Bali is a stunning island in Indonesia's archipelago of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush green rice terraces, and rich culture. Bali is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The island offers an array of attractions, providing unforgettable experiences for travellers. Bali is mainly known for its fantastic diving and snorkelling spots, as well as other water sports. Additionally, there are many places that attract trekking enthusiasts. Ubud, the cultural heart of the place, is home to many artists, art galleries, temples, and traditional villages that offer an insight into local culture and religion.

Bali has numerous luxury beach resorts, but it also has authentic fishing lodges. The island offers lush tropical forests, sandy beaches for relaxation, and rugged volcanic peaks, providing something for everyone. The culinary side of Bali is also delightful, with a variety of flavours, from traditional Indonesian cuisine to international dishes. Restaurants and local food stalls provide an unforgettable culinary experience.

Bali is a popular destination for Australians, with over one million people from the country visiting the island every year. The relatively short flight time from the east coast of Australia, which takes seven hours and only four hours from the west coast, makes Bali a convenient destination for Australians. Bali has been accessible to them and loved by them for decades. Visitors from China and India also frequent the island.

On February 13, a new fee was introduced in Bali due to the significant increase in tourism. The authorities have implemented a tourist tax to help maintain the island's natural beauty and preserve its cultural traditions and religion. Bali's cultural heritage includes many sacred monuments and is particularly important to the authorities, who believe the new tax will help protect it.

To enjoy the sandy beaches and tropical forests, visitors to Bali are now required to pay $15 upon arrival. It's worth noting that the fee is charged every time a visitor leaves and returns to Bali from another country. If they decide to leave Bali to travel around Indonesia and then come back to the island, they are exempt from paying the fee. With the new tax, the island is expected to generate almost 185,000 Australian dollars per day, which will go towards addressing many of Bali's issues.

Tourists can make the payment through the 'Love Bali' website or app. A QR code will be generated after processing the fee, which the tourist is required to show upon arrival at the airport or seaport. In case tourists are unable to make the payment online, they can do so upon arrival. If a tourist fails to pay the tax, they may face a fine or deportation. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as diplomats, official visa holders, ship crew, students, and specific non-tourist visa holders are exempt from paying the tourist tax.

Last year, the Indonesian authorities introduced a tourist tax of $50 for travellers visiting Bali, but it was abolished in December. Now, a new and lower tourist fee, a one-time payment, has been established. However, many tourists are unaware that in addition to the tourist tax, they must pay a 'visa fee' when entering Indonesia, which amounts to $50. This payment is necessary for tourists to stay in the country for 30 days.

Source: Yahoo