This editorial was send out to our email group on New Year’s Eve.
Happy New Year 2026
Well, that was quite a hectic year, with many highs and lows along the way. Sometimes it seemed like the entire rule book had been rewritten, but here we are, we made it to the end of another year.
We saw more people than ever settling on Bali shores this year, which brought more challengers – environmental, cultural and spatial, but we also saw some better roads being built around the southern tourist areas. We should be grateful for that. More settlers brought more of everything, and it was everwhere. Let’s face it, south Bali is now huge, and the crowd is getting bigger by the day.
People have always liked to complain about the Canggu traffic, but I would like to point out, it is now the same everywhere, all over the island. You need to know when to move and when to stay put. It’s that simple. There have been many improvements made over the past year, but we defintely need more over the next. Namely, clean the storm water drains and build some more connecting roads. The traffic is not going to get any better until there are new roads. I think we can all agree on that.
Meanwhile, no matter what bad press, or stress, comes along, Bali still remains one of the better places on the planet to visit and to live. Remember, you are always lucky to be here, no matter what happens. Enjoy!
According to the news, there won’t be any fireworks this year, which have been banned in solidarity with the recent Sumatra flood victims, and not just because they are so downright annoying. Let’s see if that holds true. Not sure exactly how impressive the beach will be this year because of that ban, but let’s see.
I would like to thank you all, clients and readers, for all the support over the past year. It is much appreciated. And excuse any errors or failings along the way, I’m sure we didn’t mean it, if there was any. Btw, if you haven’t downloaded our latest addition, The Beat App (IOS Only), please click here.
Click the image above to find out what’s happening around town over this New Year’s Eve.
Happy New Year to you all from The Beat crew!
Photos Above: New Year’s Eve started with a couple of Bintangs on Kuta Beach. Later we moved to a small dive bar on a Kuta lane and watched the world go by. While we enjoyed more beers and food, people were streaming past on the way to see the fireworks on the beach. It was a great start to an all round fun and long night out and about.
Have a good weekend you all!
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Highlights in the Bali nightlife this week? There are always plenty of parties and shows on around the island…. Bali never ceases to amaze! Check out all the events, both featured and regular, on thebeatbali.com/bali-events.