Bali Officially Reopens to Tourists 

Bali beckons with sun, surf, and spirituality–and visiting has just become easier. One of the worlds favourite travel destinations has finally given tourists (especially Australians) a sigh of relief. Opening up to global tourism. I’ve just returned and this is what I learnt about post-pandemic Bali.

Six things I learned about Bali in 2022

Until recently, visiting Indonesia’s beach-fringed magnet for global clean eaters, wave chasers, and crypto traders meant quarantining for 3 days in a government-approved hotel. After almost two years of pandemic closure, Bali announced that from the 14th March, vaccinated foreign travellers would no longer need to quarantine or do a PCR test upon arrival.

To ensure you have the safest and the most comfortable trip, Bali prepares for your arrival by maintaining the island’s status as the place with the highest vaccination rate. Get ready to be reunited with the wonders of Bali as the island is open for tourism again!

Last month (April) I travelled to Bali, just two weeks after travel restrictions had finally been reduced. The island had been a ghost town for the last two years with most workers returning to agriculture to make a living. 

Here’s what I got to learn about Bali, post pandemic:

1. Bali is underrated for its style. From its 1,000 year old Hindu based temple architecture to its modern expression seen in so many business fit-outs. Bali exudes quality and thought. The two are not always mutually exclusive. Bali is not a place that gives off the vibe of wealth, like Dubai or LA. However it manages to home some of the worlds coolest locations because Balinese people have though long and passionately about each space that is created. Bali culture is as much about style as it is about function.

Bali Reopens With Authenticity

2. Hotel Mexicola – the most impressive little Mexico I’ve ever seen. A colourful Mexican party bar and restaurant in the centre of Seminyak. Through an average sized entrance you are lead to a large indoor square. Reminiscent of a scene from a James Bond movie. The renowned Veracruzano Jarocho chef, Steven Skelly has set high standards for the food. And the staff do an an excellent job in purveying the authenticity of the cuisine. Mexicola sets a scene for partying late into the night or just sitting on the side-lines for a great food and drinks with friends.

The Beach clubs – Beachfront pool bars with private daybeds and excellent cocktails and food. Some of my favourites are: Potato head, Finns, Mari beach club – the newest beach club in Bali . And every beach club or night spot I enjoy the vibe of, I Shazam to save the vibe. My playlists can be found on Spotify.

4. The influencer centre of the world. Social media influencers are drawn to the island’s photo-perfect, emerald-green paddy fields, its scenic temples and beaches. Every day you will literally spot the same Bali influencers walking down the street who you have just seen on Instagram. 
   One thing you also learn is that being that creative every day is harder than it looks. The other thing you learn is that being an influencers boyfriend probably sucks after you’ve taken the 100th photo for the day.

5. Nightlife – From luxe pool clubs to multi-level dancefloors, nightlife in Bali will delight you in many ways. Bali is still a great place to party with lots of options, but unfortunately people still smoke indoors. Meaning a sore throat for days and smelly clothes and hair. La Favella nightclub is one of my favourite spots – an eclectic indoor-outdoor garden bar in downtown Seminyak. While you can head here early-on in the evening for a sit-down dinner. La Favela really turns it up after 10pm. The dining tables are replaced by DJ decks, with local and international DJs spinning until the early hours. 

6. Balinese are so happy to see tourists return. Still a little nervous about future lockdowns after a painful 2 years. It can be hard to tell if humans are being genuine. Especially when they are strangers, but the feeling of warmth and understanding of the situation seemed legit. Aside from returning to their jobs before many spent the last two years working the rice fields. Balinese people are just happy. It’s the natural inflection of a people blessed to live in a beautiful country.

I expect this summer will see at least a 70% return to previous tourist capacity by August. In the following two years tourism travel to Bali will be at pre-covid levels due to so much pent up demand. 

Pigee is Redesigning The Relationship Between Shops And Tourists

We built a team in Bali to share the gospel of Pigee. Shop owners and tourists love the Pigee App. People literally jump out of their skin when they hear about it. We’re passionate about supporting local Bali stores to get Tourism back on its feet. 

We expect to register over 600 shops by July. Making it easier for tourists to send their travel shopping home from the shops they visit.