The iconic board game Monopoly has officially launched its special Bali edition in Ubud Village, Gianyar Regency. This unique version highlights sustainable tourism and the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Players are invited to explore some of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations through the game, while also being educated on the importance of preserving the island’s environment, nature, and culture.
“The Bali edition of Monopoly is tailored to reflect the essence of Bali’s tourism, which is deeply rooted in nature and culture,” said Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy of Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, on Tuesday (May 13).
Promoting Tourism Destinations
One of the game’s educational features includes a requirement for players to pay IDR 100 billion for temple restoration when drawing a “community chest” card. In another instance, players may be asked to participate in a beach-cleaning activity when receiving a “chance” card.
Developing the list of featured locations for this special edition took approximately 1.5 years. The Ministry of Tourism saw this as an opportunity to promote a wider range of destinations across the island, addressing the issue of overtourism in certain areas. Although Bali attracts many visitors, tourist traffic remains concentrated in the southern part of the island.
“We advised the developers to include destinations not only in the south, but also in the north, west, and east of Bali. Our goal is to encourage travelers to explore more diverse parts of the island,” Ayu explained.
Featured stops on the board include iconic sites such as the Ayung River, Tirta Empul, Tirta Gangga, Mount Batur, Subak Jatiluwih, and various beach clubs. The game also highlights Balinese culinary favorites like nasi goreng and ayam betutu.
Ayu emphasized that the Indonesian government did not incur any costs in this collaboration. Both the government and the game company mutually benefit from this partnership.
For the government, it’s a form of free global promotion. With Monopoly’s wide appeal across age groups—from children to adults—the game introduces players to the island’s nature, culture, and principles of sustainable tourism from an early age.
“This game puts Bali top of mind. The more people play, the more familiar they become with places like the Ayung River or the Subak system. Whether they’re kids or adults, players will remember these names—and possibly be inspired to visit,” she said.
For the game company, the collaboration is expected to drive sales and provide economic gain. Ayu hopes the Monopoly Bali edition will also lead to an increase in tourist visits to the island.
The launch of the Bali edition was celebrated with a performance of the traditional Kecak dance in Ubud, Gianyar, on Friday (May 9, 2025), showcasing the island’s cultural richness, local cuisine, and stunning destinations to an international audience.
Sources: Kumparan, Antara
Feat Image: via AntaraNews/Fikri Yusuf