In a follow-up to the implementation of the Nusa Penida tourism retribution fee for visitors to the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area in early July, a new online payment system has been launched to provide tourists with more flexible payment options.
The initial fees required foreign tourists to pay IDR 100,000 to snorkel, dive, or swim in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area. However, the lack of awareness about these fees led to confusion among tourists, with many believing local boat trip providers were overcharging them. These boat operators were already working on thin margins, making it difficult to absorb the additional cost.
To address this issue and make the process more convenient for tourists, authorities have introduced a new online payment system. This system allows tourists to pay for access to the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area monthly for up to three months and three to six months, significantly reducing costs even for those planning shorter visits.
Under the new payment system, the retribution fee for foreign tourists to swim, snorkel, or dive in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area is as follows:
- Up to one month: IDR 200,000
- Up to three months: IDR 500,000
- Up to six months: IDR 800,000
I Nengah Bagus Sugiarta, the Head of Bali Province Fisheries and Maritime Service, have commented on these changes. He also addressed concerns that the fees may increase in the future. Sugiarta assured that tourists could continue to pay the retribution fees at various locations, including Tanjung Benoa, Benoa Harbour, Serangan, Semawang Padangbai Harbour, Jungutbatu Harbour, Bias Munjul, and Tanjung Sanghyang Harbour.
Additionally, payments can be made at key meeting points for boat and snorkelling tours within the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area, such as Toya Pakeh Village-Sakti Village, Ped Village-Suana Village, and Crystal Bay.
Sugiarta emphasised that stricter enforcement measures are now in place to ensure that tourists and tour operators comply with the payment requirements. Increased patrols and ticket checks will be conducted regularly. If there are any issues at the main counters, tourists are encouraged to pay online through the official website: https://balimarinepark.baliprov.go.id/en/dashboard/.
To process payments online, tourists should follow these steps:
- Visit the main website.
- In the ‘Name of Destination’ box, type ‘Nusa Penida.’
- Click on ‘KKP Nusa Penida’ (the box with the sunfish photo).
- You will be guided to the payment page.
- Select “Tiket Masuk Mancanegara.”
It’s worth noting that while the website can be translated into English, the ticket category selection is available only in Bahasa Indonesia.
With these changes, authorities aim to streamline the payment process, ensure fair compensation for local boat operators, and contribute to conservation efforts in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area. Tourists are encouraged to use the new online payment system to avoid any inconveniences during their visits.
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