This Weeks Top Bali Travel and Real Estate News

     

Don't just visit Bali, experience it! This weekly “Bali Travel & Real Estate News” summary is your key to unlocking a richer, more informed journey.

We go beyond the headlines to provide actionable insights that can directly benefit your Bali travels, Bali real estate ventures, health, and even your tech know-how.

 Tune in each week and discover how to make the most of your time in paradise.

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ThisWeeks Bali News

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Selamat Tahun Baru - Happy New Year to our Family, Friends, Clients & Associates around the World

To all Family, Friends, Clients & Associates in Bali and around the world, our team at PT. Bali Affordable Lifestyles International, PT Bali Luxury Villas, Best Bali Real Estate, and the Owners family Azizah, Xander, Darus, and Lawrence extend our warmest wishes for a very Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

May this New Year bring you peace, happiness, and countless blessings!

May you "Thrive in 2025"

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How to join 14,000 other Aussies and retire to Bali.

Read our expert advice on visas Dave Smith, The Nightly

Want to join 14,000 other Aussies and retire to Bali? Read our expert advice on visas.
Say goodbye to suburbia, move to a tropical island and spend your golden years sipping coconuts by the pool in your luxury villa or condo.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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5 Things to Do Before Trump Takes Office

If you're living in the US, you might want to prepare for tariffs raising the price of just about everything in 2025. And yes, you should be using a VPN and end-to-end encryption, too.

(

Donald Trump returns to the White House on Jan. 20, and some of his campaign promises could shake things up in the tech world.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Bali one of Most Searched Travel Destinations by Indians on Google 2024

In 2024, Indian travelers have shown great interest in various destinations, both within India and abroad, for their unique offerings. Explore more about most searched travel destinations by Indians on Google in 2024.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Bali Police: US Citizens Top List of Foreign Offenders in Bali

Denpasar. US citizens were the most frequent foreign offenders in Bali in 2024, with 34 Americans implicated in crimes ranging from drug offenses to general criminal acts, Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya said Monday.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Bali's tallest broadcasting tower opens to public 

The 115-metre-tall broadcasting and observation tower is expected to become a new iconic landmark in the northern part of Bali. - PT Hutama Karya (Persero)

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Seminyak coast offers a feast for body and soul

Drawing on Bali’s local bounty and Buckminster Fuller’s philosophy, the resort’s new restaurant Dome is nurturing mind, body and community

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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A Leap into the Future: The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

A few days later, the family visited the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza Pyramids.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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This Weeks Special Real Estate Deal

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Special Offer: Stunning Bali Villa at IDR 4.8M – 

Reduced for Quick Sale!

Prime Location Across Hyatt Regency:

Nestled in the heart of Sanur, this luxurious 3.5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom villa offers the ultimate blend of convenience and elegance. 

Just steps from the iconic white sand beach and across the street from the Hyatt Regency Hotel, this property provides unmatched access to world-class amenities. 

Whether it’s fine dining, boutique shopping, or indulging in spa treatments, everything is within walking distance. The villa boasts superior building standards with exquisite Balinese architectural details, making it a timeless investment in one of the world’s top-rated travel destinations.

Luxurious Features with Endless Comfort
Built in 2002, the villa spans 250 sqm, featuring a private eight-meter swimming pool, a spacious garage, and beautifully designed interiors that reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Perfect for both relaxing retreats and entertaining guests, the property combines modern convenience with tropical charm. Sanur’s vibrant beach scene, crystal-clear waters, and thrilling water sports are right at your doorstep. 

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise in Bali—don’t miss out on this special offer, reduced for a quick sale!

Last Weeks Bali News

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Tourists Should Book Entry Tickets In Advance For This Top Bali Attraction

Bali’s most famous attractions are going to be busy over the next few weeks, and there are a few ways in which travelers can help navigate some potential chaos.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Tourist’s 2024 Spending Habits In Bali Revealed

Leading tourism researchers in Bali have been crunching all of the data that 2024 has had to offer.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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5 Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Bali 2025, Hidden Gems

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Celebrating New Year's Eve in Bali has become a common dream for travelers and tourists. As a dominant thrust in Indonesia’s tourism, Bali excels in countless fields, with authentic delicacies, a broad spectrum of entertainment sources, and pronounced hospitality being some of the reasons vacationers book repeat trips to the Land of the Gods.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Indian travel blogger shows what ₹1,000 gets you in Bali: 'Budget traveller’s dream'

ByMahipal Singh Chouhan


A viral video showed an Indian traveller using ₹1,000 in Bali to buy meals, drinks, and more, highlighting the island’s affordability.




See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Bali’s Kuta And Sanur Beaches Captivate Tourists, Turning Rainy Holidays Into Magic


The iconic beaches of Kuta and Sanur are drawing both domestic and international travelers this holiday season, each offering distinct experiences during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Bali’s Best Travel Hacks Save Time And Money For First Time Visitors

If you are traveling to Bali for the first time in 2025 or just getting ready to fly to the island to celebrate the new year, you are in for a treat!

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Bali Beaches Shine This Holiday Season Despite Rainy Weather

Badung, Bali. Kuta and Sanur Beaches in Bali are attracting both domestic and international tourists during the Christmas and New Year holidays, albeit with differing experiences. 

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Rupiah Depreciation Likely to Continue Into 2025, Says Bank Mandiri Economist

Jakarta. Indonesia's rupiah is expected to face continued depreciation into early 2025, according to Dian Ayu Yustina, Head of Macroeconomic and Financial Market Research at Bank Mandiri. According to Dian, ongoing uncertainty in the global economy, particularly due to the upcoming US presidential inauguration in January 2025, could further pressure currency markets.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Year-End Floods Submerge Several Areas in Kuta, Bali

Year-End Floods Submerge Several Areas in Kuta, Bali. Image Source: JPNN

A number of highways and residents’ houses in the Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali, were submerged in floodwaters due to high rainfall on Sunday, the 22nd of December.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Tourist’s 2024 Spending Habits In Bali Revealed

Leading tourism researchers in Bali have been crunching all of the data that 2024 has had to offer.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Foreign nationals' arrivals to Indonesia continue to increase

Tangerang (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Immigration Office reported that the arrivals of foreign nationals in the country have been increasing.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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Bali International Hospital to Operate Early 2025,

Bali International Hospital (BIH) in the Sanur Health Special Economic Zone, Bali, will be operational in early 2025.

See Complete Blog With Photos Details Here

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_____________________________Welcome to Bali!

Are you dreaming of a tranquil visit, retirement or a second home in paradise?

Brand new Bali Luxury Retirement Villas starting at 4,000,000 IDR per MTH

Bali, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, is the perfect destination.

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With over 20 years of experience in Bali real estate, our team has the expertise and local knowledge to guide you through the entire process, from finding the perfect location to securing the best possible price.

All right Why Choose Us?

• Established and Trusted: We've been assisting individuals and couples like you since 2004.
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Call us in English or Bahasa Indonesian

1.      At our Head Office  +62-361-284069

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How to join 14,000 other Aussies and retire to Bali.

 Read our expert advice on visas

Dave Smith, The Nightly

Want to join 14,000 other Aussies and retire to Bali? Read our expert advice on visas. 

Say goodbye to suburbia, move to a tropical island and spend your golden years sipping coconuts by the pool in your luxury villa or condo complex.

A beach walk in the morning. Siesta and a cheap massage in the afternoon. Eating at restaurants seven nights a week.

That’s the dream turned reality for an estimated 14,000 Australian retirees living in Bali, primarily in the touristic south, where private hospitals, Western supermarkets and cheap bars and cafes offer all the conveniences of home — minus the monotony and financial stress.

Much like Australia, Indonesia has strict and complex immigration laws and getting your head around them can be overwhelming. 

When I searched for “retirement” at the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration of the Republic in Indonesia, I got zero results, while a Google search for “retire in Indonesia” came up with scores of websites of Indonesian visa agents that offered conflicting advice and information.

To get a clearer picture of the rules and how to apply for an Indonesian retirement visa, I spoke with Michael Lenihan, the Australian founder of Gateway Consulting, a Bali-based firm that helps foreign investment companies set up shop in Indonesia.

Dave: What are the minimum criteria you need to meet to apply for a retirement visa in Indonesia?

Michael: To start you need to be at least 55 years old, and you need proof you can financially support yourself, at least $US1500 ($2300) in the bank and an income of around $US1500 to $US2000 per month. 

You also need proof of health insurance; there are local insurance providers that cater specifically to retirees, though a policy with an international insurance policy is also acceptable. 

You also need to prove you have somewhere to stay, a valid lease agreement or title deeds on a property, and supply a criminal background check as well as a health certificate from your GP that says you are fit to travel and live abroad. 

Finally, you need a sponsorship letter from someone in Indonesia. You need to submit all those documents, fill out an application, pay the fee and send them as a bundle to an Indonesian consulate or the embassy in Canberra.

Dave: It sounds quite complicated. And from what I saw, Indonesian government websites aren’t very user-friendly either. Do people usually apply for visas on their own?

Michael: No. In my experience, people tend to use government websites as pathways for information and use a credible visa agent in Indonesia to help them submit their application.

Manarai beach bar at Sofitel Bali, Nusa Dua. Credit: Stephen Scourfield/The West Australian

Dave: There are hundreds of visa agents listed online. How to know if they’re credible or dodgy?

Michael: I’d say word of mouth, recommendations from someone who’s already gone through the process, or reviews on social media. Most foreigners choose agencies that also have foreigners on staff, not because they don’t trust Indonesians, but because it’s easier to work with someone with the same cultural alignment as you or who speaks English as a first language.

Dave: The word “kitas” constantly popped up during my search. What is a “kitas”? Is it the same as a retirement visa or is it something else?

Michael It’s an acronym for a stay permit that needs to be approved by immigration authorities for any temporary or long-term stay in Indonesia. It’s just a word, nothing to worry about — any visa agent worth their salt will get you a kitas.

Dave: Is it true you can only get a retirement visa for five years in Indonesia?

Michael: Yes but the regulatory framework in Indonesia is continuously changing and improving and there are always different opportunities for visa extensions. 

There are Australians who have lived in Bali for 40 or 50 years and they’re still rotating or renewing their visas today.

Editors comments. We at PT Bali Luxury Villas Have been providing accommodation for baby boomer retirees for over 20 years. 

We have many Australians that have retired in our villas in Sanur 

This is the place where baby boomers tend to want to live with a six kilometer long white sand beach substantially, better traffic flow and hundreds of restaurants and shops.

We have just built brand new specific retirement villas just for baby boomers.

Bali Luxury Retirement Villas

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Your Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Awaits
* Starts at 4 Million IDR ( $400 ) Per Month for 80 Years

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5 Things to Do Before Trump Takes Office

If you're living in the US, you might want to prepare for tariffs raising the price of just about everything in 2025. And yes, you should be using a VPN and end-to-end encryption, too.

By Kate Irwin January 1, 2025

(Credit: René Ramos; Burazin/The Image Bank, MTStock Studio/E+ via Getty Images; Shutterstock-Pixelsquid, Pixel-Shot, Marko Aliaksandr/Shutterstock.com)

Donald Trump returns to the White House on Jan. 20, and some of his campaign promises could shake things up in the tech world. 

His plans are subject to change, but they may translate to higher prices in the US. Here a few things you may want to do before Inauguration Day.

1. Buy Pricey Tech

Trump has proposed a 10% tariff on all foreign imports and another 60% on Chinese imports, which could raise the cost of items for US consumers and send inflation soaring as businesses pass those fees onto buyers. Laptops, for example, could be 45% more expensive, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), a trade group that represents major tech companies.

(Credit: CTA)

CTA also projects that smartphone prices could jump 25.8%, TVs could get 9% more expensive, and gaming consoles could see a 40% price bump, among other categories.

Large parts of the US economy and global supply chain now rely on China, where many of our computers, phones, TVs, and games are made. It also produces 65% of the world's lithium, which is used in batteries for everything from EVs to iPhones. Blanket tariffs on China would likely accelerate inflation, though tariffs on specific materials could have less of an impact.

Container ships docked at the Port of Oakland (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

We already got a taste of this in 2018 when the Trump administration imposed a 10% duty on many PC components made in China. That later rose to 25%. In response, some vendors moved manufacturing away from China to areas such as Taiwan and Vietnam but other companies, particularly smaller vendors, raised prices to compensate for the added costs.

When Biden took office, Nvidia, HP, and Zotac urged the US to exclude their products from the Trump-era tariffs, citing the lack of electronics manufacturing outside of China. In 2022, the Biden administration lifted the tariffs on GPUs and motherboards, but only through a temporary exclusion process which US Trade Representative this year elected to maintain. Nvidia and AMD are now reportedly rushing to ship next-gen GPUs from China to the US ahead of Jan. 20.
2. Buy an Electric Vehicle

Trump has been all over the map on electric vehicles, from telling EV supporters to "rot in hell" in late 2023 to saying he's fine with them as long as the US continues to make gas-powered cars. But he's reportedly planning to axe the $7,500 EV tax credit, Reuters reports.

Tesla showroom advertises the tax credit. (Credit: Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

In May, the Biden administration hiked tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles from 25% to 100%, and increased the tariff rate on lithium-ion EV batteries from China from 7.5% to 25%. The idea was "to expand domestic production capacity of advanced batteries and battery materials [when] China currently controls over 80% of certain segments of the EV battery supply chain," the White House said. To qualify for the tax credit, for example, an automaker must produce a certain percentage of its cars' battery components in the US.

As MIT Technology Review notes, "Trump’s proposed 60% to 100% tariffs would far exceed the ones currently set on batteries." That could translate to higher prices on vehicles that use Chinese batteries, like some Tesla models. (Elon Musk, now a Trump advisor, insists losing the EV tax credit would only hurt Tesla "slightly" but devastate his EV rivals.)

3. Brace for Power Outages and Higher Utility Bills?

Trump has also suggested he may place a 25% tax on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico as a punishment for what he says are "Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before." (US national violent crime dropped 3% in 2023 compared to 2022, the FBI says.)

Ontario's Premier said his province may cut energy supplies to the US as a result, something the deputy prime minister of Canada has also hinted could happen nationally. 

This could cause power shortages or higher utilities bills in some areas as regions scramble to find cheaper power sources or build new connections. Ontario supplies power to Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin, to name a few. British Columbia also sends electricity to California, Washington, and Oregon, while Manitoba has been sending electricity to Minnesota in recent years.

Canada also imports electricity from the US, so the two countries may simply choose to keep their own electricity going forward instead of exporting it. Or, US states may try to trade electricity with each other, as California imports more electricity from BC than it exports, while Washington state does the opposite. About 85% of US electricity imports and 60% of crude oil imports are from Canada, though, so even if power outages don't happen, other economic impacts and grid shakeups are possible if these tariffs go into effect.
4. Invest in Solar Panels

While the cost of solar panels has decreased by about 50% in the past 10 years and could continue to drop, more tariffs were added on some solar companies exporting from China via southeast Asia in June. 

In December, President Biden added more tariffs to Chinese solar panel components that will take effect on Jan. 1. Trump also imposed solar tariffs in his first term, so considering he's already planning to add tariffs on Chinese goods, additional tariffs on solar and renewable energy tech wouldn't be a surprising move.

(Photo by Michael P. Farrell/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)

Trump has also previously dismantled legislation to address climate change and recently picked a pro-fossil fuel energy secretary, meaning Trump is less likely to support the renewable energy industries. Given this, he could also cancel the federal solar panel tax credit, meaning solar panels would get more expensive overall for home and business owners.
5. Get a VPN and E2E Encrypted Apps

If you're worried about privacy or increased surveillance under Trump 2.0, a VPN is a good place to start, even if you don't think you need it. For example, the US has had an abortion surveillance program since 1969, but under a Republican Trump administration, abortion-seekers may be increasingly tracked and surveilled.

Deleting a period-tracker app is not enough, according to some experts. Instead, use end-to-end encryption for any abortion-related messages, phone calls, emails, cloud storage, and files. Some states have even enacted laws that bar abortion-seekers from traveling to another state, so be aware of your current state's laws and how your devices track your location.

Spanish Foreigner Works and Overstays in Bali for 3 Years, Faces Deportation

The issue of foreign tourists overstaying their visas in Bali has surfaced again, with the recent deportation of a 55-year-old Spanish national identified by the initials FBC.

Claiming to be a journalist and intending to establish a business, the Spanish foreigner overstayed in Indonesia for more than three years before being deported to Spain.

The Denpasar Immigration Detention Centre deported FBC via Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. According to the Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Centre, Gede Dudy Duwita, the Spanish national had violated Article 78, Paragraph 3 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law (Law No. 6 of 2011).

“Immigration violations such as overstaying cannot be tolerated,” Dudy stated.

The Spanish foreigner initially entered Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in January 2020 using a Visit Stay Permit (ITK), which was valid until 2 May 2021.Source: dok_kemenkumhambali

However, he remained in the country without renewing his permit until December 2024, resulting in an overstay period of 1,316 days.

During questioning, FBC admitted to living in various parts of Bali and Lombok, primarily working as an online media journalist for Spanish publications.

He also expressed intentions to establish a business in Bali, although this venture never came to fruition.

When approached by immigration officers, FBC was unable to produce his passport and confessed that he was aware of his expired residence permit.

He attributed his failure to extend the permit to financial difficulties. The case underscores Indonesia’s strict stance on immigration violations, with Dudy reiterating that overstaying foreign nationals will face firm action.

Bali one of Most Searched Travel Destinations by Indians on Google 2024

In 2024, Indian travelers have shown great interest in various destinations, both within India and abroad, for their unique offerings. Explore more about most searched travel destinations by Indians on Google in 2024.

Posted byAkansha Arora 

In 2024, Indian travelers explored a mix of exciting destinations, from serene beaches to historical landmarks and modern cities. Google’s “Year in Search” revealed their favorite places, both in India and abroad. This list highlights the top choices, reflecting a love for culture, adventure and nature beauty among Indian tourists.

Most Searched Travel Destinations by Indians on Google 2024

In 2024, Indian travelers have shown great interest in various destinations, both within India and abroad, for their unique offerings. 

From beautiful landscapes to rich cultures, here is a look at the most searched travel spots by Indians:

Azerbaijan
Bali, Indonesia
Manali, India
Kazakhstan
Jaipur, India
Georgia
Malaysia
Ayodhya, India
Kashmir, India
South Goa, India

Most Searched Travel Destination by Indians in 2024, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, known as “The Land of Fire,” attracts Indian tourists with its rich history, modern architecture and stunning views, especially in Baku. The simple e-visa process and the mix of cultures make it a popular choice.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali continues to be a favorite for Indian travelers due to its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and scenic landscapes. It offers a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.
Manali, India

Manali is a top destination for its snowy mountain peaks and thrilling adventure sports like trekking and paragliding. It is ideal for those looking for a peaceful gateway from the city.
Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is gaining attention with its vast steppes and modern cities like Almaty. It offers both urban experiences and stunning natural landscapes, making it a surprising travel destinations.
Jaipur, India

Jaipur, known as the Pink City, attracts tourists with its grand forts, palaces and vibrant markets. It is perfect for those interested in India’s royal history and culture.
Georgia

Georgia is becoming popular among Indian tourists for its beautiful landscapes and wine culture, offering a mix of historical sites and exciting adventures.
Malaysia

Malaysia, with its diverse culture, draws travelers with famous spots like the Petronas Towers and Langkawi’s beaches. It combines city life with natural beauty for all types of visitors.
Ayodhya, India

After the opening of the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya has become a key spiritual destination. It attracts many Hindus looking to connect with their cultural and religious heritage.
Kashmir, India

Kashmir, often called “Heaven on Earth,” is famous for its breathtaking valleys and peaceful lakes, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
South Goa, India

South Goa is quieter and more relaxed compared to North Goa, offering serene beaches and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those wanting to escape crowded tourist spots.

Bali Police: US Citizens Top List of Foreign Offenders in Bali

Antara December 30, 2024 | 9:11 pm

A Mexican national, one of the four individuals linked to the shooting of Turan Mehmet, a Turkish national in Bali, being escorted by the police on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (Beritasatu.com/Emha Muhyiddin)

Denpasar. US citizens were the most frequent foreign offenders in Bali in 2024, with 34 Americans implicated in crimes ranging from drug offenses to general criminal acts, Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya said Monday.

The year-end police report revealed that 226 foreign nationals were apprehended for crimes in Bali throughout 2024, marking an increase from 194 cases in 2023. The offenses spanned general crimes, cybercrimes, narcotics violations, and other specific offenses.

"Of the 226 foreign offenders recorded in 2024, 14 US citizens were involved in general crimes, while the remaining 20 were linked to narcotics-related offenses," Daniel said during a press conference in Denpasar.

Australians followed as the second-largest group, with 32 offenders. Seventeen Australians were involved in general crimes such as theft and assault, while the rest were tied to drug trafficking. Russians ranked third, with 28 offenders, 20 of whom were implicated in general crimes and the rest in drug-related cases.

Other notable offenders included 25 Britons, 12 Germans, and three Filipinos, the latter linked to cybercrimes.

The Bali Police chief also reported that 228 foreign nationals fell victim to crimes in Bali in 2024, with theft being the most reported offense, accounting for 41 cases.

"While foreign nationals contribute to Bali's economy, their involvement in various crimes disrupts local society and requires special attention from law enforcement," Daniel said.

He added that the crime statistics handled by the police did not include cases managed by immigration authorities, the Bali Provincial Narcotics Agency (BNN), or other investigative bodies.

Bali's tallest broadcasting tower opens to public facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonwhatsapp sharing buttontelegram sharing buttonlinkedin sharing buttonemail sharing button Indonesia Tuesday, 31 Dec 2024 2:15 PM MYT Related News

The 115-metre-tall broadcasting and observation tower is expected to become a new iconic landmark in the northern part of Bali. - PT Hutama Karya (Persero)


DENPASAR: The Bali administration launched on Friday (Dec 27) the Turyapada Tower, a 115-metre-tall broadcasting and observation tower which is expected to be a new iconic landmark in the northern part of the popular holiday island.

The tower is located on top of a 1,521-metre hill at the Pegayaman village in Buleleng regency, which is known as the oldest Muslim village in Hindu majority Bali.

The tower will be the second highest man-made structure on the island, behind the 121-metre-tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in Badung regency, which was launched in 2018.

Tall structures are extremely rare on the island after the Bali administration issued a building code in the 1970s setting the maximum height of buildings on the island at 15 metres -- which is roughly the height of a mature coconut tree -- for cultural and environmental reasons.

The Bali administration allocated approximately Rp 330 billion (US$20.4 million) for the tower's construction, which began in 2022 by the state-owned construction company PT Hutama Karya.

Originally slated for completion in August last year, the project was delayed because of various factors including poor weather conditions and financial challenges.

Once fully operational, the Turyapada tower will provide TV, internet, cell phone and radio signals that can cover 80 per cent of Buleleng regency along with the nearby Jembrana and Karangasem regencies.

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"We hope that the tower can provide [telecommunication] signals to blank spots around the Buleleng regency," Acting Bali Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya said during the tower’s launch.

The term blank spots refers to areas with extremely poor or non-existent cellular and TV broadcasting signals. Although the southern part of Bali is very developed -- with luxury hotels and villas lining the shores -- the northern part of the island is quieter, less trafficked by tourists and has a more limited access to internet and other communications.

Mahendra said that even though the Turyapada Tower's main purpose was to provide communication signals to people living in the northern part of Bali, the tower was also planned to be a new tourist hot spot in Buleleng regency.

"The tower is beautiful. It will be an extraordinary tourist destination," he said.

The base of the Turyapada tower features a tiered structure similar to the Inca pyramids in Latin America. Several cylindrical observation decks also adorn the red and white structure.

The tower is equipped with a planetarium, a revolving restaurant, a museum dedicated to Balinese culture, a sky walk, a flower and fruit garden, a children's playground and a zipline.

It also features a glass bridge with a transparent circular observation deck at the end, giving visitors a direct downward view of the lush green hill below.

The Bali administration stated that the glass bridge was constructed using high-strength glass to ensure the safety of visitors.

From the highest part of the tower, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery of the Beratan, Tamblingan and Buyan lakes as well as the Bali Sea.

Officials previously claimed that the new tower would be on-par with other famous towers across the globe such as the Tokyo Tower, Macau Tower and even the Eiffel tower.

The Bali administration opened the Turyapada Tower to the public with a limited capacity of 60 visitors per day on Friday.

The entrance is free during the soft opening period, and those wishing to visit the tower can register at www.turyapada.baliprov.go.id.

Acting governor Mahendra Jaya said the authorities had not fully opened the tower for the public because construction was still ongoing.

"The tower needs some minor improvements," he said.