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How Bali plans to take actions against rulebreaking digital Nomads

If you've ever fantasized about sipping coconuts while working from the beaches of Bali, be cautious; sandy keyboards could be in your future.

Bali, the land of breathtaking beauty and bewildering bureaucracy, digital nomads, are tweaking visa rules, turning them as twisted as a yoga pose by the shore. That’s what ASITA, (that’s the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Board), have spotted this trend among digital nomads and foreign business owners, and they’re quite annoyed by it.

They’re trying to tackle a multilayered issue

1. WITH PROPERTIES - At first, there's a concern about digital nomads using vacation properties as their workplace, which violates intended premises use of these places.

2. WITH VISAS - Additionally, some digital nomads misuse tourist or socio-cultural visas for business purposes, which is a violation of their stay conditions.

3. WITH TOURS & TRAVELS - ASITA is also suggesting that specific foreign individuals are organizing tours, retreats, or travel experiences for personal gain, which raises questions about the proper use of visas and ethical business practices.

But what does the rulebook say ?

Engaging in income-generating work is strictly prohibited for individuals on tourist or sociocultural visas in Indonesia, although as per the law, you are permitted to do only specific activities like attending meetings.

while speaking with National Police’s public relations team the Chairman of ASITA Bali told reporters that..

“There are also tourist agents from foreigners who use their boarding houses as offices where they work so that these unsuitable permits and locations can be more regulated, because we ourselves, who are official and have permits in accordance with the regulations in Bali, feel disturbed,”

And they’ve decided on taking a few actions..

• ASITA is urging authorities to focus on local tour operators and home-based travel agents, requesting them to obtain proper business permits and licenses before operating, ensuring adherence to regulations.

• Police Commissioner Pol Harry Sindu Nugroho announced a collaboration with ASITA Bali to enforce sanctions on tourism and travel agencies lacking the necessary licenses, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance in the industry.

• “We will also collaborate with Bali Immigration so that later foreign nationals (WNA) who create problems by becoming fake agents will receive action, we will give warnings and sanctions until the action is violated in accordance with immigration law,” he said.

But also, it important to note..

The collaboration between Bali Police and ASITA isn't about cracking down on foreigners who work online or digital nomads.

Instead, it's a focused initiative to implement regulations, curb deceitful travel businesses, safeguard the Balinese people's livelihoods, and guarantee that tour operators operate within the bounds of the law.

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Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Warnings

1. Why the most powerful passport country is going passport-free ? From next year 2024 Singapore’s Changi Airport will be using biometric technology & facial recognition instead of passport checks with automated immigration and boarding processes.

2. French trains are being invaded, no not by aliens but bed bugs. Photos & videos of carriages infested with these blood suckers, have been trending on social media reports suggest they've invaded Paris metro system and cinemas across France. Know the backstory.

3. In a tragic incident at Canada's Banff National Park on two individuals lost their lives following a grizzly bear attack. A stark reminder of dangers that can be encountered in wilderness areas, emphasizing the importance of safety when exploring such environments.

Attractions

🍆 HUH ? - Daniel Pinto, came across Sopsokha, Bhutan which he describes as a very beautiful traditional Bhutanese village surrounded by rice fields but “But the closer you get the weirder it becomes”. Strolling down streets lined with, well, phallic symbols, intricately drawn on the walls of buildings and sculptures on display. The Penis Village isn't just about laughs – it's also home to the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, or the Temple of Fertility. Hopeful women seeking pregnancy circle the temple with wooden phalluses, while Bhutanese homes proudly display these sacred symbols to boost fertility. “In the temple you also find success story pictures of couples who struggled to get pregnant then went to the village and got pregnant shortly after,” said Mr Pinto. Can you guess what you can take home as a souvenir ?

🍻 Grab your Pints, let me pour one out for you. Guinness Storehouse, in Dublin, Ireland has been named “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” multiple times by World Travel Awards. Overflowing with fascinating history and, of course, the best stout on the planet, it's a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Even if you're not a fan, the captivating exhibits, the Gravity Bar’s panoramic views, and the chance to learn the secrets of perfect pints dating back to 1759. It's not just a trip; have a laugh with friends, and make memories as rich as that perfect Guinness pour.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Drop your backpacks - Picture this: 118 tourists for every local resident. This is the situation of Phuket. Iconic landmarks swarmed with selfie sticks and a sea of eager travelers. In the top 10 most overcrowded tourist destinations, Phuket & Pattaya take the honors in "elbow-to-elbow" category as per MoneyTransfers.com. So, if you're planning a trip, maybe go through the list so that you avoid going to such places, and select places with fewer crowds for your next trip.

Deals

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• I’m a Travel Agent: 7 Luxury Trips You Can Take on a Middle-Class Budget

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MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Your Stairway To Touch The God’s

📍 Batu Caves, Malaysia

Over 4,300 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews | See 360 degree video

Rising 100 meters above ground, this natural wonder isn't just a rock formation; it's an intricate labyrinth of caves adorned with ornate Hindu shrines. hidden within these caves is a sacred treasure trove that draws millions of visitors each year. Picture this: a monumental 42.7-meter tall statue of Lord Murugan guarding the entrance, inviting you to explore a realm where religious devotion meets geological marvel. With a climb of 272 colorful steps, you'll find yourself entering a realm of intricate cave temples, cheeky monkeys, and cultural richness that dates back over a century.

🚶‍♀️ Climb the Majestic Staircase: As you ascend the 272 vibrant steps leading to the caves, feel the energy and excitement building up with every step you take. Each colorful tier has a story to tell, making your climb not just a physical adventure but a cultural one too.

🗿 Marvel at the Lord Murugan Statue: When you reach the top of the stairs, your eyes will be drawn to the impressive 42.7-meter tall Lord Murugan statue.

🌌 Discover the Dark Cave: For an adventurous twist, take a guided tour of the Dark Cave. Equipped with a flashlight, explore the mysterious chambers, marvel at the unique fauna, and learn about the cave’s ecological importance.

🙊 Meet the Cheeky Monkeys: Keep an eye out for the playful monkeys that call Batu Caves home. These mischievous creatures add a lively charm to the place. Just be cautious and keep your belongings secure – they're known for their curious antics!

✨ Attend a Cultural Event: Depending on the time of your visit, you might be fortunate enough to attend a cultural event or festival at Batu Caves. The lively dances, traditional music, and vibrant costumes showcase the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia.

🍛 Savor Local Delicacies: After your adventure, treat yourself to some delicious local food. Whether it's a hearty plate of Nasi Lemak, crispy Roti Canai, or a refreshing glass of Teh Tarik, indulge your taste buds in the diverse flavors of Malaysian cuisine.

🛍️ Shop at the Batu Caves Night Market: If you're visiting in the evening, don't miss the bustling night market. Stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, and local crafts line the streets, creating a lively atmosphere.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement the Batu Cave’s experience:

• Kuala Lumpur Bird Park: a tropical paradise where colorful feathers and melodious chirps fill the air. Just a short drive away, this avian haven lets you immerse yourself in the vibrant world of over 3,000 birds from 200 different species. Wander through giant aviaries, marvel at exotic birds in flight, and even have the chance to feed them.

• Sunway Lagoon Theme Park: For an exhilarating contrast to the serene ambiance of Batu Caves, head to the nearby Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. Just a short drive away, this sprawling entertainment complex offers a plethora of exciting rides, water slides, and wildlife encounters. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or traveling with family, the heart-pounding adventures here provide a delightful counterpoint to the contemplative atmosphere of Batu Caves.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-3: Cultural Exploration in Kuala Lumpur

• Day 1: Batu Caves Visit, Spiritual Marvel, Ramayana Cave

• Day 2: Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, Bukit Bintang

• Day 3: Malacca Sultanate Museum, Jonker Street, A Famosa Fort

✔️ Day 4-6: Nature and Adventure

• Day 4: Kuala Selangor Nature Walk, Fireflies Boat Tour, Seafood Riverside

• Day 5: Genting Theme Park, Skyway Cable Car, Chin Swee Temple

• Day 6: Langkawi Sky Bridge, Underwater World, Pantai Cenang Beach

✔️ Day 7-9: Island Retreats

• Day 7: Tioman Snorkeling, Rainforest Hike, Relax on Beaches

• Day 8: Perhentian Snorkeling, Sandy Beaches, Beachfront Bars

• Day 9: Redang Diving, Marine Exploration, Long Beach Relaxation

Recent Review - We made our own way to this attraction which is free to enter. We paid approx £3.50 in a grab to get there from center of KL. it’s about 30mins from KL beautiful colours and caves. Also you can pay extra (approx 88p) to go in art gallery which was worth it. There are a lot of steps (we found easy but we are fit people) but you can make your way up them leisurely. There are lots of pigeons and monkeys. Generally monkeys don’t bother you unless get too close or have food. So don’t take any food with you.

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Staying out of trouble 101..

⚖️ Embrace Local Laws Just because your laptop is in a different timezone doesn’t mean you’re exempt from local laws. So, put down that hacky-sack and familiarize yourself with the legal dos and don'ts, unless you want to be the star of a very unfortunate travel documentary.

📖 Visa Wizardry Unless you have a magic wand, sorting out visas is a necessity. Don’t think you can pull off the “invisible tourist” act. Immigration officers have seen every trick in the book, and yours probably involves fewer rabbits and more questionable intentions.

💸 Tax Tales Ah, taxes, the universal truth. Even in the digital nomad realm, they haunt you like a clingy ex. Don’t dodge the taxman; he has a longer reach than your Wi-Fi signal.

🙏 Respect Local Cultures Yes, Instagram filters make everything look enchanting, but real life isn’t filtered. Respect local customs, dress codes, and etiquettes. Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean you get a free pass to offend people, unless your goal is to collect enemies around the globe.

🙅 Avoid Public Rants Yes, the temptation to vent on social media is strong, but resist. Publicly bashing a country's policies might win you some likes, but it can also win you an extended stay at the local immigration office. Be smart, be respectful, and save the rants for your private journal (with a sturdy lock).

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. 9 Year Old Girl Found Who Went Missing, Suspect Is In Custody..

2. Assassins Creed Watch Gameplay Walkthrough For Newest Installment.

3. Powerball Jackpot Hits $1.2 Billion And is Up For Grabs.

4. Tupac’s Murder Suspect Gets Arrested In Latest Released Video.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country Attracts the

Most Number of Digital Nomads In the World

- - E - - C -

Last week’s answer to:
This Place is one of the best places to see aurora borealis - Norway.

• Due to its location within the auroral oval, minimal light pollution, and stable weather conditions, Norway offers spectacular Northern Lights displays.

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