This Exclusive Bali Club Refused to Admit Locals. It Didn’t End Well.
This Exclusive Bali Club Refused to Admit Locals. It Didn’t End Well.
stanciuc/iStock Editorial
https://www.fodors.com/world/asia/indonesia/places/bali/experiences/news/bali-bans-dutch-expats-after-exclusive-run-club-accused-of-excluding-indonesians
Two Dutch men were barred from entering the country after discriminating against locals.
The Indonesian island of Bali has become a haven for content creators and digital nomads. However, locals have grown increasingly frustrated with the attention the island has received in recent years. Now, another incident has shown why many say their concerns are justified.
Entourage Bali, a social community that organized events across the island, promised to “bring together travellers, nomads, and expats through well-curated experiences.” There were two problems with this: The organizers were not authorized to host events without permits, and they allegedly systematically refused to accept locals into the community. Following complaints, immigration authorities banned the two Dutch nationals behind the organization, and the community has since ceased operations.
Among other activities, the group organized “silent disco runs,” ticketed events featuring music played from the back of a vehicle to runners wearing headphones. One event in May showed a sea of people—with Indonesians not visibly present in the crowd—running through the streets of Bali wearing brightly colored headphones. The 5:30 a.m. run quickly went viral on the island, prompting locals to request access to the community. However, they were reportedly denied.
Recent social media posts showed leaked chats between locals and organizers. Locals alleged they were refused access to the community, while expats and tourists were accepted. In one instance, an Indonesian woman shared that her request to join was still under review while her German husband was accepted. A common denominator, according to the posts, was that applicants were asked whether they were from Bali or Indonesia, and answering yes resulted in an instant rejection.
In one of the leaked chats, the organizer asked whether the individual was Indonesian. After they confirmed they were, the organizer allegedly told them that was the reason they were not accepted. “Because it’s an automatic system. And we are a platform for digital nomads.”
The allegations sparked an uproar across the island. Residents and politicians alike criticized the idea of locals being excluded by foreigners in their own country. One comment on a video of the runners said, “In their own country, they loudly proclaim that foreigners must adapt to the local culture, norms, and values. Yet the moment they cross a border themselves, they behave exactly the way they criticize in others.”
Since the allegations went viral, the club has ceased all activities and apologized in a social media post. The statement explained that some events were open to everyone, while others had participation requirements, such as women-only walks. It also said the run club was inclusive of everyone and that the July run included nearly 25% Indonesian participants. The organizers acknowledged that bias existed in their automated approval process and that some numbers registered in Indonesia were “incorrectly rejected.”
Authorities have since taken action. The immigration department has banned the two Dutch men who ran the club from the country. JAS, 35, and HQV, 37, left Indonesia for Singapore before authorities announced the ban and will not be permitted to return.
Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said in a statement that the Dutch nationals violated Indonesian law by organizing events without permits and that “there should not be a state within a state.” He added, “Foreign nationals cannot create their own rules or exclusivity within Indonesia’s jurisdiction.”
Indonesian Sen. Ni Luh Djelantik, who has frequently spoken out against unruly foreign visitors, also addressed the controversy on Instagram. She said Bali is welcoming, but visitors should not disrespect the island. “One of the organizers has contacted me with an apology letter, but my decision remains the same: when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Therefore, I will instruct them to return to Indonesia and take responsibility for their actions.”
Foreign visitors have developed a poor reputation on the holiday island in recent years. Some have been accused of disrespecting local culture, breaking the law, or overstaying their visas. Bali has stepped up efforts to deport tourists and expats, with immigration authorities deporting 342 foreign nationals during the first six months of this year. Officials have also made it clear that travelers on tourist visas are not permitted to engage in commercial activities, placing increased scrutiny on content creators.
Australia advises its citizens to obtain the correct visa before visiting Bali. “It’s illegal to work, conduct research, volunteer, or post online content for revenue, payment, sponsorship or other commercial purposes on a tourist visa.” It also warns that authorities may consider it a breach of visa conditions if travelers create commercial content, even if it is published after they leave the country.
Turns Out, United Has Been on a Wild Hunt for a Major Merger
United Airlines
https://www.fodors.com/news/news/united-tried-to-merge-with-another-big-airline-last-year
United CEO Scott Kirby floated the idea to merge with American Airlines this year, but he approached another airline giant.
United Airlines made headlines earlier this year when CEO Scott Kirby floated the idea of a merger with American Airlines. The marriage of the two largest airlines would have reshaped the aviation industry, but American did not take the bait. Now, thanks to the reporting of The Washington Post, we know that before Kirby approached American, he made a call to Delta CEO Ed Bastian to discuss a possible merger.
Delta’s leadership discussed the merits of the deal after United’s proposal, but the talks did not progress, and the companies eventually moved on. Together, Delta and United generated more than 90% of industry profits. Along with American and Southwest, they make up the big four of the aviation industry in the U.S. A merger between two of them would have impacted consumers, and a deal like this would have faced intense scrutiny from regulators and antitrust enforcers.
There were no news reports about this possible deal last year, but United’s Kirby also attempted a mega-merger with American Airlines, which played out in public.
Earlier this year, Kirby pitched an idea to President Donald Trump to merge United and American. He argued that this would create strong competition for global airlines. After much speculation, American Airlines responded in April with a public denial: they were not interested.
“American Airlines is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with United Airlines,” a statement said at the time. “While changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary, a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers, and therefore inconsistent with our understanding of the Administration’s philosophy toward the industry and principles of antitrust law. Our focus will remain on executing on our strategic objectives and positioning American to win for the long term.”
American Airlines is trying to catch up with its rivals. Currently, Delta leads in profits; it earned $5 billion more than American last year, while United made $3 billion more.
Kirby, who has a “big, bold vision,” explained in a later statement that the merger could have received regulatory approval but needed a willing partner. Mergers are usually about struggling airlines, but the United CEO wants to “usher in a brand new era of leadership by U.S. aviation.”
In May, he also said that the airline is not interested in acquiring JetBlue, which is smaller. In his words, it would be “idiotic” and “definitely not the plan.”
But even if the airlines agreed, such a merger would face hurdles from regulators. Two big airlines joining forces would likely reduce competition and raise prices, negatively affecting the marketplace and risking the creation of a monopoly.
In 2024, a federal judge blocked a JetBlue-Spirit merger, ruling that it would be harmful to customers and arguing that if Spirit Airlines were eliminated, other airlines would not have the incentive to match the ultra-low prices it offered. In the end, Spirit Airlines collapsed this year after it failed to secure a bailout deal from the Trump administration. The airline had been in trouble for years, but jet fuel prices driven by the U.S.-Iran war sealed its fate.
The Most Underrated Beaches in New Jersey
AUDREY SCRIPP/iStock
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-jersey/experiences/news/photos/the-most-underrated-beaches-in-new-jersey-10-hidden-shore-escapes
Skip the crowds and check out these off-the-beaten-path places to create a memorable vacation this summer.
New Jersey has some of the best beaches on the East Coast. From sunbathing to swimming to fishing to kayaking or simply watching the sunset, there is so much to see and do on the over 130 miles of shoreline.
Popular beaches include Asbury Park, for its culture and diversity; Point Pleasant, which draws families with young kids for their boardwalk rides, games, and snacks; and Atlantic City, which is known for its casinos and nightlife. But finding off-the-beaten-path places can make any beach day more memorable, especially when you prefer to avoid the crowds.
Here is a list of the most underrated beaches in the Garden State, including beaches located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey to New Jersey’s only clothing-optional beach.
INSIDER TIP
Most New Jersey beaches charge an entry fee for a single day, or you can purchase a seasonal badge. Parking fees may also apply. Specific questions about beach rules are typically available online.
PHOTO: JOE BENNING/DREAMSTIME
1 OF 10
Avon-by-the-Sea
WHERE: Monmouth County
In between Bradley Beach and Belmar, Avon-by-the-Sea has white, sandy beaches perfect for relaxing, swimming, or soaking up the sun. View the drawbridge from the beach. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, which is lined with Victorian lamps, benches, and pavilions, and watch the ocean waves. Go fishing or scuba diving at the Shark River Inlet, the northernmost inlet on the New Jersey Coast. When you’ve taken in enough sun, eat at The Promenade Waterfront Grill, which overlooks the ocean, or at The Columns, which has live music.
PHOTO: CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
2 OF 10
Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
WHERE: Lower Township, Cape May County
Great for fishing, watching the sunset, or a walk along the shore, Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area sits at the southern tip of New Jersey. While it doesn’t have a boardwalk or a lifeguard like traditional beaches, it offers a secluded atmosphere with wooded trails and calm waters. This protected 1,159‑acre natural habitat is made up of dunes, coastal forests, freshwater ponds, and equestrian trails. Birdwatchers will love to look for red knots, snowy egrets, and various raptors during the spring and fall. On your way home, drive 10 minutes and climb the original 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse.
PHOTO: CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
3 OF 10
Sunset Beach
WHERE: Cape May Point, Cape May County
Sunset Beach is known for its sunset views over the Delaware Bay. It’s also a great place to go fishing, shop in the local stores, or just bring a chair and relax. Beachcombers can search for smooth quartz “Cape May Diamonds” along the shoreline.
INSIDER TIP
Aside from being scenic, Sunset Beach is historic because it features the remains of the concrete ship USS Atlantus, which can be seen just offshore. They also host a nightly flag ceremony to honor American Veterans.
PHOTO: CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
4 OF 10
Poverty Beach
WHERE: Cape May County
A peaceful and less developed beach, Poverty Beach has a quiet shoreline with a relaxed vibe that locals love. There are lifeguards on duty, so go swimming or just stroll along the sand and watch the ocean. You might even spot a dolphin while you enjoy the sunset.
INSIDER TIP
Insider Tip: There are no restaurants directly on the beach, so it’s a great place to bring a picnic lunch. Or take a short drive to The Lobster House for some great seafood.
PHOTO: FAMARTIN [CC BY-SA 4.0]/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
5 OF 10
Gunnison Beach
WHERE: Sandy Hook, Monmouth County
Gunnison Beach is part of the National Park Service because it’s on federal land. If you’re comfortable hanging out in your own skin, Gunnison Beach is also the only clothing-optional beach in New Jersey. Sunbathers enjoy the relaxed vibe and eclectic crowd. To get to the beach area, there is a long walk on a flat mat from the parking lot. Lifeguards, restrooms, and showers are available. On your way home, drive a little over half a mile and stop at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest operating lighthouse in the nation.
PHOTO: RABBITTI/ISTOCK
6 OF 10
Barnegat Light Beach
WHERE: Long Beach Island, Ocean County
Barnegat Light is a quiet beach town located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island (LBI), where you can enjoy swimming, sitting in the sun, going surfing, fishing, or crabbing. Savor a bite of seafood fresh from the dock at local restaurants like Viking Fresh Off the Hook. Visit for the day; parking is free in Barnegat Light. Or stay longer by renting a room for a couple of nights at quaint bed-and-breakfasts, like The Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast.
PHOTO: MONMOUTH COUNTY PARK SYSTEM
7 OF 10
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
WHERE: Monmouth County
With 38 acres of beach access, visitors can swim, surf, kayak, canoe, fish, and/or lie in the sun at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which is part of the Monmouth County Parks System. During the summer, there is a snack bar, a shady eating area, a volleyball area, outdoor showers, and changing areas. The park also has a picnic tent available for groups of up to 50 people. Families of kids with or without disabilities will enjoy Tony’s Place, an accessible playground for kids with disabilities, located right next to the beach.
PHOTO: JAMES KIRKIKIS/SHUTTERSTOCK
8 OF 10
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
WHERE: Monmouth County
With 38 acres of beach access, visitors can swim, surf, kayak, canoe, fish, and/or lie in the sun at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which is part of the Monmouth County Parks System. During the summer, there is a snack bar, a shady eating area, a volleyball area, outdoor showers, and changing areas. The park also has a picnic tent available for groups of up to 50 people. Families of kids with or without disabilities will enjoy Tony’s Place, an accessible playground for kids with disabilities, located right next to the beach.
PHOTO: RACHEL MITCHELL
9 OF 10
Ocean Grove Beach
WHERE: Monmouth County
Ocean Grove Beach is about a mile from Asbury Park and a great place to enjoy the sand and sun in a quieter setting, with a boardwalk free of concession stands or rides. Go fishing, take a swim, or walk two blocks from the beach to downtown and view the Victorian-era houses. Check out the local restaurants, like SeaGrass Restaurant, which has fresh, sustainable cuisine. Or stop by the boutiques, like The Main Ave Collective, to pick up stylish new beachwear.
PHOTO: MATTARISTUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK
10 OF 10
Lavallette Beach
WHERE: Barnegat Peninsula, Ocean County
Lavallette Beach is a quiet beach, great for families or anyone looking to get away from the crowds. The town itself has fewer than 2,000 residents. Swim, sunbathe, or go fishing in the ocean. There are also two bayside swimming beaches, which are great if the surf is rough during high tide. The boardwalk is a little over a mile long and free of shops and restaurants. There is a shaded gazebo and boardwalk pavilions that can be rented for a fee.
INSIDER TIP
Check out the beach conditions on the live beach cam before you head out.
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