Tourists Can Now Pay Bali Tourism Tax Levy At More Payment Points
Bali, Indonesia — April 24, 2025 — In an effort to streamline the payment process for the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, officials have expanded the number of payment locations around the island. This move follows significant challenges encountered in the first year of the tax’s implementation, particularly concerning compliance from international visitors.
The Bali Tourism Tax Levy, set at IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10), was introduced in February 2024 with the intention of enhancing cultural preservation, ecological conservation, and infrastructure development across the island. However, data from its inaugural year revealed that only 35% of tourists had complied with this mandatory payment.
Current Payment Issues and Solutions
Bali’s tourism leaders have noted that a major barrier to compliance has been the limited payment channels available, compounded by tourists’ busy schedules upon arrival and departure. While payment can be made through the LoveBali website and app, as well as at designated booths in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, many tourists remain unaware of these options. Moreover, airport payment systems may become inconvenient when travelers are preoccupied with flight preparations.
In response to these challenges, officials have identified several popular tourist attractions as new payment points for the tax, including celebrated sites like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple. These locations will feature payment booths staffed by officers from the Bali Tourism Office, especially during peak tourist days.
Expanding Payment Accessibility
The Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, has announced the installation of 20 new payment points and electronic ticketing systems across various attractions in Buleleng, Bali’s northernmost regency. He explained that this digitalization aims to simplify the payment process, catering to the preferences of international tourists who often favor cashless transactions.
“Tourists will be able to pay for both the tourism tax levy and their entry fees seamlessly, thus providing real-time data on tax collections,” Askara stated. Additionally, plans are in place to pilot an e-ticketing project for tour packages such as dolphin watching experiences from Lovina Beach.
Allocation and Future Plans
The IDR 318 billion (around USD 19.2 million) generated from the tourism tax is intended to fund initiatives that protect Bali’s cultural heritage, nurture its natural environment, and enhance infrastructure for both residents and visitors. Despite these goals, the Bali Provincial Government recently faced a budget deficit linked to the tourism tax’s first year, prompting officials to expedite communication efforts regarding the tax to ensure better awareness among international arrivals.
Governor Wayan Koster previously reported that the initial distribution of the tax funds had been sent directly to local village governments, allowing for localized spending in line with the intended conservation efforts. However, the specific budget breakdown for tax expenditures remains publicly undisclosed, leading to community concerns about fiscal transparency and accountability.
Looking Ahead
As Bali continues to adjust its tourism strategies, officials are optimistic that increased accessibility to payment points, alongside greater digital integration, will significantly bolster compliance rates. The provincial government is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders, especially the Balinese community, can benefit from tourism revenue, ultimately supporting the sustainable development of this premier tourist destination.
For tourists planning to visit Bali, it is now easier than ever to fulfill their tax obligations and contribute to the ongoing preservation of the island’s unique cultural and natural landscape.
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