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! 

"Indonesia Grants Automatic Visa Extension to All Visitors Who Entered the Country After February 5, 2020"

Edit by Ekarini
More info about Bali:Bali Travel Info

“As many tourists in Indonesia (especially Bali) scrambled of whether to return home or try and extend their stay amid the Covid19 crisis the Indonesian Immigration Department has published a blanket policy.” Loyaltylobby.com

We are all so panic and have so many questions about recent Corona virus pandemic. Especially, when you are traveling and still in foreign countries.  To maintain social distancing is very important for all of us in this difficult time.  The issues have been questioned in many countries in South East Asia.  For example, In Indonesia (where visa exempt entries are only valid for 30 days).  Those travels, including who is in Bali right now, this is good news for those who need to extend their current stay in Bali they can go online to extend their visa. 

Please click below for more details:

https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/03/26/indonesia-grants-automatic-visa-extension-to-all-visitors-who-entered-the-country-after-february-5-2020/?omhide=true&fbclid=IwAR0771p7I61VgTzONp6NemNEwIDKG7xuVLTLcBh1x5SMaKoo0q1cPDUiXt0

Happy Travel and stay healthy

Kuningan Day Celebration (Balinese Thanksgiving)

Ekarini

For more info about Bali:bali Travel Info

Kuningan is a holiday celebrated by Hindu Dharma in Bali. This celebration falls on the day of Saniscara (Saturday), Kliwon, wuku Kuningan. This holiday is held every 210 days, using the Balinese calendar (1 month in the Balinese calendar = 35 days). Ten days after Galungan

Kuningan day, that marks the closing of the Gaungan holiday, is celebrated every 210 days, ten days after Galungan.

Photo: Selanggi offering byNanoe-Biroe

The Balinese people believe that Kuningan day is the day when their ancestors return to heaven after visiting the earth during Galungan celebration. They make offerings to be given to the ancestors on their farewell day.

The offerings include yellowed rice (Kuningan is derived from the word kuning which means yellow) which is placed in a small “bowl” made of coconut leaves (“Banten Selanggi Kuningan” Or Selanggi offering for Kuningan). Other common offerings with beans, fish and fruit like papaya carved of puppet shaped and some cook vegetables. The yellow rice is the symbol of human’s gratitude towards God for all the life, joy, wealth, health and prosperity given. The bowls are decorated with a small figure of shadow puppets which represents angels that bring joy and wealth to earth.

Balinese believe that Kuningan day Ida Sang Hyang Widhi (Mighty God) is a blessing and giving prosperity to the whole world Bhuana Alit and Bhuana Agung (microcosm and macrocosm). Many people believe that the celebration should be done before noon, before gods, ancestors, and goddess’ return to the heavens to continue their asceticism.

On Kuningan day you will see tamiang and endongan decorations hanging outside homes and temples.

“Tamiang means – and is formed as a round – shield and represents protection, defense, and the cycle of the globe. It functions as a reminder to humans of karma and that they should protect themselves from bad behavior.”

Photo: Tamiang Endongan by Wisata Bali

“Endongan means a bag of provisions. It is made of coconut leaves and shaped like a bag or a pocket. The Balinese put different things like seeds, fruits, tuber inside the endongan. For some people believe it is a symbol of food supply for the journey of the ancestors from earth to heaven. From a spiritual view, endongan represents the essential provisions that every human should carry-knowledge and homage.”

Asking for blessing from Barongs (The guardian of the jungle)

Photo: Barong Bangkung by visitbali.id

In some villages, especially inDenpasar and Gianyar region, Barongs or ngelawangs – lion like creatures – are going from house to house followed by kids playing traditional Balinese music instruments. If a barong arrives in front of your house, you should give an offering called canang with sesari (money) on it, after receiving the offering; the barong will dance and bless your house and your family.

Thanks to Vilondo

Happy Travels!