On 14 February 2024, the Indonesian paradise island of Bali bestowed a “Valentine’s Gift” to all travellers visiting the dream getaway, including from Malaysia, with a tourism tax of IDR150,000 or around RM45 each.
Now, it looks like a visit to Bali will become even more expensive as Bali Province’s Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) is planning to increase the levy rate by a whopping 5 fold to IDR815,000 or approximately RM236!
Bali plans to increase tourist tax from RM45 to RM236 per person
IGK Kresna Budi
As reported by CNN Indonesia, DPRD Bali Chief Commissioner IGK Kresna Budi proposed for the tourist levy to be increased for all foreign tourists to the island and accordingly, an amendment to the existing regulations introduced last year will be exerted.
Kresna further elaborated that the tariff increase will provide fiscal leeway for the Bali Provincial Government to meet regional spending needs.
Furthermore, funds from the tourist tax will be channelled to hire more tourist police on the island, as well as be directed to the Bali Immigration Department and administrators of the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport.
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The tourist tax increase will “upgrade” the quality of foreign tourists coming to Bali
Kresna added that the tourist tax increase to RM236 per person will ‘upgrade’ the quality of foreign visitors to Bali with better ethics.
The DPRD Bali Chief Commissioner further asserted that the current RM45 tourist levy is still not effective and an increase of tax to RM236 will benefit Bali’s education, health and other essential sectors for the locals.
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Kresna stressed,
“We want to increase the tourist tax to USD50 (RM236). We can use the funds collected for our needs.
“Why is Bali being sold to foreigners cheaply? If we (Indonesians) go to England, we need a visa worth IDR5.7 million (RM1,633).”
Of course, the increase in tourist levy is still in its proposal stage, so when exactly the implementation, should it go through, will be imposed is unknown.
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So, what do you guys think of Bali’s proposed increase in tourist tax to RM236? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
