Bali is a dream destination. But the ‘Island of the Gods’ also makes headlines with lines of cars and motorcycles, and mountains of rubbish littering the beaches and rivers. After the great void during the corona pandemic, mass tourism has overwhelmed Bali again. In order to better manage this in the future and finance the protection of the unique nature and culture, the government will impose a tourist tax that every foreigner will have to pay upon entering the country.
Now there is also a date: it starts on Valentine’s Day – February 14, 2024. But the compensation causes discussions – and raises questions.
150,000 Indonesian rupees (about nine euros) are due, in addition to the 500,000 rupees (30 euros) for a 30-day visa. The ‘tourist tax’ applies to everyone without exception, including children. Anyone who makes a detour to neighboring islands such as the popular Gili Islands, Lombok or Java will have to pay again on the return journey to Bali. However, this does not apply to short trips to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan, as these three islands belong to the province of Bali.
Endless waiting times at the airport?
However, many are already concerned about possible endless wait times when entering Ngurah Rai Airport. During peak hours, a lot of valuable vacation time is lost just to get a visa at the immigration counters. So now there are two snakes threatening? Those responsible are well aware of the problem. “Given that more than 15,000 travelers can arrive at Bali Airport every day, it is important that the process is fast and efficient,” said the announcement a few days ago.
Twenty officials will be deputed to collect money, also with a credit card. According to the head of the local tourism department, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the process should not take more than 23 seconds per person. It is not yet clear whether it will be possible to pay in advance online in the future.
Look for alternatives
While the costs are certainly affordable for solo travelers, many families with children are likely to soon look for cheaper vacation spots in Southeast Asia, according to comments online. “Some regular visitors to Bali are already considering alternative destinations such as Thailand, where visas on arrival remain free,” wrote Travel Weekly Asia magazine.
Indonesia enthusiasts who use Bali as a base to explore the island state also incur high costs: many enter the country via Bali, travel to Lombok for a few days and then – after further stops in Bali – travel to see the Komodo dragons. the Lesser Sunda Islands, the orangutans in Sumatra and the Borobodur Temple in Java. For such island hopping you now have to pay 150,000 rupees at each stop in Bali.
Compensation against traffic chaos and mountains of waste
However, it is important for the authorities to better counter the negative effects of mass tourism in the future – and for this to happen, new money needs to come into the coffers. “Tourism has of course made a positive contribution to Bali itself and also to Indonesia at a national level, but on the other hand it also has serious negative consequences,” emphasizes island governor Wayan Koster. The growing traffic chaos and the lack of waste processing are the biggest concerns.
The name Bali still conjures up visions of lush green rice terraces, picturesque temples and beautiful beaches such as Dreamland or Nusa Dua. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get there. Even the journey from the airport to the holiday hotspots takes hours during peak times. The images of completely clogged streets circulating on social networks seem more unpleasant than heavenly.
The railway should connect tourist destinations with the airport
Construction of an underground light rail transit system could help defuse the chaos. Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan announced a few days ago that such a railway line would connect the airport to tourist destinations such as Canggu and Seminyak in the future. According to the plans, the system could be active as early as 2025/2026. Then it is high time: according to estimates, the influx of holidaymakers will increase enormously in the coming years. The tourist tax is urgently needed “to protect the glorious Balinese culture and nature,” Governor Koster emphasized.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
