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Australian Government Confirms Bali Is Safe Destination For Tourists 

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Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has issued an updated statement regarding the National Travel Advice Bureau’s guidelines for tourists visiting Indonesia.

At the end of May, Smartraveler issued new guidance urging travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Indonesia.” 

Tourists Enjoy Sunset from Beanbags on Bali Seminyak Double Six Beach

In a statement issued from Jakarta, Deputy Prime Minister Marles confirmed that the updated travel warnings for security risks in Bali focused on sea transportation. He told the media, “I don’t want to make it seem like there’s something big that we’re doing with this travel advisory. This is just a routine update. It’s a note of caution regarding the use of ships or sea transportation.”

He added “Bali remains a favourite destination for Australians. It is an important part of our bilateral relationship and something that we strongly support.”

The advice from Australia’s Smartraveler, which was updated on 30 May and marked ‘still current’ on 9 June 2025, explained, “We’ve reviewed our advice for Indonesia and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. Australians have drowned in coastal areas due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches, including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled.”

The remainder of the key travel warnings remained the same, as they have for many months. Key travel warnings for Indonesia call for tourists and travellers to check the condition of their passports before traveling to the airport and to be extremely cautious when consuming alcohol in Bali and Lombok due to reported cases of methanol poisoning. 

The key advice from Smartraveler also points tourists to the Provincial Government’s list of Do’s and Do n’ts that must be obeyed by all foreigners who visit the island.

The rules include staying at legally registered accommodation, honouring Balinese culture and temple etiquette, and driving safely and legally on the island. 

With regard to boat travel in Bali, Smartraveler’s advice continues, “Travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous. Commercial and private boat and ferry operators may not comply with international safety and maintenance standards. Australians have been seriously injured or have died in marine transport incidents.”

Only on Wednesday, 4th June, did shocking events in Bali’s Nusa Lembongan hit headlines as a fast boat loaded with 89 passengers sank at Tanjung Sanghyang Port as it was preparing to depart for Sanur. While there were no reported casualties, the events left tourists shaken and deeply concerned about the safety of Bali’s fast boat and ferry services.

View of Fast Boats on Bali Beach.jpg

Bali Police have launched an investigation into the sinking of the Tanis, and the Head of Public Relations of the Klungkung Police, AKP Agus Widiono, revealed that the fast boat business had incurred losses of IDR 2.5 billion. 

As the Australian Deputy Prime Minister confirms that Bali remains a safe destination for Bali tourists, the province is preparing to welcome a huge influx of Australian holidaymakers on winter getaways.

Dreamland-Beach-in-Bali-Busy-With-Tourists

Australian tourists are the most frequent international arrivals in Bali and during a recent visit with Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster, Australian Consul General Jo Stevens conveyed Australia’s affection for Bali. 

Stevens also reiterated her support to Governor Koster in ensuring that Austrian tourists honor local laws and customs while on vacation in the province. She shared We continue to work together with the Bali Provincial Government to encourage foreign tourists to comply with local rules and regulations.”

Gates-of-Heaven-Temple-Busy-With-Tourists

Adding “1.5 million Australian tourists visited Bali in 2024, and that is the highest number in history, so I think our people are very happy and really enjoying Bali.”

Stevens concluded “Australia and Indonesia have a close inter-community relationship, which is very clear in Bali. As the main overseas tourist destination for Australians and with a large community of Australians here, Bali has a special place in our relationship with Indonesia.”

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Peter

Tuesday 10th of June 2025

Marles is a brown noser you wouldn't believe a thing he says as well a politician lower than a lawyer

Firechef

Tuesday 10th of June 2025

He's just covering his ass by saying that he meant sea travel. We all know what he meant originally, but I would guess that he was told by his boss to rephrase his comment as to not hurt the fragile feelings of the indonesian government lackies.

Exp

Tuesday 10th of June 2025

@Firechef, He had to backpedal i little for the safety of Australians in Indonesia. Things escalate quickly here.

Randy

Tuesday 10th of June 2025

“Stevens also reiterated her support to Governor Koster in ensuring that Austrian tourists honor local laws and customs while on vacation in the province. She shared We continue to work together with the Bali Provincial Government to encourage foreign tourists to comply with local rules and regulations.” YOU MEAN AUSTRALIAN TOURISTS...Not Austrian. That could be an auto correct typo. Anyway since when do Austrian tourists misbehave in Bali unlike Aussies. Sigh...

A despicable scene last May where Aussie travelers coming of customs with beer Bintang in their hands. Partying already? There are laws about open public drinking be it in Bali or in Australia. But in Bali, Indonesians would not say anything to avoid confrontation. Therefore Bali is free for all in the minds of foreign tourists because Indonesians would not speak up even the law does exist. And those shirtless men entering a grocery store or a local mall, put your shirts on...respect the place you enter like you would in your own country of origin. Beach attires remain on the beach. No shirts NO shoes NO service.

Now they have confirmed that Bali is a safe destination after a fear mongering advisory a few days ago. Whatever...

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