Billy Bagus
Jul 11, 2025
A bold new tourism initiative is poised to reshape the travel experience in Bali by steering visitors away from the crowded southern resorts and toward the island’s lesser-explored frontiers. The newly launched 3B’s Tour—connecting North Bali, West Bali, and Banyuwangi in East Java—promises to unlock a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and off-the-beaten-path adventures for travelers seeking something fresh and authentic.
This government-backed program is part of a broader movement to rebalance tourism flow and improve infrastructure links across Indonesia’s top destinations.
Breaking the South Bali Bubble
For years, the lion’s share of international tourism has been concentrated in Badung Regency, home to Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. While these hotspots remain popular, the surge in foot traffic has prompted the government to push for more sustainable tourism distribution. The 3B’s Tour is designed as a strategic remedy, spotlighting the vast and diverse beauty of North and West Bali, along with Banyuwangi’s rising status as a nature-based tourism hub.
North and West Bali: Nature Untamed
Tourists joining the 3B’s journey will discover the raw charm of Buleleng and Jembrana Regencies, areas often overlooked in traditional Bali itineraries. These regions offer a refreshing contrast to the polished beach clubs of the south.
In North Bali, visitors can expect serene dolphin encounters at Lovina Beach, ethereal misty mornings over Munduk’s waterfalls, and the mirror-like surface of Twin Lakes—Buyan and Tamblingan—perfect for introspective escapes. Meanwhile, West Bali National Park serves up untouched wilderness, home to rare birds, native deer, and pristine coral reefs.
Jembrana also acts as a gateway to Java, and its scenic roads, surf-friendly beaches, and warm community culture make it a region ready for discovery.
Banyuwangi: Java’s Natural Powerhouse
Across the Bali Strait, Banyuwangi offers an entirely different kind of adventure. East Java’s easternmost regency has fast become a rising star in Indonesia’s eco-tourism map. The showstopper here is Mount Ijen, the iconic volcano famed for its mesmerizing blue fire and sulfur crater lake—a surreal landscape that feels lifted from science fiction.
Banyuwangi also boasts lush coffee plantations, cultural villages, and black sand beaches, offering a rich, well-rounded destination that complements the Bali experience.
Improved Access: Seamless Inter-Island Travel
In support of the 3B’s Tour, infrastructure is being upgraded to create a smoother flow between destinations. Most notable is a new fast boat service connecting Gilimanuk (West Bali) and Banyuwangi, slashing travel time to just 15 minutes. This development not only enhances convenience for travelers but also strengthens economic links and regional mobility.
The new package is also expected to stimulate regional income (PAD) and boost the profile of emerging destinations, drawing interest from both domestic and international travelers eager to escape the crowds and embrace the unexplored.
The 3B’s Tour is more than just a travel package—it’s a blueprint for decentralized, sustainable tourism in Indonesia. By leveraging the unique strengths of each region, the initiative aims to revitalize lesser-known areas, relieve congestion in overburdened zones, and deliver a richer, more balanced travel experience.
As tourism trends continue to favor authenticity and sustainability, this multi-region adventure may well become Bali’s most exciting travel innovation in years—an open invitation for curious explorers to go beyond the usual and into the extraordinary.
