Swimming with a snorkel and a mask in the sea at a popular Indonesian resort has become paid. From July 1, 2023, tourists wishing to snorkel or dive in the marine area of Nusa Penida must purchase an e-ticket – proof of payment of the island’s damage compensation tax.
It has already been four months since the system was introduced, but some tourists do not follow the new rules and do not pay the fees. As specified by My Droll, the fee for snorkeling or diving in the marine area of Nusa Penida is 100,000 Indonesian rupiah per person, that is, about $6. During these four months, the Bali Provincial Tax Office received payments of 1.8 billion Indonesian rupiah, but according to the department’s calculations, the amount should be higher.
The head of the Bali Provincial Tax Agency, Made Santa, is convinced that the shortfall is because not everyone follows the new rules. During the conversation with journalists, he expressed hope that there would be no obstacles to the implementation of the system, urging everyone to follow the rules and fulfill their duties.
Data indicate that 10,000 to 15,000 people visit Nusa Penida every day, but not all of them are active scuba divers. The head of the Bali provincial tax agency also noted that the full potential of taxes has not yet been realized, as not all vacationers know about this fee, and not all tour operators make payments.
Visiting Nusa Penida’s marine area already requires a fee of 15,000 Indonesian rupiahs ($1 at current exchange rates) per person and a new tourist tax will be introduced in February 2024 for all foreign visitors to the province. If the tour operators do not include the fee in the price of the package, tourists are recommended to make the payment on the official website.
Where to buy a ticket?
It was clarified that electronic tickets can be purchased on the official website balimarinepark.baliprov.go.id. It is also possible to purchase a ticket on the spot in the harbor before going on an excursion. For a more affordable option for tourists who plan to dive or snorkel for one month, the Tiket Penelitian Mancanegara 1 Bulan is offered at IDR 200,000 ($20). and the option is on the second page of the ticket portal. For children, it is necessary to issue Tiket Masuk Mancanegara Anak-Anak.
Background: Nusa Penida Marine Reserve is one of Indonesia’s most impressive ocean landscapes. This area covers more than 20,000 hectares of ocean. It is home to stingrays, sunfish, turtles, and stunning coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving with manta rays and other tropical marine life in the waters of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Cheningan is a popular outdoor activity for tourists in Bali.