Tourists Flock, Handara Gate Suddenly a Must-Visit Spot in Bali

Amidst the green mountain expanse of Buleleng, stands a majestic gate. Handara Gate, with its traditional Balinese silhouette and surrounding green landscape, has become one of the most beloved tourist icons for international visitors in North Bali. 

More than just a photo spot, this place has become a new kind of ritual for travelers wanting to capture the essence of Bali in a single frame.

"If we observe, most visitors to Handara Gate during high season come from Asian regions, like China. Meanwhile, during low season, it's visitors from India, like right now," said Putu Ngurah Putra Sudarmaya, Staff Member of the Buleleng Tourism Office Marketing Division, to Antara. 

This surge aligns with data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recording growth in tourist visits from India and China during January-October 2025.

According to Putu, tourists' interest in capturing moments at this location is so high that many prepare special outfits. 

They willingly queue for five to ten minutes to get the perfect photo under the iconic gate structure. 

"Some tourists bring their own photographers, others use local photographer services costing Rp20 thousand per session," he stated.

A Gateway to North Bali's Serene Scenery

Handara Gate is located on the Singaraja-Denpasar Main Road, Sukasada District. Surrounded by lush trees and cool mountain air, the atmosphere here is vastly different from the bustle of South Bali. 

This atmosphere makes tourists, especially from Asia, feel they have discovered a quieter, more authentic side of Bali.

Putu emphasized this tranquility is a major draw for tourists. 

"Tourists generally prefer Buleleng's more peaceful ambiance compared to the tourist-heavy areas in South Bali," he said.

Handara Gate's popularity skyrocketed after the COVID-19 pandemic when photos and videos of a Russian tourist at the location went viral. 

"Especially with the Asian habit – if there's one good photo that goes viral, everyone immediately wants to go there," said Putu.

The digital world has turned this gate into a new visual icon for North Bali, a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and captivating natural landscape. 

Its beauty not only delights the eye but also sparks the curiosity of global tourists.

Handara Gate can be visited anytime. However, for photography enthusiasts, the best time for natural light is morning or sunset. The entrance fee remains pocket-friendly.

Surge in Asian Tourists Bolsters North Bali

The trend of Asian tourist visits further strengthens Handara Gate's position as a North Bali tourism icon. BPS recorded 603,654 visits from Indian tourists, a 3.25% increase compared to 2024. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists reached 1,135,556 visits, a 10.15% rise from the previous year.

These figures provide a clear picture: North Bali is no longer just a complementary travel destination but is increasingly becoming a primary destination for tourists seeking a calmer atmosphere with unforgettable visual experiences.