Authorities in Indonesia's popular holiday island of Bali have asked the central immigration agency to cancel a visa-on-arrival policy for Russian and Ukrainian nationals after tourists were found working illegally. Russian nationals are among the biggest groups of foreign arrivals in Indonesia, according to official tourism data. At least four Russian citizens were deported this month for visa violations and immigration authorities have repeatedly warned foreigners in Bali against working on tourist visas. FILE PHOTO: Tourists enjoy the sunset at Canggu beach in Bali, Indonesia, December 2, 2021. REUTERS/Johannes P. Christo Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said on Sunday he has asked the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to tighten visa requirements by cancelling the visa-on-arrival ...
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Far from Bali’s beaches and hotels, farmer I Ketut Jata stands on a mountainside, staring at terraced land that is too dry to grow the rice his family has long relied on for food and income. “It is no longer possible to work in the fields as a farmer,” he says. Bali’s water crisis is worsening from tourism development, population growth and water mismanagement, experts and environmental groups warn. Water shortages already are affecting UNESCO sites, wells, food production and Balinese culture and experts say the situation will deteriorate further if existing water control policies are not enforced across the island. A farmer works in a field with a traditional terrace irrigation system called a "subak' in Jatiluwih in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia, Monday, April 18, 2022. (AP Photo/T...
Read MorePositive transformation for both people and planet was the central message of World Tourism Day 2022. Held around the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, the Global Day of Observation emphasized the sector’s unique potential to drive recovery and deliver positive change for people everywhere. Hosted by the Republic of Indonesia, in the popular destination of Bali, the official celebrations brought together leaders from across the public and private sector, including the largest and most diverse number of Ministers of Tourism in the history of World Tourism Day. They were joined by tourism stakeholders around the world celebrating in their own countries, united around the timely theme of rethinking and transforming the sector. Seizing the opportunity Opening the celebrations, UNWTO...
Read MoreTossing flowing crests back and forth, three snow-white Bali mynahs share a branch, squawking and looking around with the trademark blue patches around their eyes catching sunlight. Minutes later, four more join — a sight that would have been impossible in the wild two decades ago. But by working with bird breeders and sellers — the very group that contributed to the prized birds becoming critically endangered — conservationists are releasing them in Bali province, hoping to boost the wild population. Wild Bali mynahs perch on a tree in West Bali National Park in Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia on April 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana) Experts say more research and monitoring is needed, but the conservation model has shown promise over the past 10 years and could be replicated for o...
Read MoreWith picture-perfect sands and boundless panoramas, Asia’s iconic beaches and urban hotspots offer everything from barefoot luxury and golden-hour glamour to epic shopping and nightlife. From Bali to Vietnam, beaches are sparkling, cities are clear of crowds, and the temples, ruins and wildlife parks are just waiting to be explored. In an added incentive to dust off the suitcase, Avani has unveiled special offers ranging from flexi-stays and all-inclusives to free nights. Vietnam Explorations With spring in full swing, Vietnam’s tropical landscapes look irresistible. With 3,000 km of golden coastline, Insta-worthy Indochine architecture and the freshest of flavours, Vietnam is always ready for exploration. In south central Vietnam, where crystal-clear waters lap the sandy shore,...
Read MoreBali's Visa on Arrival is back. After two long years, Bali has reopened its borders to fully-vaccinated travellers from 42 countries. Anantara Seminyak is inviting travellers to rediscover oceanfront luxury with blissful days spent basking by the pool, surfing the waves, and strolling the beach at sunset with peace of mind that all COVID-19 requirements are taken care of for them during their stay. With a layout centred on the property’s beachfront location, the ocean is never out of sight or earshot. Beach-centric architecture is offset by lush tropical greenery, enveloping the resort in blooming gardens that offer plenty of shaded areas. Against the backdrop of shimmering aquamarine and emerald green, the clean classical lines of the façade retained their sophisticate...
Read MoreIt’s official Bali’s back!! After two years of border closures the Island of the God’s has reopened to international guests. To welcome returning guests, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is striving to ensure that their arrival and stay is as seamless and safe as possible with the new ‘Back to Bali’ package. Perched atop a dramatic cliff, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort’s contemporary luxury reveals sensational ocean views of the world-renowned Impossible Beach right in front of the resort. This beach is one of the most famous surf points in Bali where surfers can descend through the resort’s beach elevator to the beautiful rocky beach. During their stay guests can disappear into a world of indulgence beginning with a complimentary Balinese massage, cliffside dining with the best vi...
Read MoreWhen Russian tourist Konstantin Ivanov tried to draw money from his home bank account at a cash machine on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, the transaction was blocked. Unprecedented sanctions against Russia's banks over its invasion of Ukraine are taking a toll on its citizens overseas, who have been left scrambling to find cash or turn to crypto transactions to get by. Visitors are seen inside a cafe frequently visited by the Russians in Badung regency, Bali, Indonesia, March 8, 2022. REUTERS/Sultan Anshori "This has created a huge problem for us. We have been left completely stripped of our finances - its like they have been completely frozen and we cannot use them at all over here,” said Ivanov, 27, adding that he might have to look for a job in Indonesia. The Russian...
Read MoreIndonesia's resort island of Bali on Monday welcomed its first foreign tourists under relaxed coronavirus rules that no longer require arrivals to quarantine, part of a broader easing of curbs in the Southeast Asian country after infections declined. Known for its surfing, temples, waterfalls and nightlife, Bali drew 6.2 million foreign visitors in 2019, the year before COVID-19 struck. But only a trickle of visitors have returned since Bali started opening up to foreign tourists last October, discouraged by the need to quarantine and other rules. Foreign tourists carrying their luggage walk as they arrive at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, as the local government kicks off the first day of the 'quarantine free' trial, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, ...
Read MoreIndonesia's holiday island of Bali welcomed its first direct flight carrying foreign tourists for nearly two years on Thursday, but just a handful of visitors were on board to enter strict quarantine on arrival. A Garuda Indonesia flight from Tokyo arrived in Bali in the afternoon, with six foreigners and six Indonesians aboard, said Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, an official at the Bali Government Tourism Office. Though the island officially opened to visitors from China, New Zealand, Japan and a few other countries in mid-October, there have been no direct non-cargo flights since then. Passengers who were boarded on Garuda Indonesia flight GA881 from Narita, Japan, wave to journalists upon their arrival as Bali welcome its first direct flight carrying foreign tourists, after it was...
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