Nusa Penida Entry Fee Non-Negotiable Following Tourist Altercation

Visitors to Bali’s picturesque Nusa Penida Island are being reminded of the mandatory entry fee policy after a recent incident involving two tourists making headlines. The altercation, which unfolded at Banjar Nyuh Harbor— the primary entry point for tourists—has highlighted the importance of understanding and adhering to local regulations.

Incident Overview

Earlier this week, two tourists were recorded arguing with tourism officials over the IDR 25,000 entry fee that is required for all visitors. The Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, Ni Made Sulistiawati, addressed the situation during a press briefing, explaining that the tourists, identified as Russian nationals, initially attempted to bypass the fee.

Sulistiawati confirmed that the tourism officer on duty appropriately explained the official fee structure, but the tourists remained hesitant to comply, leading to a verbal dispute. The situation escalated to the point where several local drivers and even police and military personnel were called to intervene and clarify the necessity of the fee.

Context of the Entry Fee

The entry fee of IDR 25,000 is backed by local government regulations, specifically Klungkung Regional Regulation Number 5 of 2018, which pertains to recreation and sports places retribution. This policy has been established for several years, including the period before the pandemic, but remains a point of contention for some tourists who are either unfamiliar with the local laws or suspicious of on-the-spot payment requests.

Sulistiawati noted that while this is not the first instance of such disputes at Banjar Nyuh Harbor, it is generally rare for tourists to refuse payment once they have received an adequate explanation from officials. The tourism office hopes to mitigate these issues by ensuring all officers are easily identifiable in official uniforms, complete with name tags.

Ensuring Visitor Understanding

In her remarks, Sulistiawati emphasized the importance of officers maintaining a calm demeanor when faced with challenges. She instructed staff at the levy collection post and various other locations around the island to interact thoughtfully with tourists, aiming to diffuse potential conflicts rather than escalate them.

Additionally, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the tourist experience, the Klungkung Regency Tourism Office is considering a new payment system to facilitate smoother entrance procedures, although no specific changes have been implemented yet.

Distinction Between Fees

It is vital for visitors to note that the Nusa Penida Entry Fee is separate from the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, which charges international tourists IDR 150,000 per visit. Payment for the Bali Tourism Tax can be processed through the LoveBali app or website, with tourists required to retain their QR-code voucher for verification.

Moreover, there is also a Nusa Penida Retribution Tax applicable to activities like diving and snorkeling within the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area, charged at IDR 100,000. However, this fee is often bundled into the overall pricing of tour packages offered by local operators.

Conclusion

Travelers heading to Nusa Penida are encouraged to understand and respect the established entry fees to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. By adhering to these regulations, tourists can help support local tourism and contribute positively to the economic welfare of the island community.