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Island news

What is happening across the Gili Islands and Bali — boats and transport, events, openings and the stories shaping island life.

Bali introduces task force to monitor influencers and commercial activity on tourist visas

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Bali news·2 hours ago

Bali introduces task force to monitor influencers and commercial activity on tourist visas

Bali 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

8 min read

Paradisus by Melia Bali offers an all-inclusive, decision-free holiday experience in Nusa Dua

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Bali news·2 hours ago

Paradisus by Melia Bali offers an all-inclusive, decision-free holiday experience in Nusa Dua

The 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.

8 min read

Bali news·2 hours ago

SAS and Garuda Indonesia codeshare partnership boosts Europe-Southeast Asia tourism

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.

10 min read

Bali increases enforcement against foreign influencers working on tourist visas

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Bali news·2 hours ago

Bali increases enforcement against foreign influencers working on tourist visas

Indonesian officials are cracking down on foreign travel influencers in Bali who engage in brand collaborations, accept complimentary stays, or participate in unpaid content shoots while on tourist visas. This action addresses Bali's overtourism issues, including traffic congestion, strain on infrastructure, rising housing prices, and a perceived lack of respect for locals. Foreign nationals conducting any work that results in direct or indirect economic gain are now required to obtain the appropriate work visa, which costs between $100 and over $1,000, instead of the typical $30 tourist visa. In April 2026, the Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force, comprising over 100 officers, was established to monitor online and live activities in popular areas like Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, Kerobokan, and Uluwatu. So far, 62 visitors have been detained, facing potential fines, deportation, and long-term re-entry bans. Activities considered illegal under a tourist visa include creating sponsored posts, partnering with brands, participating in collaborations, video or photo shoots, marketing campaigns, accepting free compensation from hotels or restaurants, and any content creation for commercial purposes, even if unpaid.

7 min read

Bali news·2 hours ago

Coordination meeting held on waste management in Bali's hospitality sector

A coordination meeting on waste management in Bali's hotel, restaurant, and café horeca sector took place in Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The meeting included Jumhur Hidayat, the Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency, and Ni Luh Puspa, the Deputy Minister of Tourism. The purpose of the meeting was to accelerate solutions for waste management issues, particularly in the tourism areas of Denpasar and Badung, by increasing the involvement of businesses in the horeca sector.

3 min read

Bali news·2 hours ago

Research indicates giant tsunami hit southern Java and Bali 400 years ago

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency BRIN announced on Tuesday that studies along the southern coasts of Java and Bali show strong evidence of a massive tsunami approximately 400 years ago. BRIN researcher Eko Yulianto stated at a Monday workshop that remnants of this event are detectable through tsunami sand layers, marine microfossils, archaeological structures, and ancient environmental data. Yulianto noted the absence of historical documents detailing when the last major rupture occurred, suggesting that if a megathrust earthquake happened before written history, its memory might have been lost from records. The research team has conducted paleotsunami investigations at 12 significant sites from West Java to Bali.

1 min read

Bali attractions undergo safety checks ahead of holiday season

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Bali news·2 hours ago

Bali attractions undergo safety checks ahead of holiday season

Indonesia’s Deputy Tourism Minister, Ni Luh Puspa, conducted spot checks at Bali's top attractions, including Waterbom Bali in Kuta, to ensure safety, comfort, service quality, and visitor management are optimal for the upcoming peak travel season and school holidays. The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging destinations nationwide, especially in Bali, to manage visitor capacity to prevent overcrowding and maintain service standards. Waterbom Bali CEO Sayan Gulino confirmed preparations, including increased supervision and routine inspections. Additionally, I Wayan Agus Bhara Dhiva, Manager of Sanur Beach Tourist Attraction from the Intaran Regional Government Agency BUPDA, stated that Sanur is improving tourist mobility with more staff on popular beaches like Segara Beach, Sindu Beach, Karang Beach, Semawang Beach, Cemara Beach, and Mertasari Beach, and promoting a new electric shuttle bus service in the resort area to ease traffic and parking.

5 min read