Bali is considering introducing a daily tax for foreign tourists, following Bhutan’s example. The goal of this measure is to attract “high-quality” tourists and increase revenue.
The head of the Bali Tourism Sector Alliance, Puspa Negara, emphasized that tourists should be selected using a system similar to Bhutan’s. He also plans to develop tourist destinations and human resources. This initiative could gain support from the local government.
Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, approved this plan back in 2023 as a way to regulate the flow of tourists. He also sees it as a method to combat overtourism—the over-saturation of the island with travelers.
Since September 2022, tourists visiting this Asian country have been required to pay a daily tax of $100, known as the “Sustainable Development Fee.” Moreover, the country plans to increase this tax from $100 to $200 per day (approximately 3.2 million rupiahs) in 2027.
Sounds like a nightmare. Not just for expats but also for regular tourists who come to relax for a couple of weeks or a month. Imagine having to pay an extra $3,000 just because you’re a foreigner.
The idea of attracting “high-quality tourists” is something that crosses the minds of officials in every major tourist destination. However, in reality, tourism is a complex system, and disrupting its balance could lead to losing what is already there.
Bali, for example, is valued not just for its culture, surfing, and nature but also for its unique atmosphere, friendly mix of locals and foreigners, social interactions, and emotions.
Now, imagine a sterile resort, where tourists only stay for a couple of weeks, where expats and digital nomads are pushed out, and where local residents no longer engage in tourism or tourism-related businesses because luxury hotel chains have taken over the entire industry. Ubud no longer has its free-spirited people experimenting with alternative lifestyles, and the ocean is empty because surfers have found a more affordable paradise elsewhere.
Beach clubs and bars are deserted, and the liveliest areas have turned into quiet village streets. Would “high-quality tourists” still choose this version of Bali, or would they simply move to nearby Lombok, where Bali’s vibrant community might eventually relocate?
In reality, a tourist tax has existed since 2023, but it’s minimal—only 150,000 rupiahs (about $10) per visit. For now, it’s a one-time fee, not a daily charge.
Will Bali’s authorities dare to drastically increase tourist fees? Last year, Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno rejected a proposal to raise the tourist tax to $50 per day.
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