Bali To Promote Cultural Inclusivity To Tourists But Rejects Development Of Halal Tourism

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The Bali Tourism Board has stated once and for all that it is rejecting the development of Halal tourism labeling and registration in Bali.

As discussed back in November, the Bali Provincial Government confirmed that it would be rejecting the development of Halal tourism in the province; now, the Bali Tourism Board has issued its stance on the matter. 

Indonesia is a majority Muslim country, and while Bali is a majority Hindu province, the region welcomes millions of Muslim tourists every year.

Bali has a strong cultural identity and has long grappled with the sensibilities of promoting inclusive tourism while staying true to the traditional values of the Balinese Hindu faith that governs the land. 

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In a statement, the Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, explained, “The Deputy Minister of Tourism has stated that the discussion on halal tourism in Bali has been completed. There are no plans or policies that will label Bali as a halal tourism destination.”

Adnyana has been reflecting and wants Bali to continue to promote culture-based tourism and attractions, attractions whereby Balinese culture takes center stage.

Adnyana explained, “While respecting the diversity of tourism needs, including Muslim tourism, Bali only provides Muslim- friendly services without sacrificing the island’s cultural identity.” 

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Many have felt that a government-imposed mandatory Halal certification on all tourism attractions and venues in Bali would compromise Balinese cultural practices and cultural identity.

Adnyana told reporters, “Thus, Bali will remain a world-class destination that emphasizes the beauty of culture without compromising on its traditions and characteristics.”

Speaking in November 2024, the new Deputy Tourism Minister, Ni Luh Puspa, confirmed that Bali would not have to adopt mandatory Halal certification.

She explained, “It is only right that local wisdom and Balinese cultural richness must be maintained together to be attractive to tourists. Building Bali into a sustainable and inclusive shared home for all groups.”

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Traveling with cultural respect will be a really important theme in Bali in 2025 and beyond. As communities and leaders across the island grow tired of the small but significant minority of tourists who disobey Indonesian law and disrespect Balinese culture, leaders will be doing more to promote cultural activities in Bali.

For example, to celebrate the New Year, which is not, in fact, the Balinese New Year, community groups in Bedugul will be performing a cultural parade for tourists at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Bloom Botanical Garden.

The daily parades started on the 24th of December 2024 and will run through to the 5th of January 2025. While many people in Bali celebrate the New Year on the 1st of January, the traditional Balinese New Year is honored during Nyepi Festival, which will be held on 29th March 2025.

Tourists in Bali right now can still catch one of the daily cultural parades at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and it is a cultural event not to be missed.

In a press interview the the Head of Public Relations for Ulun Danu Beratan, I Made Sukarata, explained how the parade will feature some of Bali’s most important cultural mythologies, stories, and artistic performances. 

Sukarata shared, “In the parade later, we will present the Kecak dance with a story about the legend of Ulun Danu Beratan, as well as traditional arts performances in the form of dances.”

“Every day, 18 traditional villages will appear in turn. The goal is for visitors to have an interesting experience during the Nataru holidays at Ulun Danu Beratan or The Bloom Garden.”

For those who wish to see the cultural parade and explore all that the Bedugul Highlands have to offer, there is a special ticket package for the festive season.

Tourists are being gifted a buy-one-get-one-free offer on tickets, allowing entry to Ulun Danu Beratan and The Blooms Garden on one ticket, which costs IDR 115,000 for international visitors. 

Sukarata concluded, “People who want to go on vacation now have many transportation options to Bali, which will make it easier for them to visit tourist attractions in Bali, including Ulun Danu Beratan.”