Tourists Warned of Longer Queues Arriving at Nusa Penida Amid New Digital Payment System
Nusa Penida, Indonesia — Visitors to the popular island destination of Nusa Penida are being advised to anticipate longer queue times upon arrival, as the local port struggles to adapt to a recently introduced digital payment system for the mandatory tourism levy.
Increased Visitor Numbers and System Challenges
Over the recent weekend, coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr holiday celebrations in Indonesia, Nusa Penida experienced a surge in tourist arrivals at Buyuk Port, its main access point from Bali via fast boat. The island’s growing popularity, known for its stunning coastal viewpoints and natural beauty, has added pressure to its infrastructure, particularly during peak travel periods.
The Nusa Penida Tourism Levy, distinct from Bali’s broader tourism tax, must be paid by all visitors on arrival. This fee, IDR 25,000 per adult and IDR 15,000 per child, is required either at the port or in advance at designated departure points such as Sanur Harbor and Padangbai Port. However, despite the introduction of a digital, cashless payment system intended to streamline fee collection, technical difficulties and limited internet connectivity led to significant delays and confusion among tourists, boat operators, and port officials.
Local Feedback and Official Response
A local visitor described the scene at the port on Monday, March 23, as chaotic, with traffic jams and uncertainty around fee payments affecting both drivers and travelers. The transition to the new system has been hampered by connectivity issues and unfamiliarity with the digital process.
In response, I Gusti Agung Gede Putra Mahajaya, Acting Head of the Klungkung Regency Tourism Office, acknowledged that the cashless system is still in an adjustment phase. He highlighted ongoing coordination with local tourism organizations and operators to smooth implementation but noted that challenges remain, including the need for integration across different fast boat operators’ payment platforms.
Mahajaya emphasized that pre-paying the visitor levy before departure can help avoid queues at the port, where, in such cases, only a ticket inspection is required upon arrival. This prepayment option is encouraged to reduce congestion and improve the arrival experience.
Additional Tourist Advice
Travelers are also reminded that certain popular attractions on Nusa Penida, like Diamond Beach and Kelinking Beach, charge separate entry fees, typically IDR 25,000 to IDR 30,000, which are easier to settle in cash. Despite growing availability of card payment options across the Nusa islands, carrying sufficient cash remains advisable.
Tourists are urged to retain all receipts and tickets as proof of valid payment, as spot checks are regularly conducted on the island to enforce the levy requirement.
With these adjustments underway, visitors planning trips to Nusa Penida should factor in potential delays and consider completing all payment formalities prior to arrival to ensure a smoother start to their island experience.
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