It’s busy once again as Bali continues to get back to business
When can you travel to Bali again? A common question surfacing from people all over Indonesia and worldwide, all missing the warm tropical weather and amazing attractions that Bali has to offer. Indeed, the ‘Island of the Gods’ is a must-visit destination, a place to relax and unwind, to settle down, or find opportunities and investments for business-minded individuals.
From the four corners of southside Bali, businesses are accelerating their efforts to get back on track, trying to make up for lost time and revenue, and to welcome back valued clients with amazing promotions, interesting deals and health protocols carefully put in place.
Cafes, restaurants, spas and fitness centers are now opening up, especially in the business hubs of Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Shopping malls are also open from 9AM to 9PM, and beaches in the south are now seeing small crowds of people enjoying the Bali sunset. Indeed, the island is much busier than it was back in April.
Listed as Forbes’ No.1 in its ‘world’s top 50 bucket list destinations,’ Bali remains one of the most desirable destinations in the planet, and luckily, traveling to the island is now within reach.
The main question, “when will Bali open their borders to international tourists?” has no definite answer, but the local and national government has speculated that the timing has ranged between June and October. A huge five-month gap from now, as slowly but surely, Bali is making its way back to normalcy.
Credible statements from two Bali government officials mention that Bali is looking fully open between June/July to October, if the pandemic remains to be under control.
“The tourism ministry is looking to revitalize destinations and do promotional work for some parts of the country, including Bali, between June and October,” Ministry Secretary Ni Wayan Giri Adnyanisaid in the statement. While Bali government official I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya said, “We are currently planning and preparing for Bali to reopen. Hopefully with the flattening curve and a decrease in cases, Bali will reopen in July, faster than other regions in Indonesia.”
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways have resumed their regular flights, while Air New Zealand is operating some trans-Tasman flights and Cathay Pacific is flying to Hong Kong. Malaysia Airlines and Russia Airlines have also reported to resume international flights effective July.
As for Bali’s main market Australia, there are talks that a “travel bubble” shall be put in place to allow free flow of travelers from the country. However, travel bans for international tourists are still in place, but will positively be lifted in the near future.
Now that things are moving forward not only in Bali but worldwide, it is important to note that Indonesia’s investment market is gaining popularity amongst the business community. A recent article from CEOWORLD Magazine has ranked Indonesia as the fourth best country in the world to invest in or do business for 2020. There is no doubt to this, as the economy remains stable and the country’s main regions are slowly recovering from the pandemic’s business slump.
Domestic travel
As for domestic tourism, people within Indonesia are now able to go back and forth on the island, with new entry requirements for all travelers. Those who plan to visit Bali must undergo a COVID test and obtain a letter stating they do not have Covid-19 under a new regulation issued by the Bali administration.
Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia’s Domestic Flights section states, “Every person is eligible to travel as long as fulfilling the required documents” whether foreign or Indonesian citizen, with requirements of a Health Certificate with a negative PCR/Swab Test result, as well as a Bali Health Alert Form which is easily accessible online.
