Bali is taking bold steps to reshape its tourism industry, shifting its focus toward quality rather than quantity. This move comes in response to various incidents involving unruly foreign tourists, prompting local authorities to seek stricter regulations. One of the proposed measures is the introduction of a daily tax in Bali for international visitors, similar to the policy enforced in Bhutan.
Currently, Bali already requires foreign tourists to pay an entry tax upon arrival. Based on Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2023, the levy, introduced on February 14, 2024, mandates each international visitor to pay IDR 150,000. However, officials believe more needs to be done to ensure the island’s tourism remains sustainable and benefits the local community.
Read also: Attention! Foreign Tourists Who Haven’t Paid the Levy Are Banned from Entering Bali
Taking inspiration from Bhutan, Bali is considering implementing a daily tourism tax. Bhutan has enforced such a policy since September 2022, requiring visitors to pay USD 100 per day, or around IDR 1.6 million, under the Sustainable Development Fee. In 2024, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced that the fee would increase to USD 200 (approximately IDR 3.2 million) per day starting in 2027.
Puspa Negara, head of the Bali Marginal Tourism Sector Alliance, supports this approach, emphasizing the need to filter tourists more selectively. “It’s time for Bali to shift towards high-quality tourism by improving destinations and human resources. This initiative can be supported by government policies,” he stated.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster previously backed the idea in 2023, viewing it as a way to regulate the annual influx of visitors. With the island struggling to cope with overtourism, stricter controls are seen as a necessary step to preserve its cultural and environmental integrity.
The concept of a controlled tourism model for Bali has been discussed by several high-profile figures. Former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno has previously explored similar strategies. Meanwhile, Bali Senator Ni Luh Djelantik has recently urged Indonesian leaders to adopt Bhutan’s tightly regulated and sustainable tourism approach to protect the island’s future.
