DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Provincial Government is preparing to expand its snorkeling tourism levy program to several new marine destinations as part of broader efforts to strengthen coastal conservation management.
Through the Bali Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), authorities confirmed that the snorkeling retribution policy introduced in 2023 will continue while being expanded to tourism areas in North and East Bali.
The next phase of implementation is expected to cover Tulamben in Karangasem Regency, as well as Tejakula and Pemuteran in Buleleng Regency — areas known for high snorkeling and marine tourism activity.
Head of Bali DKP, Putu Sumardiana, said preparations for the expansion are expected to begin within the next month.
“There are already many snorkeling activities in those areas, but management remains limited. We cannot wait any longer and need to start organizing these tourism activities,” Sumardiana said on Wednesday (May 6).
Authorities emphasized that the policy is not focused solely on increasing regional revenue, but also on improving protection for marine conservation areas facing growing tourism pressure.
As part of the initial stage, the government plans to deploy officers to monitor tourism activity and collect visitor data before officially implementing levy charges at the new locations.
According to DKP, tariff structures for the additional destinations have not yet been finalized. Visitor data and tourism activity patterns are still being assessed to ensure future fees remain proportional and do not place excessive burden on tourists or local businesses.
“The main objective is to preserve conservation areas. If the marine environment is protected, tourists will continue to visit,” Sumardiana explained.
Since its introduction two years ago, Bali’s snorkeling levy program has contributed approximately IDR 1.7 billion in regional revenue.
Officials expect the figure to increase as the program expands, while maintaining a balance between tourism activity and marine ecosystem conservation.
The move reflects Bali’s broader shift toward more regulated and sustainability-focused marine tourism management amid rising visitor numbers across the island’s coastal destinations.