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September 4, 2025, 9:58 PM
Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.Bali is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island.
Bali has long been known as one of Indonesia's top tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually to its beautiful beaches and rich culture. In fact, Bali is Indonesia's most important tourist destination and is expected to attract 20 million tourists in 2019 alone.
According to the article entitled 'Role of Tourism in the Economy of Bali and Indonesia', tourism is one of the mainstay sectors in economic development in Indonesia and Bali. The advantages of Bali's tourism potential can be seen from two sides - as a tourist destination with several attractions due to its exotic nature and unique culture, and as a gateway to national and international tourism due to its popularity as a world-famous tourist destination
You can read - Things Foreign Tourists Always Ask About Indonesia
With the existence of tourism opportunities in Bali, many businesses related to tourism have emerged such as accommodations, restaurants, and travel agents. These businesses have provided benefits in the economic development of communities such as Batusuhunan, Sukabumi and Sambi Tourism Village in Jambi.
However, with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bali's tourism industry has taken a major hit. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy of Bali and Indonesia, especially in the tourism industry.
As a result of the pandemic, many businesses in Bali have experienced a decrease or complete halt in activities causing a diminution in aggregate supply. According to the Central Statistics Agency, foreign tourist visits in Bali from January to November 2020 always decreased drastically. This is a major concern for Bali as tourism is the backbone of its economy.
The impact of COVID-19 on Bali's tourism industry cannot be overstated. Although Bali has long been known as one of Indonesia's top tourist destinations, the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on its tourism industry, which employs a lot of workers and drives Bali's economy.
In Indonesia, the aviation industry has significantly decreased domestic departures by 44% in the first quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19. The pandemic has also impacted other sectors, and the value chain industries of the tourism sector are among the hardest-hit.
Compared to other provinces, Bali as a tourism-dependent region is the most affected province and is likely to experience much longer negative impact than other sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can read - A Wonderful Experience Staying at All Seasons Denpasar Bali
Therefore, it is imperative that the government and relevant stakeholders take measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Bali's tourism industry.Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in Bali's tourism industry are among the worst affected by COVID-19 due to theirreliance on government rules governing tourist travel prohibitions. Consequently, the government of Bali and Indonesia should prioritize the implementation of fiscal stimulus packages to support MSMEs in tourism and other affected sectors.
Is Bali the Same as Indonesia?
When people around the world hear the word Indonesia, many immediately think of Bali. White sandy beaches, yoga retreats, digital nomads sipping coconut water it’s almost a postcard-perfect idea of paradise. But here’s the thing: Bali is just one tiny island in a country of more than 17,000 islands
So no, Bali is not the same as Indonesia. In fact, limiting Indonesia to Bali is a bit like saying Paris is the same as France, or New York is the whole United States. Let’s break down this common misconception and take a quick trip through the bigger, more diverse picture of Indonesia.
1. The Misconception : Why Many Think Bali = Indonesia
The confusion is easy to understand. For decades, Bali has been marketed worldwide as the face of Indonesian tourism. It shows up in Hollywood movies, travel magazines, Instagram feeds you name it.
Many airlines even advertise flights “to Indonesia” when in fact they’re only flying to Bali. Add to that Bali’s strong tourism infrastructure, English-friendly services, and countless resorts, and it’s no wonder many travelers assume Bali and Indonesia are the same thing.
But the truth is, Indonesia stretches over 5,000 kilometers from west to east almost the same distance as London to Baghdad! And Bali takes up only a tiny speck of that massive archipelago.
2. Bali’s Popularity : The Island of the Gods
Let’s give credit where it’s due: Bali is famous for good reason. It’s known as the Island of the Gods for its rich Hindu traditions, thousands of temples, and vibrant ceremonies that blend seamlessly with daily life.
Travelers love Bali for its:
Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.Bali is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island.
Bali has long been known as one of Indonesia's top tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually to its beautiful beaches and rich culture. In fact, Bali is Indonesia's most important tourist destination and is expected to attract 20 million tourists in 2019 alone.
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| KAIN BALI : You can get this "kain Bali" with cheapest prices. I bought some for my wife at home, and syahrir bought kids merchandises. Photo by Syahrir Badulu |
According to the article entitled 'Role of Tourism in the Economy of Bali and Indonesia', tourism is one of the mainstay sectors in economic development in Indonesia and Bali. The advantages of Bali's tourism potential can be seen from two sides - as a tourist destination with several attractions due to its exotic nature and unique culture, and as a gateway to national and international tourism due to its popularity as a world-famous tourist destination
You can read - Things Foreign Tourists Always Ask About Indonesia
With the existence of tourism opportunities in Bali, many businesses related to tourism have emerged such as accommodations, restaurants, and travel agents. These businesses have provided benefits in the economic development of communities such as Batusuhunan, Sukabumi and Sambi Tourism Village in Jambi.
However, with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bali's tourism industry has taken a major hit. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy of Bali and Indonesia, especially in the tourism industry.
As a result of the pandemic, many businesses in Bali have experienced a decrease or complete halt in activities causing a diminution in aggregate supply. According to the Central Statistics Agency, foreign tourist visits in Bali from January to November 2020 always decreased drastically. This is a major concern for Bali as tourism is the backbone of its economy.
The impact of COVID-19 on Bali's tourism industry cannot be overstated. Although Bali has long been known as one of Indonesia's top tourist destinations, the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on its tourism industry, which employs a lot of workers and drives Bali's economy.
In Indonesia, the aviation industry has significantly decreased domestic departures by 44% in the first quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19. The pandemic has also impacted other sectors, and the value chain industries of the tourism sector are among the hardest-hit.
Compared to other provinces, Bali as a tourism-dependent region is the most affected province and is likely to experience much longer negative impact than other sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can read - A Wonderful Experience Staying at All Seasons Denpasar Bali
Therefore, it is imperative that the government and relevant stakeholders take measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Bali's tourism industry.Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in Bali's tourism industry are among the worst affected by COVID-19 due to theirreliance on government rules governing tourist travel prohibitions. Consequently, the government of Bali and Indonesia should prioritize the implementation of fiscal stimulus packages to support MSMEs in tourism and other affected sectors.
Is Bali the Same as Indonesia?
When people around the world hear the word Indonesia, many immediately think of Bali. White sandy beaches, yoga retreats, digital nomads sipping coconut water it’s almost a postcard-perfect idea of paradise. But here’s the thing: Bali is just one tiny island in a country of more than 17,000 islands
So no, Bali is not the same as Indonesia. In fact, limiting Indonesia to Bali is a bit like saying Paris is the same as France, or New York is the whole United States. Let’s break down this common misconception and take a quick trip through the bigger, more diverse picture of Indonesia.
1. The Misconception : Why Many Think Bali = Indonesia
The confusion is easy to understand. For decades, Bali has been marketed worldwide as the face of Indonesian tourism. It shows up in Hollywood movies, travel magazines, Instagram feeds you name it.
Many airlines even advertise flights “to Indonesia” when in fact they’re only flying to Bali. Add to that Bali’s strong tourism infrastructure, English-friendly services, and countless resorts, and it’s no wonder many travelers assume Bali and Indonesia are the same thing.
But the truth is, Indonesia stretches over 5,000 kilometers from west to east almost the same distance as London to Baghdad! And Bali takes up only a tiny speck of that massive archipelago.
2. Bali’s Popularity : The Island of the Gods
Let’s give credit where it’s due: Bali is famous for good reason. It’s known as the Island of the Gods for its rich Hindu traditions, thousands of temples, and vibrant ceremonies that blend seamlessly with daily life.
Travelers love Bali for its:
• Beaches – From the party vibes of Kuta to the peaceful shores of Nusa Dua and Uluwatu.
• Wellness retreats – Yoga, meditation, and healing centers in Ubud.
• Adventure – Surfing, hiking Mount Batur at sunrise, diving around Nusa Penida. • Food culture – A mix of traditional Balinese cuisine and international flavors thanks to its global visitors.
It’s no wonder Bali attracts millions of tourists every year, making it Indonesia’s tourism superstar. But focusing only on Bali means missing out on so much more.
3. Indonesia Beyond Bali :A Giant Archipelago Waiting to Be Explored
If Bali is the gateway, then beyond it lies an endless adventure. Here are just a few of the highlights across Indonesia’s other islands:
• Java – Home to the capital Jakarta, the cultural city of Yogyakarta, and the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur. Don’t miss Mount Bromo’s surreal volcanic landscapes.
• Sumatra – Wild jungles, orangutans in Bukit Lawang, and the volcanic Lake Toba, one of the largest crater lakes on Earth.
• Kalimantan (Borneo) – Dense rainforests, river journeys, and orangutan sanctuaries. Perfect for eco-travelers.
• Sulawesi – Unique culture in Tana Toraja, famous for its elaborate funeral ceremonies, and incredible diving in Bunaken.
• Papua – Remote and rugged, home to the Baliem Valley tribes and Raja Ampat, often called the best diving spot in the world.
Each island has its own language, traditions, food, and even religion. That’s why Indonesia is often called “Unity in Diversity” (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika), which is also the country’s national motto.
4. Why It Matters : More Than Just Geography
So why should travelers care about this distinction? Well, seeing Bali as the only Indonesia limits the experience.
By exploring beyond Bali, you’ll discover:
• Cultural richness – Every island has unique customs, arts, and festivals.
• Food diversity – From Padang’s spicy rendang to Java’s sweet gudeg, food alone is worth the trip.
• Nature variety – Volcanoes, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, savannas—you name it, Indonesia has it.
• People and stories – Meeting locals in smaller towns or remote villages gives you a deeper connection than just staying in tourist hotspots.
It’s like reading only one chapter of a book when the whole story is waiting for you.
5. Traveler’s Tip : How to Plan a Trip Beyond Bali
If Bali is already on your travel list, great! But consider adding at least one more destination to your itinerary. Here are some tips:
If Bali is already on your travel list, great! But consider adding at least one more destination to your itinerary. Here are some tips:
• Fly domestic – Indonesia has many affordable airlines connecting Bali with cities like Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Labuan Bajo.
• Give it time – Distances are big, so don’t rush. Pick one or two extra islands instead of trying to see everything.
• Learn a little Bahasa Indonesia – Even simple words like terima kasih (thank you) or selamat pagi (good morning) go a long way.
• Pack for variety – Bali might be beachwear-friendly, but visiting temples or remote areas calls for more modest clothing.
• Travel responsibly – Support local communities, respect cultural norms, and help preserve Indonesia’s incredible nature.
Summary
So, is Bali the same as Indonesia? Definitely not. Bali is a dazzling gem, but Indonesia is the entire treasure chest. By venturing beyond Bali, you’ll unlock experiences that most tourists miss stories, flavors, and adventures that will make you fall in love with Indonesia all over again.
So next time someone tells you they’ve “been to Indonesia” but only visited Bali, you’ll know the full story. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll inspire them to explore the real Indonesia.
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