THE ISLAND OF THE GODS is once again welcoming paradise-seeking travelers. It feels like forever since Covid-19 has barred our entry from beautiful Bali, but the wellness and spirituality, surfing and beach club bastion has finally reopened to visitors from all countries.
As of February 4, Bali is allowing international travelers to visit, Reuters reported, but still requires vaccinated visitors to quarantine for five to seven days. Additional entry protocols were not immediately clear.
The plans come after Bali officially reopened to visitors from several countries in mid-October, including China, New Zealand and Japan, but direct flights have remained scarce. Singapore Airlines has said it would resume flights to Bali from Singapore on February 16, Reuters noted.
It also follows the decision to welcome travelers from Singapore to fellow Indonesian islands Batam and Bintan, the wire service reported.
The wider opening will likely be a boom to Bali’s tourism industry. In 2019, the destination welcomed 6.2 million foreign travelers, Reuters reported, accounting for more than half of its economy.
Bali initially planned to reopen to foreign visitors in the summer of 2021, but was forced to delay its plans due to a rise in Covid-19 cases. Currently, Indonesia is seeing a spike in new cases, recording more than 8,000 on January 27, according to the World Health Organization. Health authorities are attributing the increase to the omicron variant, Reuters noted.
When travelers do finally return to Bali, they will be greeted by breathtaking hotels hugged by unspoiled rainforests and featuring gorgeous pools and high-end design, as well as luxurious high tea services, and the chance to soak in a hot spring surrounded by lush gardens.
While there’s never a bad time to visit Bali, travelers looking to avoid the rainy season (November to March) and get in some quality beach time should plan a trip from May to September.
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by Alison Fox
