Australian Government Confirms Bali Is Safe Destination For Tourists

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Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has issued an updated statement regarding the National Travel Advice Bureau’s guidelines for tourists visiting Indonesia.

At the end of May, Smartraveler issued new guidance urging travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Indonesia.” 

In a statement issued from Jakarta, Deputy Prime Minister Marles confirmed that the updated travel warnings for security risks in Bali focused on sea transportation. He told the media, “I don’t want to make it seem like there’s something big that we’re doing with this travel advisory. This is just a routine update. It’s a note of caution regarding the use of ships or sea transportation.”

He added “Bali remains a favourite destination for Australians. It is an important part of our bilateral relationship and something that we strongly support.”

The advice from Australia’s Smartraveler, which was updated on 30 May and marked ‘still current’ on 9 June 2025, explained, “We’ve reviewed our advice for Indonesia and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. Australians have drowned in coastal areas due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches, including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled.”

The remainder of the key travel warnings remained the same, as they have for many months. Key travel warnings for Indonesia call for tourists and travellers to check the condition of their passports before traveling to the airport and to be extremely cautious when consuming alcohol in Bali and Lombok due to reported cases of methanol poisoning. 

The key advice from Smartraveler also points tourists to the Provincial Government’s list of Do’s and Do n’ts that must be obeyed by all foreigners who visit the island.

The rules include staying at legally registered accommodation, honouring Balinese culture and temple etiquette, and driving safely and legally on the island. 

With regard to boat travel in Bali, Smartraveler’s advice continues, “Travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous. Commercial and private boat and ferry operators may not comply with international safety and maintenance standards. Australians have been seriously injured or have died in marine transport incidents.”

Only on Wednesday, 4th June, did shocking events in Bali’s Nusa Lembongan hit headlines as a fast boat loaded with 89 passengers sank at Tanjung Sanghyang Port as it was preparing to depart for Sanur. While there were no reported casualties, the events left tourists shaken and deeply concerned about the safety of Bali’s fast boat and ferry services.

Bali Police have launched an investigation into the sinking of the Tanis, and the Head of Public Relations of the Klungkung Police, AKP Agus Widiono, revealed that the fast boat business had incurred losses of IDR 2.5 billion. 

As the Australian Deputy Prime Minister confirms that Bali remains a safe destination for Bali tourists, the province is preparing to welcome a huge influx of Australian holidaymakers on winter getaways.

Australian tourists are the most frequent international arrivals in Bali and during a recent visit with Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster, Australian Consul General Jo Stevens conveyed Australia’s affection for Bali. 

Stevens also reiterated her support to Governor Koster in ensuring that Austrian tourists honor local laws and customs while on vacation in the province. She shared We continue to work together with the Bali Provincial Government to encourage foreign tourists to comply with local rules and regulations.”

Adding “1.5 million Australian tourists visited Bali in 2024, and that is the highest number in history, so I think our people are very happy and really enjoying Bali.”

Stevens concluded “Australia and Indonesia have a close inter-community relationship, which is very clear in Bali. As the main overseas tourist destination for Australians and with a large community of Australians here, Bali has a special place in our relationship with Indonesia.”