New resort offers a slice of rural Bali

The wait is finally over.

Almost 12 months after it was originally due to open, Accor has finally confirmed the opening of the long-awaited Novotel Bali Ubud Resort in Bali.

The resort is designed as a rural escape, 30 minutes from the centre of Ubud's vibrant centre, it is also close to the mountainous Kintamani district, and Mount Batur.

"Guests are invited to embrace a more balanced rhythm of travel - where nature, culture and modern comfort come together to support renewed energy and wellbeing," the hotel's promotional material says.

The design features hand-crafted Balinese artwork and natural textures.

Each of the 159 rooms features a private balcony overlooking forest vistas or the infinity pool.

Families and longer-stay guests can opt for larger configurations that offer added space and flexibility.

Dining experiences include Siralada, named after the Balinese words for salt and pepper, which "celebrates traditional heritage while embracing bold international flavours with Asian influences".

The Social Hub, located in the lobby, provides a welcoming space for relaxed moments with nutritious bites and refreshing drinks.

The resort offers a spa, a fitness centre, infinity pools with jungle panoramas, and a dedicated kids' playground.

Excursion offerings include cycling through scenic villages and trekking to the sunrise view of Mount Batur, to water rafting, waterfall explorations, Balinese dance lessons and Kwangen decoration. workshops.

Daily wellness rituals include yoga and meditation sessions, while guests can also enjoy private Balinese cooking classes.

“Travellers today are seeking balance, wellbeing, and authentic connections to the destinations they visit," says Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Accor in Asia.

"Novotel has always created spaces where guests can recharge, reconnect, and experience life at their own rhythm. With the opening of Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, we are introducing this contemporary approach to one of the world's most culturally rich and naturally inspiring destinations. 

"Indonesia remains a key market for Accor, and this opening reflects both our confidence in its tourism growth and our commitment to experiences that resonate with the evolving needs of modern travellers.”

To celebrate its opening, Novotel Bali Ubud Resort is offering a special rate starting from IDR 2,300,000++ per room ($186++) per night in a superior room, inclusive of breakfast for two. This offer is valid for bookings made until April 30 for stays until June 30.

For more info or to make a reservation, visit https://all.accor.com/hotel/A222.

Virgin Australia launches Canberra-Bali direct flights

Virgin Australia is to launch international flights from the capital, Canberra, to the Indonesian holiday island of Bali. 

Virgin will be the only Australian airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route, it said in a media release.

"Virgin Australia will launch its first-ever international route out of Canberra, with direct flights to Bali commencing from June 22, 2026," the airline said. 

Flights are now on sale with return fares starting from $399 in economy lite.

The new route will see three return flights per week from April to January, with the potential to increase frequency during peak travel periods.

Services will depart Canberra in the afternoon and return overnight from Bali.

Virgin already operates direct services between Bali and Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Boeing 737-800 aircraft will service the route, with seating options including business, economy X and economy. 

Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said the new service is a significant win for the Australian Capital Territory. 

“This is the first time in the history of the company that we will operate internationally from the capital, marking an important milestone in our broader network expansion story,” he said.

“Virgin Australia will be the only Australia-based airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route.

Raffles Bali offers a slice of the high life

If you want to do Bali in style, then Raffles Bali is worth considering. 

The exclusive resort this week announced the introduction of its private heliport, a facility designed to offer in-house guests a new way to explore the Indonesian island from above. 

Situated within the resort's 23-hectare estate, the heliport began operations recently.

The heliport provides for a curated selection of aerial journeys, allowing travellers to discover Bali's varied landscapes from up on high. 

Scenic routes transport guests over Uluwatu's dramatic cliffs, the turquoise bays of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, the volcanic contours of the Kintamani highlands, and the lush rice paddies of Ubud. 

Raffles Bali says personalised day trips may be arranged. Perhaps an underwater excursion in Nusa Penida, or a private picnic set amid the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces. 

Charter flights may also be tailored for guests wishing to design their own itinerary, offering the freedom to move across Bali and neighbouring islands.

The experiences are organised by Raffles butlers, who oversee all arrangements, co-ordinating flight schedules, managing personalised requests. 

Situated in the Jimbaran Bay, Raffles Bali offers 32 villas featuring private pools and tropical gardens. 

Culinary opportunities include "Krug Ambassade" signature restaurant Rumari, The Writers Bar and beachfront Loloan Beach Bar and Grill. 

Guests can enjoy relaxation and wellness at Raffles Spa and partake in authentic cultural activities hosted by community experts.

I've added this one to my "to do" list. 

See raffles.com and accor.com 

Asian travellers embrace solo journeys

Interest in solo travel is rising across Asia, digital travel platform Agoda reports. 

Agoda notes a 16% increase in solo accommodation searches compared to last year. 

This trend underscores a growing movement of travellers embracing the freedom and adventure of solo journeys, it says.

When planning their trips, solo travellers gravitate towards major cities in Asia. 

Tokyo (Japan) leads the pack, ahead of Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka (Japan), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) rounding out the top five destinations. 

These urban hubs offer a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to world-class dining and lively entertainment, perfect for those looking to explore at their own pace. 

At the forefront of this trend are travellers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, who make up the top five solo travel groups in Asia, Agoda's data show. 

While Japanese travellers dominate in numbers, interest in solo travel has grown the fastest among Indonesians with a 72% increase in searches. 

Thai travellers follow close behind, with a 37% rise in solo travel interest. This growth highlights a transformative shift in how individuals across Asia are redefining their travel experiences and looking beyond traditional group trips.

"The rise in solo travel across Asia has become a defining trend in 2025 that reflects a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion," says Jay Lee, regional director for North Asia at Agoda said. 

"Agoda is thrilled to support these journeys by offering a wide array of options tailored to solo travellers, ensuring they have everything they need to make their trips unforgettable."

See Agoda.com for more information.

Image: Terran Goodwin, Scop.io

Lyvin Melasti adds a new luxe option in Bali

Done Kuta, Legian and Seminyak?

Looking for somewhere brand new to stay in Bali?

How about Melasti Beach, located in the Ungasan area on the southern coast of Bali?

It is about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and is situated along the Bukit Peninsula, an area known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches.

Recently opened Lyvin Melasti is set high above the beach and is a boutique collection of villas and suites that claims "a refined new take on barefoot luxury, where minimalist architecture, sweeping ocean views, and heartfelt hospitality converge across four levels of cliffside serenity".

The property features 18 ocean-facing villas (each with private pools) and 20 ocean-view suites that will launch in December.

Designed by co-founder and product director Victoria Sokovykh, Lyvin Melasti features locally sourced Sulawesi marble floors, custom teak furniture, soft neutral tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Each villa is positioned to capture 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean

“We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive - a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection,” says Sokovyhk.

“Everything is intentional, but never overdone. It’s a place to breathe."

Set within a three-hectare estate surrounded by forest, the Lyvin Melasti complex includes a pond at its centre, with planned walking trails that invite slow strolls and quiet moments in nature.

The resort offers nanny services for family groups.

Coming soon: a signature restaurant by Tiga Bule (scheduled to open in December), and a wellness spa (2026).

I've added Lyvin Melasti to my list of places to visit next time I am in Bali.   

See https://lyvinproperties.co/melasti

Indonesia streamlines entry formalities for visitors

Whether you are heading to Bali, or Jakarta, entering Indonesia should be a whole lot easier.

Indonesia has rolled out a new nationwide digital entry portal called All Indonesia. 

It consolidates immigration, customs, and health declarations into a single online form, news hubs Travel Mole reports.

The Bali Hotels Association confirmed this week that the platform replaces multiple processes such as SATUSEHAT (health declaration) and e-CD (customs declaration).

International travellers must now complete the All Indonesia arrival card within three days before entering the country. 

The digital process should take less than three minutes. Once submitted, travellers receive a QR code via email, which must be shown at immigration and customs checkpoints.

From Monday. the All Indonesia declaration will be become mandatory for travellers arriving at the international airports of Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar-Bali (DPS, above), and Surabaya (SUB).

From October 1, 2025, the system will be extended to all international airports in the country, including Komodo, Makassar, Manado, Medan or Yogyakarta. 

The country’s sea and land border posts will also use the system, including Benoa in Bali, Batam and  Bintan. 

The form will be mandatory for all foreign visitors. It however does not replace visa requirements. It will help unify entry procedures under a single portal, streamlining arrival formalities at international gateways.

Meet the ghost airports that sit empty

Tourism booms do not always happen as predicted.

Which means that there are a number of white elephant airports around the world that welcome just a handful of flights; and sometimes none at all. 

In Indonesia, Kertajati International Airport in West Java (above) is one such airport, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

It is one of four regional Indonesian airports in the same category, alongside Sudirman Airport in Purbalingga (East Java), Ngloram Airport, Blora (Central Java) and Wiriadinata Airport in Tasikmalaya (West Java). 

The four airports, opened with much fanfare between 2018 and 2021, have no domestic flights on some days. 

Kertajati is the only one of the airports to still see regular flights with two weekly flights to Singapore operated by budget carrier Scoot.

The facility was built at a cost of IDR 2.6 trillion (US$159 million). The airport was inaugurated on May 24, 2018, and was conceived to replace the old Bandung airfield in Indonesia’s third-largest city.

Kertajati features a 3000-metre runway capable of catering for wide-body aircraft. It can accommodate 22 aircraft and some 11 million passengers a year.

The airport is located 98km from Bandung, an hour and a half drive by car. 

It is also located 58 km of Cirebon, a large coastal city with a population of 340,000. It takes almost an hour by car to reach the town.

This is where the problem lies. Despite the government initially forcing all the airlines to move their flights from Bandung Husein Sastranegara airport to Kertajati in 2023, the new facility is a complete failure. 

Kertajati never replaced Husein Sastranegara's old airport, a mere 5km from Bandung city centre. 

Last year, Kertajati welcomed a total of around 260,000 passengers. As for the future....

Bali's second airport a step closer

Is Bali finally set to get its long-touted second airport?

The proposed new airport in the north of the island this week got the go-ahead from Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto, the national news agency Antara reported.

It can currently take five hours or more to drive from Denpasar to far northern regions of the island.

Co-ordinating minister for community empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar told the agency that the president has approved the development of North Bali International Airport (NBIA).

“We have received the president’s endorsements," he said. "We have readied the technical aspects, and we will strive to make North Bali International Airport a reality very soon.”

The airport is planned for the Kubutambahan area in Buleleng Regency district, in the east of northern Bali.

The previous administration of President Joko Widodo had previously postponed the project and excluded North Bali Airport from the list of national strategic projects last year.The reason given was the lack of adequate supporting infrastructure to sustain such a big project.

Iskandar said that a second airport is crucial for ensuring balanced regional development across Bali.

“If there is only one airport, access becomes limited. We need at least two airports,” he said.

The island’s second airport should effectively boost the economy of its surrounding regions. Hence, Bali will strengthen not only its tourism sector but also its overall economy, the president said.

The development of North Bali International Airport is part of the national Middle-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for the 2025-2029 term. It now has national priority status.

Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko Hariwibowo, president/director of the airport developer, PT BIBU Panji Sakti, said the project has progressed as planned and the company is awaiting the Transportation Ministry’s final decision on the airport location.

“We are optimistic and only need to wait a little longer, perhaps a few months. Everything has been ready. We are now waiting for the ground-breaking date,” he said.

A luxury resort where French elegance meets Balinese charm

There is a certain style that distinguishes Sofitel hotel properties regardless of where you are in the world.

There is a calm sophistication, that unmistakable French flair, and well-drilled, smiling staff whether you are in Sydney, Hanoi or beachfront in Bali. Think luxurious, but not ostentatious.

Quietly located within the enclave of Bali’s famous southern peninsula, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort is a very impressive five-star beach escape.

Nusa Dua is home to most of Bali’s big hotels - and is perfect location for a week of indulgence under the sun.

 


There are myriad activities on offer here, right on the beach, but I suspect many guests will simply opt for being pampered or cocooned.

With lovely sea views, or direct access to a swimming pool, the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach has 415 well-equipped villas, rooms and suites in various configurations that offer a blend of world-class facilities, French elegance, and Balinese charm.

We were allocated a luxury room with pool access, which meant we could step directly from our deck into the pool that snakes its way around the complex.

 


The Sofitel MyBed mattresses are almost obscenely comfortable.

I would strongly advise booking a room that allows access to the Club Millesime facility, a delightful VIP area where you can enjoy excellent buffet and a la carte breakfasts, chill out during the day, enjoy afternoon high tea, or pre-dinner cocktails and canapes. Perks also include all-day complimentary refreshments and butler service - ideal for helping out with any arrangements you may need help with.

It is a lovely oasis.

There are myriad dining and wining choices, and we particularly enjoyed the beachfront Toya, where the menu features an impressive range of fresh seafood dishes. Think options like soft-shell crab bao (below), Vietnamese spring rolls, king crab salad, or a sea bass ceviche - perfect partners for a cocktail or two.

 


Cucina offers Italian cuisine and Kwee Zeen is the main dining area, there is also Beach Club and the Chic Picnic (below) experience offers a menu of fresh sharing platters on the beach as the sun sets. Available every day from 5:30pm to 10pm.



“We are thrilled to offer this unique and unforgettable experience to our guests, and we hope the beachfront picnic provides a truly special setting to connect with loved ones while enjoying exceptional food and breath-taking views.” says hotel general manager Jean-Pierre Joncas.

Depending on the day of the week, you can enjoy summer barbecues with entertainment, mixology classes. Sunday brunch or beachfront happy hours.

You may also happen upon traditional Balinese musicians entertaining in the lobby.



All the resort facilities you'd expect are on offer. There is a kid's club so parents can get some "us" time; there is a fully equipped gym with trainers, who tried unsuccessfully to get me hitting the pads, and there are bikes that can be enjoyed on the boardwalk that extends along the waterfront.

I'd certainly recommend a massage treatment at the very chic award-winning Sofitel SPA, which can also include a range of facials and other pampering.

The location of the Sofitel is hard to beat: it is located just 25 minutes from Denpasar Ngurah Rai international Airport and urban beach resorts Seminyak, Legian and Kuta are just 30 minutes' drive away should you be looking for nightlife and tattoo parlours.

With so much to do, including cooking classes, yoga, beachside golf, cycling, archery, fitness boot camps, aqua aerobics, yoga by the beach, tennis, football, volleyball you can be as active as you like, or do absolutely nothing.

Maybe treat yourself to a floating breakfast, or opt for a beachside massage in a gazebo.

Sofitel Beach Resort Nusa Dua, Lot N5, ITDC Tourism Complex, Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, 80363, Nusa Dua, Indonesia. https://sofitel.accor.com/

# The writer was hosted by the resort

Ubud: My you’ve changed

Ubud used to be a quiet little artistic village in Bali. 

Now it is a magnet for tourists from around the world. 

The trouble is that the infrastructure has not kept up with the influx. 

The roads are shambolic. The pavements a health hazard (see the image below). 

But you can still get cheap massages, even cheaper Bintangs and interesting cultural experiences. New age therapists abound  

There is a forest where dim tourists get their mobile phones stolen by exhuberant monkeys; some seriously good restaurants and street markets abound.

So the masses will keep coming. 

The Mehrudhani Boutique Hotel is a nice affordable oasis down a laneway in the centre of town. It’s pleasingly quiet in a town where quiet can be hard to find. 

Check it out here https://www.meruhdani.com/

Don't even think of sitting around doing nothing at this Bali resort

For many people, a beach holiday means a whole lot of sitting around doing nothing.

At the Westin Resort Nusa Dua in Bali, that is actively discouraged. 

The hotel says it is "renowned for its holistic approach to wellness and rejuvenation" and "proudly introduces its newest innovation for fitness enthusiasts: Westin Beach Workout, a unique, eco-friendly fitness space crafted entirely from natural wood and set against the stunning backdrop of Bali's pristine coastline".

"At The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, wellness extends beyond just physical fitness - it's a way of life," says resort GM Sander Looijen. 

"Our Beach Workout perfectly embodies our vision: inspiring our guests to move well, live well, and feel their very best amidst Bali's natural beauty

"Our Beach Workout is literally a dream come true. Blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the beachfront, it offers guests the invigorating experience of working out to the soothing sound of the waves and ocean breeze. 

"With top-notch, sustainable equipment and breath-taking views, it's the perfect place to energize, unwind, and embrace the island's spirit."

I assume it is still OK to sit by the pool with a cocktail in hand. I'm feeling exhausted just thinking about all this sweaty business. 

For those who are suitably enthused, the fitness facilities are available from 7am-7pm daily with wooden bench press, leg press with squats, a fill range of wooden dumbbells and weight plates, kettlebells, TRX suspension training equipment, flipping type, hanging bars and stick wall climbers and exercise balls. 

In addition to independent training, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali also offers high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, complemented by ice bath recovery options. 

As part of Westin's signature 'Move Well' pillar, the Beach Workout underlines sustainability a commitment to eco-friendly practices, utilising sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and promoting a "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" philosophy.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is a beachfront resort with 432 rooms. It also offers healthy Eat Well menu options. 

See marriottbonvoy.com.

Airport chaos from Heathrow to Bali

From London to Denpasar, flights around the world are being delayed and rescheduled.

London Heathrow Airport (above) will be closed all day Friday as emergency services deal with a significant fire in the vicinity, local media reported.

All flights in and out have been cancelled or diverted after a fire at a nearby substation caused a major power outage.

In Bali, meanwhile, flights have been cancelled due to a volcano erupting.

"Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience," Heathrow Airport said on Facebook.

At least 120 flights bound for Heathrow have been diverted, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 recorded.

Flights were to land at nearby airports, including Gatwick.

Meanwhile, travellers have been stranded after flights to and from Bali were cancelled and delayed due to volcanic ash caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi on the south-eastern part of the remote Indonesian island of Flores.

The volcano was sending rocks, lava and ash about nine kilometres into the sky, Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation said.

Visitors and tourists were ordered to maintain an eight-kilometre distance from the volcano.

There is also a threat of rain-induced lava floods in rivers that originate at the mountain's peak. 

As of Friday morning "several international flights had been cancelled, six of them Jetstar flights bound to Australia and one Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur,” Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport spokesperson, Andadina Dyah, said in a statement.

Several other flights - domestic and international and including to Thailand, Singapore and Australia - had been delayed.

New air link between Darwin and Bali

Indonesia AirAsia is set to reconnect the Northern Territory with Asia, resuming three direct flights per week between Darwin and Bali from March 22. And fares start from $189.

The new services will bring over 1,000 visitor seats weekly through Darwin International Airport and Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The flights will also open seamless connectivity to and from Darwin via Bali, making travel to other Asian destinations more accessible.

Indonesia AirAsia CEO Veranita Yosephine said the airline is thrilled to return to the Territory.

“Bali is now our largest hub in terms of flight capacity, driven by strong demand. These direct flights will cater to the enduring popularity of Bali as a destination for Australians and offer great low fare connections to over 130 destinations across the AirAsia Group network.

“Passengers from Darwin can enjoy seamless connections via Bali to destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Komodo Island starting from as low as under $300.

“At the same time, millions of guests from across Asia will be welcomed to the Northern Territory. They will discover the extraordinary culture, wildlife and natural beauty of Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land and other iconic locations where the tropics meet the outback.”

Airport Development Group Executive General Manager Sandra de Kock welcomed AirAsia back to Darwin, highlighting the strong local demand for travel to Bali.

“Territorians have been calling for more options to fly to Bali and we’re excited to deliver with the return of AirAsia,” she said.

Flights can be booked now at airasia.com or via the AirAsia MOVE app.

Proposed new airport could transform tourism in Bali

The north of Bali remains largely undisturbed by the mass tourism that clogs the southern half of the Indonesian holiday island.

But that might be about to change with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 of the proposed North Bali International Airport.

NBIA will be Indonesia's second-largest airport. To be built on reclaimed sea land, it will comprise two parts: the Aerotropilis complex and the airport itself.

The latter will consist of a main terminal and three boarding satellites and will have two parallel runways, a heliport and a seaport. The site will also include a cargo terminal and maintenance area.

Indonesia’s Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, spoken to the media this week about how the plans for the major new international airport are rapidly coming together, the Bali Sun reported.

He is anticipating construction to start by 2027 as capacity at the current I Gusti Ngurah Rai International in the south of the island is close to being reached.

'There needs to be a plan to start construction in 2027," he said. "[We can’t] say, ‘oh, it’s still a long time until [we reach] 32 million.'

“[If] we just [begin thinking] to start construction in 2029, it would be too late.”

The Minister echoed President Prabowo Subianto’s comments that the airport would be on par with Hong Kong and Singapore in terms of modern facilities.

The complex will ultimately see a whole new city built at Kubutambahan,in Buleleng Regency, on the far north coast of Bali.

During its first phase of development, the North Bali International Airport will be able to support 32 million passengers annually, with a maximum capacity of over 50 million to be available by completion.

Image: The proposed North Bali International Airport: KUNKUN Visual.

A new way to discover serious satays

A lot of people think satay is simply a seasoned chicken dish cooked on skewers and served with a peanut sauce.

Well it is. And it is also a whole lot more.

A new Sydney eatery aims to show the many varieties of satay that are part of Indonesian culinary culture.

Dapur Sate - a celebration of Indonesia’s street food culture - is the latest creation of Eyie Dewanto, a pioneer in Indonesia’s food scene known for her successful pastry business Dapur Cokelat,

Dewanto, alongside her business partners Ayu Zulia, a fellow Indonesian restaurateur, and Winnie Nawei, an experienced food and beverage business owner, has created a space where diners can try the different styles of satay found throughout Indonesia in a relaxed, street-style atmosphere.

"Satay is more than just a dish to me - it's a symbol of Indonesian culture and tradition," Dewanto says. “Dapur Sate was born from the concept of a “Dapur” or "kitchen," a place where Indonesia’s diverse satay dishes come to life.

"I want to share the vibrant and varying flavours of this dish from my homeland. Every satay skewer tells a story of the streets of Indonesia, where grilling meats over open flames creates a connection between family, friends, and community."

The menu at Dapur Sate is rooted in tradition, with every skewer grilled and served with rich, flavourful sauces that originate from around the archipelago and capture the essence of Indonesian cuisine. The team makes the satay sauces daily using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. 

The menu includes chicken satay Madura featuring a rich peanut sauce from Madura Island; lamb satay Tegal served with a savoury-sweet soy sauce, a specialty from Tegal; and beef satay Maranggi Purwakarta that from West Java and is marinated with spices and served with sweet soy sauce. 

Add in chicken satay lilit Bali, wrapped around lemongrass skewers and paired with fresh sambal matah; chicken satay Taichan, a favourite from Jakarta served with spicy chilli and garlic sambal; and Nusantara grilled chicken, marinated in traditional spices, served with a sweet, simmered tempeh and tofu.

There are also side dishes, sandwiches and sweet options available.   

Dapur Sate is housed in the Exchange building located at the heart of Darling Square in Haymarket, home to other small, street-style vendors.

"Working with Eyie, who is a pioneer in the Indonesian food scene, has been an incredible opportunity," says Zulia. "Our goal with Dapur Sate is to bring people together through the joy of authentic satay, and we can’t wait for Sydney to experience this piece of Indonesian culture."

Dapur Sate is now open in Darling Square 7 days from 11am, offering both dine-in and take away options. Main courses come in at $16.99. See dapursate.com.au.

New ferry link makes Indonesian islands more accessible

Want to escape Bail for a few days?

A new ferry service was launched this week in Bali that will give tourists more options when it comes to island hopping around the region.

Sanur Ferries is the new shuttle service that will provide connections between the main island of Bali and island destinations including Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

The soft launch event was marked by the cutting of ribbons, the Bali Sun newspaper reported.

The new service to be operated by Sanur Ferries uses a two-deck vessel with a capacity of 150 seats. Travel fares will start at IDR 700,000 ($63) - so it definitely aimed at tourists.

The company is also set to open up more routes departing from Sanur Port Pier at Matahari Terbit Beach once final logistics planning has been completed.

“We put the emphasis on safety, comfort, professionalism, and passenger satisfaction in all our services," Sanur Ferries said in a statement. We offer easiness and safety at a reasonable price for your convenient journey to the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.”

The online booking platform is available in English and Bahasa Indonesia and allows tourists to book roundtrip journeys and one-way tickets. See https://www.sanurferries.co.id/en

Bali wants to lock out "trashy" tourists

 

Authorities in Bali have had enough of badly behaved visitors. 

Provincial leaders are debating whether to increase the price of the recently introduced Bali Tourism Tax Levy to keep out the riff raff, the Bali Sun reports.

The tax was introduced in February and requires all international holidaymakers and tourists to pay 

IDR 150,000 to help preserve culture and nature in Bali and level up the tourism infrastructure on the island. But collection of the levy has been haphazard at best.

In light of an apparent rise in the number of foreigners behaving badly in Bali, leaders on the island have re-started conversations about how best to deter unruly foreigners and attract more high-quality visitors to the province.

One method that has been tabled this week by tourism leaders is to hugely increase the tourism tax fee.

Leaders and stakeholders from the tourism sector are calling for a massive hike to the fee, and are arguing for the tax to be raised from IDR 150,000 to IDR 500,000 and in some cases IDR 800,000, which is around $US50.

Speaking to reporters, Chairman of Commission II of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Ida Gede Komang Kresna Budi, said he wants to see the fee increased to the equivalent of $US50. 

Budi told reporters: “We want people who are of higher quality to come. We are trying to consult with the police to form a tourism police that specifically handles tourism…That is the basis for us wanting to make changes to the revision of the regional tourism levy regulation.”

He said he does not want tourists coming to Bali feeling like they can brazenly violate the law and disrespect local culture and norms.

“There is this problem because usually, those who act up are members of the bottom [low-spending tourists]," he said. "This must be anticipated.”

He also accepted that, at present, the way in which the Bali Tourism Tax Levy is being promoted and operated for tourists is not as easy as it should be.

“Currently, we cannot find a suitable place at the airport due to a lack of coordination with the airport and Immigration as a supporting stakeholder," he said. "We hope that with coordination from all parties, everything can be maximized.”

Budi’s motion has been seconded by tourism expert Taufan Rahmadi, who says that a big hike in the Bali Tourism Tax Levy would be an essential strategic step to help improve the quality of tourism on the island.

Rahmadi told reporters: “Revenue from this tariff can be allocated to environmental conservation, infrastructure development, and improving tourist services. We can learn from Bhutan, which has successfully used high tariffs to fund environmental and cultural preservation efforts.

“Venice, Italy, has succeeded in reducing crowds by imposing entry fees. Bali can implement a similar policy to maintain a balance between the number of tourists and environmental capacity and infrastructure.”

Snoozefest: Both pilots fell asleep

It's nice to have a snooze during a flight.

But probably best not to if you are the pilot and co-pilot.

Both dozed off at the same time, causing their Batik Air flight to veer off course, an Indonesia National Transportation Safety Committee report says.

It happened during a flight in January, from Kendari, Sulawesi, to Jakarta, the Travel Mole news portal reported.

There were 157 passengers and cabin crew onboard the flight.

The report said the pilots were both asleep at the same time for around 28 minutes - but the flight landed safely.

The captain took a rest leaving the co-pilot in charge.

He then "inadvertently fell asleep" with air traffic control unable to get a response from the cockpit.

“Several attempts to contact the plane had been made. None of the calls were responded to by the pilots,” the report stated.

Some time later the captain woke up with his co-pilot still asleep and realised the plane was off course. This was immediately rectified.

The pilot initially told air traffic control there had been a "problem" with communications 

Image: Anda Sacracut, Scop.io

A very special getaway in the hills of Bali

Tucked away in the hills above the northern Bali coast is a superb rural getaway that allows guests to experience the authentic sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday island. 

The Damai, which reopened last year after a three-year Covid closure, offers a luxury villa experience surrounded by temples, small farms and rice paddies. 

The 15 private villas (in four configurations) all offer an essence of Balinese style (think al fresco garden showers), but each has its own swimming pool and western comforts, including fast, reliable wifi. Think simple, but elegant, in a serene garden setting. 

The Damai's slogan is: "hard to find; harder to leave" and it offers a rare sense of tranquillity just a winding 4km drive up from the black sand beaches at Lovina, where visitors can go swimming with dolphins on a local fishing boat, and sample the many local warungs to maybe try some babi guleng (suckling pig). 

It is also close to a number of spectacular waterfalls.

As the light fades, guests can sit on the terrace with spectacular views down to the water, and take in sounds wafting mellifluously across the landscape. 

The soundtrack ranges from the call to prayer at local temples, the sound of gamelans practicing their art, resident frogs and local roosters.

The word damai means "peace", which seems totally appropriate. 

Many guests choose to spend most of their time at The Damai, where local experiences are highlighted and most of the very impressive staff come from the hillside villages. 

Think herbal shots made from local plants for breakfast, a daily menu of Balinese food specialities, and cocktails made with local ingredients that the bar staff have marinated themselves. 

Meals are served either in the open-air dining room, at poolside, or in your villa's garden, should you be looking for complete privacy. 

If you are looking for a local breakfast try a colourful fresh fruit platter (above) followed by a spicy mie goreng and chicken skewers. 

At dinner there is always a Balinese three-course menu choice, perhaps featuring a half chicken from a local village, or some crabs from local mangroves (below). 

That said, the western food is also very good with the Balinese-style Angus burger for lunch a standout, and dishes like yellowfin tuna with mango, langoustine and green curry, or fish of the day with beurre blanc or a spicy soy sauce; served with pilaf rice or steamed greens.

The Damai uses organic ingredients where possible with herbs and salads from the on-site market garden, honey from the Damai bees, and poultry, eggs and fresh coconut oil from the neighbouring village. When you dine you can see the local fishermen out at sea readying for tomorrow's catch.

The hotel can arrange for you to take a trip further up in the hills to visit "Vanilla Farm" where you can see vanilla, cloves, nutmeg and other spices being farmed and dried - as well as exotic fruits like jackfruit and dragonfruit.

The ambience here is totally relaxing, but if you really want to chill, the signature The Damai Massage is an excellent excuse to nod off. For just a few minutes, of course. 

The Damai offers a slice of the real Bali. A deserted beach; a dance class in a village; a glimpse inside a temple, or a moment of contemplation at a spectacular waterfall. 

A range of packages can be tailored to your preferences - and drivers are available to take you where you want to go (at extra cost, of course). 

For more details see https://www.thedamai.com/ Villas start from well under $300 a night. Tell them I sent you.

Qantas flies Sydney-Denpasar with daily direct flights operated on an Airbus A330 aircraft, fares start from $414 one way. Melbourne-Denpasar direct flights operate five times per week using a Boeing 737 aircraft. Fares start from $415 one way. See qantas.com.

# The writer was hosted by The Damai.

It will be more expensive to visit Bali from February

Bali's long-promised tourism tax will be imposed on visitors to the Indonesian holiday island from Valentine’s Day next year.

All foreign nationals arriving in Bali from February 14, 2024, will be required to pay a fixed fee of IDR150,000 ($15) when they enter the country.

The charge will also be levied on children.

Payment counters will be set up at Denpasar Airport to enable payment in cash or by credit card.

Local officials say it will take just a few seconds per traveller to process the fee, Travel Mole reports. But how long will the queues be? How much chaos will there be?

There have also been discussions about an advance online payment system, which may be implemented before the tourist fee payment is imposed.

Non-Indonesians arriving at Denpasar Airport via domestic flights will also have to pay the fee.

Funds raised by the Bali tourism fee will reportedly go towards environmental and tourism infrastructure projects.

Balinese officials recently proposed a light rail connecting the international airport to holiday hotspot Kuta and southern beach destinations as a way of cracking down on traffic jams.