Bali, one of the world’s most beloved tropical destinations, is considering a significant increase in its tourist tax that could drastically raise the cost of visiting the island.
The proposed tax, which has been suggested by Wayan Puspa Negara, a prominent tourism figure and legislator in the Badung region, could charge visitors up to $100 per day. This would translate into a nearly $700 tax bill for a typical week-long stay. In contrast, popular destinations like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Venice impose much smaller taxes, typically ranging from $4 to $7 per day.
This new tax, which is currently being discussed, aims to regulate the influx of tourists to Bali while generating additional revenue. However, the proposal has sparked concerns among experts.
Jens Erik Rasmussen, a travel expert with three decades of experience and author of The Journey to Bali & Lombok guidebook, expressed doubts about the feasibility of such a high tax. “A $100-a-day fee would likely transform Bali into a luxury destination, making it unaffordable for many travelers. If tourism declines as a result, many people could lose their jobs,” Rasmussen told Jyllands-Posten.
The idea of implementing a high tourist tax is not entirely new. In 2023, Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, had previously discussed a similar tax, though no concrete steps have been taken as of yet.
Currently, Bali charges a one-time entry fee of $10 for tourists. If the proposed daily tax is implemented, a trip to Bali could become significantly more expensive for travelers.
As the debate over the tourist tax continues, Bali’s tourism industry is left to weigh the potential economic benefits against the possible negative impact on visitor numbers.
