Stay Smart in Bali: Choose Legal and Reputable Lodging

TheIndonesia.co - The Badung Regency Government in Bali has conducted surprise inspections on boarding houses, particularly those suspected to be occupied by foreign nationals in the North Kuta area. This effort is part of an ongoing initiative to regulate and monitor tourism accommodations.

“We are actively monitoring developments in tourism lodging, especially properties designated as residential spaces that are being misused for commercial accommodation,” said Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa on Tuesday in Mangupura, according to Antara News Agency.

He highlighted a growing concern: while tourist arrivals continue to rise, hotel occupancy has not followed suit. Authorities suspect this is partly due to the rise in unofficial accommodations, such as boarding houses being used for short-term stays without proper registration or licenses.

“Some of these properties are not registered under the Regional Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWPD), meaning they do not contribute to the region’s tax revenues. This situation directly impacts hotel occupancy rates and reduces potential local government income,” he explained.

The regency is now using these findings to draft new regulations. Plans include developing a centralized portal or app that promotes legitimate accommodations while connecting them to the local government's database. This system would also track visitor data in a legal and transparent way.

“We don’t want visitors staying in places that aren’t registered or monitored. This is a first step toward ensuring we know who is visiting Badung,” the Regent added.

He also urged property owners to adjust their use and licensing according to regulations if their properties are being used for tourism. A coordinated task force involving local community leaders, village heads, and subdistrict officials will be established to monitor and report any unauthorized use of residential spaces for tourism.

Furthermore, all guests—especially those staying in boarding houses—must be reported by the property owner to the local community head within 24 hours of arrival. This is a crucial measure to maintain public order, safety, and ensure compliance with construction and zoning laws.

For foreign travelers planning to visit Bali, this serves as an important reminder: always ensure your accommodation is licensed, tax-compliant, and aligned with local zoning laws. Not only does this support responsible tourism, but it also ensures your stay contributes positively to the community and complies with Indonesian law.

By choosing reputable lodging, travelers help preserve the integrity of Bali’s tourism sector while enjoying a safer and more transparent experience.