Bali tourism soars beyond pre-pandemic levels
 

01/06/2023 - Media Release

It’s one of Australia’s most beloved holiday hotspots and new data suggests that Bali is more popular than ever. According to Natalie Smith, spokesperson for 1Cover Travel Insurance, travel to Bali has surpassed even pre-pandemic levels. 

“We’ve seen a big uptick in Bali travel, particularly in recent months. Indonesia and Baliespecially have experienced some of our highest sales growth, with a 12% increase on pre-pandemic levels," says Smith. "Bali's travel industry has rebounded with remarkable vigour since the pandemic, and there’s no sign of that abating.”

In a similar trend, Jetstar has also reported a 10 per cent increase in Bali flights compared to pre-COVID levels and travel agency Webjet revealed Bali to be the number one overseas destination for Aussies in early 2023.

However, the jump in visitor numbers has brought upon a rise in Australians being arrested, fined, and even deported from Bali.

“As Bali finds its feet in the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a noted increase in troublesome tourists,” Smith says. “Whether they’re disobeying road rules, drinking excessively, or disrespecting local laws and customs, these travellers are testing the limits of Balinese hospitality.”

This year alone, six Australians have been deported from Bali, and DFAT (the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) has reported a 67% increase in drug arrestsover the past few years. 

Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, General Manager for Intrepid Travel Indonesia, says that the recent hike in unruly behaviour has forced a range of strong measures from authorities. 

“Bali is a land of immense cultural value and traditions that visitors must understand and respect. Locals are getting increasingly fed up with the anti-social behaviours exhibited by a few unruly tourists. Police have responded to this unruly behaviour by increasing their routine checks on the ground, such as driver license checks and drink and driving checks.”

Smith says that a few key regulations should be made known to all Australian visitors to Bali. 

“Australians travelling to Bali should familiarize themselves with local laws and policies before they visit. For instance, when riding a scooter, you must carry a valid driver's license, wear a helmet and abide by all traffic rules. Another key regulation is not to misuse your visa status as an overstay of more than 60 days can result in a hefty fine.”

Lastly Shekhawat says that Australians should take the time to understand local cultural laws and traditions.

“Visitors should understand, especially if they are visiting a site which holds a sacred value, to act according with local rules. Bali is one of the best destinations for holidaying in Asia as it offers many unique experiences, all travellers need to do is behave well and follow the local rules to enjoy their holiday without any troubles.”

Respecting local laws in Bali

Balinese culture is steeped in tradition and religion. 1Cover Travel Insurance offers these tips to avoid offending locals:

1. Respect local customs and traditions: Bali’s culture is strongly rooted in Hinduism and its conservative values. When appropriate dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples and other religious sites. Avoid touching or sitting on offerings or statues, and do not point your feet towards sacred objects or people.
2. Be mindful of your behaviour: Bali has some of the world’s strictest drug laws and visitors are not exempt from its zero-tolerance approach. Avoid any involvement with drugs and refrain from purchasing or using any illegal substances.
3. Be careful when driving: Road conditions in Bali can be poor and traffic is often busy and chaotic. Always follow local traffic laws and ensure you’re wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle or scooter. 
4. Dispose of your rubbish properly: Waste management is a key issue in Baliand tourism has been a major contributor. Always dispose of your rubbish appropriately and recycle whenever you can.
5. Use appropriate language: Avoid using curse words or offensive language when speaking to locals, and refrain from discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion.
6. Haggle with grace: While haggling is common practice in Bali, avoid being too forceful and use compassion when negotiating.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natali Mansberg, Content Marketing Specialist.
  E: [email protected] | URL www.1Cover.com.au

About 1Cover Travel Insurance
1Cover Travel Insurance was founded in 2003. Today, it is one of Australia’s largest providers of online travel insurance. At 1Cover, we’re dedicated to providing all customers with exceptional cover and support. We provide cover to more than 1.5 million customers in both Australia and NZ.