Voyage Vistas

In Bali's Badung Regency, officials recently explored the development of tourism villages in Canggu, a locale that has witnessed a significant tourist influx over the last seven years. The intent behind these discussions is to maintain the cultural integrity and traditional values of the region amidst its tourism boom. The initiative was strongly supported by Made Mangku Pastika, the former Governor of Bali, who pushed for the official designation of Canggu’s Traditional Village as a tourism village. This would enable better management of resources and provide more funding to conserve the area's cultural and natural environments. During the meeting, key figures such as I Wayan Suarsana, Head of Canggu Traditional Village, and Ni Kadek Dwi Indah Paramita, Director of Baga Utsaha Padruwen Traditional Village in Canggu, addressed the dual aspects of opportunity and challenge presented by the rising number of tourists. They emphasized sustainable development and the enhancement of

Bali has recently grappled with a small number of tourists who have shown disrespect or engaged in illegal activities. This persistent problem has led to discussions about adopting approaches used in other countries, like Japan. After the pandemic, Japan has seen an increase in visitors from Australia, potentially surpassing Bali as a tourist destination. Japan is celebrated for its variety of attractions, including cultural landmarks, ski resorts, and vibrant cities, catering to diverse interests. Kyoto’s Gion district, known for its geisha culture, has encountered issues with tourists invading private spaces, snapping unauthorized photos, and disturbing the peaceful atmosphere. To address these problems, Kyoto's local government has restricted access to private zones and imposed fines on those who photograph geishas without consent. Signs in Japanese and English have been placed to safeguard privacy while still inviting tourists to public areas. Bali could consider similar measur

Bali is often thought of as a heavenly retreat, but its laid-back vibe is shifting. In response to disorderly tourists, Bali introduced a specialized tourism police unit in February. This team has addressed numerous problems, including inebriated tourists and individuals turning to begging for money. "Unfortunately, some visitors have depleted their funds and resorted to begging. We've seen such cases," stated Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, head of Bali's Civil Service Police Unit. "Disturbances at tourist spots are not uncommon, and our main objective is to keep the atmosphere friendly for everyone." Over 70 officers have been stationed in key locales like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. These officers also oversee proper dress codes at Hindu temples, promoting the wearing of traditional sashes in Bali, a region noted for its unique Hindu heritage. Dharmadi added, "Visitors often unintentionally violate sacred customs out of ignorance." Despite these regul

In Bali's Badung Regency, officials are actively considering the designation of Canggu as a tourism village. This initiative acknowledges the substantial growth in tourism over the past seven years and aims to preserve the area's cultural and scenic values. Former Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika advocates for official recognition of Canggu's Traditional Village as a tourism village to improve its management. This move would allow the local council to access more resources to safeguard the area's cultural and natural landscapes. Pastika, alongside I Wayan Suarsana, leader of the Canggu Traditional Village, and Ni Kadek Dwi Indah Paramita, Director of the Baga Utsaha Padruwen Traditional Village, emphasized the positive changes in Canggu due to its tourism development. However, he also highlighted the need for enhancements to ensure sustainability and improve locals' living conditions. "The region has significant resources," noted Pastika. "Effective

Bali Airport is committed to enhancing the travel experience for both domestic and international travelers. Starting in late 2023, the airport introduced new automatic gates to expedite immigration procedures, with plans for further expansion. Recently, the management of Bali Airport apologized for any inconvenience caused by the installation of an additional 30 automatic gates in the international arrivals area. Senior officials have issued directives to expedite the installation process in preparation for the peak travel season, particularly for Australian vacationers. Pramella Y Pasaribu, Chief of Bali’s Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, stated to the media, "Efforts are being directed towards completing this project earlier than initially planned." Following the Eid festival, the airport intends to install 20 more automatic gates at the international departures terminal, bringing the total to 80 automatic gates at Bali Airport. The implementation of

  Bali is celebrated for its stunning scenery and deep-rooted cultural traditions, particularly its unique tattoo art. This Indonesian island draws numerous visitors, many captivated by Balinese tattoo designs' detailed and symbolic nature. However, this interest often sparks a debate over the thin line between cultural appropriation and appreciation, especially among foreign visitors. This discussion aims to delve into this nuanced topic, underlining the need for reverence towards the cultural importance of Bali tattoos. Delving into the Origins: The Deep Meaning Behind Balinese Tattoos The tattoo art of Bali goes beyond mere decoration; these designs embody significant cultural and spiritual connotations. Stemming from age-old rituals and religious customs, these tattoos form a key part of Balinese heritage. They frequently symbolize elements of Balinese Hinduism, local legends, and the island’s inherent beauty. For the Balinese, acquiring a tattoo is often linked with spiritual

Embracing the expatriate life in Bali brings with it unique challenges and experiences. It's a diverse experience, differing for each individual categorized as an expat. An important consideration is the true essence of an expatriate's life. The term 'expatriate' has its roots in Latin 'ex', meaning 'outside of', and Greek 'patria', referring to 'one's native country', indicating someone residing outside their homeland. In March 2023, my family and I moved to Bali, which has greatly enhanced my understanding of the expat life here. In Bali, the term 'bulé' is often used for non-Indonesians, usually indicating Caucasian or European origins. While this term can have varied connotations, it mainly identifies someone as non-Indonesian, a perspective largely shared by locals. The expatriate experience in Bali is a deeply personal one, with no singular narrative that can define it. Our individual histories, ambitions, and life stori

The inauguration of Indonesia’s new president marks a pivotal moment for Bali, elevating its status as a key hub for tourism and property investments in Indonesia. This change in administration could notably influence Bali's real estate landscape, especially the flourishing market of villas. Consequently, Bali's property sector finds itself at a crossroads, offering both challenges and prospects for investors and stakeholders alike. Indonesia's steady economic growth, averaging around a 5% increase in GDP in recent years, sets a promising stage for property investments, particularly in Bali’s villa market. However, foreign ownership laws in Indonesia present obstacles for overseas investors in Bali’s real estate. Thus, any policy revisions by the new government could reshape the accessibility of Bali’s property market for international buyers, impacting both demand and pricing, especially in the villa segment. The vibrant tourism industry in Bali is intrinsically linked to