journey to these East Lombok destinations.
2 min read