Bali will open its borders to visitors from October

Indonesia has plans to ‘revitalise’ its most popular destinations – and fast

So far Greece, Spain and Italy may have suggested they could welcome tourists again this summer. But if you fancy holding out for a more adventurous, further-flung getaway, the Indonesian island of Bali has just announced it is looking to reopen its borders by October. Ice-cold beer under the palms? Yes please! 

In an effort to ‘revitalise’ major destinations including Seminyak and the Bukit Peninsula, Indonesia’s tourism ministry says it will embark on a huge promotional campaign from June. If all goes to plan and there are no more major outbreaks, the country will welcome international visitors to Bali, the Riau Islands and the cultural capital of Yogyakarta (on the island of Java) from October, when average temperatures in Bali are a very pleasant 27C. 

Photo: Shutterstock

Right now, Indonesian borders are closed and only citizens, diplomats and family members can enter the country. The Balinese economy depends almost entirely on visitors and its economy shrunk in the first three months of the year. However, Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani, the country’s tourism secretary, said she hopes the new campaign will help visitor numbers return to normal by 2021. 

With its aquamarine waters, thriving coral reefs and endless beachside surf huts, Bali is a picture-postcard tropical hideaway. And while you can’t quite go ahead and plan a holiday there just yet, why not at least pencil in that lavish trip you’ve been dreaming about? You definitely deserve it.

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