Preserve the culture…or just profit from it? Bali’s new fee sparks debate
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Planning your next island getaway?
One popular destination has introduced a new rule that's catching some travellers off guard—and it could cost you more than just a few dollars.
Here's what you need to know before you pack your bags.
Bali made headlines earlier this year when it raked in a record-breaking $87,000 in just one day from its newly introduced Tourism Tax Levy—a move that sparked both applause and confusion among holidaymakers.
The island officially rolled out the 150,000 IDR (around $15) levy in February 2024, with a clear mission: to protect Bali’s rich cultural traditions, preserve its natural environment, and promote sustainable tourism.
Authorities promised that the funds would be funnelled into initiatives that benefit not only the island’s natural beauty but also its people and customs.
But while the island continued to enjoy an influx of international visitors—particularly Australians—not everyone had done their homework.
By the end of the policy’s first year, officials revealed that as few as 35 per cent of tourists had actually paid the mandatory fee.
With that low compliance rate in mind, Bali’s government ramped up efforts in 2025 to remind travellers to pay the levy before landing, warning that there could be consequences for those who skipped it.
‘Those who fail to pay the fee may face consequences ranging from being denied entry to attractions, fines, or even deportation,’ Bali Governor Wayan Koster said.
Despite the shaky start, the tax still brought in substantial revenue. Between January and June 2025 alone, the province collected IDR 168 billion—roughly $16 million. On one standout day, the island recorded a whopping IDR 933 million in revenue, the equivalent of about $87,000.
‘If this trend continues, the potential annual revenue is estimated to reach IDR 340 billion,’ Mr Koster shared.
That’s not a far-fetched figure, considering how popular the island remained with overseas travellers. Data from Ngurah Rai Immigration showed that 344,639 Australians visited Bali between January and March 2025—a significant portion of the total tourist traffic.
To make the process easier, the government encouraged travellers to pay the levy in advance through *Love Bali*, a section of the official Bali government website.
Tourists needed to provide their passport number and email address, with a ‘Group’ option available for families or friends travelling together. Each group member received a unique QR code after payment.
While the fee could also be paid on arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, some travellers found that option frustrating, as it added another step to an already crowded arrivals process.
Still, the message from officials remained clear: the tourism tax was not just another fee—it was an investment in the island’s future.
Mr Koster said he had been working closely with stakeholders, including the hotel sector, to ensure the money was used in ways that positively impacted local residents, the environment, and the tourism experience.
As he put it, the goal was to ‘preserve the integrity and balance of Bali’s nature, its people, and their culture’.
If you're keeping an eye on travel costs, there's more news worth noting.
While Bali introduced a new tourism tax, it also scrapped another common fee that once hit travellers' wallets on arrival.
The move offers a broader look at how the island is reshaping its approach to tourism spending.
Read more: Bali ends $50 visa-on-arrival fee—what you need to know
Losing a few dollars at the airport might not seem like a big deal—but when it comes to preserving the heart and soul of a place like Bali, every cent counts.
As the island works to balance tourism with tradition, travellers are being asked to do their part before their trip even begins.
Have you ever felt that modern travel rules are starting to take the joy out of a holiday?
One popular destination has introduced a new rule that's catching some travellers off guard—and it could cost you more than just a few dollars.
Here's what you need to know before you pack your bags.
Bali made headlines earlier this year when it raked in a record-breaking $87,000 in just one day from its newly introduced Tourism Tax Levy—a move that sparked both applause and confusion among holidaymakers.
The island officially rolled out the 150,000 IDR (around $15) levy in February 2024, with a clear mission: to protect Bali’s rich cultural traditions, preserve its natural environment, and promote sustainable tourism.
Authorities promised that the funds would be funnelled into initiatives that benefit not only the island’s natural beauty but also its people and customs.
Bali collects $87k in tourism tax. Image source: Pexels/Alex P
But while the island continued to enjoy an influx of international visitors—particularly Australians—not everyone had done their homework.
By the end of the policy’s first year, officials revealed that as few as 35 per cent of tourists had actually paid the mandatory fee.
With that low compliance rate in mind, Bali’s government ramped up efforts in 2025 to remind travellers to pay the levy before landing, warning that there could be consequences for those who skipped it.
‘Those who fail to pay the fee may face consequences ranging from being denied entry to attractions, fines, or even deportation,’ Bali Governor Wayan Koster said.
Despite the shaky start, the tax still brought in substantial revenue. Between January and June 2025 alone, the province collected IDR 168 billion—roughly $16 million. On one standout day, the island recorded a whopping IDR 933 million in revenue, the equivalent of about $87,000.
‘If this trend continues, the potential annual revenue is estimated to reach IDR 340 billion,’ Mr Koster shared.
That’s not a far-fetched figure, considering how popular the island remained with overseas travellers. Data from Ngurah Rai Immigration showed that 344,639 Australians visited Bali between January and March 2025—a significant portion of the total tourist traffic.
To make the process easier, the government encouraged travellers to pay the levy in advance through *Love Bali*, a section of the official Bali government website.
Tourists needed to provide their passport number and email address, with a ‘Group’ option available for families or friends travelling together. Each group member received a unique QR code after payment.
While the fee could also be paid on arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, some travellers found that option frustrating, as it added another step to an already crowded arrivals process.
Still, the message from officials remained clear: the tourism tax was not just another fee—it was an investment in the island’s future.
Mr Koster said he had been working closely with stakeholders, including the hotel sector, to ensure the money was used in ways that positively impacted local residents, the environment, and the tourism experience.
As he put it, the goal was to ‘preserve the integrity and balance of Bali’s nature, its people, and their culture’.
If you're keeping an eye on travel costs, there's more news worth noting.
While Bali introduced a new tourism tax, it also scrapped another common fee that once hit travellers' wallets on arrival.
The move offers a broader look at how the island is reshaping its approach to tourism spending.
Read more: Bali ends $50 visa-on-arrival fee—what you need to know
Losing a few dollars at the airport might not seem like a big deal—but when it comes to preserving the heart and soul of a place like Bali, every cent counts.
As the island works to balance tourism with tradition, travellers are being asked to do their part before their trip even begins.
Have you ever felt that modern travel rules are starting to take the joy out of a holiday?
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