Bali Travel Topics & News Roundup | September 29, 2026
⚠️ ‘Hypnosis Theft’ Incident Near Ubud’s Monkey Forest: Algerian Tourist Loses €150
A safety alert worth noting for travelers today comes from the area around Ubud’s Monkey Forest.
Gianyar police arrested a foreign national suspected of approaching an Algerian tourist near the Monkey Forest using ‘hypnosis’ techniques, then stealing approximately €150. Police launched an investigation after receiving a report on September 28 and apprehended the suspect, with the case still under inquiry and questioning.
At this stage, police describe the case as a theft allegedly carried out through hypnosis, with details still under investigation. So, not every street encounter or interaction should be viewed as the same type of crime.
However, for travelers, this incident serves as a practical reminder:
In crowded tourist areas like Monkey Forest and central Ubud, if a stranger suddenly approaches you, asks you to follow them, engages in odd interactions, or requests you hand over items—just walk away.
Above all, avoid flashing large amounts of cash on the street, and don’t hand over your phone or wallet to strangers, no matter how friendly they seem.
Most tourist activities in Ubud are operating normally, but basic anti-theft awareness is still necessary in crowded popular spots.
🛣️ Karangasem Invests 12.5 Billion IDR to Renovate 9 Roads This Year, Gradually Improving Transportation in East Bali
If you enjoy planning more in-depth East Bali itineraries, this infrastructure update is worth following.
The Karangasem government has allocated approximately 12.5 billion Indonesian Rupiah from the 2026 APBD Perubahan (revised regional budget) to improve 9 roads in the area.
The roads were selected based on factors such as transportation importance, budget, and remaining construction time this year, with the goal of completing the projects by the end of 2026.
Karangasem is no longer the overlooked ‘East Bali’ it once was. In recent years, places including:
Amed, Tulamben, Candidasa, Tirta Gangga, and Sidemen
have been drawing increasing attention from travelers.
The real significance of road improvements for tourism isn’t just ‘how many minutes of traffic it saves,’ but rather the gradual enhancement of access to more remote attractions in East Bali.
However, until the project is fully completed, if you plan to charter a car or drive yourself in East Bali, it’s still advisable to allow extra travel time.
☀️ September 29: Bali’s High Reaches 32°C, No Significant Rain Alerts at Month’s End
Although it’s already late September, Bali’s weather remains quite stable.
BMKG predicts September 29 will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy in Bali, with a high of around 32°C; from 8 AM on September 29 to 8 AM on September 30, no districts have issued alerts for light to extreme rainfall.
This also means:
Late September ≠ Bali has already entered the daily rainy season.
If you’re visiting Bali soon, daytime plans could include:
- Ubud outdoor attractions
- Tegallalang
- Seminyak / Canggu
- Beaches
- Waterfalls
- Volcano treks
Still remember to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Especially in the afternoon when temperatures can still be high—if you’re spending long hours outdoors, don’t let the thought of ‘rainy season coming soon’ make you skip sun protection.
🍗 Bali’s Classic Cuisine Gets a Spotlight Again: Ayam Betutu Now Available with Halal Certification
Ayam Betutu is a quintessential Balinese dish, renowned for its rich blend of spices. For Muslim travelers, whether a restaurant holds official Halal certification is a key factor when choosing where to dine.
Some Ayam Betutu restaurants in Bali have also obtained Halal certification, making it easier for Muslim travelers to find Balinese specialties that meet their dietary needs.
This actually reflects a shift in Bali’s tourism market:
Travelers aren’t just looking for ‘something to eat’—they’re increasingly prioritizing dietary needs, certification, and transparency.
For visitors from other Indonesian cities, as well as Muslim markets like Malaysia and Singapore, this kind of information is highly practical.
5. 🌴 Bali’s Tourism Industry Continues to Be Driven by International Visitors, with MotoGP Also Prompting Some to Stay in Bali
Although the MotoGP Mandalika is held on Lombok Island, Bali tourism operators have observed that some international visitors heading to Mandalika for the race choose to use Bali as their accommodation and travel base.
The Bali Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI Bali) notes that the MotoGP event in Mandalika has also boosted tourism accommodation in Bali, with some travelers staying on the island before heading to Lombok for the race.
This ‘Bali + Lombok’ combination is becoming increasingly common.
For first-time visitors to Indonesia, Bali can serve as the main vacation destination, paired with Lombok or other spots, without necessarily spending the entire trip on Bali.
No discussions yet — be the first to ask.