Tourism on the island came to a standstill at the beginning of the pandemic. Putu Sayoga captures the impact on a once thriving industry
The sun is slowly disappearing on Jimbaran beach. The restaurants lining the beach have started to turn on their lights, but not all of them are open. Some lie abandoned, festooned with wild plants and weeds. The beach itself is empty.
The scene is repeated in Bali’s other once popular tourist spots such as Kuta, Ubud, and Sanur. On either side of the road, shops, cafes, and restaurants are closed. Unclothed mannequins stand unused in the windows. Shelves are bare. Clubs and beach clubs are closed and unattended, lending the neighbourhood a slightly eerie air.
Closed parasols stand on a beach in Kuta.