GIANYAR – A total of 28 finalists from four countries showcased their beauty and talent at the Grand Final of Miss Universe Asia 2025, held at Varuna Marine Safari Bali — located within the Taman Safari Bali complex — on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This marked the first time the prestigious Asian beauty pageant was held in Bali.
Bali was chosen as the host venue not only because of its international appeal but also as part of an effort to promote the island as a top global tourism destination.
According to Lentono, Director of Cocos Tour Indonesia and license holder of Miss Universe Asia Indonesia, the presence of the finalists aimed to promote Bali’s rich culture and stunning tourist destinations.
“Their visit is not only about promoting Bali’s tourism but also about introducing them to Balinese culture,” Lentono said at the venue.
In the grand final, 28 participants competed for the Miss Universe Asia 2025 crown. Lentono explained that the finalists had undergone quarantine and training sessions since April 28, which included choreography classes, Balinese dance lessons, and communication skills development.
This 25th edition of Miss Universe Asia was originally initiated by organizers in China, who specifically selected Bali as the host location for this year’s grand final due to its status as a world-renowned travel destination with breathtaking attractions.
“The organizers chose Bali because it offers stunning tourist spots and international exposure, making it an ideal venue for the grand final,” Lentono added.
The event was warmly received by the finalists, many of whom were visiting Bali for the first time. Their enthusiasm reflected the unique experience of exploring Bali’s culture, nature, and culinary scene.
“The response has been amazing. Many of the contestants had never been to Bali, so this was a completely new experience. They were truly captivated by the beauty, traditions, and food of Bali,” he said.
Initially, 30 participants were expected to join, but two had to withdraw due to illness, leaving 28 finalists representing four countries: 18 from Indonesia, 8 from China, and 2 from Russia. Among the Indonesian finalists, 5 were from Bali.
During the event, contestants also wore traditional Balinese endek fabric — a proud cultural element that was elegantly introduced to an international audience through the pageant.
Original article by Kadek Adnyana, edited by Oka Suryawan, published on balipuspanews.com