Bali starts collecting tourist tax

Indonesia Bali authorities announced they will start collecting a 150,000 rupiah tax from tourists to preserve their culture.

The tourist tax for visitors to Bali will be implemented from February 14 and must be paid through the online payment portal “Love Bali”. The tax is 150,000 rupiah ($10) per visitor for a single visit to Bali and is only applicable to visitors from abroad or other regions in Indonesia.

"This tax is aimed at protecting Bali's culture and environment," Bali's acting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya said during the tourism tax announcement on February 12.

Bali relies on the millions of foreign tourists who visit the island each year for revenue. Indonesian government figures show nearly 4.8 million tourists visited the island between January and November 2023, after Bali recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Japanese tourists make health declarations at the airport in Bali, Indonesia, in February 2022. Photo: AFP

The popular tourist destination in Indonesia has also been cracking down on misbehaving tourists, following a series of incidents of disrespect towards the predominantly Hindu island’s culture. In recent years, Bali has seen a number of foreign tourists taking nude photos at sacred sites and using flashbulbs on the streets.

Last year, the Bali government had to issue a handbook of information about what is and is not allowed for tourists wanting to visit the island.

Some requirements for tourists when coming to Bali include respecting the sacredness and sanctity of temples and religious symbols, as well as dressing modestly and politely, especially when visiting holy sites in this country.

Tourists are not allowed to behave in a way that offends religious sites and symbols. This includes climbing on sacred sites and wearing inappropriate clothing when taking photos. Tourists are also not allowed to litter rivers, lakes, or public places, and are not allowed to climb trees considered sacred in Bali, among other strict requirements.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, The Bali Sun )

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