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Bali Latest News: High Waves in Southern Waters, Visa-on-Arrival Business Restrictions, Mas Wood Carving Village

By Go Bali Go Editorial Team Go Bali Go editorial team · Bali travel guides

Oct 26, 2026 ✏️ 編輯文章

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Bali News Roundup for October 26, 2026: Southern waters may see waves up to 3 meters, a Czech national deported for violating visa-on-arrival rules, the wood ca…

🌊 Southern Bali Waters Could See Waves Up to 3 Meters! Check Sea Conditions Before Heading to Offshore Islands or Engaging in Water Activities

Bali’s meteorological agency has forecast that on October 25, wave heights in southern Bali waters could reach 3 meters, while northern waters remain relatively calm with predicted waves of 0.5 to 1.5 meters.

Changes in waves and wind conditions in southern waters may affect some ferries, speedboats, and water activities. For travelers planning to visit Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or participate in water sports along the southern coast, it’s important to check sea conditions before departure.

The weather forecast also shows temperatures in Bali ranging from 20 to 34°C that day, with some areas possibly experiencing cloudy or hazy conditions.

What Should Travelers Watch Out For?

Check with ferry companies to confirm schedules before heading to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.
Follow on-site safety instructions when planning surfing, snorkeling, or other water activities.
If you have an international flight that day, allow ample buffer time for any island excursions.

Current forecasts do not mean all ferries will be canceled, nor that the same risks exist across all beaches on the island. Sea conditions can vary significantly between different coasts, so it’s essential to check real-time information for your specific destination.

Nusa Penida Travel Guide

🏝️ Nusa Penida Attractions Guide
🍽️ Nusa Penida Dining with a View Guide
🤿 Nusa Penida Snorkeling Spot Guide
🏨 Nusa Penida Accommodation Guide
💸 Nusa Penida Attractions Now Fully Charged

🛂 Deported from Bali for Promoting Villas on a Visa on Arrival! Immigration Reminds: Tourist Visas Are Not Work Permits

Indonesian immigration recently deported a 46-year-old Czech man after determining that he used a Visa on Arrival (VoA) to engage in villa sales and promotional activities that violated the terms of his visa.

According to the case details released, immigration officials found during their investigation that the individual had promoted villas via Facebook, posted sale information and contact numbers on the properties. The immigration office deemed these activities outside the scope permitted by his visa, leading to deportation and a recommendation to place him on the immigration blacklist.

This incident serves as a reminder to foreign travelers that Indonesia’s tourist visa does not automatically grant the right to work or engage in business activities. Even without receiving a salary, not all promotional, commercial partnership, or service activities are automatically allowed under a tourist visa.

No-Fail Accommodation List

Which Travelers Need to Be Especially Cautious?

If you’re simply vacationing in Bali, filming personal travel videos, or sharing travel experiences, you shouldn’t directly interpret this case as meaning general travel filming is illegal.

However, if your activities involve promoting hotels, commercial partnerships, selling real estate, operating travel services, or any other commercial activities, you should first confirm whether your visa permits such activities and whether additional work or residence permits are required.

This is especially important for long-term Bali residents, content creators who frequently take on commercial collaborations, and real estate professionals—they should ensure their activities comply with Indonesian immigration regulations.

🌳 New Attractions Beyond North Bali! Mas Art Village Near Ubud Draws Visitors with Woodcarving Culture

Located in Gianyar Regency, the Mas Art Village is one of Bali’s renowned traditional wood carving communities. It features wood carving studios, art galleries, and traditional craft culture, allowing visitors to learn about the distinctive features of Balinese wood carving art through the works and the artisans’ creative processes.

Recent travel coverage has once again highlighted this village, drawing more travelers’ attention to cultural tourism options centered on traditional crafts around Ubud, beyond its temples, rice terraces, and cafes.

Mas is not a newly opened attraction but a village with a long-standing craft tradition. If you’ve visited Ubud multiple times or want to plan an itinerary that differs from typical Instagram-worthy spots, consider pairing it with nearby art museums, craft shops, or other cultural sites.

Things to Confirm Before You Go

Whether there are studios or galleries open for visits.
Whether you can watch live carving demonstrations and if reservations are required.
When purchasing wood carvings, check the size, material, packaging, and international shipping options.

If you’re only stopping by briefly, it’s best to choose studios with clear opening hours rather than treating the entire village as a single ticketed attraction.

🏢 International Energy Conference to Be Held in Sanur! Enhanced Security Around Venue from October 26 to 28

Bali police are deploying security measures for the 51st ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE) Conference. This international energy industry meeting is scheduled to take place from October 26 to 28 at The Meru Sanur Bali Beach Convention Center in Sanur.

The conference is expected to draw representatives from Southeast Asia’s energy industry, and police will deploy hundreds of personnel to ensure security at the venue and related events.

This type of conference is a professional industry event, not a tourist program that general travelers can freely attend. However, for those staying in Sanur or planning to visit the area around the venue, it’s still worth noting the traffic and security arrangements during the event.

What does this mean for travelers?

There is currently no information indicating a full road closure in Sanur, so there’s no need to cancel your accommodation or travel plans because of the conference.

If you plan to visit Sanur Beach, nearby hotels, or the area around the convention center from October 26 to 28, it’s advisable to allow extra travel time and follow on-site traffic controls and security checks.

If you need to head to the airport, it’s also a good idea to leave early to avoid delays due to road conditions or temporary restrictions.

More Sanur Dining and Entertainment Guide

Sanur is a tranquil seaside town on Bali, renowned for its calm beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning sunrise views. It offers family-friendly resorts, traditional markets, and a wealth of local cuisine, making it an ideal destination for enjoying a slow-paced life and exploring culture. Whether strolling along the coastline or soaking in the local vibe, Sanur promises an incredibly relaxing holiday experience! Want to learn more about Sanur? Click here

Sanur Accommodation Themes

📊 Bali’s tourism remains an economic pillar! Central bank forecasts economic growth of 5.4% to 5.9% this year

A recent economic outlook from Bank Indonesia’s Bali branch indicates that Bali’s economy remains heavily dependent on tourism. Estimates show that tourism contributes about 66% to Bali’s economy, with the 2026 economic growth rate projected between 5.4% and 5.9%.

These figures reflect the importance of tourism spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, retail, and other service industries. The number of international and domestic Indonesian visitors is also seen as a key indicator of local economic performance.

However, a high reliance on tourism also means Bali is vulnerable to changes in traveler spending habits, international flight routes, accommodation supply, and travel costs.

What does this mean for travelers?

This doesn’t necessarily mean hotel prices or dining costs will rise, nor that every tourism area will benefit equally.

For travelers, the more important takeaway is understanding how Bali is grappling with the long-term challenge of balancing tourism growth with quality of life. Moving forward, it’s worth keeping an eye on public transportation, waste management, water supply infrastructure, and whether tourism revenue can more broadly benefit local communities.

Bali Latest News: High Waves in Southern Waters, Visa-on-Arrival Business Restrictions, Mas Wood Carving Village