East Bali Shines at the 2025 Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Awards
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism recently hosted the 2025 Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Awards in Jakarta, a prestigious event celebrating excellence and innovation in the country’s tourism sector. Bali, known worldwide for its rich culture and stunning landscapes, was prominently recognized among the winners, with East Bali’s standout destinations earning significant accolades.
Celebrating Sustainable and Quality Tourism
The awards ceremony was led by Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, who highlighted the importance of sustainable growth in tourism during her keynote speech. “The Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Awards reflect our shared journey. We want to ensure that Indonesian tourism grows in the right direction, strongly and sustainably,” she said.
This past year marked a milestone for Indonesian tourism, with international visitor numbers reaching 12.76 million by October 2025. Domestic travel statistics were equally impressive, with nearly one billion trips recorded—a remarkable 18% rise compared to 2024. “Indonesian tourism has won more than 150 international awards in the past year,” Minister Wardhana added, underscoring the country’s growing global recognition.
East Bali’s Karangasem Regency Takes Center Stage
Among the highlights from Bali’s eastern region, Karangasem Regency stole the spotlight with multiple award-winning attractions. Notably, the Samsara Living Museum secured second place in the Best National Tourist Attractions category, narrowly missing out on first place to Treasure Bay Bintan in the Riau Islands.
Samsara Living Museum is celebrated for its immersive cultural experiences, focusing on Balinese traditions and history. The museum offers visitors the chance to engage deeply with Hindu beliefs, particularly the concept of Samsara—the cycle of life, death, and rebirth—through interactive exhibits and guided storytelling by local wisdom keepers.
Describing the museum’s philosophy, the team explains, “Samsara Museum is a living museum. A warm and open space that will guide visitors to enjoy and experience the beauty, wealth, and cultural values inherited from our ancestors, presented through love and joy.”
Rich Cultural Experiences and Activities
Following its award success, Samsara Living Museum is expected to attract even more tourists to East Bali. The timing of the recognition is fitting, as many of the museum’s activities can be enjoyed indoors or under shelter—ideal during the rainy season.
Visitors can participate in traditional Arak making, a crafting process for Balinese palm liquor, complemented by culinary classes that showcase local flavors. Dance lessons are also offered, providing an engaging way to learn about Balinese culture, where every movement tells a story.
Dukuh Penaban Tourism Village Also Recognized
Another jewel from Karangasem, Dukuh Penaban Tourism Village, was also honored at the awards. This emerging tourism village offers visitors an authentic and tranquil experience, distinct from the more crowded and well-known destinations like Penglipuran Village in Bangli.
Dukuh Penaban stands out as an ideal spot for travelers seeking a quiet and genuine immersion into Balinese village life, cultural traditions, and warm community hospitality.
Commitment to Excellence in Tourism
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa emphasized the awards’ role in encouraging continual improvements in service quality, event standards, and destination governance. “Hopefully, this event will be the beginning of more collaboration and concrete efforts to realise superior, inclusive, high-quality and sustainable Indonesian tourism,” she remarked.
Additional Awards and Recognition
Beyond the cultural sites, other categories celebrated at the Wonderful Indonesia Awards showcased Indonesia’s diverse tourism strengths. Notably, Bali’s GWK Cultural Park earned the award for Best National Clean Bathrooms, reflecting the focus on hygiene and visitor comfort across national attractions.
Looking Ahead
The success of East Bali in the 2025 Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Awards highlights the region’s emerging status as a cultural and environmental tourism hub. With its blend of heritage, community, and sustainability, Karangasem Regency is poised to attract a growing number of visitors seeking a meaningful and enriching travel experience in Indonesia.
As the country continues to recover and expand its tourism industry, the awards serve both as recognition and motivation to maintain high standards and promote Indonesia’s unique and diverse destinations to the world.
Add a comment