How many regencies and cities are in Bali?
Bali has eight regencies and one city, divided into 57 districts, 636 villages and 80 urban wards. Here is how the province’s official administrative…
Reporter
Mukmin John
The Bali Observer reporter
What time is it in Bali? WITA explained for visitors and residents
Bali uses WITA, or UTC+8, all year and does not change clocks for daylight saving. Jakarta is one hour behind, while the whole island shares the same…
Loud-Music Dispute Draws Attention at Pura Agung Besakih
A video from Pura Agung Besakih showed a man reacting angrily after an officer objected to loud music. Management later said he was a local resident,…
Denpasar Hindus Observe Buda Kliwon Ugu Purification Day
Hindu devotees in Denpasar observed Buda Kliwon Ugu on Sept. 30, a day linked to purification, prayer and offerings at household and family shrines.
Pengambengan Port Construction Begins in Jembrana
A groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 29 began development of Pengambengan’s fishing port in Jembrana. Reports describe a Rp 1.2 trillion (about US$75 mi…
Panca Wali Krama peaks at Pura Hulundanu Batur
Panca Wali Krama at Pura Hulundanu Batur in Songan, Bangli, reaches its peak on Sept. 26, 2026, during Purnama Kapat. The sacred ritual is held every…
Bali calendar sets auspicious activities for Sept. 26
Bali’s calendar marks Sept. 26, 2026, as Saniscara Umanis Bala and Purnama Kapat. It lists Amerta Pageh as suitable for Dewa Yadnya and other periods…
Kapal ceremony to close Denpasar–Gilimanuk route for two hours on 26 September
Jalan Raya Kapal on Bali’s Denpasar–Gilimanuk route will close from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on 26 September for the Siat Tipat Bantal ceremony, with diversio…
Where is Ubud? Central Bali’s inland cultural hub explained
Ubud is an inland town in central Bali’s Gianyar Regency, known as the island’s cultural centre. It sits about 35 km north of Ngurah Rai airport, with…
What to do in Canggu: beaches, surf, brunch and Tanah Lot
Canggu is mainly a beach-and-lifestyle base for surf, sunsets, brunch, yoga and nearby Tanah Lot trips, not a single landmark stop.
Fire Destroys Eight Shrines at Sinabun Temple in Buleleng
A fire at Pura Dadia Arya Wang Bang Pinatih in Sinabun destroyed eight shrines on Sept. 25. Firefighters contained it at about 12:30 WITA; the cause w…
What Bali’s Democracy Index pilot means for local democracy
Bali is preparing a pilot to measure democracy at regency and city level. Officials reported the provincial score rose to 89,73 in 2025, with the inde…
Bali Seeks National Holidays for Galungan and Kuningan
Bali hopes Galungan and Kuningan will eventually become national holidays after their 2025 heritage designation. No formal proposal has yet been submi…
Bali calendar marks Sept. 25 unsuitable for house construction
Bali’s calendar names Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, Sukra Kliwon Bala and lists house construction among activities considered unsuitable that day.
Things to do in Nusa Penida: the main sights and activities
Nusa Penida is best for cliff viewpoints, snorkeling and beach stops, with west-coast icons like Kelingking, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay leading most…
