Bali tops European summer travel searches amid crackdown on unruly foreigners

New data from Agoda shows strong European demand for Indonesian holidays even as Bali steps up efforts to rein in rule-breaking tourists

Bali has been the most searched Asian destination for European tourists this summer, according to a new report from travel platform Agoda, helping Indonesia rank second in the region even as its most popular island steps up its crackdown on misbehaving foreigners and visa violations.

The report was based on accommodation search data collected for dates spanning July to August, the peak of the European summer holiday season.

“Asia remains the main choice for summer vacations for Europeans,” Gede Gunawan, senior country director of Agoda for Indonesia, told local newspaper The Bali Sun. “And Indonesia continues to be a destination in demand thanks to its rich culture, nature, and hospitality.”

Thailand topped the list overall, with Indonesia ranking second, while Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam rounded out Agoda’s top five destinations in Asia for European travellers.

British tourists led the way in planning trips to Asia, followed by travellers from France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, according to Agoda’s data. Among those specifically eyeing Indonesia, French holidaymakers showed the strongest interest.

Within Indonesia, Bali remains by far the biggest draw for Europeans, topping Agoda’s list of most searched resort destinations. Bangkok and Thailand’s Koh Samui ranked second and third, respectively. The data also pointed to rising interest in other Indonesian destinations, including Lombok and the capital, Jakarta.

The surge in interest comes as Indonesia moves to simplify its visa system and tighten enforcement. Last week, immigration chief Yuldi Yusman announced the consolidation of several visa categories to close loopholes and prevent misuse by foreigners engaging in unauthorised activities.

The tougher enforcement follows a sharp rise in immigration violations, which jumped by more than 36 per cent from January to April compared to the same period last year, according to government data.

Bali has long struggled with a small but persistent minority of badly behaved foreign visitors, whose antics have ranged from public nudity at sacred sites to traffic violations and disrespect for local customs. Authorities have repeatedly warned that such incidents risk damaging the island’s image and its vital tourism industry.

In March, the Bali government issued a circular outlining stricter guidelines for tourists, including 13 obligations and eight prohibitions such as bans on entering temple inner sanctums, swearing in public and failing to use licensed guides. A special task force and Bali’s Civil Service Police have been authorised to monitor compliance, impose fines and initiate legal proceedings for violators.

In April, Bali officials vowed to show “no mercy” towards tourists who behave badly after a highly publicised incident involving a 27-year-old American who threw furniture, tore down curtains and frightened patients at a local clinic. The tourist was later deported.

“We deeply regret and strongly condemn the actions of the tourist who disrupted a protected public space and endangered the safety of others,” Bali Governor Wayan Koster said.

Authorities on the island are also pursuing a crackdown on illegal property development. In recent weeks, officials have moved to enforce demolition orders against 45 unauthorised structures built along Uluwatu’s Bingin Beach – a popular coastal area known for its scenic cliffs and surfing spots.

The campaign has drawn concern from some local residents, who fear the demolitions could hurt small businesses and undermine livelihoods.

“There are 34 people who are local residents who make a living to survive and they have children, grandchildren, and also need to eat,” said Nyoman Musadi, who represents many of the affected stallholders and traditional construction owners, according to The Bali Sun.

Located on the Bukit Peninsula, Bingin Beach has in recent years grown into one of Bali’s most visited holiday destinations, drawing surfers and sunseekers from around the world.

Indonesia welcomed a record 13.9 million foreign visitors in 2024, with officials projecting as many as 16 million arrivals this year. Tourism now contributes roughly 5.5 per cent of the country’s GDP and supports nearly 14 million jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.