For more than two years, the people of Bali have been looking forward to this day: Borders are open again, aircraft are coming into land and travellers are once more stepping out in the world’s favourite holiday destination.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused untold hardships for those employed in Bali’s travel sector – which is virtually the entire population of the island, either directly or indirectly – but today there is excitement and a genuine sense that this paradise will soon be ringing with the sounds of children playing on its perfect beaches, laughter and conversation over dinner in its high-end hotels and gasps of wonder at its temples, the jungle-clad interior and those unforgettable sunsets.
The upside of Bali’s enforced absence from travel itineraries is that the natural environment is once again pristine and the travel sector has been working hard to prepare world-class dining and accommodation options, as well as exciting new attractions and events.
Visitors around the world are no longer required to obtain a visa before touching down in Indonesia’s favourite destination but can get one on arrival. And with borders reopening, there are direct flights to Bali from several countries, including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar and Hong Kong. Please check availability from your region.
As the people of Bali are ready to welcome you back and there are no longer any quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, it’s time to book your tickets for the holiday of a lifetime. #ItstimeforBali in Wonderful Indonesia. For the most up-to-date information, please visit – Wonderful Indonesia official website.
The Driver
I Wayan Yusandi Oka is a driver for a local car rental – and his smile goes from ear to ear in anticipation of seeing foreign faces back in Bali.
“Everyone that I know is very happy that the borders are opening again,” he says. “We have already seen the first foreign tourists starting to arrive and there is a real sense of optimism that the worst is behind us now.
Wayan emphasises that everyone involved in the travel sector is working hard to comply with the government’s health protocols – and he has no hesitation in identifying the reasons why anyone planning a vacation should put Bali at the top of their wish-list.
“The culture of Bali and the hospitality of the people,” he says with that irrepressible grin.
The Resort General Manager
Terence T. Lee, general manager of the Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort, is “thrilled” that travellers are returning to Bali, although he insists that the all-important tourism sector needs to remain watchful.
The last two-and-a-half years have been like an extended “Nyepi,” the Balinese day of silence that is observed at New Year, which falls in March according to the Balinese “saka” calendar. But life is returning to its communities, he says, and there is no time like the present to visit.
“Now is the time to come,” he says. “While the island is still recovering, why not experience the finest hotels, top cuisine, shop - and then party until you drop at a fraction of the price of previously? Meet a diverse culture and experience an appreciation of personal peace and simplicity that is unique on this planet. And that makes it a true paradise.”
And he is convinced that the outlook is bright for the island and its people.
“Like a phoenix, Bali is rising out of the ashes, higher and brighter,” he said. “I am sure that no-one can copy Bali anywhere else in Indonesia, let alone on Earth. It is just too unique that you can’t beat it. You can’t even match it.”
The Beach Club CEO
There is no escaping the fact that the coronavirus hit Bali hard, says Simon J. Pestridge, CEO of the Potato Head beach club in Seminyak. But there has also been a silver lining, he insists.
The crisis has brought foreigners who have made Bali their home close to the locals, with many Balinese also returning to their traditional roots in agriculture and fishing.
“The past two years has created a stronger sense of community,” he says. “It is amazing how everyone on the island has reached out to help their neighbours.”
And that is spilling over into the travel sector, Pestridge believes.
“I’m very optimistic about the future,” he adds. “I see people shifting focus to meaningful travel - longer and more immersive. They are traveling with a purpose; not just to experience the destination, but to actually get to know the community with deeper integration.”
That desire is the inspiration for the Residencies for the Potato Head Studios, which offers opportunities for travellers to Bali “to truly immerse in the culture, get inspired and regenerated,” Pestridge says.
“We have a magical island where we live in a clash between traditional and modern cultures,” he adds. “There’s this beautiful yin and yang between the heritage of craft with our innovations with recycled materials, and rich yet healthy food offerings.
“Our village represents that special duality of Bali, the kind of world we want to live in and create in, and we hope it will be the same for our guests.”
The Small Business Owner
I Made Dedi Wirama worked hard to build up his car rental company but has felt the pinch during the downturn. Now, however, he senses change is in the wind – and it is positive change.
“Across the tourism sector, there is optimism now that the spread of the virus has been largely brought under control,” he says. “Major events are being held again, visitors are beginning to return and we feel that everything is gradually returning to normal.”
Made says tourists must not miss Bali’s unrivalled natural attractions and unique local customs, and that visitors should try to capture the essence of the island’s “Taksu.” Difficult to accurately define, “Taksu” is the energy of the visible world and the blessings of the spiritual realm as they emerge in a Balinese person’s dance, knowledge, music, art or any other talent.
The Cultural Park Director
Stefanus Yonathan Astayasa, Operation Director of Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, agrees that with the pandemic in retreat, the island’s tourism sector is building back better.
“The GWK Cultural Park is one of the most visited attractions in Bali, we have felt the impact of the health crisis,” he said. "We have learned a lot from the last two years, so we are not just surviving but improving what we do.”
“We believe we are on the right track for a full recovery,” Astayasa says, adding that the island has high hopes for Bali hosting the G20 meeting in November, with the global event acting as a showcase for the destination.
“The people of Bali are keen to see the tourism industry revived and with so much effort being made during the difficult times, our community has a great deal of positivity that the island is going to come back better and stronger in the future,” he adds.
And he knows the message that he intends to share with as many new arrivals as possible: “Welcome to Bali! Welcome to your home away from home.”
The Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy
There are countless reasons to visit the Island of the Gods, believes Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani, but top of her personal list is the warmth of the Balinese people.
Acting Deputy Minister for Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Giri says visitors are once again visible on Bali’s beaches, exploring its interior and enjoying its unique attractions. But an equally important asset are the local people.
“Anyone who has been to Bali will agree that the local residents are the friendliest that you will find anywhere,” she said. “Making new friends is easy here as locals are happy to chat with anyone that they meet, including tourists from overseas.
“The genuine hospitality and warmth of the Balinese people have made tourists – both foreign and domestic – feel as if they are among family.”
Part of Giri’s remit over the last two years has been to make sure that effective health protocols are in place for when the visitors return. The vast majority of locals are triple vaccinated, certificates to cleanliness, health and safety have been adopted by local businesses and everyone working in the travel sector is aware of the importance of following health regulations, she said.
With that guarantee in place and local people ready to welcome visitors more, Giri is confident that the “extraordinary tourist attraction” that is the island of Bali is about to bounce back.
InDOnesia CARE:
The InDOnesia CARE initiative has implemented comprehensive anti-coronavirus protocols to ensure cleanliness, health, safety, and environment sustainability throughout the travel industry.
Thorough guidelines have been introduced for all sectors of the industry, from hotels through restaurants and bars, scuba diving operators, homestays, spas, golf courses, rafting tours and other tourism operators.
Employers and staff are aware of the updated healthcare requirements, which include mandatory personal protective equipment, regular disinfectant procedures and frequent training.
Facilities are also required to obtain a certificate of CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environment Sustainability) to demonstrate that they meet the necessary standards and are vigilant in the campaign against the virus.
To prevent the coronavirus spreading, the Indonesian government is regularly updating requirements for anyone planning to visit the region. The situation remains fluid and the regulations for travellers can change, but for the most up-to-date information, visit - l.ead.me/indtravel ;