① Introduction of Tourist Tax in Bali
Bali, Indonesia, is a world-renowned vacation destination. From January to November of last year, the island attracted 4.8 million tourists. People from many countries visit to enjoy their holidays.
The allure of a Bali vacation is immense. Emerald beaches, pristine white sands, affordable prices, local cuisine, breathtaking sunsets, and luxurious resorts are more than enough to captivate the hearts of travelers. However, with millions of tourists visiting, the consequent issues are of serious concern.
With the increase in tourists, the Bali provincial government has announced the introduction of a tourism contribution fee. The authorities have stated that the tax collected from foreign tourists will be used to protect the island’s environment and improve infrastructure. The tourism contribution fee does not apply to Indonesians.
The tourism contribution fee is set at 150,000 rupiah, which is about $9.7 per person in US dollars. This fee is charged once during your trip to Bali. If you leave and re-enter the country, you must pay again. While you can pay the tourism contribution fee upon arrival at the airport, paying it online in advance is recommended due to potential congestion.
You can pay with a credit card on the website (lovebali.baliprov.go.id) or via the app “Love Bali.” Upon payment of the tourism contribution fee, you will receive a QR code via email as proof of payment.
After arriving in Bali, you need to present this QR code.
Diplomats, official passport holders, flight crew, long-term visas, golden visas, and student visa holders are exempt from the tourist tax. If you fail to pay the tourism contribution fee, you can face administrative sanctions from the Indonesian Tourism Agency and Immigration Office.
② The Tax was Considered for Several Years
Bali authorities declared in 2019 that they had been considering imposing a tax. The plan was to raise funds to address environmental pollution and cultural heritage damage caused by the influx of millions of tourists. The surge in tourists has led Bali to face serious environmental pollution issues.
In 2019, around 3,800 tons of garbage was produced daily on Bali Island, with only 60% landfilled. Indonesia is the second-largest marine polluter in the world after China. Over 200,000 tons of garbage flow into the sea each year. During the rainy season, the amount of beach litter increases even more.
The authorities have banned plastic products to reduce garbage and address environmental pollution. However, disposable items are still being used in Bali. Some have expressed concerns that introducing the tourist tax could reduce the number of tourists. However, Wayan Koster, the governor of Bali, stated, “If we use the tourist tax for Bali’s culture and environment, we can build better infrastructure,” and “it will help attract tourists.”
③ Increase in Incidents and Accidents with More Tourists
The surge in tourists visiting Bali is causing more problems than just about garbage. Infrastructure is lacking, and the behavior of some tourists is causing headaches. The authorities have even had to deport dozens of tourists for disrupting public order.
In Bali, an etiquette guide for tourists was introduced last June. Foreign tourists arriving at the airport receive a guide on “12 duties and 8 prohibitions for foreigners.” The guide advises avoiding wearing skimpy clothes and asks to wear traditional clothing when entering temples. It emphasizes not to visit sacred spaces within temples and not to touch statues of religious significance.
The guide also advises wearing appropriate clothing in public places. Moreover, the guide contains common-sense content that anyone can understand.
In Bali, incidents and accidents involving foreign tourists are unending. Recently, a Russian tourist was banned from entering the country after taking a commemorative photo with his pants down on Mount Agung. A Russian woman was deported for taking nude photos in a 700-year-old Banyan tree at the Babakan Temple.
A German tourist stripped and interrupted a traditional ceremony at a Bali temple. A foreign tourist who posted a photo of himself meditating naked in a temple also caused controversy. An Australian tourist who rode a motorcycle without a helmet caused a disturbance when caught by the police. The police even arrested a Korean tourist on suspicion of damaging Hindu offerings.
As these incidents and accidents continue, Bali police have deployed three units to supervise foreign tourists specifically. With the increase in problems caused by foreign tourists, the governor of Bali has urged them to maintain decorum.
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