Bali Tourists Warned Of Extra Queue Times Arriving At Nusa Penida

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Nusa Penida is one of the most in-demand destinations in Southeast Asia right now. Here at The Bali Sun, we have seen interest in Bali’s outlying islands soar over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why.

Home to some of the world’s most stunning coastal viewpoints, it really is an unmissable destination. 

However, as demand for travel in Nusa Penida soars, signs of the island’s infrastructure are starting to show signs of pressure. Over the weekend, as Indonesia celebrated Eid al-Fitr, Nusa Penida saw an increase in visitors.

Nusa Penida is only accessible by fast boat from Bali, and all tourists must pay a Tourism Levy upon arrival. The Nusa Penida Tourism Levy is different from the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, which costs IDR 150,000 and is mandatory for all international tourists visiting the province. 

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Over the weekend, due to the increased volume of arrivals in Nusa Penida’s Buyuk Port, queues mounted up as tourists waited to pay their fees and start their explorations of the island. The system has now been digitalised, which was hoped to help keep the process seamless and speedy for tourists, but over the weekend, the system stalled tourists from following their itineraries.

The issue was still causing problems on Monday as Nusa Penida is a year-round destination that welcomes thousands of visitors every day of the week.

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One Bali local visiting Nusa Penida told reporters on Monday, 23rd March, “Not only are there traffic jams, but there’s also a delay in paying fees. Officers are confused, drivers are confused, and tourists are confused.”

Kadek Sumartawan noted that the situation at the port was confusing for everyone and was made worse by limited internet connectivity and a lack of understanding of the new system.

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Responding to the situation, the Acting Head of the Klungkung Regency Tourism Office, I Gusti Agung Gede Putra Mahajaya, acknowledged that the implementation of the new cashless system is still in the adjustment stage.

He told reporters, “We have conducted outreach with various organizations, including the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Klungkung, the Klungkung Regional Tourism Promotion Agency (BPPD), and fast boat operators. However, in this initial stage, there are certainly still shortcomings, including the internet network and the change from a manual system to a cashless system.”

Mahajaya explained that one of the main causes of queues is that tourists who only pay their visit fees upon arrival in Nusa Penida. However, if payment is made before departure to Nusa Penida, the process at the port only involves inspection.

He suggested to tourists, ”If you buy in advance, you’ll only be checked at the port. There won’t be any queues.” There are hopes that the new system can be integrated into the fast boat ticket purchasing system, though this may be some time off yet, as each fast boat provider uses a different payment system. 

Many tourists visiting Nusa Penida have been concerned that the visitor fee, often referred to as an entry fee or tourism taxi levy, is a scam. It is, in fact, a non-negotiable for all tourists visiting the island, including domestic holidaymakers.

The fee is IDR 25,000 per adult and IDR 15,000 per child, and must be paid at the fast-boat harbors, either Buyuk Port or Nyuh Harbour. Tourists can also make the fee prior to arriving on Nusa Penida, including at Sanur Harbor and Padangbai Port.

For those who do not want to get caught in queues on the Nusa Penida side, it is advisable to pay the fee prior to departure. Be sure to keep the ticket and receipt as proof of payment, and tourists are regularly spot checked to ensure they have made their payment. 

Many of Nusa Penida’s top attractions also require an entry fee for tourists. While card payments are becoming an increasingly available option across Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, it is highly advisable to take cash out before traveling to the islands. Top attractions like Diamond Beach and Kelinking Beach have a small IDR 25-30,000 charge that is easier paid in cash.