The Traveling Witch

Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies recently visited Bali to outline the future direction of the island's tourism. A significant point of discussion was the proposed development of a beach club in Sanur, a location currently undergoing transformation into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) focused on medical and wellness tourism. Sanur, one of Bali’s most established tourist destinations, has seen substantial investment in recent years, leading to its designation as the Sanur SEZ for Medical and Wellness Tourism . This includes the construction of the Bali International Hospital, expected to open by late 2024, the renovation of the historic hotel now named The Meru, and the creation of a new shopping and entertainment complex. Speculation has emerged about the possible establishment of a large beach club in central Sanur. Known for its serene and relaxed atmosphere, Sanur offers a distinct contrast to the livelier areas of Seminyak and Canggu. Although Sanur fe...

Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport remains one of Indonesia's busiest travel gateways, handling over 2.2 million passengers monthly. To manage this heavy flow , local authorities are continually enhancing the airport’s efficiency and convenience. In addition to these efforts, Indonesian officials are considering measures to make flights more affordable for both domestic and international travelers. Recently, the airport introduced a series of new autogates aimed at speeding up the arrival and departure process for tourists. These autogates were first launched in the international terminals earlier this year, with plans in place to further expand their use to enhance Bali’s immigration services. Ngurah Rai Suhendra, Head of the TPI Class I Immigration Office, noted that with 60 autogates now in operation, the airport can process over 120 passengers per minute. An additional 30 autogates were recently installed, increasing the total to 60 , with 20 more e...

Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, recently addressed the growing issue of illegal villas in Bali during the World Water Conference . He emphasized that many villas are operating without necessary construction and business permits, leading to various illegal activities. A notable incident involved a private villa in Canggu being used as a drug den, resulting in the arrest of four individuals involved in methadone production and marijuana cultivation. Minister Uno highlighted that this misuse underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement. During a meeting on tourism sector standardization in Kuta, Minister Uno expressed disappointment over the low awareness among business operators regarding proper permits and certifications. He urged local authorities to educate the public on Indonesian National Standards (SNI) for Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and a Sustainable Environment (CHSE). Minister Uno also confirmed the suspensio...