Does A Harmonious Future For Tourism In Bali Look Like Life In Singapore? One Academic Thinks So

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As the conversation around quality or quantity tourism in Bali rolls on, one academic on the island suggests that the Indonesian resort island can learn some lessons from neighboring Singapore.

In a bid to generate more harmony between tourists and locals for the good of everyone, one professor says that Bali can look to Singapore for inspiration. 

Bali is a travel destination synonymous with sun, sand, and sea. Over the last year or so, there has been a concerted effort to promote the island to tourists interested in ‘serenity, spirituality, and sustainability’ as well as those seeking a classic coastal vacation. 

This has bought about benefits for international tourists; this focus on generating greater harmony has led to open discussions about where improvements need to be made across the island’s tourism offering to ensure that high-quality experiences are accessible for visitors.

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Now tourism leaders and academics are looking at how even greater harmony can be generated for tourists and locals on the lands.

One professor from the Denpasar National Education University, Prof. Dr. Isa Bagus Rama Suardana, has suggested that the answer could lie in the way that Singapore manages tourism and public order.

Prof. Dr. Suardana told reporters that work is still needed to ensure that foreign tourists in Bali know how to behave appropriately and play their part in maintaining harmony on the island.

He said, “Like in Singapore, there is order because the people are also orderly. We in Bali also have to be like that; the risk of living in a tourism area cannot be arbitrary; we have to set an example.”

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Life for tourists in Singapore is very different from life for tourists in Bali. At first glance, it seems like a huge leap to align Bali with Singapore. For example, smoking is illegal in all public spaces, and being caught lighting up comes with a 500-1000 SGD fine.

It is illegal to enter the country with any tobacco or e-cigarette, whereas such items are widely available (and marketed) across Indonesia. 

Being a tourist exploring out and about in Singapore also has some key rules that must be observed. Pedestrians must use designated crossing places to get from one side of the road to the other.

Crossing the road in random spots can result in a fine. Traffic law is also enforced incredibly strictly in Singapore in a way that officials in Bali are endeavoring to implement now. 

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Littering in Singapore also comes with sizable fines, there is no eating permitted on public transport, and everyone must play their part in ensuring that public bathrooms are kept squeaky clean.

Whether the suggestion of a shift towards a regulatory model similar to Singapore happens in Bali remains to be seen.

Other academics in Bali feel that the promotion of greater harmony between tourists and local people comes from the targeted promotion of tourism offerings. Economist Bhima Yudistria has shared his observations with the media. 

Yudistria says that targeted marketing of Bali to international travelers will go a long way in ensuring high-quality tourist experiences can continue to grow.

This is a sentiment felt by many leading stakeholders in the tourism industry in Bali. So what does this mean for tourists?

In short, those planning their next visit to Bali can count on better deals on everything from flights to hotels and excursions as the island moves to promote higher-quality tourism. 

Yudistria also suggested that bringing bigger and better events to the island will give tourists more reasons to come and explore Bali and help promote economic growth.

Bali has already hosted a number of big music events this year, including Joyland Festival and Bali Spirit Festival.

The island’s leading beach clubs are attracting ever-bigger artists helping to establish Bali as a world-class destination for live music and cultural events. 

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