Bali bans foreign tourists for the rest of 2020 due to COVID-19

Despite initial plans to reopen Bali on Sept 11, foreign tourists will not be able to visit the popular Indonesian island for the rest of 2020 due to coronavirus concerns.

Bali first reopened its borders for domestic tourism on Jul 31 after a five-month hiatus. Beaches, temples and other attractions were reopened for domestic tourists.

However, concerns over the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia and travel bans subjected to many foreign nationals in their home countries have forced the country to cancel its plans to reopen the island for international visitors.

No new dates were announced for foreign tourists to visit the tourism hotspot.

“The situation in Indonesia is not conducive to allow international tourists to visit Indonesia, including…Bali,” said the island’s governor I Wayan Koster in an official letter dated Aug 22.

“The central government supports [Bali’s] plans to recover tourism by opening the doors for international tourists. However, this requires care, prudence, not to be rushed, and requires careful preparation.”

While Singaporeans won’t be able to visit the popular tourist destination anytime soon, perhaps this is the chance for us to rediscover our own beaches with SingapoRediscovers.