Before we realised it, 2025 had drawn to a close, leaving Bali marked by a year of major events that shaped public discourse, policy, and daily life on the island.
From January to December, at least 13 popular news unfolded, capturing both local and international attention and leaving lasting impressions on residents, travellers, and authorities alike.
Bali in 2025: A Year of Turning Points
Bali began the year on a high note after being named one of TripAdvisor’s Best Cultural Destinations in the world. Yet the optimism was soon tempered by persistent challenges, including environmental crises that showed no sign of easing.
Throughout 2025, extreme weather triggered a series of disasters, while government policies sparked both support and controversy. Not to mention, many viral cases involving foreigners that further defined the island’s narrative. It makes 2025 a year of contrast, one that reflected both Bali and Indonesia appeal and its growing pressures.
Bali Named World’s Best Cultural Destination 2025
Early in 2025, Bali was officially named one of TripAdvisor’s Best Cultural Destinations in the world, fending off global competitors like Rome, Hanoi, and London. The accolade reflects the island’s deep cultural heritage, from traditional villages to iconic cultural sites in Denpasar, Ubud, Seminyak. All highlights Bali’s unique blend of art, history, and tourism appeal.
Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) Bus Service Suspended and Set to Return
The Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) Integrated Highway Bus officially ceased operations on 1 January 2025, as announced via its Instagram account @transmetrodewata. The decision sparked public disappointment, with many residents describing the red bus as more than just public transport, but a symbol of Bali’s push towards sustainability and reduced congestion. The announcement triggered widespread discussion about the future of public transportation on the island.
After months of uncertainty, the Bali Provincial Transportation Agency confirmed that the TMD service would resume on 18 April 2025. A total of 75 buses will return to operation across six corridors, down from 105 units previously. Officials said the reopening aims to restore accessible and environmentally friendly transport options for residents and visitors.
Bali’s Garbage Crisis
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Bali’s iconic beaches, including Kuta and Kedonganan Jimbaran, continue to face severe waste problems, despite large-scale clean-up operations. Authorities collected tonnes of plastic, rubber, and wood debris using heavy machinery, particularly during the west monsoon season from October to March.
According to the Minister of Environment, much of the waste originates from rivers in Java and is carried by ocean currents to Bali’s coastal, with some debris also coming from overseas. Environmental group Sungai Watch identified plastic water bottles from Java among the dominant waste types, prompting hundreds of volunteers to participate in clean-ups amid worsening pollution levels.
Bali Bans Plastic Bottled Water in Government Offices and Schools
Starting 3 February 2025, the Bali Provincial Government implemented a ban on plastic bottled water in government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and schools. The policy is part of Governor Regulation Number 97 of 2018, which aims to curb single-use plastic waste across the island.
Under the new rules, employees and students are required to bring reusable bottles, preferably made from stainless steel or BPA-free materials. The regulation marks a significant step in Bali’s broader environmental agenda to reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable habits.
Bali Introduces Stricter Rules for Foreign Tourists
The Bali Provincial Government issued Circular Letter Number 7 of 2025, introducing stricter behavioural guidelines for foreign tourists. The regulation refines earlier rules and responds to increasing incidents involving inappropriate behaviour by visitors.
Foreign tourists are now required to respect religious sites, wear appropriate attire when visiting temple, comply with traffic laws, use licensed transport and accommodation, and pay the mandatory tourist levy. Violations may result in sanctions, reinforcing Bali’s commitment to preserving cultural integrity and public order.
Bali Blackout: Island-Wide Power Outage Leaves Bali in Darkness
On 2 May 2025, Bali experienced a massive blackout that lasted nearly 12 hours, disrupting daily life and critical services across the island. The outage occurred as balinese people were preparing for Kuningan Day prayers and affected sectors, including flight from and into Bali.
Energy authorities confirmed the blackout was caused by a disturbance in a 150 kV high-voltage transmission line in East Java, which disrupted the undersea electricity cable supplying Bali. The sudden power imbalance caused the system frequency to drop beyond safe limits, triggering widespread outages.
Fatal Villa Shooting Involving Australian Nationals
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A deadly shooting at a villa in Badung Regency on 14 June 2025 shocked both local residents and the international community. Two Australian nationals were shot, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
Indonesian police confirmed the arrest of three Australian suspects through a coordinated operation involving domestic authorities and Interpol. The case highlighted ongoing security concerns involving foreign nationals in Bali.
Bali Kite Festival Celebrates Tradition and Spirituality
From July to August 2025, Bali’s skies came alive during the annual kite season, culminating in the Bali Kite Festival. The event showcased massive traditional kites that represent spiritual devotion, agricultural gratitude, and harmony with nature.
Unlike recreational kite-flying elsewhere, Balinese kites hold deep cultural significance and are often flown as offerings to the gods. The festival continues to attract international visitors to travel to Bali.
Bingin Beach Demolition
Authorities demolished 48 illegal tourism-related buildings at Bingin Beach in July 2025. The structures, including villas and restaurants, were found to violate land-use regulations by occupying coastal sand and state-owned land.
The Bali Provincial Government confirmed that similar enforcement actions would be carried out at nine other locations, signalling a tougher stance on illegal development and environmental protection.
Bali Floods: Deadly Floods in Wet Season, Killing 18 People
@reuters The death toll from this week’s floods on the Indonesian island of Bali has risen to 14 people, a government official said, though the rain has stopped and water levels are receding in most areas. Two people are missing in the tourist hub’s capital of Denpasar and 125 rescuers have been deployed in the search for them, disaster mitigation agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said. #bali #indonesia #flood #rescue #environment ♬ original sound – Reuters
Severe flooding struck Bali in September 2025 following prolonged heavy rainfall in wet season. Denpasar region among the hardest-hit areas. Homes, roads, and businesses were submerged, forcing evacuations and halting daily activities.
The Bali Disaster Management Agency confirmed 18 fatalities across several regencies, with multiple people reported missing. The disaster underscored the island’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Australian Family Raises Concerns Over Organ Retention
The family of Australian citizen Byron James Dumschat raised serious concerns after discovering his body was returned from Bali without his heart. The discovery was made weeks after his death at a private villa in Badung.
Legal representatives stated the family was not informed about the organ’s retention, and additional costs were imposed for its repatriation. The case drew public attention to medical and legal procedures involving foreign deaths in Indonesia.
Bali Glass Elevator Project Halted After Public Backlash
The controversial Rp 200 billion glass elevator project at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, was officially halted in late 2025. The 182-metre structure sparked public outrage after videos of its construction went viral.
Lawmakers said the project potentially violated Indonesia’s spatial planning laws, as construction on protected cliffs is prohibited. The suspension was welcomed by environmental groups and cultural observers.
British Adult Film Star Arrested in Bali
British adult film star Bonnie Blue was detained in Bali in December 2025 on allegations related to pornography, visa misuse, and traffic violations. Authorities said the case was part of a broader investigation into foreign content creators operating illegally on the island.
The Denpasar District Court fined Blue and her partner IDR 200,000 each, with deportation proceedings following. The arrest reinforced Indonesia’s strict stance on pornography and immigration compliance.
