🌧️ Bali’s Rainy Season Worsens: Landslides, Road Collapses Prompt Caution in Northern and Mountainous Areas
Extreme weather in early November has triggered floods, landslides, and road damage in multiple areas of Bali. The Bali Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) continued damage assessments and field checks on November 3 to ensure smooth disaster response efforts.
Areas affected by heavy rainfall include:
- Badung Regency: Landslides in the northern highlands have severely damaged some accommodations.
- Bangli: Heavy rain caused road collapses in several spots.
- Gianyar: Some roads and low-lying areas have been impacted by rainfall.
- Tabanan and Jembrana: These areas remain at risk from persistent heavy rain and localized hazards.
The BMKG has also issued weather warnings, advising that some regions may experience heavy rain and strong winds, while southern waters should be cautious of high waves.
What should travelers be aware of recently?
If you’re planning a trip to Bali soon, especially to Ubud, Kintamani, North Badung, or mountain areas, it’s advisable to stay vigilant.
During the rainy season, besides road flooding, slopes, riverbanks, and nature-based accommodations may also be affected by rainfall.
When arranging visits to waterfalls, rice terraces, mountain glamping, or off-island activities, be sure to check local weather and road conditions first. If your accommodation issues a safety notice, please follow their guidance.
This disaster hasn’t affected all tourist areas across Bali, but traveling during the rainy season does require more flexibility in your itinerary compared to the dry season.
🏡 Pelaga Eco Park Glamping Retreat Devastated by Landslide! Two Tourists Still Missing in Search
On the evening of November 1, Pelaga Eco Park Glamping Retreat in northern Badung, Bali, was hit by a landslide and flash floods triggered by heavy rain, damaging multiple accommodation structures.
As of November 3, search teams are still looking for two missing tourists—one Indonesian and one foreign national.
Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), along with police and local authorities, have launched a joint search operation. Bali’s Vice Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta and the Badung Regent also visited the site to assess the damage and urged all relevant parties to do their utmost in the search efforts.
According to local media reports, the landslide occurred on the evening of November 1, with heavy rainfall causing rivers to swell and destroying some accommodation buildings with floodwaters and mudflows.
On November 3, search and rescue teams continued to search for missing travelers along rivers and affected areas, using relevant rescue equipment to assist operations.
What should you be aware of when staying at a mountain villa or campsite during the rainy season?
This incident reminds travelers that while Bali’s natural landscape accommodations are appealing, those near mountains, riverbanks, and steep slopes may face higher risks during heavy rainfall.
If you are planning to stay at a mountain villa or glamping site soon, it is recommended to:
- Confirm whether the accommodation is located near rivers, slopes, or areas prone to flooding.
- Pay attention to weather and safety notices from the accommodation provider.
- Avoid activities near riverbanks and slopes during heavy rainfall.
- If local evacuation or safety warnings are issued, prioritize compliance.
This incident is still in the search and rescue phase, and the status of unconfirmed missing travelers should not be written as a confirmed outcome.
💱 13 Money Changers in Ubud’s Tegallalang Area Raided! 10 Lacked Legal Permits, Exchange Rate Signs Removed
The Gianyar Regency government conducted a surprise inspection of foreign currency exchange operators in the Tegallalang tourist area on November 2, targeting money changers without valid business licenses.
According to local government announcements, authorities inspected 13 money changers, of which only 3 held valid business licenses, while the other 10 had yet to obtain the necessary permits.
Enforcement officers posted ‘Illegal Operation’ notices on non-compliant shops and removed foreign exchange rate boards displayed outside.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Gianyar Regency Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), the Investment and One-Stop Service Agency, the Tourism Office, local government, police, and traditional village security personnel.
Local authorities stated that they had previously advised relevant businesses and given them time to apply for permits, but still found some shops operating without licenses. If they continue to fail to comply, they may face further penalties, including business closure.
What Should Travelers Watch Out for When Exchanging Money in Bali?
Tegallalang, located north of Ubud, is an area many travelers pass through when visiting rice terraces, coffee plantations, and natural attractions, and it has numerous foreign exchange shops nearby.
This crackdown does not mean all money changers are involved in scams; rather, it is government enforcement regarding business licensing issues.
However, for travelers, choosing a licensed foreign exchange operator does offer greater peace of mind.
When exchanging money in Bali, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Prioritize Money Changers with a valid business license.
- Confirm the actual exchange rate and any additional fees before the transaction.
- Count your Indonesian Rupiah on the spot after exchanging.
- Don’t be swayed by exceptionally high rates displayed outside—always check the legitimacy of the establishment.
- Avoid exchanging money on the street or at places without a proper business venue.
If you’re planning a trip to Ubud or Tegallalang soon, this is worth noting. Rather than chasing seemingly great rates, choosing a transparent and legitimate exchange service offers more peace of mind.
🎫 Ticket Revenue for Bangli’s Top 5 Attractions Falls Short of Annual Target! Penglipuran Remains the Main Income Source
The Bangli Regency government in Bali has released ticket revenue data for its top five attractions as of the end of October 2026. The combined revenue stands at approximately IDR 29.3 billion, reaching only 49.98% of the annual target of IDR 58.8 billion.
Local tourism authorities report that visitor numbers at most attractions have declined recently, attributed to shifting travel trends and the off-peak season.
The revenue distribution for the top five attractions is as follows:
| Attraction | Revenue as of End of October |
|---|---|
| Penglipuran Village | Over 18 billion IDR |
| Batur | Approximately 10.7 billion IDR |
| Kehen | Approximately 445 million IDR |
| Terunyan | Approximately 188 million IDR |
| Penulisan | Approximately 19 million IDR |
Among them, Penglipuran Village remains the primary source of tourism revenue for Bangli.
Additionally, the local government has expanded the fee zone in Terunyan, originally focused on tourists visiting the Terunyan cemetery, to now include those exploring Terunyan village and hiking to Bukit Terunyan and Banjar Madya.
E-Ticketing System Expanded to Five Major Attractions
The Bangli government announced that the e-ticketing system has been expanded to five major attractions as of September 2026, including Penglipuran, Batur, Kehen, Terunyan, and Penulisan.
This measure primarily aims to improve ticket revenue management, increase fee transparency, and reduce management issues associated with traditional payment methods.
For travelers visiting Bangli’s attractions, it’s important to check each site’s official ticketing methods and fee announcements. The e-ticketing system does not mean a single ticket grants access to all attractions.
Bali’s electronic payment system uses QRIS. What is QRIS? How can foreign tourists use it?
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