Bali’s Nusa Penida is booming in demand with tourists right now. The outlying island is fast becoming one of the most popular spots for holidaymakers visiting Bali Province, and it is working to improve services and the overall experience for tourists. New changes will help make the arrivals process smoother for everyone.
The Klungkung Regency Tourism Office confirmed that it has built a new location for checking fees and scanning tourist barcodes at Banjar Nyuh Harbor in Ped Village, Nusa Penida.
All tourists visiting Nusa Penida must pay the Tourism Retribution Tax. Once the passport tourists are issued with a QR-code voucher, it must be scanned before leaving the harbour. The Nusa Penida Tourism Retribution Tax is a different tourism tax from the Bali Tourism Tax Levy.
Leaders have said that this new arrangement is designed to provide convenience, tighten tourist supervision, and reduce clutter in the harbor area, which has long been considered chaotic and congested. The vast majority of visitors to Nusa Penida arrive at and depart from Banjar Nyuh Harbor.
Speaking to reporters, the Acting Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, Gusti Agung Gede Putra Mahajaya, explained that the old barcode scanning station for fees at Banjar Nyuh Harbor had been deemed outdated and not representative of the public image Nusa Penida wants to give to tourists.
He noted that the faults in the queuing and scanning process only occurred when it rains. Newly arrived tourists often rushed from their fast boats to shelter, making the toll verification process less than optimal.
Mahajaya explained that the Klungkung Tourism Office is currently planning to set up a dedicated place that will serve as a rest spot for tourists and as a point for checking their ticket codes.
The planned location is in the parking lot west of the Banjar Nyuh Harbor area, which is currently used by vehicles picking up tourists.
The team will also improve communication for tourists on arrival, so everyone is clear where they should go once they disembark their boat. Some arrivals will have already paid their fees at Sanur Harbour before their crossing, while others choose to pay on arrival.
Moving forward, tourists will be directed to the new rest and ticket checking area before continuing on to their destinations across Nusa Penida. Mahajaya “If there’s a more representative location, guests won’t be checked on the street or around the port as they are now.”
Mahajaya noted this arrangement is also expected to reduce congestion around the port, especially during peak visitor times. It is also hoped that supervision of levies will be more effective, thereby further reducing potential ‘leakage’ of Regional Original Revenue (PAD).
Earlier this month, the Regent of Klungkung, Made Satria, called on government agencies to work together to streamline the arrivals and departure process for tourists visiting Nusa Penida.
Mahajaya’s updates show that officials have responded promptly to the regency leader’s requests. Regent Satria told reporters, “No single OPD can work alone. Tourism, transportation agencies, Satpol PP, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) must work together.”
In fact, he specifically requested that tourists be directed to a checkpoint before leaving the port area. With this system, he hopes to prevent any more tourists from slipping through without paying the fee. “So, guests are not allowed to go anywhere else; they are all directed to the checkpoint.”
Big changes are being made all around for tourists traveling to Nusa Penida. Earlier this week, Jasindo Travel Insurance announced that it has partnered with Sanur Harbor to create a safer travel experience for all.
As of this week, Jasindo Insurance, in collaboration with PT Mitra Kasih Perkasa (MKP), will ensure the safety and comfort of maritime travelers in Bali. Insurance premiums are now available starting from IDR 17,500 per person with travel protection for 1 x 24 hours and coverage value of up to IDR 250 million, and can be arranged at Sanur Port prior to boat travel.
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