Penglipuran Village Welcomes Increased Visitors During Chinese New Year Holiday

Denpasar, Bali – Penglipuran Village, a traditional Balinese village, experienced a significant uptick in tourism during the Chinese New Year holiday on January 28, 2025. This surge in visitors is part of a broader trend highlighting Bali’s continuing economic growth and attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Economic Growth in Bali

Recent data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Bali office reveals that Bali’s economy maintained a strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, recording a year-on-year growth rate of 5.19 percent. While this figure reflects a slight decrease from the previous quarter’s growth of 5.43 percent, it still exceeds the national average growth rate of 5.02 percent, securing Bali’s position as the 10th fastest-growing province among Indonesia’s 38 regions.

For the entire year of 2024, Bali’s economy grew by 5.48 percent, significantly surpassing the national growth rate of 5.03 percent. Erwin Soeriadimadja, Head of Bank Indonesia’s Bali office, emphasized that the province’s economic resilience is a testament to its capability of navigating both global and domestic challenges.

Key Drivers of Growth

Bali’s economic expansion was largely driven by robust investments and heightened export activities. The investment sector alone saw a year-on-year growth of 4.19 percent, largely attributed to the completion of strategic infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering the region’s tourism and business climate.

Notably, the services sector saw a remarkable 17.65 percent increase in international tourist arrivals, which significantly propelled export growth. Household consumption also remained strong, buoyed by year-end holiday spending, while government expenditures received an added boost from preparations for the 2024 regional elections.

In terms of sector contributions, the accommodation, food, and beverage industry led the charge with an impressive growth rate of 10.24 percent year-on-year. The high hotel occupancy rate of 63 percent and a resurgence in international tourism played vital roles in this sector’s vigorous performance.

Additionally, the electricity and gas supply sector grew by 9.5 percent, pointing to an increased demand for energy directly linked to the booming tourism sector. The manufacturing sector also showed promising growth, expanding by 9.4 percent as a result of increased credit disbursements to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Bali prepares to embrace the first quarter of 2025, Bank Indonesia forecasts continued strong growth, further fueled by upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, the Nyepi Holiday, and Eid festivities.

To ensure that this growth remains sustainable and inclusive, the central bank has outlined several strategies focused on strengthening labor-intensive sectors, controlling inflation through enhanced supply chain efficiency, and expanding financing options for enterprises. Furthermore, accelerating digital payment adoption is seen as an essential step in modernizing Bali’s economy.

Soeriadimadja expressed optimism about Bali’s economic prospects, stating, “Through sustained collaboration with central and local governments as well as local businesses, Bank Indonesia is committed to fostering a green, resilient, and prosperous economy in Bali. We remain confident in Bali’s ability to enhance its appeal on both national and global stages.”

As Bali continues to recover and thrive post-pandemic, the island’s cultural richness and natural beauty, even in traditional villages like Penglipuran, remain pivotal in attracting visitors and elevating economic activity throughout the region.