Voyage Vistas

  AirAsia has introduced direct flights connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) with Komodo International Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. This makes AirAsia the first international airline to offer a direct route to this destination, known for its unique Komodo dragons, a species found only on this island. The inaugural flight landed in Labuan Bajo on September 3, 2024. This marks the start of a three-times-a-week service between the two locations. The route provides over 4,000 seats weekly, with expectations of boosting tourism and benefiting local economies in both Indonesia and Malaysia. AirAsia emphasized that the new route is likely to significantly increase tourist numbers, which will positively impact local businesses. The airline’s Fly-Thru service also enhances accessibility, making it easier for travelers from Asia and Australia to visit Komodo National Park and Flores island with a single stop in Kuala Lumpur. Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, AirA

Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport ranks as one of Indonesia’s busiest hubs, accommodating over 2.2 million passengers each month . In response to this high traffic, local authorities are working to enhance efficiency and convenience for travelers . In addition to these efforts, Indonesian ministers are considering strategies to make flights more affordable for both domestic and international passengers. Recently, the airport implemented a new series of autogates designed to streamline the arrival and departure processes for tourists. The first set of these autogates was introduced earlier this year in the international terminals, with ongoing plans to extend their use to further enhance Bali’s immigration services. Ngurah Rai Suhendra, the Head of the TPI Class I Immigration Office, emphasized that the airport now has 60 operational autogates , allowing the processing of over 120 passengers per minute. The recent installation of 30 additional autogates brings the tot

Exploring Bali often conjures images of luxury hotels, waterfalls, trendy cafes, and verdant rice fields. Yet, just north of Sanur, in southern Bali, lies an unexpected sight: an abandoned theme park overtaken by the jungle. Taman Festival, closed for over 20 years, now stands as an eerie site with derelict buildings adorned with street art. Nature is reclaiming the park, while graffiti artists have left their marks. The park remains relatively undiscovered by tourists and is considered cursed by locals. During our visit, we encountered only a few people. The History of Taman Festival Bali Taman Festival opened in 1997, featuring Bali’s largest swimming pool, a 3D theatre, and a laser show with a budget exceeding 5 million dollars. The total construction cost reached around 100 million dollars. However, the park soon faced challenges. On March 13th, a lightning strike hit the laser show, leading locals to believe the park was cursed. Combined with Indonesia’s economic crisis, visito

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 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