East Bali Shines at 2025 Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Awards
Jakarta, December 9, 2025 — East Bali has emerged as a major winner at the much-anticipated 2025 Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Awards, an event hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism. The awards ceremony, led by Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, took place in Jakarta and highlighted significant achievements across the nation’s vibrant tourism sector.
Celebrating Growth and Excellence in Indonesian Tourism
Minister Wardhana emphasized the importance of sustainable and strategic growth in tourism during her opening remarks. “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 stated.
This year has been monumental for Indonesia’s travel industry. Data released ahead of the event revealed that international tourist visits nationwide soared to 12.76 million by the end of October 2025. Domestic travel also broke records with nearly one billion — specifically 997,905,719 — trips, marking an 18% increase compared to 2024. Highlighting the global recognition Indonesia’s tourism has garnered, Minister Wardhana added, “In the past year, Indonesian tourism has won more than 150 international awards. This is proof that our tourism is increasingly valued and relevant in the eyes of the world.”
Awards Highlight Diverse Tourism Excellence
The Wonderful Indonesia Awards honor achievements across multiple categories, including Best National Tourism Village, Best National Tourist Attraction, Best Sustainable Hotel, and uniquely, Best National Clean Bathrooms.
Bali’s own GWK Cultural Park took home the award for Best National Clean Bathrooms, underscoring the island’s commitment to maintaining high standards for visitors.
Karangasem Regency’s Exceptional Wins
Karangasem Regency in East Bali was a standout region at this year’s awards, celebrating two major recognitions. The Samsara Living Museum earned second place in the Best National Tourist Attractions category, just behind Treasure Bay Bintan from the Riau Islands. This accolade cements the museum’s status as a destination of both national and international importance.
The Samsara Living Museum is renowned for its immersive cultural experiences, allowing visitors a deeper understanding of Balinese traditions and ancient history. The museum’s name draws from “Samsara,” a Hindu belief prevalent in Bali that represents the cycle of life, marked by ceremonies and rituals leading toward spiritual perfection.
Describing its essence, the museum states, “Samsara Museum is a living museum. A warm and open space that will guide any visitors to enjoy and experience the beauty, wealth, and celebrate the cultural values inherited from our ancestors and present them through love and joy.”
Visitors to the museum can partake in various cultural workshops and activities — many suitable during Bali’s rainy season. Highlights include traditional Arak making (Balinese palm liquor), cooking classes, and Balinese dance lessons, each offering a unique window into the island’s rich heritage.
In addition, Dukuh Penaban Tourism Village, also in Karangasem Regency, was acknowledged for its emerging tourism profile. Though less frequented than well-known destinations like Penglipuran Village in Bangli, Dukuh Penaban offers an authentic and peaceful village experience, appealing to travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path cultural immersion.
A Vision for the Future of Indonesian Tourism
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, spoke with optimism about the awards’ impact, saying, “Through the Wonderful Indonesia Awards, we want to encourage improvements in service standards, event quality, 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.”
With tourism continuing to flourish and receive international acclaim, East Bali’s cultural treasures are well positioned to attract more visitors, boosting local economies and preserving heritage for years to come.
For travelers interested in exploring East Bali’s award-winning destinations, now is an excellent time to visit and experience the region’s vibrant culture and natural beauty firsthand.
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