Delisting Cultural Icons in Bali

(2/6/2012)

The Jakarta Post reports that some members of Bali Chapter of the Indonesian Association of Travel Agents (ASITA) are not including stops at the iconic Tanah Lot Temple in Tabanan and the Uluwatu Temple in south Bali in protest over “unreasonably excessive” hikes in admission prices.

Bali’s ASITA chairman, Aloysius Purwa said a number of his association’s members are substituting other destinations, refusing to accept the 100% increase in admission charges at the two sites. Foreigners now pay Rp. 30,000 (US$3.33) to view Pura Tanah Lot, twice the previous price of admission. Meanwhile, the Uluwatu temple perched on a vertical cliff over the Indian Ocean charges Rp. 20,000 (US@2.22) to foreign visitors, nearly three time the old rate of Rp. 7,500 paid for entry.

Disappointed with ASITA not being consulted before the hike was introduced, Purwa warned: “Both attractions had a permanent place on our itineraries alongside several other attractions in Badung and Tabanan, such as Taman Ayun, Ulundanu and Sangeh. Now, the case will be different.”

When ASITA learned of plans to increase the admission fees late last year, the association formally wrote to the regencies asking to discuss the matter. Purwa said his association’s request for prior consultation were not dignified by an answer.