The AI Revolution is happening right before our eyes.
The travel sector is quickly adapting to keep up with AI advances, and in Bali, leaders are hopeful that the technology can help promote new destinations, grow local businesses, and support tourists with their travel needs.
In December 2025, the Indonesian national tourism board, Wonderful Indonesia, launched its very own AI technology to help tourists learn more about traveling all across the archipelago.
The platform, named Meticulous Artificial Intelligence of Indonesia, or MaiA, was set to help thousands of tourists plan more meaningful vacations across the country. Powered by Google’s Gemini, the service was designed to provide adaptive, intelligent, and tourist-focused technology to both domestic and international tourists.
The launch of the technology will go down as one of the biggest achievements of Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, during her time in office.
As MaiA is being used by thousands of travelers every month, on a more local level, the Klungkung Regency Government is calling on AI technologies to encourage innovation to strengthen the promotion of regional tourism potential.
Klungkung Regency spans over South East Bali, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, which are amongst Bali’s most in demand tourist destinations.
Leaders from Klungkung Regency are looking at using both virtual reality (VR) and AI technology to develop a series of virtual tours of tourist destinations in the region.
The scope of the project was discussed this week by the Regent of Klungkung, Made Satria, who was accompanied by Klungkung Regional Secretary Anak Agung Gede Lesmana, as they met with VR and AI service providers in the Klungkung Regent’s Meeting Room.
Regent Satria told reporters, “Tourism promotion must adapt to technological developments. With AI-based virtual tours, prospective tourists can get a realistic picture before visiting in person.”
He emphasized that Klungkung has enormous potential, from the Nusa Penida region to the cultural richness of the regency on the main island of Bali. Through investing in this kind of innovation, Regent Satria hopes that Klungkung Regency’s top tourism destinations can reach a wider market.
The Regional Secretary Anak Agung Gede Lesmana said that the integration of VR and AI technology will also help the government map regional potential more comprehensively.
He noted that a digital approach is deemed capable of opening up promotional opportunities that have not yet been harnessed. In turn, this would help create great economic benefits for local businesses and local communities.
Here at The Bali Sun, we wanted to put to the test how AI technology can aid tourists planning trips to Bali in practical ways. We asked Wonderful Indonesia’s MaiA travel assistant chatbot, “Where do you recommend visiting in Klungkung Regency in Bali?”
The travel assistant answered, “Klungkung Regency is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty! Whether you’re looking for iconic coastal views or a deep dive into Balinese heritage, here are some of the top spots I recommend.”
MaiA went on to highlight top destinations like Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Kertha Gosa Park in Semarapura, the Goa Lawah Temple (aka the Bat Cave), as well as Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
These are certainly some unmissable spots, but here at The Bali Sun, we’d point holidaymakers towards some more off-path destinations in Klungkung Regency.
We highly recommend the Goa Giri Putri Temple on Nusa Penida for a really authentic cultural experience.
Sticking in Nusa Penida, while we love Kelingking Beach in the peak season, it can feel pretty crowded. We’d far rather visit the viewpoint known as Atuh King, and even sneak a photo at the famous Tree House.
In terms of places to stay, in Nusa Penida, our top picks include The Angkal Resort, or for unspoiled oceanfront views, Pramana Natura.
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