New Entry Fees Introduced at Off Path Bali Tourist Attractions

Buleleng Regency, Bali – The pristine landscapes and lesser-known attractions of Buleleng Regency are set to become more accessible to tourists with the introduction of new entry fees. With the aim of enhancing tourism infrastructure and services, the local government is implementing these fees as part of a broader initiative to bolster tourism revenues.

Overview of Buleleng Regency

Buleleng Regency, located in the northwestern part of Bali, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. It is home to numerous off-the-beaten-path attractions that promise unique experiences for travelers looking to escape the crowds of more popular tourist destinations. With the tourism landscape evolving, local officials from the Buleleng Tourism Office have been working on designating entry fees for several of these hidden gems.

Entry Fees to Support Tourism Development

The new visitor entrance fees are part of a strategic move by the Buleleng Regency Government, which aims to increase tourism tax revenues significantly from IDR 5 billion in 2024 to IDR 7.5 billion this year. Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, emphasized that these potential fees are pending the finalization of new regional regulations. He noted, “The imposition of regional levies can only be done after being included in the Regional Regulation.”

Under the proposed system, entry fees will generally not exceed IDR 40,000 per person. Of this amount, 25% will go to the regional treasury, while the remaining 75% will be used to enhance the management and maintenance of the attractions, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for visitors.

Digital Payment System for Transparency

To streamline the collection process and enhance transparency, the Buleleng Regency Government is also shifting towards a digital payment system for ticket purchases. Twenty new card-units have been deployed across various attractions, with plans for more to come. This initiative aims to provide real-time income tracking and simplify the ticketing process for visitors, alleviating concerns about potential price discrepancies typically seen in organized tours.

“The tour package that implements e-ticketing will be a pilot project in Buleleng. This way, tourists will not have to search for overpriced tours,” Aksara explained during a recent press briefing.

Affected Attractions

Specific sites that will soon enforce these official entry fees include:

• Bangsal Gili Putih Port
• Biorock Beach in Pemuteran Village
• Several accessible waterfalls in Munduk Village, including Labuan Kebo Waterfall and Melanting Waterfall in Gobleg Village.
• Buyan Gate Lake in Pancasari Village
• Tirta Bhuana Waterfall in Pegadungan Village
• Wana Ayu Waterfall in Padangbulia Village
• Aling-Aling Waterfall in Sambangan Village
• Tembok Barak Waterfall in Sambangan Village
• Blue Lagoon in Ambengan Village, Sukasada District
• Waterfall in Umejero Village, Busungbiu District.

This strategic move to introduce entry fees is expected to enhance the overall tourism experience while also supporting the local economy.

Conclusion

As Bali continues to navigate the complexities of tourism recovery, the introduction of entry fees at Buleleng’s lesser-known attractions reflects a commitment to preserving the region’s unique offerings while simultaneously fostering economic growth through tourism. Visitors planning to explore these hidden treasures can look forward to a more organized and enhanced experience as the Buleleng Regency Government works to implement this new system in the coming months. For ongoing updates and further information, tourists are encouraged to monitor announcements from the local tourism office.