Tourists Scammed Into Paying Entry Fees at Free Dreamland Beach in Bali
Bali, Indonesia — Widespread reports and viral videos have highlighted incidents where tourists visiting Dreamland Beach in Uluwatu were allegedly extorted into paying entry fees despite the beach being officially free of charge. Dreamland Beach, famous for its white sand and popular among surfers and sunbathers, has recently become the focus of controversy over these unauthorized charges.
Scams Targeting Visitors
Recent footage circulated online shows tourists walking from the parking area toward the beach being stopped by locals who demanded payments of IDR 10,000 each to access the shore. The group responsible had installed a bamboo pole to block the path and collected money in an old wooden box without issuing any official receipt or accepting electronic payments.
Official Statements and Clarifications
Ketut Gede Arta, Head of South Kuta Sub-District, confirmed that authorities are investigating the claims. Village officials visited the site to assess the situation but found no one collecting fees at the time. Arta urged the public to refrain from speculation while officials work to clarify the facts.
Made Sumerta, Head of Pecatu Traditional Village—who administrates the area including Dreamland Beach—asserted that no official entry fees are imposed by the local administration. Instead, a voluntary “punia” system operates solely as a donation, typically for parking and motorcycle security, not for beach access. He explained that the donations help safeguard visitors’ vehicles against theft or damage, emphasizing that there is no coercion involved.
To address security concerns and prevent such incidents, the traditional village has formally requested that Dreamland Beach be officially designated as a tourist destination by the Badung Regency Government, which would help regulate and formalize management of the area.
Advisories for Tourists
Officials advise visitors not to pay any entry fees for accessing beaches or parking areas unless presented with an official ticket or receipt. Dreamland Beach remains a popular destination known for its beauty and good surfing conditions; however, tourists are cautioned to be vigilant against unauthorized levies and to exercise care when swimming during high tide or rough surf.
Broader Implications
The situation exemplifies ongoing challenges in Bali involving opportunistic local practices where unofficial “security” personnel may harass or threaten tourists to extract payments. There is mounting concern that formalizing fees without transparency could increase such exploitative behavior at public beaches and tourist sites.
As Bali continues to attract millions of international visitors annually, efforts to ensure safe and fair tourism experiences remain a priority for both local authorities and community leaders. Tourists are encouraged to remain informed and report any suspicious activities during their stay.
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