Latest news with #BaliProvincialGovernment
News.com.au
07-07-2025
- News.com.au
‘Pay up': Warning for tourists headed to Bali
Bali made a record-breaking $87,000 in one day from the Tourism Tax Levy earlier this year, and with an influx of international visitors expected to descend on the island throughout 2025, the government is reminding tourists to 'pay up'. The island introduced the 150,000 IDR ($15) Tourism Tax Levy fee in February last year with plans to use the money to help protect Bali's culture and customs, as well as protecting the island's natural environment and sustainable tourism practices. Data from the Bali Provincial Government revealed the province received IDR 168 billion in revenue between January and June 2025 – about $A16 million. Bali governor Wayan Koster said on one record-breaking day, Bali received IDR 933 million – $A87,000. According to The Bali Sun, he told reporters if this trend continues, the potential annual revenue is estimated to reach IDR 340 billion. Aussies still make up a huge chunk of overseas visitors, with travel data shared by Ngurah Rai Immigration revealing 344,639 Aussies visited the island in January to March. However, while the island continues to attract plenty of tourists, in turn boosting its economy, not everyone is contributing to the tourism tax, with as few as 35 per cent of visitors having paid the mandatory fee by the end of the first year of the policy. According to Time magazine, Mr Koster said those who fail to pay the fee may face consequences ranging from being denied entry to attractions, fines, or even deportation. He said he is working with a range of stakeholders, including in the hotel sector, to ensure the funds are spent in ways that benefit Bali residents, the environment, and tourists. Tourists are encouraged to pay the fee before arriving to Bali via Love Bali – part of the official government website. Travellers will need their passport number and email address handy. There is also the option to select 'Group' if travelling with family or friends. Each member will then be emailed a unique QR code. The payment can also be made on arrival at Bali's main airport – I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. However, some have complained it adds an extra step in the arrivals process. The goal of the tourism tax is to help the government 'preserve the integrity and balance of Bali's nature, its people, and their culture'.
West Australian
01-06-2025
- West Australian
‘Exercise caution': Major warning issued to Aussies travelling to Bali after drownings, methanol poisoning incidents
Aussie tourists planning to jet away to a favourite holiday getaway destination have been urged to 'exercise a high degree of caution' after a number of high-profile incidents. An update from the federal government's Smartraveller website advises tourists to practice caution when visiting Indonesia, especially Bali. It follows a review of the latest travel advice by the government-run site last week. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled,' the update reads. The update also warns travellers on drinks that 'may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances'. 'Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,' it read. 'Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok'. This comes days after a 23-year-old's 'suspicious' death while on holiday in Bali was reported. Last year, two teens also died from methanol poisoning in Laos, in an incident that shocked the nation and highlighted recent cases in South-East Asia. The website has also advised foreign tourists to read the Bali Provincial Government's 'Do's and Don'ts' advice before travelling, as well as understanding visa conditions and entry and exit requirements. 'Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport,' it said. 'Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged'. They also cautions against disrespect of local law and culture. 'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.'
Perth Now
01-06-2025
- Perth Now
Dire warning for Aussie favourite getaway
Aussie tourists planning to jet away to a favourite holiday getaway destination have been urged to 'exercise a high degree of caution' after a number of high-profile incidents. An update from the federal government's Smartraveller website advises tourists to practice caution when visiting Indonesia, especially Bali. It follows a review of the latest travel advice by the government-run site last week. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled,' the update reads. Aussie travellers have been warned to 'exercise caution' when jetsetting to Bali. Picture – istock Escape 15 Dec 2024 Credit: istock The update also warns travellers on drinks that 'may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances'. 'Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,' it read. 'Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok'. This comes days after a 23-year-old's 'suspicious' death while on holiday in Bali was reported. Last year, two teens also died from methanol poisoning in Laos, in an incident that shocked the nation and highlighted recent cases in South-East Asia. The website has also advised foreign tourists to read the Bali Provincial Government's 'Do's and Don'ts' advice before travelling, as well as understanding visa conditions and entry and exit requirements. 'Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport,' it said. 'Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged'. They also cautions against disrespect of local law and culture. 'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.'
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
World-famous vacation destination bans crucial summer-travel product: 'Great news'
A popular island getaway is moving toward a greener future ahead of summer travel. The Bali Provincial Government announced a ban on the use of plastic bottled water for all regional agencies, state-owned enterprises, and schools, according to Social Expat. It's the latest move in the province's effort to reduce plastic waste. The new policy requires students and employees in Bali to bring their own bottles to school and work. The rule encourages officials and teachers to lead by example and educate others about plastic waste reduction. The ban will also apply to all events hosted by the Bali government. Dewa Made Indra, regional secretary of Bali province, said it wants to minimize dependency on disposable plastic bottles and packaging for local residents. According to Tripadvisor, Bali is considered one of the best travel destinations in the world. In 2024, tourism in the Indonesian province increased by more than 20% from the previous year, according to Bali Management Villas. Tourists expressed concern on the r/Bali subreddit following the announcement of the plastic bottle ban, raising concerns over the safety of the tap water. However, one commenter was quick to clarify the new policy. "They're not banning plastic water bottles for the public," one Reddit user wrote. "They only ban them in government institutions and schools." Still, other commenters encouraged more eco-friendly alternatives for travelers. "Glass bottles — we were given them everywhere we stayed," one Redditor said. Another said: "Great news!!" Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Heck yes! Only in new buildings Only in restaurants Heck no! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Bali isn't the only place making moves toward a more sustainable future. Other parts of the world are taking similar steps. In the United States, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill banning hotels from providing personal care products in small single-use plastic bottles starting this year. Plastic bag bans are also on the rise. California lawmakers recently passed legislation that will only allow grocery stores to offer paper bags at checkout. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, plastic waste generated in the U.S. mostly consists of containers and packaging, including single-use products. Keeping the general rules of recycling in mind can help reduce plastic pollution and increase recycling rates. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
