Coronavirus in Lombok, is it safe to travel to Bali / Lombok, Indonesia?
If you’re currently in Indonesia or have an upcoming holiday planned to Bali or Lombok, you’re no doubt wondering if it is safe to travel into the country or can you even enter into the country in the first place? For this reason, we have created this page to help you keep up to date with the latest news on Coronavirus in Lombok and the Gili Islands including the situation in Bali since many tourists are more than likely to stop by in Bali before/after their Lombok holiday.
How many COVID-19 cases were recorded in Bali/Lombok?
LATEST UPDATE (25 Aug 2020): Bali counted 63 new positive cases yesterday, raising the cumulative total to 4,576. Total recoveries reached 4,007 (+54) and deaths were at 52 (+4 from our last update). While there are new cases in Bali, it was reported that new cases are under control, recovery rate is increasing and fidelity rate is improving. Lombok and The Gili Islands remained unchanged with no recorded cases.
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July 2020, Indonesia is at Level 3 risk-level assessment. There are less than 10 known cases of COVID-19 in Lombok and The Gili Islands have recorded no cases thus far. On the other hand, Bali has recorded 3157 confirmed cases and 48 deaths (sourced from Bali Covid19 update page). The local authorities have been and are still enforcing very strict measures to prevent spread. Social distancing is still required on the island. People are asked to avoid crowds where possible.
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What are the current visa applications / restrictions in Bali for international tourists?
Currently, the Indonesian government has suspended all Visas On Arrival until further notice. This means that only those with official long-stay visas (e.g KITAS & KITAP) granted from overseas embassies will be allowed entry, and all arrivals must present health certificates from relevant authorities and a negative PCR test. It’s best to contact your nearest Indonesian Embassy prior to arrival. Furthermore, any foreign travellers who have visited the following countries in the last 14 days may be denied entry: Iran, Italy, Vatican, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Should your passport or travel history indicate that you’ve travelled to the countries above in the last 14 days, you may be refused entry to Indonesia.
When will the domestic and international borders reopen?
LATEST UPDATE (25 Aug 2020): Unfortunately, since the announcement in July, the Government of Indonesia has decided to continue apply policies that forbids its citizens going abroad and Governor Wayan Koster announced that Bali will not open for international tourism until at least the end of 2020. Related to when international tourism will be reopened, is highly dependant on the assessment of both domestic and international situations.
Since the opening in July 2020, domestic tourists entering Bali has increased 100%, reaching around 2,300 – 2,500 domestic arrivals per day. The Bali provincial government will optimise efforts continue bring in domestic tourist to Bali to help recover Bali’s tourism and economy sector with careful preparation and examination of every arrival.
Tourist can travel to Lombok and the Gili Islands however please note that fast boats with direct routes between Bali, Lombok, Lembongan/Pendia and the Gili Islands are not operating at the moment.
- Blue Water Express – not operating until further notice
- Freebird Express – not operating until further notice
- Gili Getaway – not operating until further notice
- Gili Gili Fast Boat – not operating until further notice
- Scoot Cruises – not operating until further notice
To find out when the fast boats will be operating again, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Gilibookingscom
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As of 9 July, Indonesia has lifted domestic travel restrictions within the country, however is not expected to reopen to international tourism until September depending on the COVID-19 situation. Lombok International Airport in Central Lombok and Lembar Port in West Lombok, remain operational, although with drastically reduced flights coming in and going out. Foreigners entry is temporarily not permitted (exceptions apply to diplomat, medical helpers or holders of a long-term residence permit). Residents coming home to Lombok are asked to enter a 14 days self-isolation and quarantine.
Bali itself has announced a 3-phase reopening plan with suggestions that international tourists could be welcomed back into the region including Lombok as early as September 11th 2020. Shops and restaurants are now open for business so that people could obtain daily supplies. And the good news is the Gili Islands are now open for domestic tourism and the first fast boat services have resumed as of July 13th! Blue Water Express has announced a twice a week run from Bali Serangan direct to Lombok Bangsal, Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.
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Are Lombok and the Gili Islands Safe To Travel?
The task force, together with the health agency, are disinfecting a number of main public spaces in Lombok and the Gili Islands. Health officials are constantly performing mandatory checks at Bangsal Port in Lombok and continue to test the temperature of passengers aboard before they were allowed to enter Lombok and the Gili Islands. This mandatory check is part of the country’s effort to fight the coronavirus epidemic and has so far seemed to help prevent the virus from spreading significantly to the area.
Those travelling into Lombok and the Gili Islands will be required to show a Covid-19 health certificate or rapid test result. They will also have to wear a mask. Strict health protocols will be carried out by hotels, restaurants or other tourism businesses including villas like Malimbu Cliff Villa. To protect your health and safety, our team has introduced a new enhanced cleaning protocol. (Read more about our enhanced cleaning protocol for your peace of mind)
Is Malimbu Cliff Villa Lombok accepting bookings?
Yes! We are open for business and accepting bookings. Special advance booking rates and a few Lombok holiday packages have been created with flexible cancellation policies to support your travel plans during this pandemic / uncertain times. Special local rates available to support domestic tourism too. Please contact our villa manager Jun on +62 819 1710 4413 or email us direct: admin@malimbucliffvilla.com for more information.