Australians flying to a dream holiday in Bali face being trapped in their hotels for two weeks as the local government imposes strict rules to combat the coronavirus.
All tourists are now being forced to self-isolate on the island, leaving hundreds of holidaymakers either forced to stay indoors or lose thousands of dollars if they cancel.
In a desperate bid to stop the COVID-19 spreading, the Indonesian government has also banned mass gatherings, dancing, yoga and schools have been closed.
The Governor of Bali announced that schools and universities across the area will also be closed, sending the island into lockdown.
Empty chairs line Kuta Beach on March 12 as tourism in Bali plummets due to the coronavirus, with tourists forced to self-isolate on arrival on the island (pictured)
Australia has also introduced a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for people arriving from overseas.
This means Australians who choose to still go on their holiday in Bali would be forced to spend a total of four weeks in quarantine.
One woman told Daily Mail Australia that when she went to Sydney Airport on Monday, the check-in desk was empty – with no Australians opting to take her flight.
She had been due to fly to Bali, but decided to cancel at the last minute after hearing of the self-isolation policy.
‘Jetstar staff told me that if I flew to Bali, I’d have to self-isolate,’ she explained.
People are seen using a face mask to prevent coronavirus at Sultan Syarif Kasim II airport in Pekanbaru, Indonesia (pictured)
Indonesia have shut the idyllic Gili Islands (pictured) for travellers coming from Bali for two weeks
‘All the other Aussies had cancelled, there was no one there.
‘And then my accommodation in Bali cancelled on me at the last minute. I was scared that I’d get there and be stranded.
‘It just wasn’t worth it, so I left the airport and went home.’
Jetstar are now offering credit vouchers to customers who have flights booked but would prefer not to travel.
There were no cases of coronavirus on the Gili Islands, but the Indonesian government has now restricted access to prevent the virus’ spread.
Under normal circumstances, 3,000 tourists visit the Gili Islands every day.
Those already on the island will be allowed to stay for the duration of their booking.
Only 73 people have been tested for coronavirus in Bali and just 1,138 across Indonesia, but there are thought to be thousands of unconfirmed cases.
All test samples taken in Bali must be sent to Jakarta to be examined with screening equipment.
On Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged Australians to reconsider any non-essential travel amid coronavirus fears.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to reconsider any non-essential travel amid coronavirus fears
Chinese tourists wearing facemasks as a preventative measure as they arrive in Bali
‘We now advise all Australians to reconsider your need to travel overseas at this time, regardless of your destination, age or health – if your travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time,’ he said.
‘This is done to protect their health and to limit their exposure, given we have so many countries now that are affected by the coronavirus.
‘Given the spread of the coronavirus to so many countries now, across Europe, including to the UK, the United States, and throughout the world, I think this is a very common-sense measure to put in place at this point.’
A travel ban has been put in place for mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy.
Scott Morrison urged Australians to cancel all non-essential travel on Friday
On Facebook, Australians have slammed holidaymakers who have travelled to Bali regardless of the travel advice and restrictions.
‘If you’re silly enough to fly out now….please don’t come back,’ one person wrote.
‘You would have to be such a selfish person right now to travel purely for your own happiness. What happens if you spread it to them or you bring it back. Have fun champ,’ another commented.
‘Only the naive,’ someone else wrote.
‘Postponed.. the right and responsible thing to do,’ another commented.