Foreign tourists visiting the Indonesian city of Bali will now pay a 150,000 rupee ($10) tax upon entry, with the money going to help protect the island’s environment and culture. Starting from Valentine’s Day, Bali tax will be imposed on tourists coming from abroad or other parts of Indonesia.

Tourism-reliant Bali attracts millions of foreign visitors each year, and the beach-dotted island is trying to capitalize on its popularity to boost revenue. However, the tax, which aims to protect the culture of the “Island of the Gods”, does not apply to domestic Indonesian tourists. AFP the report said. “This levy is aimed at protecting Bali’s culture and environment,” Bali’s acting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya said at Monday’s launch ceremony.

The fee must be paid electronically through the “Love Bali” online portal and is applicable to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia. While Bali has long been known for its pristine beaches and scenic beauty, a recent influx of tourists has caused concern among locals. Nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali between January and November last year, with Australia having the largest number of tourists, followed by India, China and Singapore.

In recent years, however, instances of tourist misconduct have sparked controversy. The palm-fringed hotspot has promised to crack down on misbehaving tourists after a series of incidents that included disrespect for the predominantly Hindu island’s culture. Last March, a Russian man was deported for exposing himself on the holy site of Mount Agung. In another incident, a video of a couple behaving inappropriately in Mount Batur sparked a public outcry. Local authorities are also reportedly considering banning foreign tourists from using motorcycles due to traffic violations.

Last year, at the urging of the Bali Immigration Office, the local government published an etiquette guide for tourists wishing to travel to Bali. Locals believe the incidents highlight the need for measures to regulate tourism and protect Bali’s cultural heritage. The latest tourism tax coincides with Indonesia’s electoral process, with millions of people voting for a new president and legislative body.

(Institutional investment)