Bali Deputy Governor Optimistic of International Tourism will Open July 2021

Photo by Bali Travel Info

At Rock Bar, Bali

By Ekarini

For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

According to Merdeka.com, Last week in Denpasar Bali, Bali Deputy Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati or Cok Ace said, "Until now there has been no change, we plan to reopen Bali tourism in July."

"I hope so. We all know that the final decision comes from the federal government. We all hope, including the Bali’s government, Bali’s society and tourism industry in Bali hope that it will be opened in July," he added.

He explained that the plan to open foreign tourism in Bali was because the local government saw a declining trend in Covid-19 cases. 70 percent of the population has been vaccinated. People in Bali are more discipline in implementing health protocols to meet a green zone target.

Therefore, Cok Ace hopes that all over Bali would become a green zone so that there are no more restrictions. "We have directed that 70 percent of Bali's population be vaccinated. If it is possible, why not all of Bali be greened, so that there are no restrictions. It's not good if there are some areas not to be visited," he added.

Also, earlier in March, President Joko Widodo and Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno suggested that Indonesia may reopen to foreign tourists on July this year with the destinations of Bali, Batam and Bintan become “locomotive regions” that will help the tourism economy of the whole country in Indonesia.

Especially in Bali, officials have been prepping COVID-19 “green zones” for tourists in Bali while accelerating the island’s vaccination program, enforcing health protocols, and certifying different businesses with health and safety standards. 

I didn’t find any information yet on the entry requirements to Bali for international tourists visiting Bali on July 2021.  Please stay tuned.

Photo by Bali Travel Info

At Bali Airport

Today is the day to plan your tomorrow's adventure.

Happy Travels,

 

Is It Possible to Enter Bali During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

Yes, Apply For An e-VISA and You Can Now Enter Indonesia & Stay for 6 Months on the New Single Entry (B211b e-Visa)

Author, Ekarini

For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Photo: Temple at Menjangan island, Bali

Bali Travel Info

It has been more than a year  Bali island that has no tourists, quiet beaches, business in the tourism sector is very badly affected. For those who are KITAs holders and residents only who are allowed to enter Bali so far. Tourism workers return to the villages where they came from. The Bali’s economy is down. 

Not many people know this:

Even though Bali is still closed to foreign tourists, you can enter Indonesia now through applying for an e-Visa.

With the new Single Entry e-visa, now you can apply for a visa to enter Bali through Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia).  This e-Visa will allow you to spend up to six months in Bali. The free “Visas on Arrival” for tourists are still unavailable, but anyone who wants to come to Bali can now apply for this new visa option, letting you fly into Indonesia legally online through a Visa agent.

Almost anyone is eligible to apply for the Single Entry e-Visa, it is not for tourism purposes. It is currently the best possible option for non-residents and foreigners to enter Indonesia and stay in Bali for an extended period of time.

The visa is called a B211b Visa, also referred to as the “Business Visa” – Please note it’s a visa that is not for tourism purposes. In order to obtain this visa, you must be sponsored by a PT or Company in Indonesia, a process that can be completed with the help of a visa agent in Bali.

The Single Entry, e-Visa is valid for 60 days and allows for 30-day extensions, total a six month stay period.

How to apply for an e-Visa

Single Entry e-Visa applications can be submitted online by your agent, which means you do not have to visit the Indonesian embassy in your home country, nor when you arrive in Indonesia. 

Documents you need to apply the e-Visa:

-You’ll need to provide a scanned copy of your passport.

-You’ll need to show your bank statement (in English) with a minimum amount of 10,000 USD (or, ask your agent to help you).

-You’ll need a booked return ticket to and from Indonesia within 60 days (it’s best to book a flight that can be rescheduled without fees, if you decide to extend your visa and stay for more than 60 days.)

Photo: Beach Club Sanur beach

Bali Travel Info

You’ll need to show proof of the e-Visa payment.

-Since this visa is different from a tourist visa, there is a chance you’ll need to describe the purpose of your visit when you enter the country. Your legitimate reasons are:

1. To attend business meetings
2.To assess the market
3.To check on any business investments
4.To consider future business investments

The price of the new e-Visa is approximately US$300. This includes the agent fee, the visa fee, and other documentation that’s required, including sponsorship, guarantee letter, and sometimes, the promise of an approved visa application within seven working days. Depending on which visa agent you choose.

For Agent

Bali Visas

When you arrive in Indonesia, you can then choose to extend your e-Visa after your initial 60-day stay period. You can extend the visa four times, 30-days each, total a six-month stay. The price of each extension is approximately US$50, and each extension application must be made two-weeks before the date of visa expiration.

You need to have a Coronavirus test before arriving in Indonesia. 

you will need to show a negative PCR (swab) test. The test must have been completed within seven days of arrival into Indonesia.

When you arrive into Indonesia, you first have to quarantine in Jakarta for five days in a designated hotel. You will have a PCR swab test taken on Day 1, and another on Day 5. If your results are negative, you are free to travel onwards to Bali. Some visitors have been asked to sign a document to say they will continue to self-quarantine at home for a total of 14 days.

Currently there are no direct international flights to Bali. You will need to fly into Jakarta first (the capital of Indonesia) and then fly domestically to Bali. The flight time from Jakarta to Bali about one hour and half.

You will receive your e-visa by email, so you no longer need to visit the Indonesian embassy in your country.

The best, book your flight after your visa is approved, just in case there are any delays. Once your visa is approved, you have 90 days to enter the country, so you can book your flight, print your e-visa, arrange your health insurance and also get your PCR (swab test) done within seven days of arriving into Indonesia.

As you know, Indonesia (and Bali) does still have some active cases of Coronavirus, please take all the necessary precautions that you would in anywhere you are included in Bali.  Even though, Bali is blessed to have plenty of outdoor spaces, breezy private villas and secluded beaches, and social distancing is just part of normal Bali life.  Yes, Bali is still safe for those who are healthy and following health protocol, wearing masks, and social distancing procedures.

 

Happy Travels,

I hope to see you there

 

 

 The Government plans Bali Tourism will be opened on June or July 2021

Today is the day to plan your tomorrow's adventure.

Author, Ekarini

For more Info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Photo: Bali Travel Info

Sanur Beach 

We all know that the Covid-19 has ruined Bali’s economy, and we all have been waiting for over a year for the Balinese border to open again for international tourists. 

According to several local news I read,

The government emphasizes that the full opening of Bali tourism can only be done if the Covid-19 rate is controlled and health protocols are strictly adhered to by all people throughout the community.

On March the Indonesian president Mr. Jokowi visited Bali.

On his visit he said, “We don’t want to be careless with this policy because the threat of a spike in cases remains. In order to anticipate this pandemic, the government continues to strive to intensify Covid-19 vaccination and ask the participation of all Bali tourism workers to comply with health and safety protocols.”

Photo: Bali Travel Info

Rockbar Bali

During his visit to Ubud, Gianyar, president Jokowi had asked for the Covid-19 vaccination program in Bali to be carried out according to the target, so that the tourism industry could be fully opened soon. Jokowi said that vaccination would be focused on public workers and communities in the three priority green zones like Ubud in Gianyar Regency, Sanur in Denpasar City, and Nusa Dua in Badung Regency.

The three green zones that are included in the Free Covid Corridor (FCC) are indeed the focus of the central government and local governments for the recovery of the Bali tourism industry. Mr. Jokowi said, “We will continue to monitor and evaluate developments in handling of Covid-19, the implementation of vaccinations, and tourism conditions in the three zones on a regular basis.”

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno confirmed the plan to open Bali tourism in June-July if all tourism workers and tourists who come to Bali follow all the health and safety protocols.

Stay Healthy and Happy Travels,

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 Bali’s Breaking Covid-19 News

As we know, the world continues to fight against Covid-19 so does Bali. The Indonesian government has decided to extend the closure of its border to all foreign visitors until February 8, 2021.  According to Bali update, “In Bali, the semi-shutdown on public movements and activities in Bali has also been extended until 8 February 2021. For the second year running, the Ogoh-Ogoh processions have been canceled for 2021.  Meanwhile, the Nyepi-related festivities are also curtailed - all to prevent the rampant spread of COVID-19.”

Photo: Bali Travel Info

Photo: Bali Travel Info

Stay Healthy,

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 Bali updates on Covid-19 this December 2020

Author, Ekarini 

More Info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Thinking of entering Bali? You will need to know about the latest pandemic update from the government December 2020.

Tanah Lot Temple

Because of pandemic, Bali won’t open its border for international tourists, until sometimes in 2021.  Right now, Bali is allowing local tourists and some tourist attractions have already reopened.  For those of you who hold special visas can still enter Bali with Social B211A visa, Family visa, and Work Visas, of course with special restriction have to follow. 

For the new year eve 2021 celebration, there will be no party, no fireworks, and for those who visit Bali have to have PCR test, the antigen test within 72 hours.

Until further notice, right now there is no lockdown in Bali and Indonesia.  The Balinese government and traditional/ Banjar take some special measures to keep everybody safe in this difficult time.  You must wear masks when going outside, stores and business will be closed at11 pm.  Penalty for not wearing a mask is Rp 100. 000

Karma Kandara Beach

According to Info Denpasar, to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other contagious diseases included SARS-CoV-2 Variant B117 virus, the chairman who handles Covid-19 (Doni Monardo), issued a new circular letter No.4 / 2020 which includes provisions regarding the prohibition of foreign tourists from entering Indonesian territory and tightening supervision of the arrival of foreign travelers with visas.  Visas allowed those holders of diplomatic residence permits, official residence permits, and holders of limited stay permits and permanent residence permit cards," said Doni.

This is the list of countries that are banned to enter Bali and Indonesia.

1.    UK

2.    Italy

3.    Netherlands

4.    Australia

5.    Denmark

Indonesian citizens who come from abroad must show the results of the examination using the RT-PCR method in their home country which shows they are not infected with the coronavirus. Samples for the inspection must be taken within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours before the time of departure. The results of the examination must be attached to the Indonesian international health alert card (e-HAC).

Foreign travelers, both Indonesian citizens and foreigners who are exempted, when arriving in Indonesia are also required to undergo a re-examination using the RT-PCR method to ensure they have not contracted the corona virus and undergo quarantine for five days.

Indonesian citizens can use the special quarantine facilities provided by the government, while foreigners must undergo quarantine in quarantine accommodation (hotels / inns) that have received certification from the Ministry of Health at their own expense. The government has prepared 17 hotels with a capacity of 3,570 rooms as independent isolation areas.

If the results of the RT-PCR re-examination on arrival show that the traveler in question is infected with the coronavirus, then Indonesian citizens who need treatment at the hospital will be paid by the government. Meanwhile, foreigners who, according to the results of the examination are infected with the corona virus and require  treatment at the hospital must undergo treatment at their own expense.

Be safe and Happy New year 2021

When will Bali reopen its border for tourism?

Author: Ekarini
More Info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

This question is a very popular question among travelers.  As the Covid- 19 cases rise in Indonesia and many tourists stranded on the Bali island from 3 months ago.  We are all optimistic and hope that Bali is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world will open again for its visitors. 

Many rumors have been posting on social media, Bali is planning to reopen up to visitors between June and October 2020.

There is no official date has been set yet by the local government.  According to the head of the Bali tourism office Putu Astawa said, “Bali tourism will really be opened if the corona virus case has decreased. For now, we are still handling Covid-19. Until there is really a guarantee of sloping or declining cases," (Kompas Newspaper May 22, 2020)

Based on the Bali Tribune, in a coordination meeting for Tourism Recovery Preparation in Bali, which was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani and Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, Thursday (05/14/2020), had stated that matter. Giri said, in October referred to as appealing, the opening of tourism destinations gradually by following strict health protocols. Continuing promotions, organizing events and MICE, Roadshows, and media campaigns.

Giri also added, “The opening of Bali tourism will depend on the Provincial Government of Bali. This means that the opening of tourism in Bali can be done in other months. If the government does not want to open it with various considerations, it won't open."

The head of the Bali tourism office Putu Astawa remains optimistic that Bali tourism will reopen at the right time. He also said that Bali tourism would implement a number of New Normal health protocols. Putu has coordinated with all industries in Bali so that each of them develops Procedural Operational Standards (SOPs) based on Covid-19 health standards." 

He asks all industries to arrange SOPs, such as physical distancing, masks, hand Sanitizers, disinfectants, signs, or audio visual, and so on," he said.

Furthermore, Bali will enter a new era called the New Era of Bali by prioritizing the health paradigm in the world of tourism. "Cleanliness, health, and safety are needed to minimize the anxiety of people infected with the virus. So, health care will be the main condition.

Photos: Bali Travel Info

Stay Healthy,

The Balinese prayers go to the whole world during this Covid-19 outbreak

By Ekarini

For more info: Bali Travel Info

The Balinese people offer offering shaped human body (called Segehan Wong-Wongan) accompany with certain chanting and mantra, to expel Covid-19. Ask God for help. The human shaped offering will place in front of the house entrance at dusk.

Below are examples of Wong-Wongan offerings are made based on each person's artistic creativity.

Courtesy photos: Social Media posts

The Office of the Promotion of Indigenous Peoples of the Province of Bali has issued an order letter to Hindus in Bali to perform the ritual as a form of reinforcement against the COVID-19 outbreak. One of them with the Pejati (offerings) named Segehan Wong-wongan. It is believed that this is a Niskala (spiritual/ unseen) effort aside from Sekala (real/ seen) to avoid corona outbreaks.

This special ritual is one of the local wisdoms that has become a tradition from hundreds of years in dealing with situations such as epidemics or pandemics. "Banten or offering is placed in front of the yard or entrance of the house, the implementation is carried out during Sandikala (at dusk around 6 pm) when Kajeng Kliwon,"

The offering Wong-Wongan consists of colorful rice placed on a banana leaf and given ginger, shallots, and chili.

In the context of Hindu theology, the elements contained in Segehan have their own meaning.  According to I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa, Romo Poniman, in ancient literature has been mentioned a lot.

"This is a form of reinforcements. Corona outbreaks are manifestations of bhutakala in order to eat humans made from rice," he explained.

"The base of the leaves symbolizes the earth, white rice symbolizes dualism, ginger, scientifically has a hot nature. Spirit is needed by humans but should not be emotional," he said

Besides onions, it has a cold nature. "Humans must use cold heads to do things, but they must not be cold toward social problems (ignorant),"

Salt, having PH-0 means neutral, salt is an efficacious means to neutralize various energies that are detrimental to humans. "Five colors (manca colors) are manifestations of God (the Mighty God). Black colors symbolize the God Wishnu, White God Iswara, red God Brahma, yellow Mahadeva, and Brumbun (mixed-5 color) are Shiwa,"

"These five colors also symbolize the corners of the wind, all the calamities that come from all directions can be neutralized," he added. Related to various forms, he stressed, it was a form of human creation. "The important thing is that the elements are in line with what is directed, namely mancawarna rice," he concluded.

Stay Healthy and Happy!