As winter settles over Australia, Bali is preparing for another influx of sun‑seekers. A 30 May update on the Smartraveller website, urging Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Indonesia, raised eyebrows—but officials say the island remains safe.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called the advisory “a routine update,” explaining that it simply urges prudence when using boats and other sea transport. His remarks follow a 4 June incident in Nusa Lembongan, where a fast boat carrying 89 passengers sank moments before departing for Sanur. Everyone was rescued, but the accident underscored concerns about unregulated marine services; police are investigating, and the operator’s losses exceed IDR 2.5 billion.
The Smartraveller notice also highlights strong rip currents at unpatrolled beaches and warns about methanol‑tainted alcohol in Bali and Lombok.
During a recent meeting with Governor Wayan Koster, Australian Consul General Jo Stevens stressed the deep ties between Australia and Bali: a record 1.5 million Australians visited in 2024. “Our people love Bali,” she said, while urging respectful tourism—staying in licensed accommodation, respecting local culture, and travelling legally and safely, especially by motorbike or boat.
With airlines adding capacity, including TransNusa’s new twice‑daily Perth–Bali service, demand shows no sign of cooling. For many Australians, the Island of the Gods remains as appealing as ever.
Source: Antara News
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