Skip to main content

Featured

New Direct Flights to Bali Proposed by 13 International Airlines

Thirteen international airlines are planning to introduce direct flights to Bali , targeting major markets such as China, Russia, Japan, India, and the United States. These routes are currently in the proposal stage. Handy Heryudhitiawan, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali Airport, shared that some airlines have submitted requests for regular flight slots. While these requests have been made, the services have not yet commenced. Several airlines , which secured slots for the 2023 dry season , have yet to begin operations. “T hey are required to reapply for flight approvals, including their schedules and the type of aircraft they intend to use, ” Handy explained.  The airport is still awaiting confirmations on these proposed plans. According to Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of Bali’s Provincial Tourism Office, three or four of these proposed airlines are from China. Prior to the pandemic, 15 Chinese cities had direct flights to Bali, but none are currently operational. Pe

Bali's Urban Rail Metro Line Set for 2028 Completion

silver and red train


Bali's leaders aim to complete the ambitious Bali Urban Rail Metro Line by 2028. With a significant amount of work ahead in the next four years, leaders are diligently pushing forward this long-anticipated project behind the scenes.

I Wayan Adi Arnawa, the Badung Regional Secretary, announced that the initial phase of the metro line’s construction, including groundbreaking and foundation work, will commence in September 2024. He expects the Bali metro line to be operational by 2028, significantly boosting Bali's real estate market.

Arnawa confirmed that the plans and targets for MRT Bali's groundbreaking have been set by provincial, city, and district governments in collaboration with PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya. The project will progress in stages, with the first phase scheduled for completion by 2028.

Highlighting the benefits, Arnawa pointed out that the project will minimize surface land use compared to traditional roads. Preserving Bali's limited area and unique landscape is essential for maintaining its identity and scenic beauty, a key attraction for property buyers.

Securing Investors Investors for the project have been secured, with an official announcement expected next week. The final budgeting process is currently underway, and investors have been asked to finalize all agreements and paperwork by the end of this month. Groundbreaking is set for September.

After years of speculation and slow progress, the project is now gaining momentum. The confirmation of investor participation and the September start date follows a meeting convened by Acting Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya. During this meeting, formal bids for the Bali Urban Rail and associated facilities were submitted.

In late May, Acting Governor Jaya declared the event a significant milestone in Bali's transportation infrastructure development. He emphasized the construction and development of tourism corridors, featuring train-based mass public transportation systems through a business-to-business investment model.

With funding secured, Arnawa stressed the importance of diligent budget management and called for community support to ensure smooth project execution. The goal is to alleviate traffic congestion in Badung and across Bali, enhancing the island's property market.

Arnawa noted that the project would significantly boost tourism in Badung Regency, which includes top Bali resorts such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. These prime locations are also highly attractive to property buyers.

Despite its popularity with tourists, traffic congestion remains a major issue affecting both visitors and residents.

Scheduled for frequent service, the Bali Urban Rail Metro system aims to facilitate the flow of tourists through Bali’s busiest resorts, potentially increasing demand for local properties.

Gede Wayan Samsi Gunarta, Head of the Bali Transportation Service, mentioned that the capacity of the metro service is being meticulously planned. The goal is to have trains running every 15 minutes.

Initial concept maps reveal that the Bali Urban Rail Network will eventually include six lines, including a tramway. The first line will connect Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with Kuta Beach, Central Parking, Legian, Seminyak, Seminyak Intersection, and extend to Kerobokan and North Denpasar.

The second line will feature a circular route connecting Bali Airport with the resorts of Benoa, Sanur, and Sindhu, looping back through Denpasar, Renon, Monument, Bonjol Square, Central Parking, Kuta, and returning to the airport. This comprehensive network is poised to enhance Bali's infrastructure significantly.

Comments