Travelling to Bali? Indonesia pleads Aussies to explore beyond the beaches
- Replies 4
Nestled just a few hours by plane from Australia, Bali has long been the go-to tropical getaway for Aussies.
Bali’s pristine beaches and vibrant markets have consistently drawn crowds of tourists. However, these tourist spots are now packed to the brim.
Seeing this, Indonesia is nudging tourists to look beyond just Bali. They’re shining a spotlight on other amazing destinations in the country, hoping travellers will spread out, discovering new favourite spots and giving Bali a bit of a breather.
Indonesia has recently implemented measures to control the tourism surge in Bali, where Australians top the list of foreign visitors.
‘It’s time to promote more,’ Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Made Ayu Marthini said in a speech in Melbourne on Sunday.
From February 14, international travellers will be subjected to a tourist tax of approximately AUD $15 or IDR 150,000.
Other initiatives include an official tourist dos and don’ts list, a hotline for reporting misbehaving tourists, and a dedicated task force to oversee the activities of foreigners on the island.
In a bid to alleviate the tourism pressure on Bali and showcase the country’s other jewels, the Indonesian government also spotlighted five alternative destinations: Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Borodudur, Lake Toba, and Likupang.
Marthini shared that while Australians are as welcome in Indonesia as they've always been, they should not misuse the hospitality of the Indonesians.
‘Tourists should always research any destination, in Indonesia or elsewhere, before travelling,’ she commented, noting it’s simply common sense.
‘We ask that all guests respect the culture, local laws, customs, nature and our people as responsible travellers.’
Addressing two particular guidelines, Marthini stressed that tourists should refrain from wearing bikinis at temples and must wear helmets when riding motorbikes, adhering to road rules.
‘If you ride a motorbike, just as in Australia, you should have a helmet and a license for your safety as well as that of other motorists,’ she said.
‘If you go to a temple, just as you would if you go to a church or a mosque, dress respectfully.
‘We ask that tourists respect local laws. Indonesians are very accommodating, warm and friendly, we ask that you respect them, not take advantage of Indonesian hospitality.’
Some Bali tourists have drawn global scrutiny for misdeeds, prompting official warnings from Indonesia.
However, Marthini feels tourists aren't entirely to blame. She admitted they hadn't clearly conveyed past expectations to tourists.
‘We want Australians to see beyond Bali and create interest around the rest of Indonesia, showcasing the best of the country to Australian tourists that wouldn’t have previously known about,’ Marthini added.
‘We believe tourism creates jobs, and with 17,000 islands in Indonesia, we want to spread the opportunity around our beautiful country.’
Marthini pointed to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island as the ‘next big thing after Bali’.
This picturesque coastal town not only introduces visitors to the Komodo Islands, home to the iconic Komodo dragons, but also has attractions like the striking Pink Beach.
Pink Beach. Video source: Facebook (@amazingdestinationss)
‘Over the last five years, we have built up the infrastructure providing hotels, airports and facilities across the islands,’ she said.
Lombok, situated to the east of Bali, might be the next trending destination that Australians are getting acquainted with.
With its MotoGP circuit (racetrack that is designed and approved to host motorcycle road races), the government views sports tourism on this island as an ‘incredible opportunity’ for Indonesia.
Borobudur, located in central Java, boasts the title of the world's largest Buddhist temple, and Lake Toba in North Sumatra is recognised as the world's most expansive volcanic lake.
‘This year, we will host the F1 Powerboat championship on this lake for the first time ever,’ shared Marthini.
Officials see North Sulawesi’s Likupang as a potential epicentre for eco-tourism.
Marthini also has a particular affinity for the remote island of Sumba, noting its rising appeal among Australians, particularly those in search of upscale travel experiences.
Members, are you heading to Indonesia anytime soon? We'd love to hear if these new destinations pique your interest! Drop your insights in the comments!
Bali’s pristine beaches and vibrant markets have consistently drawn crowds of tourists. However, these tourist spots are now packed to the brim.
Seeing this, Indonesia is nudging tourists to look beyond just Bali. They’re shining a spotlight on other amazing destinations in the country, hoping travellers will spread out, discovering new favourite spots and giving Bali a bit of a breather.
Indonesia has recently implemented measures to control the tourism surge in Bali, where Australians top the list of foreign visitors.
‘It’s time to promote more,’ Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Made Ayu Marthini said in a speech in Melbourne on Sunday.
Indonesia urges Aussies to explore beyond Bali. Image: Pixabay
From February 14, international travellers will be subjected to a tourist tax of approximately AUD $15 or IDR 150,000.
Other initiatives include an official tourist dos and don’ts list, a hotline for reporting misbehaving tourists, and a dedicated task force to oversee the activities of foreigners on the island.
In a bid to alleviate the tourism pressure on Bali and showcase the country’s other jewels, the Indonesian government also spotlighted five alternative destinations: Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Borodudur, Lake Toba, and Likupang.
Marthini shared that while Australians are as welcome in Indonesia as they've always been, they should not misuse the hospitality of the Indonesians.
‘Tourists should always research any destination, in Indonesia or elsewhere, before travelling,’ she commented, noting it’s simply common sense.
‘We ask that all guests respect the culture, local laws, customs, nature and our people as responsible travellers.’
Addressing two particular guidelines, Marthini stressed that tourists should refrain from wearing bikinis at temples and must wear helmets when riding motorbikes, adhering to road rules.
‘If you ride a motorbike, just as in Australia, you should have a helmet and a license for your safety as well as that of other motorists,’ she said.
‘If you go to a temple, just as you would if you go to a church or a mosque, dress respectfully.
‘We ask that tourists respect local laws. Indonesians are very accommodating, warm and friendly, we ask that you respect them, not take advantage of Indonesian hospitality.’
Indonesia advises Aussies on temple attire and motorbike safety. Image source: Pixabay
Some Bali tourists have drawn global scrutiny for misdeeds, prompting official warnings from Indonesia.
However, Marthini feels tourists aren't entirely to blame. She admitted they hadn't clearly conveyed past expectations to tourists.
‘We want Australians to see beyond Bali and create interest around the rest of Indonesia, showcasing the best of the country to Australian tourists that wouldn’t have previously known about,’ Marthini added.
‘We believe tourism creates jobs, and with 17,000 islands in Indonesia, we want to spread the opportunity around our beautiful country.’
Marthini pointed to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island as the ‘next big thing after Bali’.
This picturesque coastal town not only introduces visitors to the Komodo Islands, home to the iconic Komodo dragons, but also has attractions like the striking Pink Beach.
Pink Beach. Video source: Facebook (@amazingdestinationss)
‘Over the last five years, we have built up the infrastructure providing hotels, airports and facilities across the islands,’ she said.
Lombok, situated to the east of Bali, might be the next trending destination that Australians are getting acquainted with.
With its MotoGP circuit (racetrack that is designed and approved to host motorcycle road races), the government views sports tourism on this island as an ‘incredible opportunity’ for Indonesia.
Lombok, Indonesia. Image source: Facebook (@danil.korzhonov)
Borobudur, located in central Java, boasts the title of the world's largest Buddhist temple, and Lake Toba in North Sumatra is recognised as the world's most expansive volcanic lake.
‘This year, we will host the F1 Powerboat championship on this lake for the first time ever,’ shared Marthini.
Officials see North Sulawesi’s Likupang as a potential epicentre for eco-tourism.
Marthini also has a particular affinity for the remote island of Sumba, noting its rising appeal among Australians, particularly those in search of upscale travel experiences.
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