Bali Could Implement Pay Per Destination Fees For Tourists 

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Tourism entry fees to destinations like Kintamani and Nusa Penida have been a hot topic of conversation in Bali this week.

This is because these kinds of entry fees come on top of existing tourism taxes and fees that visitors are expected to pay to have access to Bali’s most idyllic regions. There are, however, growing concerns that these kinds of scenes could deter future tourists from visiting.

While there are concerns that these fees could deter tourists from visiting Bali as a whole, and subsequently the destinations where these fees are being charged, there is also talk of introducing these kinds of regional entry fees more widely.

Inda Trimafo Yudha, Chairperson of the Indonesian Recreational Park Business Association (PUTRI) Bali, has spoken to reporters about her concerns that the fees implemented in Kintamani and Nusa Penida could trigger a trend of “crowd-based levies” at various destinations, which could ultimately backfire on Bali’s tourism image.

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Yudha noted that these kinds of levies are essentially the right of local governments, but that there has to be a clear legal basis for implementing them and for ensuring that new versions of these policies do not violate existing regulations.

Yudha cautioned local governments that their implementation should not burden tourists or tourism businesses, especially if the levies are imposed at multiple points within a single destination.

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Yudha shares, “If all destinations implement levies, jealousy could arise. It would be like everyone is collecting fees.” She also wants greater clarity on what constitutes a visit.

She noted that some, such as tour package providers, bicycle tour operators, and other tourism activity operators, often have little choice but to pay fees, as they must pass through certain areas to operate the tourism activities they sell to tourists, even if those destinations are not part of the tour experience. 

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The tourism expert also noted that tourists already do more than their fair share in contributing to destinations financially, both directly and indirectly, whether through the mandatory Bali Tourism Tax Levy, taxes taken from their hotel and accommodation, stays, or payments to local guides, drivers, and service providers.

She shares, “Tourists come to eat at restaurants, stay at hotels, use transportation, and engage in other activities. This has an economic impact on the local community.”

For context, the fee to enter the Kintamani Special Tourism Area is IDR 50,000 for International adults and IDR 25,000 for domestic tourists.

The entry fee to Nusa Penida is IDR 25,000 per adult and IDR 15,000 per child. Yudha has also been clear that tourist must see evidence of decent amenities and infrastructure for their contribution, no matter how big or small. 

She shared, “Don’t let fees be collected if the roads are damaged, dirty, or the facilities are inadequate. That could create a negative image and discourage tourists from coming.”

She’s also called on local governments to think more strategically about ways to generate revenue to improve infrastructure, support local communities, and level up tourist experiences, including working with businesses on Corporate Social Responsibility programs. 

Yudha said, “Don’t let fees be collected if the roads are damaged, dirty, or the facilities are inadequate. That could create a negative image and discourage tourists from coming.”

She concluded that any new destination-level levies would not be problematic as long as they have a clear legal basis, are not burdensome, are transparent, and are actually used to improve facilities and maintain the sustainability of tourist destinations. Otherwise, the policy has the potential to damage Bali’s tourism image and reduce tourist interest, which is the Bali tourism sector’s worst fear.