What’s Been Happenining in Bali in Feb 2021?
The short and simple answer is not that much. We had Chinese New Year which is typically something of a modest celebration but this year thanks to the pandemic there was nothing, not even one firework went off.
To quote Shakespeare it is a Winter of discontent. Bali right now is in its Wet Season, referred to as Winter. It’s still warm but very cloudy and raining frequently. The weather is somewhat cooler than normal.
There is a strong feeling of discontentment among the locals. When people are making money everyone is happy and want to be your friend. Now and for some time no one is making money thanks to the pandemic. Tourism is no existent, Bali is looking like a wasteland. Businesses are closed, signed are placed on the outside saying, ‘for rent’ or ‘for lease’. No new tenants are moving in. The tourist economy is completely gone. The official response, ignore underreport and coverup the true impact of the pandemic.
Then we have the long stay digital nomads who live here. They are being scorned upon by the locals because they can still make money, spend money and live rather well. How dare they!!! A great deal of jealously has been directed at them in Feb. They are being accused of working illegally, not paying tax, not socially distancing or wearing masks. Reality is most Balinese and Indonesians are not wearing masks or socially distancing. As for working, they are working on their laptops and can do so anywhere in the world not just Bali.
The locals should be thanking these long stay visitors, that’s right thank them. These long stay visitors are renting accommodation, buying food, perhaps eating out. They are still injecting money into the community. My suggestion is simple, if the locals are going to give you a hard time get on a plane and head of to Thailand or Vietnam where you will be welcome with open arms. What you do on your laptop is your business and the money you earn can be taxed in your country where your bank account is. Don’t give one cent to greedy corrupt politicians who will only spend the money on a sport car or swimming pool. When this pandemic is over, should you be a local and need to make some coin rent out your hole or pole and set some goals.