Leaders Want To See Tourism Expand Across Bali

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Bali is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and is often portrayed as an idyllic island paradise.

However, the island is actually 5,780 km², about half the size of Hawa’ii’s Big Island, and much of the tourism offering is concentrated in the south. 

Specifically, the vast majority of all tourism is concentrated in Badung Regency. Bali is governed as nine regencies; Badung, Denpasar, Gianyar, Karangasem, Bangli, Buleleng, Klungkung, Tabanan and Jembrana. 

Badung Regency is home to the island’s most famous tourist resorts, including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. Denpasar is home to Sanur and Serangan Island.

Gianyar is best known for the resort of Ubud, and Klungkung Regency is the proud home of the Nusa Islands. 

@greygriy place you should visit in west Bali🏝 📍Menjangan island, Buleleng, Bali #westbali #buleleng #giliputih #menjangan #menjanganisland #sumberkima #fyp ♬ son original – nathaellabat

With so much tourism concentrated in the south of the island, communities, politicians and business leaders are often concerned that while the economy in the south is booming, the north, east and west of the island is left underdeveloped and under-resourced. 

For many Bali lovers this is how they would like it to stay.

With tourism booming in the south, the north, west and east can be left to retain is authentic charms and develop more sustainable and independent tourism facilities for tourists who are really investing in experiencing an authentic side of Bali. 

@ladymeraliaa Ameddd 🤍🥹 #amed #bali #sunsetbali ♬ original sound – Jon Poppii

The conversation about spreading tourism more evenly around Bali has returned to the table as tourism leaders gather to discuss the future of the sector and what that may look like for both local people and travelers themselves.

The Bali Tourism Community Alliance (AMPB) is asking the provincial government to accelerate infrastructure development plans to reduce travel times and facilitate connections between regions in Bali.

They especially want to see accessibility to the eastern, northern and western areas of Bali increased for tourists. 

@dreamvillasbali North Bali🌴 instagram video by alikainwanderlust #visitbali #travelingbali #staycationbali #wishlist #bucketlist #northbali #melalibali ♬ original sound – Staycation Bali – Dream Villas in Bali

The Chairman of the AMPB Bali, Gusti Kade Sutawa, told reporters that there are ‘sectoral egos’ at play that are limiting development plans that would uplift other areas of the island.

Overall, he wants to see projects like the Denpasar-Gilimanuk toll road, the Bali Railway Network from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Mengwi, and other infrastructure sped up as much as possible.

He noted that the new toll road would help bring more tourists through to the west of the island. 

Tabanan and Jembrana Regency have a whole lot to offer tourists.

For holidaymakers seeking a classic Bali beach vacation free from the hustle and bustle of the resorts in Canggu, Seminyak and Legian then the coastlines of Tabanan and Jembrana are a great option. 

Tabanan Regency is, of course, most well known for being home to Tanah Lot Temple, but head a little further west, and tourists will discover relaxed surf retreats, vast expanses of black sand beaches, gracious hospitality, and quiet village life.

Beach getaways to explore in Tabanan include Kedungu Beach, Pantai Yeh Gangga, and in Jembrana Pulukan, and Medewi, which should not be overlooked. 

Sutawa correctly pointed out that although tourism resorts in the south of Bali and in the midlands regions of the island are booming, the northern, eastern, and western regions are still relatively quiet.

This not only gives tourists access to quieter and more culturally authentic travel experiences but often more affordable getaways too. 

The cost of a 7-night beach vacation in the south of Bali is far more expensive than the equivalent stay in Lovina to the north, Amed to the east, and Menjangan or Sumberkima to the west.

While there are always deals to be found in every resort, for tourists wanting to get top value for their hard-earned holiday budget and escape the crowds, head anywhere but the south!