The military tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are causing international tourists to alter their travel plans, shifting from traditional destinations like Bangkok and Siem Reap to Bali, Indonesia's renowned resort island.

According to the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA), tourist arrivals in Bali have risen 10-15% in recent days, as travelers seek safer destinations amid the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands and resulted in dozens of casualties.

Tourists walk on the beach in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia, earlier this month. Photo: EPA

Tourists walk on the beach in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia, earlier this month. Photo: EPA

"Bali is considered a safe destination, so many tourists have chosen the island instead of continuing their journey to Thailand," said I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, vice chairman of IHRA in Bali.

Perry Markus, secretary general of IHRA, believes tourists will choose places where they feel comfortable, and sees this as an opportunity for Bali to extend the average stay of international visitors.

Bali is currently in peak season, but there are still rooms available. With over 160,000 hotel rooms, the occupancy rate is currently around 70-80%.

However, Balinese officials have also cautioned against complacency. "It's not a given that a crisis elsewhere will automatically lead tourists to Indonesia," said Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Tourism Association.

Bali has recently faced challenges with a rise in crimes involving foreigners. The government is tightening controls on long-term visitors and illegal accommodations to prevent the island from becoming a hub for international crime. Tourists are also advised to exercise caution when participating in adventurous activities following a series of accidents.

Tourists walk along a beach in Bali on 1/7. Photo: EPA

Tourists walk along a beach in Bali on 1/7. Photo: EPA

In addition, Bali is also warning of a potential rabies outbreak this summer in several areas popular with international tourists, including south Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Tanjung Benoa, after a number of stray dogs tested positive for the rabies virus.

Since the beginning of July, authorities have launched a large-scale vaccination campaign for dogs. "The number of dog bites is still low, with only one or two cases reported in each village, but the concern is the dense vegetation that provides a breeding ground for stray dogs," said Anak Agung Istri Brahmi Witari, acting head of the veterinary division at the Badung Agriculture and Food Security Agency.

The Bali Health Agency advises tourists visiting the island to be cautious, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched.

In the first half of 2025, Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport welcomed 11.4 million passengers, a slight increase compared to the same period last year.

Anh Minh (SCMP)