Starting March 1, 2024, entrance fees to the Lempuyang Temple, situated in Purwayu Traditional Village within the Abang District of Karangasem, are set to rise.
This decision comes in the wake of the regional government’s implementation of taxes and levies on several tourist attractions in the Karangasem area. According to I Nyoman Jati, the Bender of Purwayu Traditional Village, a 10% regional tax and levy were introduced, leading to a consensus during the Paruman to increase the ticket prices for both domestic and international visitors.
Jati confirmed on Friday (February 23, 2024), that the decision to adjust the ticket prices was made after considering the involvement of tour guides and village officials. He emphasized that the price adjustment is moderate, positioning the new rates below those of other attractions that have recently undergone similar revisions. Specifically, the entrance fee for domestic tourists will increase from IDR 30,000 to IDR 40,000, while international visitors will see an increase from IDR 55,000 to IDR 70,000.
The intention behind the modest increase, Jati remarked, is to avoid placing an undue financial burden on tourists visiting the revered Lempuyang Temple. He assured that the revised pricing is still within a reasonable range. In anticipation of the price change, Jati noted that announcements have been made on social media platforms and communication has been extended to all travel agencies, urging them to inform potential visitors of the new entrance fees effective from March 1, 2024.
Jati expressed hope that the adjustment in ticket pricing would not deter tourists from visiting the Lempuyang Temple, a site renowned for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, and remains optimistic about maintaining high visitor numbers.
Bali Recently Implemented Tourist Tax
Bali has introduced a new tourist levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $10) for foreign visitors, effective since February 14.
This fee, collected upon arrival at the airport or through the government’s online platforms, is designated for cultural and environmental conservation, enhancing public services, and infrastructure development.
This move aligns Bali with other global destinations like Iceland, Paris, and Greece, which have also implemented or increased tourist taxes for various sustainability and infrastructure efforts.