bali introduces tourist tax to preserve cultural integrity
Visitors to Bali are now subject to a special tourism tax, the first for any province in Indonesia. Travelers must pay this charge before arriving in Bali, which applies each time they exit and re-enter the province.
The initial suggestion for a tourism levy of US$30 to US$100 per international traveler was made last April, revisiting a similar, unsuccessful proposition from 2019. However, this amount was considered excessive, leading to a reduction to a more reasonable 150,000 Indonesian rupiah per visitor, which is approximately US$10, €9, or AU$15.
The tax was implemented by the island's previous governor, I Wayan Koster, and is intended to support environmental preservation and cultural heritage initiatives in Bali. The need for such funding is particularly acute given the island's struggle with increasing plastic waste pollution on its beaches and in the sea, a problem exacerbated by the growing number of tourists.
How to Pay Bali Tourism Levy
Fee payment is available on the Love Bali website (https://lovebali.baliprov.dev/), the official government tourism site.
Required information for payment: Name, passport number, email address, and date of arrival.
Receive a voucher via email, which is scannable at specific arrival checkpoints.
Payment options: Indonesian rupiah or card.
Payment counters located at five designated spots in Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and other entry points.
Love Bali and the New Tax
The Love Bali initiative is part of a broader Comprehensive Development Plan to maintain the integrity and balance of Bali's nature, culture, and people. Bali is renowned globally as "The Last Paradise," "The Island of Thousand Temples," and "The Paradise Island," showcasing its status as a center of world civilization.
Regional regulations underpin the Love Bali movement. These include the Levy for International Tourists, dedicated to protecting Balinese culture and natural environment, and the Bali Governor Regulation, which outlines the procedures for international tourists to pay this levy.
The levy imposed on international tourists is a strategic step towards preserving and revitalizing Balinese nature and culture. It also focuses on conservation efforts. This initiative aims to enhance tourist services, security, and comfort and improve land, sea, and air infrastructure.
"Efforts and innovations will continue to be made for the maintenance, culture and the natural environment in Bali. There will also continue to be an improvement in the quality of services," Bali's provincial government said.
Bali is not alone in tackling the challenges of overtourism through entry fees. For instance, starting this spring, Venice will introduce a €5 (US$6 and AU$8) charge for day visitors to enter its historic canalside center. This measure is part of a system designed to regulate the number of tourists. The plan will initially be trialed for 30 days and will not apply to commuters, students, or tourists staying overnight in the city.