Top Topics and News for Bali Travelers｜August 22, 2026

🏃‍♂️ Maybank Marathon This Sunday! 14,100 Runners Gather in Bali, Some Roads Closed

Bali will host the Maybank Marathon 2026 this Sunday, August 23, with 14,100 runners from 46 countries participating. The start and finish line are at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar Sukawati.

This year’s event includes a full marathon, half marathon, and 10K race. The 42.195 km full marathon starts at 4:30 AM, the half marathon at 5:30 AM, and the 10K at 6:00 AM. It’s also the only marathon in Indonesia with a World Athletics Elite Label.

For regular travelers, the main thing to watch out for is traffic.

The course passes through Ida Bagus Mantra Highway and coastal roads, with closures expected from Saturday evening, August 22, through noon on Sunday, August 23. Traffic around Sanur, Gianyar, and Sukawati may be significantly affected.

If you’re planning to travel from Sanur to Ubud this weekend, or heading toward Gianyar or eastern Bali, it’s best to confirm your route with your driver in advance and allow extra travel time.

🏨 Peak Season, Yet Empty Rooms? Karangasem Hotel Occupancy Drops 15–20% Compared to Last Year

Bali is still in its traditional peak tourist season, but hotels in the eastern Karangasem region are seeing a different trend from the overall impression.

According to the local PHRI, hotel occupancy rates from July to August 2026 dropped about 15–20% compared to the same period last year, with current occupancy hovering around 60–70%. Industry insiders suggest that global uncertainties and flight disruptions may be contributing factors, while ongoing coastal conservation and restoration projects in Candidasa have also impacted local tourism activities.

This could actually be a small silver lining for travelers.

If you assumed that Bali accommodations in the peak August season would be expensive, consider shifting your focus to eastern Bali areas like Candidasa, Amed, and Karangasem, where prices and crowds are likely less intense than in the popular southern regions.

🌊 Bali’s Dry Season Peaks, Some Areas Face Ongoing Water Shortages

August marks the peak of Bali’s dry season, with some regions already experiencing drought and drinking water shortages.

BPBD data shows that from April 11 to August 11, 529 households in Bali have been affected by drought, with the government distributing approximately 305,000 liters of drinking water.

For most travelers staying at large hotels, there’s generally no need to worry excessively.

However, if you’re booking a mountain villa, a remote guesthouse, or a smaller accommodation, it’s a good idea to check on the water supply when making your reservation.

And the dry season isn’t just about water shortages—authorities also warn of forest fires, dry land conditions, and fire risks.

💰 Bali Tourism Tax Revenue Surpasses 235 Billion IDR, Government Intensifies Collection Efforts

According to the latest data released by the Bali Provincial Government, revenue from the foreign tourist tax (PWA) between January and August 2026 has exceeded 235 billion Indonesian Rupiah.

Currently, the Bali tourism tax remains at 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah per foreign tourist.

This aligns with recent collaborations between the Bali Provincial Government and airlines—future international flights may include reminders for tourists to pay the tourism tax directly.

So if you’re planning to visit Bali in August or September, it’s recommended to complete payment via Love Bali before departure, so you won’t have to deal with it upon arrival.

🚨 Bali Immigration Intensifies Checks on Foreigners, Overstaying Remains a Key Focus

Bali’s immigration authorities have recently stepped up enforcement of residency regulations for foreigners.

A recent case involves a Nigerian man who was found to have been seeking work across Bali while holding a tourism-related stay permit, and overstaying by 3 months. The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office stated that such enforcement actions are aimed at maintaining immigration order among foreigners in Bali.

For regular travelers, the key points are simple:

Check your visa validity and don’t overstay; don’t use a tourist visa for unauthorized work.

These are also the two most important things tourists need to be aware of after Bali’s immigration office recently intensified checks on foreigners.