Bali Travel Hot Topics & News Roundup｜August 27, 2026

🔥 Wildfires Spread Across Multiple Areas in Indonesia, But No Major Forest Fires Currently in Bali

Recent dry season and arid weather have led to an increase in forest and land fires across Indonesia, prompting authorities to once again remind locals and tourists not to burn trash, land, or other items recklessly.

According to The Bali Sun, there are currently no reports of large-scale wildfires occurring in Bali. However, the island is in the midst of its dry season, with some areas experiencing heightened drought conditions, keeping fire risks elevated. The Balinese government is implementing water conservation and fire prevention measures.

Here’s what this means for travelers:

This is not a situation where ‘Bali is surrounded by wildfires.’

If you’re planning a trip to Bali soon, there’s no need to cancel your plans due to wildfire news from other parts of Indonesia.

That said, if you’re visiting natural areas like Kintamani, Buleleng, Bangli, or West Bali National Park, it’s still wise to stay updated on local fire and air quality conditions, and avoid lighting any fires or burning items outdoors.

Additionally, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently stated that the government is addressing the increased risk of forest and land fires during the dry season and El Niño phenomenon.

🇹🇼 Lovina Taiwanese Female Tourist Harassment Update: Police Not Filing Case

A recent incident in Lovina involving a Taiwanese female tourist allegedly harassed by a local man has sparked discussion, and today police provided new clarifications.

Buleleng police stated that they contacted the individual through Taiwanese police authorities to obtain her direct statement and confirm the situation. However, since the Taiwanese woman did not file an official report, the police have not proceeded with criminal proceedings at this time.

Police noted that they proactively began investigating after seeing related videos circulating on social media.

This incident serves as a reminder for Taiwanese travelers:

If you encounter harassment, violence, or other safety incidents in Bali, in addition to seeking on-site assistance, it’s best to keep videos, photos, the person’s information, and witness details, and file an official police report.

Simply posting videos on social media may not replace the formal reporting process.

☀️ Bali Launches 1GWp Solar Energy Project, Targeting Completion by 2029

Bali’s energy transition saw significant progress today.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto launched a large-scale solar power project in Gilimanuk, Jembrana, on the 25th, as the Bali government and PLN continue to push toward the 1GWp solar power plant (PLTS) target.

The Bali provincial government stated that it will prepare non-productive state-owned land for solar power facilities, aiming to minimize conflicts with agricultural land.

This plan will not have an immediate impact on regular tourists, but in the long term, it could reshape Bali’s energy structure.

Notably, Gilimanuk, located at the western tip of Bali, serves as a key transportation gateway between Bali and Java Island.

🏨 Bali Hotels Now Required to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness, Safety Certificates Become a New Focus

Bali’s BPBD today called on tourism accommodation operators to actively apply for the Sertifikat Kesiapsiagaan Bencana (SKB, Disaster Preparedness Certificate).

This certificate is primarily used to confirm that hotels and other tourist accommodations have a certain level of disaster response capability. BPBD believes that obtaining the relevant certificate is not just an administrative requirement but also adds safety value for accommodation providers.

For travelers, this is actually a noteworthy direction.

With more and more hotel and villa options in Bali, beyond a beautiful room or a large pool, fire safety equipment, emergency exits, and disaster prevention measures are also part of the accommodation quality.

Especially as Bali is still in its dry season, some areas face risks of drought and wildfires, highlighting the importance of a lodging’s disaster prevention capabilities.