Following Demolitions at Bingin Beach, Bali Authorities Target Balangan Beach
Authorities in Bali have demolished 48 illegal business premises in the Bingin Beach area of Pecatu Village, Badung Regency. The demolition, carried out on Monday, 21 July 2025, targeted villas, hotels, homestays, lodgings, and restaurants built without the necessary permits. Bingin Beach is a well-known destination among international surfers and travellers seeking a quieter and […]
Video Shows a Foreigner Questioning the Gap Between Locals and Visitors in Bali
A foreign tourist’s TikTok video has ignited a discussion about the gap between local residents and international visitors in Bali. The woman, who posts under the account @mrs_sammysing, shared her impressions of the island, suggesting that foreign tourists are beginning to dominate the holiday destination. In the video, she explained that she is currently visiting […]
Cost of Living in Jakarta, Indonesia 2025: What Expats Need to Know Before Moving
Cost of Living in Jakarta, Indonesia 2025: A Guide for Residents and Expats Jakarta remains one of the most expensive cities to live in Southeast Asia, ranking alongside major global capitals. According to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025 released by Swiss bank Julius Baer, the Indonesian capital is now ranked 18th out of […]
Alleged Former IDF Soldiers Managing Bali Villas Under Investigation
Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, has confirmed that authorities are investigating allegations that two Israeli nationals, believed to be former members of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), are managing luxury villas in Bali. The investigation follows reports that the individuals, a man and a woman, have been involved in promoting and overseeing […]
Government Declares 18 August 2025 as an Additional Indonesian Public Holiday
The Indonesian government plans to designate Monday, 18 August 2025, as an additional national holiday in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the country’s independence. The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of State Secretary, Juri Ardiantoro, who described the move as a celebratory gesture for the public. Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, confirmed […]
BMKG Warns of High Waves in Southern Bali Waters Until 9 August
The Denpasar Regional Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BBMKG) has issued an early warning of high waves in several waters surrounding Bali. The phenomenon, triggered by strong winds and atmospheric pressure differences between Australia and Indonesia, is expected to persist until at least 9 August 2025. According to Aryantika, a forecaster from BBMKG Region III […]
Padar Island Tourism Project Faces Scrutiny Over Environmental Concern
PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism (KWE) has received a 55-year business permit to build nature-based tourism infrastructure on Padar Island, part of Komodo National Park, in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. The permit, granted under Minister of Forestry Decree No. SK.796/Menhut-II/2014 allows the company to develop facilities within a 274.13-hectare zone, or equivalent to 19.5% of […]
Two Dead, One Missing After Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Sanur, Bali
A speedboat carrying 80 people capsized while attempting to enter the Sanur Port channel in Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday afternoon (5 August 2025), resulting in the deaths of two Chinese tourists and leaving one Indonesian crew member missing. The Bali Dolphin Cruise 2 departed from Nusa Penida Port at approximately 2:30 PM local time, en […]
Foreign Tourist Surprised by Gas Station Staff Comfortably Carrying Cash in Indonesia
A video of a foreign tourist marvelling at the behaviour of Indonesian gas station employees has gone viral on TikTok, sparking discussion among Indonesian netizens. The video, first uploaded by TikTok user @tomaslevin, shows a Chilean national observing a petrol station worker refuelling a vehicle while casually holding a large stack of cash. “Bro, out […]
5 August: Will It Be the Shortest Day of 2025? A Scientific Perspective
Claims circulating on social media have suggested that 5 August 2025 will be the shortest day of the year. While it is among the shortest, scientific data indicates it is not the absolute shortest. According to timekeeping authorities, including the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) and the US Naval Observatory, four dates […]