The new “Transitional Stay Permit,” locally termed the “Bridging Visa” caters to foreign residents on a visit stay, limited stay or permanent stay who are compelled to leave the country to reapply for their residence permits every time they expire.

The spirit behind this initiative is that foreigners can legally stay in the country and save the hassle, time and money they spend when they have to cross the border and wait for weeks while their new permits are granted.

“With a Transitional Stay Permit, foreigners can save time, energy, and accommodation costs that would otherwise be incurred if foreigners had to leave Indonesian territory in order to submit an application and wait for approval for a new visa,” said Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim. 

The Transitional Stay Permit is valid for 60 days and is meant to be used onshore. Holders of this permit will not be penalized if they overstay their visas, provided that they apply for this document at least three days before their regular visas expire.

This permit cannot be used to extend the “visa on arrival” or most socio-cultural visas. But it can be used to renew the Golden Visa, Limited Stay Visas E28 A-F, and some student visas.

How to Apply for the New Transitional Stay Permit

It’s a straightforward process. Foreigners only need to submit an application through the official E-visa website, https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/, making sure the process is completed at least three days before their legal document expires.

So far, visas available include: “C13 – Join Vessel,” “C21 – Attend a judicial process,” “E33F – Retirement Visa,” and “E35A – Work and Holiday Visa for Australian National.”

So remember that if you overstay your visa, you’ll need to pay a fine of DR 1,000,000 ($94) per day and could be deported.

“If you overstay your visa, you might be asked to pay fines of IDR 1,000,000 ($A94) per day, detained, deported, or banned from future travel to Indonesia for a specific period,” said the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Directorate General of Immigration.

So make plans accordingly.

The post Indonesian New Transitional Visa Will Make Life Easier For Bali Expats – How To Apply appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

At the ‘Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno’ in Jakarta on Monday, March 25 Minister Uno announced this news and added that the ministry will boost its information dissemination to recoup the full ley amount. 

Through ministries, institutions, airlines and prominent stakeholders in the tourism sector, the Ministry is hoping to spread information to all incoming travelers. They will also share the information with Indonesia’s main tourism markets, namely Australia, Singapore, India, and Malaysia.

While the focus has been on tourists arriving at international gates in Bali, connecting routes and other entry gates have not been covered yet, according to Bali’s Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun.

To boost the collection of the levy, booths at domestic arrival routes, both Jakarta and other destinations, have been proposed to better enforce. The sums accumulated from the levy will be used for the protection of culture and nature as well as for waste management in Bali.

Funds to be used to address the trash beach problem

This has come to light as over the past several weeks tons of debris and waste have landed on Bali’s popular tourist beaches. They will be using the funds to improve the Reduce, Reuse Recycling Waste Processing Facilities (TPS3Rs) that are already in place.

How to pay

All tourists must pay the levy through the Love Bali system via the lovebali.baliprov.go.id or the Love Bali app before arrival. There are however seven categories of tourists who are exempt from paying the levy: 

• Foreign tourists holding diplomatic and official visas
• Crew members of transportation vehicles
• Holders of temporary or permanent stay permit cards
• Holders of family unification visas
• Student visas
• Golden visas 
• Business visas

The post Bali Struggles Collecting New Tax As Only 40% Tourists Paying appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

For those who haven’t visited this natural wonder yet, this beach is located right next to Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

In full disclosure, this is not the first time locals and visitors have seen their travel plans ruined due to such a phenomenon. 

However, Balinese people took to social media to report this is the biggest amount of marine trash they have seen in history.

But what is causing this now recurring trash avalanche? Local environment agency, Anak Agung Dalem has an answer. People have been carelessly littering Indonesian lands and throwing all types of garbage, such as plastic bottles and others, onto mountains and rivers. 

Then, when the monsoon rains and winds start between November and March, the swollen rivers sweep along debris, tons of plastic and even branches to the ocean. After that, it’s just a matter of time before it washes ashore onto the once-pristine beaches of Badung Regency. 

As per the latest news, local authorities have been busy trying to clean up the mess. Since March 18, more than 300 local employees and six excavators have been working nonstop to collect the garbage.

It is of great importance to speed up this process because trashy beaches are impacting both tourism and fishing businesses. Seeing their livelihoods at risk, fishermen have had to move to faraway areas, increasing production costs.

Bali’s Efforts To Reduce Plastic Pollution

Beaches covered with garbage are a problem that tends to increase over time.

To tackle this issue, Balinese authorities have developed 2 strategies. 

Firstly, Bali banned the production, use and distribution of single-use plastic in 2018. However, due to the pandemic, it didn’t really take off until 2022. 

Secondly, and probably the most important, is local education. For years, the government has struggled with residents carelessly polluting the lands, rivers and oceans of Bali.

To overcome this issue, officials have implemented environmental programs targeting communities and educational centers to teach locals about the negative impacts their negligent actions are having.

Committed to stopping Bali’s degradation, two local sisters started the “Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB)” foundation in 2013. As of today, the initiative has motivated the creation of more than 50 BBPT international teams. This is now considered one of the most successful efforts against plastic waste.

The post Photos Of Bali Beach Buried Under Tons Of Trash Go Viral appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Taking a leap of faith, the Richardsons departed from their home and settled in Bali, opting for “world schooling” for their children in response to their dissatisfaction with the UK education system and their longing for increased quality time with their offspring.

“World schooling education” refers to education through experiences in different parts of the world, made possible by groups such as Boundless Life, a community of families with similar interests who are location-independent. 

Changing the Sources of Income

The Richardsons are utilizing social media, looking into online business opportunities, and improving their digital marketing skills to support their new way of life. Their experience serves as evidence of the expanding popularity of remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle, which combines employment, learning, and travel while leveraging digital technology and the pursuit of a happy life.

Internet Reactions

Many internet users have highlighted how brave they are to start this nomadic lifestyle. With the growing trend of digital nomadism, the Richardson family’s experience offers hope for a life that strikes a balance between work, education, and travel. Their new approach to work and schooling is encouraging others to think about different ways of surviving and thriving in this new world.

The Richardsons’ journey prompts reflection on the advantages and disadvantages of embracing the digital nomad lifestyle as they learn about their new life in Bali. Their experience raises questions about the future of family dynamics, employment, and education in this new borderless world.

Digital nomad mom, Nina Hobson, shares how to keep everyone happy in a real nomad family

As a digital nomad mom, I’ve raised my three children (ages 3, 6, and 8) in various countries, embracing a lifestyle that is educational, liberating, and filled with adventures, from hiking in Chile to interacting with penguins in Uruguay. Despite the idyllic sound of our travels, we face our share of challenges.

Here are condensed tips for maintaining a happy family life abroad based on our experiences:

• Don’t Sacrifice Safety: Research the safety of destinations, use trusted transport options, and educate your children on safety protocols.
• Keep Everyone in the Loop: Address your children’s fears and concerns by listening and involving them in travel plans to ensure they feel secure and understood.
• Be Ready to Let Go of Plans: Adapt to everyone’s energy levels and moods, especially after traveling, to avoid overexertion and stress.
• Plan Your Healthcare: Live near reliable healthcare facilities, understand local terms for medical conditions, ensure proper insurance coverage, and carry necessary medications.
• Seek Out the Education That Works Best for Your Child: Consider the local educational standards and possibly supplement with homeschooling using online resources and educational platforms.
• Pack Light: Embrace minimalism to reduce physical and mental burdens, focusing on essentials and learning to live with less.

The post British Family Adopts Perfect Digital Nomad Lifestyle In Bali – Here’s How It’s Done appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The alert covers all nine regencies, including popular tourist destinations such as Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar. Cahyo Nugroho, a spokesperson for BBMKG, stated “The general public, fishermen, and those involved in marine tourism activities should be aware of the potential for high sea waves which could reach 2 meters or more in the waters south of Bali.”

Tragic Incidents Highlight Dangers

The warnings come in the wake of two tragic incidents involving tourists in Indonesia’s oceans.

A 61-year-old Indonesian grandfather lost his life after being swept out to sea from Seminyak’s Double Six Beach, while renowned surfer Gunther Kitzler died during a surf trip in East Java.

These events underscore the importance of heeding weather warnings and exercising caution when engaging in water activities.

Bali Aims for Record-Breaking Tourist Numbers Despite Challenges

Despite the extreme weather alerts, Bali remains optimistic about achieving its goal of attracting 7 million foreign tourists in 2024, as part of Indonesia’s overall target of 14 million visitors. Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, emphasized that “Bali remains a favorite destination for foreign tourists” and hopes for an even greater increase in tourist visits in 2024, with a focus on quality tourism.

However, Bali faces challenges such as overtourism and potential geopolitical instability. In response, the province has implemented measures like a tourist tax and a “do’s and don’ts” list to manage unruly behavior and promote sustainable tourism.

Tips for Travelers

Tourists planning trips to Bali are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and exercise caution when engaging in water activities. Those planning boat trips, diving excursions, or island hopping should check with their providers to ensure that schedules are operating as usual.

As Nugroho advised, “The public is advised to remain alert and careful about the impacts of disasters that can occur, such as strong winds, fallen trees, lightning, floods, puddles of water, and landslides.” He also added, “People who need the latest information about the weather can access the 24-hour weather information service via the official BBMKG Region III Denpasar social media account,”. By staying informed and prioritizing safety, tourists can still enjoy the beauty and culture of Bali while minimizing risks associated with extreme weather conditions.

The post Bali Issues Weather Alert For Tourists Amid High Waves Following 2 Fatal Accidents appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

According to bnnbreaking.com, this mega infrastructure endeavor aims to serve up to 50 million passengers annually and reshape Bali’s tourism landscape through enhanced connectivity.

Strategic Vision Drives Airport’s Development

Spearheaded by Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto, the North Bali Airport seeks to achieve the twin goals of boosting tourism and improving transport links across Bali. With an estimated capacity nearly double that of the existing Ngurah Rai International Airport, the new airport will alleviate passenger congestion while allowing equitable economic growth.

The 3,600-meter runway is designed to handle a diverse range of aircraft, positioning Bali as a premier hub for low-cost carriers. Local communities also stand to benefit through extensive job creation.

According to Made Muliawan Arya, Chairman of Gerindra’s Bali Leadership Council, Subianto has committed to honoring his campaign pledge of moving forward with the North Bali Airport.

Balancing Progress and Tradition

However, realizing the mega-project has not been without challenges. From land acquisition delays to concerns over sociocultural impacts, its proponents have had to strike a delicate balance. Subianto has emphasized building an airport that aligns with Balinese architectural aesthetics and values. This sensitivity to community interests has been instrumental in gaining local support.

While acknowledging economic priorities, Subianto emphasized designing the airport aligned with Balinese architectural traditions featuring open-air pavilions and lush gardens. “The Balinese personality must be preserved; the buildings must all have Balinese characteristics,” he commented previously. Striking this balance between development and conservation will be key for the project’s long-term success.

Holistic Infrastructure Upgrades

Alongside the airport, Bali is also developing an integrated railway network scheduled for a September 2024 launch. The first rail route will connect the North Bali Airport to key tourist sites across Bali.

By tackling the island’s severe traffic congestion, this combined air and rail upgrade aims to deliver a seamless, sustainable travel experience.

Gateway to an Equitable Future

As Bali gears up to welcome over 50 million annual air passengers, the North Bali Airport ushers in a new era defined by accessibility, connectivity and equitable tourism development. Its state-of-the-art facilities promise to fortify Bali’s aviation infrastructure while opening up new opportunities for balanced economic progress.

With construction targeted to begin in late 2024, both visitors and locals can look forward to an airport on par with Singapore’s Changi in providing seamless regional connections in a distinctly Balinese setting.

Bali’s Overtourism And New Tourist Tax

Bali faces significant challenges with overtourism, which has led to environmental degradation, infrastructure strain, and impacts on local communities.

The island’s popularity as a tourist destination has brought economic benefits but also challenges in managing waste, water resources, and preserving cultural heritage. In response, the Balinese government has implemented a tourist tax aimed at mitigating the negative effects of overtourism.

This tax is intended to fund environmental and cultural preservation projects, ensuring that Bali remains a beautiful and sustainable destination for future generations.

Wayan Suardana from Udayana University in Denpasar suggests Bali doesn’t face overtourism universally, as tourist activity concentrates mainly in the southern regions. He emphasizes that while areas like Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar see heavy tourism, places such as Karangasem, Buleleng, and Jembrana remain under-visited.

Suardana advocates that improving infrastructure will balance tourism growth across Bali and shift focus towards attracting quality tourism post-COVID-19, considering factors like location and pricing for sustainable development.

The post Bali Gears Up For A New Era Of Connectivity With A Massive North Bali Airport appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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.

The post This Famous Bali’s Cultural Attraction Is Increasing The Entrance Fee appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Bali’s authorities want visitors to understand exactly what is expected of them when they come to the island.

This entails being aware of the recently implemented tourism tax and adhering to the list of Dos and Don’ts for visitors to Bali, which was released last year to crack down on misbehaving visitors.

It is expected that the new system will not interfere with visitors’ arrival times. Leading tourism officials claim that paying an arrival fee can be completed in just 23 seconds.

Nevertheless, in addition to paying for the visa upon arrival and standing in line for passport stamping by immigration officials, there might be an additional line during busy periods for the payment of the tourism tax.

With the help of QR code scanners, officials will be manually verifying who has paid the fee.

Travelers should be aware that paying their tourism tax online before visiting Bali is simpler and faster. They will only need to do this once so they can show their tourism tax voucher to one of the officers in charge at Bali airport.

All foreign visitors to the province must pay the new tourism levy, which can be made online, in person at Bali Airport, or at hotels and resorts.

International Support

Jo Stevens, the Australian Consul General in Denpasar, Bali, is in favor of the imposition of a foreign visitor tax in Bali, which went into effect on February 14, 2024, and cost IDR 150 thousand (about USD 9.54) per person.

“This (levy) is a good thing to support culture, for waste management, respecting customs, religious aspects and Balinese culture,” said Stevens in Sanur, Denpasar, last week.

The levy on foreign tourists was also endorsed by Matthew Downing, the British Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia. He claims that several governments around the world have put taxation policies in place for different reasons. He said that the levy is being used to support regional initiatives.

Other countries and cities implementing a tourist tax

Amsterdam

The cruise passenger fare in this city has increased from 8 euros to 11 euros, and the hotel room tax has increased from 7 percent to 12.5%. 

Barcelona and Valencia

Spain charges up to 3.25 euros per night per tourist.

Bhutan 

Adult visitors must pay a daily visitation fee of $100 USD in this country, while children must pay $50 USD.

Venice 

This city is also charging a tourist fee from 2024.

The whole price ranges from 1 to 5 euros per person per night, depending on the location, kind, and classification of the lodging establishment as well as the season (high season is from February 1 to December 31; low season is from January 1 to January 31).

The post Bali Asks International Embassies For Help To Promote The New Tourist Tax appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

“This (levy) is a good thing to support culture, for waste management, respecting customs, religious aspects and Balinese culture,” said Jo Stevens on the sidelines of the launch of the foreign tourist levy in Sanur, Denpasar, on Monday.

Meanwhile, regarding the amount of the foreign tourist levy of IDR 150 thousand per person, he continued, that this is the nominal amount that can be paid by foreign tourists. “In my opinion, this is the amount that tourists can pay,” said the diplomat.

Previously, on a separate occasion, British Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Matthew Downing also supported the levy on foreign tourists. According to him, taxation policies related to tourism levies have been implemented by several city or country governments in the world. Funds from the levy, he said, were turned back to be used as a source of funding for a local project, as he understands is also being done by the Bali Provincial Government regarding the foreign tourist levy policy, including for the protection of culture and nature. “Many cities or countries have implemented tourism levies,” he said in Denpasar in early February.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) Bali, Ida Bagus Agung Parta Adnyana, said that levies on foreign tourists are not something strange in the tourism sector.

Many global tourist destinations, he said, had already implemented similar policies, including Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which saw cruise passenger fares increase to 11 euros from 8 euros, and hotel room tax to 12.5 percent or an increase from 7 percent. Then, in Barcelona and Valencia, Spain applies a nightly room fee of up to 3.25 euros, Bhutan applies a daily visit fee of 100 US dollars for adult tourists and 50 dollars for children and recently Venice also started charging tourist fee in 2024.

Meanwhile, two days before the levy takes effect on February 14, 2024, foreign tourists are starting to show interest in paying the levy. President Director of PT Regional Development Bank (BPD) Bali I Nyoman Sudharma revealed that IDR 1.4 billion in funds had entered the regional treasury account since the trial period on February 7, 2024. The BUMD bank is a perception bank that accommodates levy funds from foreign tourists, which is the first in Indonesia. “Now we can accept transactions, hopefully, it will continue to be made easier,” said I Nyoman Sudharma.

The post Foreign Officials In Bali Support The Implementation Of New Tourist Tax appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

According to Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, Head of Tourism at the Bali Province Tourism Office in Denpasar, these tourists must apply and fulfill the criteria outlined in the Love Bali system.

The exemptions apply to foreign tourists who possess diplomatic and official visas, crew members of vehicles, and holders of temporary or permanent stay permit cards. Additional exemptions are granted to those with family unification visas, student visas, Golden Visas, and other specific visas, such as business visas.

As per Bali Governor’s Regulation Number 36 of 2023 concerning the Payment Procedures for Foreign Tourist Levy, applications for exemption must be submitted at least one month prior to arrival in Bali. The regulation further specifies that the local tourism authority will review and decide on the applications within a maximum of five working days, with the outcome communicated to applicants via the Love Bali system at lovebali.baliprov.go.id.

Upon approval, the Love Bali system will issue a notice and proof of exemption in the form of a QR code to the foreign tourist, stated Yustikarini. Initially, the levy will be collected at the international arrival terminals of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Benoa Port, Bali. Payments can also be made through travel agents, hotels, and tourist attractions.

This levy is enacted under Law Number 15 of 2023 concerning Bali Province and its implementing regulation, Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2023 on the Levy for Foreign Tourists, aimed at protecting Bali’s culture and environment.

The levy supports the preservation of Balinese customs, traditions, arts, culture, and local wisdom, as well as the conservation of cultural and natural tourist attractions, improving service quality and the management of cultural tourism, and guiding the implementation and management of foreign tourist levies.

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