Planning a trip to our beautiful island? There is a new, simple step for all international visitors. Bali recently introduced a tourism tax. It is an important contribution to preserving the island’s culture and environment. Some people feel confused about how it works. However, the process is actually very simple.

This guide will walk you through the levy. We will explain what it is and why it exists. We will also show you the easiest way to pay it. This will ensure a seamless and stress-free start to your Bali holiday.

What is the Bali Tourism Levy?

First, let’s understand this new levy. It is more than just a tax. It is a collective investment in the future of the island we all love.

• The Amount: It is a one-time fee of IDR 150,000. That is about $10 USD per person. You pay this for each visit to Bali.
• The Purpose: The funds help with vital projects. These projects preserve Bali’s unique cultural heritage. They also protect its beautiful natural environment. By paying the levy, you are helping to keep Bali beautiful for generations to come.
• Who Needs to Pay: The levy applies to all international tourists. This includes children of all ages. You must pay if you enter Bali from overseas.

How to Pay: The Official and Easiest Way

Many people talk about different payment methods online. The official and safest method is to pay online before you travel. This is what we recommend. The official platform for this is the “Love Bali” system.

• A Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Online:
  • Visit the Official Website or App: Go to the official government website. It is the only one. The address is lovebali.baliprov.go.id. You can also download the “Love Bali” app on your smartphone. Please be careful of unofficial websites. They may try to charge you an extra fee.
  • Enter Your Details: You will need to input your name. It should appear as it does on your passport. You will also need your passport number, email address, and arrival date.
  • Make the Payment: You can pay easily and securely online. You can use a credit card like a Visa or Mastercard.
  • Receive Your Voucher: Once you pay, the system will send you a digital levy voucher. It has a QR code. They will send it to the email address you provided.

What to Do with Your Voucher

You are all set once you have your voucher! Here is what to do with it:

• Save It to Your Phone: Take a screenshot of the voucher. It has a QR code. Save it to your phone’s photo library. This ensures you can access it instantly upon arrival. It works even without an internet connection.
• Have it Ready: Officials may check your QR code at checkpoints. Have it ready. The checkpoints are at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) or maybe at other places around the island.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

The Bali government takes this new Bali tourism tax very seriously. There are checks and enforcement measures in place. Tourists who have not paid the levy may face inconveniences.

According to official sources, here’s what could happen:

• Entry Denial: Officials may scan the QR code voucher at the entrance of major tourist spots. If you do not have a valid voucher, you may be asked to pay. You could also be denied entry.
• Issues Upon Departure: Checks may also happen at the airport when you are leaving. You may be required to pay the levy and any fines. This must happen before you can depart.
• Reminders and Warnings: The Love Bali system or tourism officials may send you reminders or warnings during your stay.

Ultimately, paying the levy is a mandatory obligation. To ensure your holiday is completely stress-free, it is highly recommended to pay the Bali tourism tax online before you arrive. Keep the voucher saved on your phone to avoid any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I pay at the airport upon arrival? Yes, payment counters may be available. However, the official recommendation is to pay in advance. This ensures a faster and smoother process through immigration and customs.
• Is this the same as a Visa on Arrival (VoA)? No. The Bali tourism tax is a separate requirement from your visa. You must still follow the visa rules for your nationality.
• Do I have to pay if I am visiting other parts of Indonesia? The levy is specifically for international tourists. It applies only when you enter the province of Bali.

Paying the Bali tourism tax is a simple and quick online process. It makes a real contribution to protecting the island. By taking a few minutes to do it, you can start your holiday with peace of mind. You will know you’ve played a part in preserving the magic of Bali.

Beyond the serene beaches of Bali lies a different kind of energy. It is a thundering, thrilling display of speed, skill, and local pride. This is the Makepung Buffalo Races. It is a fantastic cultural tradition found only in the rice fields of Jembrana, West Bali. It offers a glimpse into the island’s rich farming heritage.

For the adventurous traveler, this is a great experience. A trip to witness the Makepung is an unforgettable adventure. As your hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we created this guide to the island’s most exciting race.

What is Makepung?

The name “Makepung” literally translates to “chasing.” It is a series of thrilling races. Skilled jockeys balance carefully on colorful, two-wheeled wooden chariots (cikar). They are pulled by pairs of powerful water buffaloes (kerbau). These are not just farm animals. In fact, they are prized racing buffaloes. Their value can increase greatly if they win.

The races take place on makeshift dirt tracks. These tracks are usually 1-2 kilometers long. Farmers carve them out of harvested rice fields. Furthermore, it is a muddy, fast, and very exciting event.

A Tradition Born from the Harvest

The tradition of Makepung dates back to the early 20th century in Jembrana. It began as an informal contest among farmers. They held it after the rice harvest. It was a way to celebrate their hard work. Also, they tested the strength and speed of their buffaloes. Over the decades, these simple contests evolved. They became the highly competitive races we see today. Consequently, they are now a key part of West Bali’s cultural identity.

The Day of the Races: What to Expect

A Makepung race day is a vibrant and festive affair. It is filled with a lively and competitive atmosphere.

• The Teams: The competition is a fierce but friendly rivalry. It is between two main groups. There is the Eastern Division (Ijo Gading Timur), who wear red. Also, there is the Western Division (Ijo Gading Barat), who wear green.
• The “Buffalo Fashion Show”: There is a unique procession before the main races begin. The buffaloes are adorned with elaborate crowns, large bells, and silk ribbons. It is a celebration of the animals. It is also a chance for owners to show their pride.
• The Race: The main event is a thrilling sight. Pairs of buffaloes are released down the track. They go at incredible speed. Their jockeys guide them skillfully from their chariots. It is a powerful display of the unique partnership between man and animal.

How to Witness the Spectacle

The Makepung season runs annually. It is during the dry months, from July to November. Races are typically held on Sunday mornings.

• The Grand Final: The season ends with the most prestigious final race. It is for the Governor’s Cup (Piala Bupati). This is the biggest event of the year. It draws the largest crowds and the fastest buffaloes.
• Confirmed Date for the 2025 Final: The final race for the Governor’s Cup is scheduled for Sunday, November 9th, 2025.
• Location: The races are held in various circuits. They are around Negara. This is the capital of the Jembrana regency in West Bali.

Planning Your Adventure

A trip to the Makepung Buffalo Races is a full-day excursion from Nusa Dua. However, it is well worth the journey for a truly authentic cultural experience.

• Getting There: The drive to Jembrana takes several hours. The most comfortable and convenient way to go is with a private car and driver.
• Let Us Be Your Guide: To ensure a seamless and unforgettable adventure, our Concierge team can arrange your entire trip. We can organize private transportation. We can also provide you with all the details you need to experience the thundering spirit of the Makepung races.

Getting married in Bali is a dream for many couples. The thought of saying “I do” on a beautiful beach is the ultimate romantic fantasy. While the ceremony is a beautiful dream, the legal process can seem confusing.

But don’t worry! The process is very straightforward with the right preparation. As your friendly hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we created this simple guide. It explains the legal requirements for foreigners. We want to help you on your way to a perfect and legally recognized Bali wedding.

1. The Two Essential Ceremonies

The key to a legally recognized marriage in Bali is understanding this. You need to have two different ceremonies. They must be on the same day. One happens right after the other.

• The Religious Ceremony: According to Indonesian law, a marriage must first have a religious ceremony. A representative of one of Indonesia’s five official religions performs it. The religions are Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, or Buddhism. You and your partner must both declare the same religion for this ceremony.
• The Civil Ceremony: A government official from the Indonesian Civil Registry Office arrives immediately after the religious ceremony. They conduct a short civil ceremony. They record the marriage. This step makes your wedding legally binding in Indonesia and internationally.

2. The Most Important Document: Your CNI

Before any ceremony can happen, you need one crucial document. You must get it from your home country’s representatives in Indonesia.

• What it is: This document is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI). It is a sworn statement. It confirms that you are legally single and free to marry. Different countries may call it by another name, but the purpose is the same.
• How to get it: You must get this from your country’s embassy or consulate in Indonesia. This should be one of your very first planning steps. It can take some time to process.

3. Your Document Checklist

Being well-prepared with the right paperwork is the secret to a stress-free process. Specific requirements may change slightly by nationality. However, here is a general checklist of the documents you and your partner will likely need:

• Valid Passports (with at least 6 months of validity remaining)
• Full Birth Certificates (the original or a certified copy)
• The CNI from your consulate in Indonesia
• Divorce Decree Absolute (if you have been previously married)
• Passport-sized photographs of the couple together (usually in a specific side-by-side pose)
• Photocopies of the passports of your two witnesses

Note: Any documents not in English may need to be officially translated into Indonesian.

4. The Role of an Expert Wedding Team

You can arrange the legalities yourself. However, managing the process with your consulate and Indonesian officials can be complex and time-consuming. This is where an expert team can be very helpful. The wedding planners at a romantic wedding resort have the experience to handle all the paperwork. They coordinate with the religious and civil officials. They also ensure every detail is perfect. This removes all the stress from you.

Let Us Guide You Through the Process

At Merusaka Nusa Dua, our dedicated wedding specialists are more than just planners. They are experts in the legal and logistical aspects of a Bali wedding. We can guide you through every step of the legal process. This includes advising on the necessary documents. We also coordinate with all the official parties. We ensure your journey to saying “I do” is as smooth and beautiful as the ceremony itself.

[Contact Our Wedding Team to Start Planning] 

When you think of Bali’s scents, you might imagine fragrant frangipani blossoms. You might also think of salty sea air and the sweet smoke of incense. But during the dry season, from May through September, the mountain air has a different scent. This is the rich and fragrant story of the Bali harvest season. This is when two of the island’s precious treasures are picked. We are talking about cloves and coffee.

For the curious traveler, a trip to the highlands during this time is a wonderful sensory experience. As your friendly hosts at Merusaka, we invite you to journey with us beyond the coast. Let’s discover the bountiful heart of Bali.

A Journey to the Highlands

To experience the harvest, you must leave the sun-drenched beaches. Travel upwards into the cool, misty mountains. These are in Central and North Bali. In regions like Kintamani, Munduk, and Pupuan, the lush, volcanic soil is perfect for growing things. The cooler climate is also a benefit. These conditions are great for some of the world’s most fragrant spices and coffee beans. The drive itself is a beautiful adventure. The landscape transforms into a panorama of terraced rice paddies, deep green jungles, and serene mountain lakes.

The Fragrant Treasure: Bali’s Clove Harvest

As you drive through the small mountain villages, you will likely notice something. There are large mats laid out on roadsides and in courtyards. They are covered in tiny, dark brown nails. This is the clear sight and scent of the clove harvest.

• The Process: Cloves are the unopened flower buds of the clove tree. They are picked by hand. This happens just as they turn from green to a bright reddish color. The buds are then separated from their stems. Then they are laid out to dry in the tropical sun. This natural drying process concentrates their oils. It also releases the intensely warm, sweet, and fragrant aroma. This fragrance is very well known.
• The Significance: Cloves have been a cornerstone of the spice trade for centuries. They are a vital part of the local economy. In Indonesia, they are a key ingredient in many things. These include cuisine, traditional medicine, and the famous kretek cigarettes.

The Famous Bean: Bali’s Coffee Culture

Bali’s coffee is famous around the world. We are talking about the Arabica from the Kintamani region. People know it for its smooth, rich flavor and low acidity. The harvest season is the perfect time to discover its fascinating journey. You can see how this beloved bean goes from a cherry to a cup.

• The Process: A visit to a local coffee plantation (agrowisata) is a multi-sensory experience. You will see the coffee “cherries” growing. You will also learn how they are picked. You will also watch the beans being separated and dried in the sun. Many plantations in Bali use a unique traditional method. It is called giling basah. This contributes to the coffee’s distinctive full-bodied and earthy flavor. The experience, of course, ends in a tasting session. You can try freshly roasted and brewed Balinese coffee.
• A Note on Kopi Luwak: You will undoubtedly hear about Kopi Luwak, the “civet coffee.” While it is a famous Bali product, we encourage visitors to be mindful. For the well-being of the animals, please choose to support plantations. They should offer coffee from wild or free-roaming civets. Please avoid those that keep them in cages.

How to Experience the Harvest

A sensory tour of the highlands is a wonderful day trip from Nusa Dua. It offers a cool and refreshing contrast to the coast.

• Agro-tourism Plantations: Many plantations are open to visitors. They offer excellent guided tours and tasting sessions. This allows you to learn about the process. You can also buy fresh products directly from the source.
• Let Us Arrange Your Journey: The best and most comfortable way to explore the highlands is with a private car and driver. Our Concierge team can arrange a personalized day tour for you. They will take you to the most beautiful and authentic coffee and clove plantations. This ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

Exploring the Bali harvest season is a unique way to connect with the island’s agricultural heart and soul. It’s a journey that delights the senses. It offers a deeper appreciation for the rich aromas and flavors. They are born in the cool, misty mountains of the Balinese highlands.

One of the first things you’ll notice in Bali is its incredibly vibrant colors. Nowhere is this more true than in its food. Exploring the world of fascinating tropical fruits in Bali is a delicious adventure for your senses. You will be surrounded by a dazzling array of strange and wonderful fruits. You may have never seen them before. This happens everywhere, from the breakfast buffet at Merusaka Nusa Dua to the bustling local markets.

But what are they, and how do you eat them? Don’t be shy! As your friendly hosts, we created this simple guide. It will help you identify, peel, and enjoy some of the island’s most luscious and iconic fruits.

1. The Queen of Fruits: Mangosteen (Manggis)

This is often the first fruit people love. It’s for good reason! People hail it as the “Queen of Fruits” for its exquisite flavor.

What it Looks Like: A small, round fruit with a thick, leathery, deep purple rind. It also has a green leafy cap.

How to Eat It: Don’t use a knife! Simply hold the fruit in both hands. Then, gently press or twist the middle. The rind will crack open cleanly. This reveals the delicate, snow-white segments inside. Just be careful, the purple juice can stain!

What it Tastes Like: It has a perfect blend of sweet and slightly tangy flavor. The soft, juicy texture melts in your mouth. It is incredibly refreshing.

2. The Hairy One: Rambutan

The name “rambutan” comes from the Indonesian word for hair (rambut). You’ll immediately see why. This is a fun and delicious fruit. It is a favorite with children.

What it Looks Like: An oval fruit the size of a golf ball. It is covered in soft, spiky-looking red or yellow “hairs.”

How to Eat It: You can either twist the skin open with your hands. Or, you can slice through the leathery skin with a knife. Don’t slice all the way through, though. Just pop the fruit out. Be aware there is a seed in the middle.

What it Tastes Like: The translucent white flesh is juicy and sweet. It is very similar to a lychee or a fresh grape.

3. The Scaly One: Salak (Snake Fruit)

Don’t be put off by the strange exterior! Salak, or Snake Fruit, is one of Bali’s most unique and iconic fruits.

What it Looks Like: The fruit grows in a cluster. It is at the base of a palm tree. It has a brittle, reddish-brown skin. The skin looks remarkably like snake scales.

How to Eat It: Simply pinch the tip of the fruit. Then, peel the scaly skin back. It will come off easily. This reveals three pale yellow lobes.

What it Tastes Like: The texture makes it so unique. It’s crunchy, firm, and moist. It is similar to a crisp apple. The flavor is a wonderful mix of sweet and tart. It often has a hint of pineapple or citrus.

4. The Vibrant One: Dragon Fruit (Buah Naga)

You can’t miss this one! Dragon Fruit is arguably the most beautiful and “Instagrammable” fruit on the planet.

What it Looks Like: A stunningly vibrant, magenta-pink orb. It has soft green scales. The flesh inside is either white or an equally brilliant magenta. It is dotted with tiny, edible black seeds.

How to Eat It: Simply slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon. You can also peel the skin back and slice it into cubes.

What it Tastes Like: The flavor is surprisingly mild and delicate. It’s gently sweet and very refreshing. Its texture is a cross between a kiwi and a pear.

5. The King of Fruits: Durian (A Daring Adventure!)

Ah, the Durian. This is the most famous and infamous fruit in all of Southeast Asia. You will likely smell it before you see it!

What it Looks Like: A large, heavy, formidable-looking green husk. It is covered in sharp spikes.

How to Eat It: For beginners, we highly recommend buying it pre-opened. Find a trusted street-side vendor. They can choose a good one for you.

What it Tastes Like: People are fiercely divided on this. The texture is a thick, rich, and creamy custard. The flavor is unlike anything else. It is intensely sweet, savory, and complex all at once. You’ll either fall in love with it instantly. Or you will decide once was enough. Either way, it’s an unforgettable Bali experience!

Where to Find Your Fruit Adventure

Ready to start tasting? You can find these fascinating treasures all over the island.

• At Our Breakfast Buffet: The easiest way to start is right here at Merusaka. Our daily breakfast buffet features a beautiful selection of fresh, seasonal tropical fruits in Bali. We prepare them perfectly for you to sample.
• Local Markets & Stalls: For the full, authentic experience, ask our Concierge team to recommend a local fruit market (pasar buah). Here you can see, smell, and taste an even wider variety. You will also experience a slice of local life.

Exploring Bali’s fruit is a delicious journey. Be adventurous, try something new, and enjoy the incredible natural bounty of the island!