Travel and Leisure recently announced the world's best travel destinations and organizations for 2023, according to the results of their reader survey. This is the magazine's 28th edition of the World's Best Awards.   The World's Best Awards from Travel and Leisure are released annually. The survey sampled its readers who are experienced in the travel industry around the world.   In the Travel and Leisure version of the Best Cities in the World 2023, the city of Ubud in the Province of Bali, is in the top 10 list by ranking fourth.   The city of Ubud is located in the highlands of Bali. The city is also known as a center of culture, art, and the natural beauty. Ubud offers another side of Bali. In Ubud, visitors can enjoy to view the rice terrace with temples and sacred places of worship.   The following is a list of the 10 best cities in the world according to Travel and Leisure. 1. Oaxaca, Mexico 2. Udaipur, India 3. Kyoto, Japan 4. Ubud, Indonesia 5. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 6. Mexico City, Mexico 7. Tokyo, Japan 8. Istanbul, Türkiye 9. Bangkok, Thailand 10. Mumbai, India     photo source : baligoldentour

The Provincial Government of Bali issued an official "Do's and Don'ts" card for foreign tourists traveling to Bali island as an effort to overcome the surge in bad behavior of foreign tourists while in Bali.   We welcome all foreign tourist to Bali and remind you to “DO”: A. Respect local religion and their sacred places  B. Respect Balinese wisdoms including traditional ceremonies  C. Wear the proper clothes  D. Behave especially in sacred places  E. Travel with licensed tour guide if needed  F. Exchange in legal money changer  G. Transaction with Indonesian QR Standard  H. Cash transaction with Indonesian Rupiah  I. Obey the traffic law  J. Rent vehicles from legal company K. Stay in legal accommodation  L. Obey any rules in tourist spot    We welcome all foreign tourist to Bali and remind you to “DON’T”: A. Enter main area of scared places unless for praying by wearing Balinese traditional clothes and not having period  B. Climb sacred tress C. Take pictures with unproper clothes around sacred places  D. Do littering E. Use non-recyclable plastic  F. Misbehave in public area G. Work or do business illegally H. Do illegal trading    All offenses subject to law or deportation   

The Governor of Bali Wayan Koster together with Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati welcomed the arrival of the Emirates plane. The world's largest aircraft AirbusA380-800 owned by Emirates airline landed at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Thursday (1/6) at 16.35 WITA. The commercial aircraft carried 482 passengers from Dubai International Airport on Thursday (1/6) at 03.49 local time. Since international flights to Bali opened in 2022 post-pandemic, Emirates has become one of the pioneer flights and there has been a significant increase in the number of foreign tourist visits to Bali. In 2022, when the COVID-19 condition has not subsided, the number of foreign tourists visiting reached 1.1 million. However, in 2023 until the end of April, foreign tourist visits have reached 1.5 million. If you look at developments from January to April 2023, by the end of 2023 the target has been set, namely 4.5 million foreign tourist arrivals. With the landing of the super jumbo jet, Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport made history as the first airport in Indonesia to serve the largest regular commercial passengers in the world. Photo Courtesy of https://www.dream.co.id

Nusa Penida is a famous tourism area in Klungkung Regency with the nickname of Bali's golden egg. Nusa Penida is located southeast of the island of Bali, Indonesia. It has natural uniqueness, especially the beauty of exotic and spectacular beaches. So a visit to Bali will not be complete if you haven’t been the chance to visit Nusa Penida Island. Tourists who wish to visit the island of Nusa Penida can go through the Port of Sanur which serves crossing routes to the islands of Nusa Penida and Lembongan. The cruise from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida can be reached in about one hour by using a fast boat. At Sanur Port, there are many choices of fast boats from various companies with several departure hours starting at 07:00 WITA until 15:00 WITA. From Sanur Harbor, tourists will head to Banjar Nyuh Harbor on Nusa Penida. Banjar Nyuh Harbor in Nusa Penida is now busy because it is one of the entrances to Nusa Penida since the popularity of Nusa Penida tourism as a holiday destination for tourists in Bali. Nusa Penida offers many natural tourist attractions with its exotic and spectacular natural beauty, such as: Kelingking Beach, this tourist attraction offers spectacular natural views of the sea from the top of the hill. The beach has white sand and access to the location is easy because cars can go directly to the location. The view of the hills and cliffs jutting into the sea resembles a little finger (kelingking), as well as the beautiful cliffs that surround it, presented in an exotic way. Kelingking Beach is a mandatory tour destination in Nusa Penida with tour routes to the West route, it is always crowded, especially when the holiday season arrives. The location address is in Bunga Mekar hamlet, Karang Dawa Village, Kec. Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency. Broken Beach, is one of the tourist attractions that must be visited while in Nusa Penida. Local people call this beach as “pasih uug” which means Broken Beach. It is called Broken Beach because its geographical contours seem to be damaged, even though it is not and in fact the natural scenery looks so unique, beautiful and amazing. The view of one part of the cliffs in this area is a giant gaping hole, then sea water enters the hole and gets trapped in the rocks surrounded by the cliffs. Located in the western tourism area, in the same area as Angel's Billabong. The location address is in Sumpang hamlet, Bunga Mekar village, Kec. Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency. Crystal Bay Beach, Cystal Bay beach will be an ideal recreation area. Located at Br. Penida, Sakti village, Nusa Penida sub-district, Klungkung regency - Bali. As the name suggests, the sea water on Cystal Bay beach is so clear as crystal, the underwater world is no less beautiful, so it has become a favorite water tourism destination for recreational snorkeling and diving. This natural coastal recreation area has clean white sand, an ideal place to relax and mingle. Crystal Bay Beach is located in a bay and surrounded by hills, as if hidden from the crowds. About 50 meters from the beach there is a coral island called Batu Mejinong Island, which seems to protect the waves and looks more spectacular at sunset, this place is a mandatory tour destination for tourists.

The moment Miss Universe visited Bali can be used as a promotional medium. When the economy has not recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very difficult to promote overseas directly. The influence is not only from Miss Universe's country of origin, but the whole world who knows Miss Universe, especially the countries participating in the Miss Universe competition. The Head of the Bali Government Tourism Office, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun welcomed the arrival of Miss Universe 2022 to Bali. Miss Universe's visit is considered to have a positive impact and become a promotional event for Bali tourism. All Miss Universe activities in Bali will be exposed to the international world, and will automatically promote Bali to the international world. The member of Miss Universe 2022 present in Bali are Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Nola from the United States, Runner Up 2 Miss Universe 2022 Adreina Martinez from the Dominican Republic, and Top 5 Miss Universe 2022 Gabriella Del Santoz from Curacao. While on the Island of the Gods, the three of them were not only scheduled for photo shoots and sightseeing, but also attended invitations for the Grand Launching of Miss Universe Indonesia which would take place in Nusa Dua, South Kuta District, Badung. Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Nola admitted that she was impressed by the honesty and warmth given by the people of Bali during her visit to the Island of the Gods, whether on vacation or during the Miss Universe 2023 Asia Tour. Their arrival was due to being invited to the Grand Launching of Miss Universe Indonesia which was held at the Mulia Nusa Dua Hotel on Tuesday (21/2). The Bali Government Tourism Office facilitated coordination with the parties involved in this visit. There are several locations that will be visited, including Ubud, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Uluwatu. The tourist objects to be visited include Ubud Palace, Dedari Park, Melasti Beach, Jimbaran Beach and Uluwatu Temple. In 2022 there was a G20 Summit event as a promotional medium for Bali, so that the success of the G20 Summit had an impact on foreign tourist visits. At the beginning of 2023 the Bali Government Tourism Office is proud of the arrival of the three Miss Universe because they can be used as media for promoting Bali tourism. 

The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster together with the Vice Governor of Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati wearing Balinese traditional custom welcomed the first arrival of 216 Chinese tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic at I gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Sunday 22 January 2023, after flying from Shenzhen, Tiongkok using Lion Air Charter Flight JT 2648. Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Denpasar Bali, Zhu Xinglong, Deputy for Marketing of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, GM I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan, Head of the Bali Government Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of The Bali Communication Informatics and Statistic, Gede Pramana and Head of the Bali Department of Transportation, IGW Samsi Gunarta also welcomed the arrival of 216 Chinese tourists on the island of Bali consisting of 197 adults, 17 children and 2 toddlers accompanied by a Pendet Dance. The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster said, with the arrival of Chinese tourists to Bali, I am sure that Bali tourism will rise. Hopefully these tourism visits will continue, increasing until December 2023. The charter flight became the first flight from China to Bali after the Xi Jinping government allowed its citizens to return to traveling abroad after the Covid-19 quarantine was opened on January 8. Starting February 6, the Chinese government will also begin releasing tourist groups to a number of countries around the world, including Indonesia. With direct flights from China, Head of Bali Government Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus predicts that Bali Governor Wayan Koster's target for tourists can be achieved. "The Governor's target to bring in 4.5 million foreign tourists this year is optimistic that it will be achieved with direct flights from China, because that is one of the second market shares of foreign tourists to Bali," said the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office.

The success of the G20 event provides information and evidence that Bali is a very safe and comfortable place for tourists to travel. So that makes a lot of tourists who want to do vacation in Bali. Apart from that, other factors are because the activities of the Balinese people are already running normally. So that local cultural activities are running normally. Thus, tourists are very interested and longing for the beauty of culture, tradition and daily life of the Balinese people which is actually the main attraction of Bali tourism. In Bali in December 2022 there are also several cultural events being held, including the Penglipuran Village Festival, the Denpasar Festival and several other events which are also own their tourist attraction International Tourist Visits to Bali continue to experience an increasing trend after the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in 2022, the number of foreign tourists visiting has exceeded 2 million people. From the data, foreigners who entered Bali through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in December 2022 were 12,281 people per day. There was an increase of around 14% from November 2022 of 9,809 per day. If we look at the daily average in a year, namely in 2022, the highest daily average will occur in December 2022. The relatively high daily average also occurred in October, namely 10,090 people. If you look at the number of foreigners who entered Bali through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport from January 2022 to December 25 2022, there were 2,124,226 people. Meanwhile, the average daily number of domestic passengers entering Bali through Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on 1 - 25 December 2022, is 14,339 people per day. In the previous month, it only reached 11,281 people per day on average. The highest daily average figure for domestic passengers in 2022 also occurred in December 2022. The increase in tourist arrivals to Bali in December 2022 is inseparable from the successful impact of the G20 Summit in November in Bali. Therefore, we do hoped that all parties will always maintain public order, maintain security and comfort and safety together in welcoming the 2023 New Year. Prior to the announcement of the closing of PPKM (Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement), all parties must continue to carry out health protocols so that there is no increase in COVID-19 cases. All parties must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, so that Bali is always safe and comfortable, so that the positive image of Bali tourism is maintained in the future.

Numerous false reports are circulating through social media regarding the recent Indonesian Criminal Law (KUHP). This inaccurate information must to be clarified to avoid negative impacts on tourism recovery on the island of Bali. Various stakeholders from the Bali tourism association are speaking up to straighten out the misinformation.   "No need to worry about traveling to Bali. The recently passed criminal law (KUHP) will take effect in three years. Again, only legal spouses or parents or your children can make a report to the police about adultery" Tjok Bagus Pemayun, A.Par., MMThe Head of Balinese Government Tourism Office =========================================== "The authority will not knock on your room to check nor question your marital status"IGN Agung Rai Suryawijaya, SE., MBAThe Chairman of PHRI Badung =========================================== "Assumption leads to confusion. We are committed to providing clear and valid information about traveling to Bali. Traveler safety and SeCUrity is our concern"I Putu Winastra, S.SosThe Chairman of Association of The Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies(ASITA) DPD Bali =========================================== "Recently, many black campaigns addressed to degrade Bali's tourism reputation. One of the fake news we have found is regarding flight cancellations due to the passing of this latest criminal law in Indonesia. We kindly ask everyone to be cautious about hoax news rapidly shared through any online platform." Ida Bagus Agung Partha AdnyanaThe Chairman of Bali Tourism Board =========================================== "Hotels are obligated to keep their guest data as confidential as possible. They won't ask for any personal or sensitive information such as marriage certificate to their guests." Dr. Yoga Iswara, BBA., BBM., MM., CHAThe Chairman of Indonesia Hotel General Manager Association DPD Bali =========================================== "It's not our right to reject (unmarried) guests. We are not law enforcement. Hotels would not be making assumptions about the relationship status of its guests." Fransisca Handoko, CHA., CHIA., CHRMThe Chairwoman of Bali Hotel Association =========================================== "Travelers, so there's really nothing to worry about. If all this time tourists can be comfortable in Bali, then this condition will not change either." Perry MarkusThe Secretary of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) of Bali Province =========================================== "This is not a new law. The ratified version of the criminal law gives a bold statement on who can make a report to the police about adultery/premarital sex. No random people could report you to the authority." I Nyoman Nuarta, SHThe Chairman of Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia DPD Bali =========================================== "Bali is an island of diversity. Tolerance is the key for us. We always care and respect our guest's culture no matter where they are from." Gede Ngurah Dewantara NarottamaThe Chairman of Ubud Hotel Association ===========================================   Bali remains a safe paradise to visit. Always be smart and careful about any misleading information circulated widely through social platforms. Pack your bag, book your flight, choose your accommodation, and we wish you happy holidays!

Quoted from the website imigrasi.go.id The Electronic Visa on Arrival application officially opened to the public on Thursday (10/11/2022). The e-VOA inauguration ceremony was held at Courtyard Nusa Dua, Bali and was attended by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menkomarves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Deputy Minister for Law and Human Rights Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej. "The e-VOA policy resulting from the innovation of the Directorate General of Immigration is a very strategic policy. The application of e-VOA is expected to make a real contribution to encouraging the entry of foreign tourists and business people from all over the world to Indonesia. The ease and speed of this immigration service can increase the enthusiasm of the world community to come to Indonesia. This will have a positive impact on the wheels of the country's economy. With e-VOA, foreigners only need to register their visa applications through the website molina.imigrasi.go.id. After that, they can immediately make online payments using a credit card or debit card bearing the Visa, MasterCard or JCB logo. The e-VOA service is increasingly opening the entrance gate for foreigners who have the potential to enter Indonesia through digital transformation. Immigration can make a real contribution by providing policies and facilities to support the world of tourism, increasing foreign investment and creating jobs, by attracting tourists or the upper class from various countries, global talent, the world's miliarder businessmen to come and develop their investment and business in Indonesia. The Second Home Visa has also been launched, this policy was planned in 2020 and launched post the COVID-19 Pandemic to be able to stimulate foreign tourists, especially global business people, to stay longer and invest in Bali and other destinations in Indonesia. As well as stimulating the tourism sector to contribute to the Balinese and National economy. The target of this policy is foreign tourists who have money to enjoy their old age coming to Bali and other destinations in Indonesia in the midst of efforts to recover the economy and a dynamic global economy. With this visa they can live in Indonesia for 5-10 years and carry out various activities such as investing, working and other activities. Photo source: imigrasi.go.id