More Digital Payment Systems to Be Introduced at Leading Bali Tourist Attractions
Bali, Indonesia — As the island continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, a significant shift towards digital payment methods is underway at major tourist sites across Bali. This move is designed to modernize payment systems, align with global trends, and enhance transparency in financial transactions linked to tourism.
Historically, many places in Bali operated on a cash-only basis, with traveler’s cheques used in high-end establishments. Over recent years, digital payments have gradually become more commonplace, but cash remained predominant in many areas. Now, authorities and tourism officials are pushing for broader adoption of electronic payment solutions, thereby catering better to the preferences of international visitors and improving accounting accuracy for tax reporting.
The Buleleng Tourism Office is spearheading efforts in the northern region of Bali to expand digital payment usage. Presently, Buleleng has only 13 e-ticketing devices in operation — an insufficient number for the 25 government-managed tourist attractions classified as tax-generating destinations. The office plans to increase the number of these devices to 40 to adequately cover all major sites.
I Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, shared that the office will apply for a grant from the Bali Regional Development Bank (BPD) through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program to acquire additional e-ticketing hardware in 2026. He explained that direct procurement attempts were hindered by system integration requirements tied to BPD and national regulations regarding local content standards.
“We tried to procure it ourselves, but because the system is connected to the Bali Regional Development Bank (BPD) and doesn’t meet the TKDN (National Level of Utilization), we couldn’t. Therefore, we submitted a grant application for 2026,” Askara said.
The region is preparing for a busy tourism season, with nearly 90% occupancy anticipated in Buleleng’s leading hotels during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Many hotels have reported full bookings, indicating strong demand for accommodations and local attractions as holidaymakers explore beyond Bali’s more frequented southern areas.
Buleleng Regency, positioned in the north and northwest of Bali, offers visitors rich natural beauty and cultural experiences. Notable destinations include Pemuteran Village, globally recognized for its community-led conservation tourism and recently awarded the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Best Tourism Village in the World. The area also encompasses Munduk, famed for pristine waterfalls and tropical rainforests. Furthermore, Buleleng is the access point to West Bali National Park, which hosts diverse wildlife such as wild deer, monitor lizards, vibrant marine life, and the critically endangered Bali Starling bird.
This digital payment initiative reflects a broader trend to modernize Indonesia’s tourism infrastructure, improve service quality, and ensure compliance with fiscal policies. While cash remains accepted, tourists are increasingly encouraged to utilize international debit or credit cards alongside carrying small amounts of cash for convenience.
As Bali embraces these technological advancements, both visitors and local businesses stand to benefit from smoother, more secure transactions that align with the evolving dynamics of global tourism. The rollout of more extensive digital payment systems is expected to accelerate in 2026, supporting Bali’s commitment to providing a world-class travel experience.
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