Starting from Valentine’s Day, foreign tourists visiting Bali, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, will be required to pay a 150,000 rupiah (£7.60; $9.60) levy upon entry. The Indonesian authorities have implemented this tax to protect the island’s environment and culture. Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches, excellent surfing waves, and breathtaking landscapes. In 2022, nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali, making it a significant contributor to the island’s economy. The tourist tax, which was announced last year, applies to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia, while domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt. Travelers are encouraged to pay the tax before their arrival through the Love Bali website.

According to the province’s statistics bureau, Australia was the largest source of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2022, with over 100,000 arrivals. This was followed by tourists from India, China, and Singapore. However, the behavior of some tourists in Bali has caused frustration among the local community. Instances of tourists misbehaving, such as a Russian man stripping off on Mount Agung, considered a sacred site by Hindus, and a Russian couple engaging in sexual activity on Mount Batur, have led to public outcry. In response, authorities have taken measures to address these issues, including the deportation of offenders and plans to ban foreign tourists from using motorbikes due to traffic law violations.

The announcement of the tourist tax coincided with the day when millions of Indonesians went to the polls to elect a new president and legislature. Indonesia, with its 17,000 islands and three time zones, has over 200 million eligible voters. The implementation of the tourist tax reflects the government’s commitment to balancing the needs of tourism with the preservation of Bali’s natural and cultural heritage. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism contributed approximately 60% to Bali’s annual GDP. By introducing this levy, the authorities aim to generate revenue to support environmental conservation efforts and maintain the island’s unique cultural identity.

In conclusion, starting from Valentine’s Day, foreign tourists visiting Bali will be required to pay a levy upon entry. This measure is intended to protect Bali’s environment and culture. Bali is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, surfing waves, and landscapes. The tax applies to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia, while domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt. The implementation of this tax reflects the government’s commitment to balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

Original news source: Bali to charge foreign tourists $10 entry tax (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary

Instructions:
1. Divide the class into small groups.
2. Provide each group with a copy of the article.
3. Instruct the groups to read the article and discuss the main points.
4. Each group must then write a concise summary of the article, highlighting the key information.
5. After a designated time, have each group share their summary with the whole class.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Provide each pair/group with a list of questions related to the article.
3. Instruct the pairs/groups to discuss the questions and share their opinions with each other.
4. After a designated time, conduct a class discussion where each pair/group shares their opinions and the reasons behind them.

– Vocabulary Pictionary

Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Provide each pair/group with a list of vocabulary words from the article.
3. Instruct the pairs/groups to take turns choosing a word and drawing a picture to represent it.
4. The other members of the pair/group must guess the word based on the drawing.
5. After a designated time, have each pair/group share their drawings and words with the whole class.

– Keyword Hangman

Instructions:
1. Write the keywords from the article on the board, but leave out some letters.
2. Divide the class into two teams.
3. Instruct one team to choose a keyword and provide them with a blank space for each missing letter.
4. The other team must then guess the missing letters by suggesting one letter at a time.
5. If the guessing team guesses a correct letter, write it in the corresponding blank space. If they guess incorrectly, draw a body part of a hangman.
6. Alternate between teams until the keyword is guessed or the hangman is completed.
7. Repeat with the roles reversed.

– Pros and Cons

Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Provide each pair/group with the topic of the tourist tax in Bali.
3. Instruct the pairs/groups to discuss the pros and cons of implementing such a tax.
4. After a designated time, have each pair/group present their arguments to the whole class.
5. Encourage a class discussion where students can share their opinions and respond to their classmates’ arguments.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why are foreign tourists visiting Bali required to pay a levy upon entry?
2. How many tourists visited Bali in 2022?
3. Who is exempt from paying the tourist tax in Bali?
4. What are some examples of misbehavior by tourists in Bali?
5. What measures have authorities taken to address issues caused by tourists in Bali?
6. What event coincided with the announcement of the tourist tax in Bali?
7. How many eligible voters does Indonesia have?
8. What is the purpose of the tourist tax in Bali?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Starting from Valentine’s Day, foreign tourists visiting Bali, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, will be required to pay a 150,000 rupiah (£7.60; $9.60) levy upon entry. The Indonesian authorities have (1)______ this tax to (2)______ the island’s environment and culture. Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches, (3)______ surfing waves, and breathtaking landscapes. In 2022, nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali, (4)______ it a significant contributor to the island’s economy. The tourist tax, which was announced last year, applies to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia, while domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt. Travelers are encouraged to pay the tax before their arrival through the Love Bali website.

According to the province’s statistics bureau, Australia was the largest source of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2022, with over 100,000 (5)______. This was followed by tourists from India, China, and Singapore. However, the behavior of some tourists in Bali has caused frustration among the local community. (6)______ of tourists misbehaving, such as a Russian man (7)______ off on Mount Agung, considered a sacred site by Hindus, and a Russian couple engaging in sexual activity on Mount Batur, have led to public outcry. In response, authorities have (8)______ measures to address these issues, including the deportation of (9)______ and plans to ban foreign tourists from using motorbikes due to traffic law violations.

The announcement of the tourist tax coincided with the day when (10)______ of Indonesians went to the polls to elect a new president and legislature. Indonesia, with its 17,000 islands and three time zones, has over 200 million eligible voters. The implementation of the tourist tax reflects the government’s commitment to balancing the needs of tourism with the preservation of Bali’s natural and cultural heritage. Prior to the (11)______ pandemic, tourism contributed approximately 60% to Bali’s annual GDP. By introducing this levy, the (12)______ aim to generate revenue to support (13)______al conservation efforts and maintain the island’s unique cultural (14)______.

In conclusion, starting from Valentine’s Day, foreign tourists visiting Bali will be required to pay a levy upon entry. This measure is intended to protect Bali’s environment and culture. Bali is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, (15)______ waves, and landscapes. The tax applies to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other (16)______ of Indonesia, while domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt. The implementation of this tax reflects the government’s commitment to balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the tourist tax in Bali? Do you think it is a fair way to protect the environment and culture?
2. How would you feel if your country implemented a similar tourist tax? Do you think it would be effective in preserving your country’s natural and cultural heritage?
3. Do you like visiting popular tourist destinations? Why or why not?
4. What do you think are some of the challenges that come with being a popular tourist destination like Bali?
5. How would you feel if you witnessed tourists misbehaving in a sacred site in your country? What actions do you think should be taken in such cases?
6. Have you ever witnessed tourists misbehaving in your country? If so, how did it make you feel?
7. Do you think banning foreign tourists from using motorbikes is a reasonable measure to address traffic law violations? Why or why not?
8. What are some other measures that you think could be taken to address the negative behavior of tourists in popular destinations?
9. How do you think the implementation of the tourist tax will affect the number of foreign tourists visiting Bali? Why?
10. Do you think the tourist tax will have a positive impact on Bali’s environment and culture? Why or why not?
11. Have you ever visited a destination that had a similar tax or fee for tourists? If so, how did you feel about it?
12. How do you think the revenue generated from the tourist tax should be used to support environmental conservation efforts?
13. Do you think the government should prioritize tourism or environmental conservation when making decisions about popular tourist destinations? Why or why not?
14. What are some ways that tourists can contribute positively to the environment and culture of the places they visit?
15. How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic has affected popular tourist destinations like Bali?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. levy
2. renowned
3. landscapes
4. contributor
5. exempt
6. misbehaving
7. sacred
8. outcry
9. deportation
10. preservation
11. pandemic
12. revenue
13. conservation
14. heritage
15. electorate

Meanings:
(A) Scenic views or natural features of an area
(B) The traditions, values, and cultural characteristics passed down through generations
(C) The protection and management of natural resources and the environment
(D) The body of people entitled to vote in an election
(E) Regarded with great respect and reverence, often in a religious context
(F) The act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition
(G) A strong expression of public disapproval or anger
(H) Acting inappropriately or in a manner that is not acceptable
(I) Widely known and esteemed for a particular feature or quality
(J) Freed from an obligation or liability imposed on others
(K) An entity or factor that adds or contributes to a larger whole
(L) Income or money generated by a government or organization
(M) A worldwide outbreak of a disease
(N) The act of officially forcing someone to leave a country
(O) A charge or tax imposed by a government or authority
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why has the Indonesian government implemented a tourist tax in Bali?
(a) To protect the island’s environment and culture
(b) To discourage foreign tourists from visiting
(c) To generate revenue for the government
(d) To support domestic Indonesian tourism

2. Who is exempt from paying the tourist tax in Bali?
(a) Tourists from India
(b) Tourists from China
(c) Domestic Indonesian tourists
(d) Tourists from Singapore

3. How many tourists visited Bali in 2022?
(a) Over 100,000
(b) Nearly 4.8 million
(c) 17,000
(d) 200 million

4. Which country was the largest source of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2022?
(a) Australia
(b) India
(c) China
(d) Singapore

5. What has been the local community’s response to the behavior of some tourists in Bali?
(a) Supportive
(b) Indifferent
(c) Excited
(d) Public outcry

6. What measures have the authorities taken to address misbehavior by tourists in Bali?
(a) Banning foreign tourists from using motorbikes
(b) Both (a) and (b)
(c) Deportation of offenders
(d) None of the above

7. What percentage of Bali’s annual GDP did tourism contribute prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?
(a) Approximately 40%
(b) Approximately 20%
(c) Approximately 80%
(d) Approximately 60%

8. What is the main goal of implementing the tourist tax in Bali?
(a) Discouraging foreign tourists from visiting
(b) Balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation
(c) Generating revenue for the government
(d) Supporting domestic Indonesian tourism

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The tourist tax applies to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia, while domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt.
2. The implementation of the tourist tax reflects the government’s commitment to balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
3. Foreign tourists visiting Bali will NOT be required to pay a 150,000 rupiah levy upon entry starting from Valentine’s Day.
4. Bali is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
5. Instances of tourists misbehaving in Bali, such as stripping off on sacred sites and engaging in sexual activity, have led to private approval.
6. The Indonesian authorities implemented this tax to exploit Bali’s environment and culture.
7. Nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali in 2021, contributing significantly to the island’s economy.
8. Australia was the largest source of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2022, with over 100,000 arrivals.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why did the Indonesian authorities implement a tourist tax in Bali?
2. Who is exempt from paying the tourist tax in Bali?
3. What are some examples of misbehavior by tourists in Bali?
4. What measures have the authorities taken to address the issues caused by misbehaving tourists?
5. How does the implementation of the tourist tax reflect the government’s commitment to balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Foreign tourists visiting Bali are required to pay a levy upon entry to protect the island’s environment and culture.
2. In 2022, nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali.
3. Domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt from paying the tourist tax in Bali.
4. Some examples of misbehavior by tourists in Bali include a Russian man stripping off on Mount Agung, considered a sacred site by Hindus, and a Russian couple engaging in sexual activity on Mount Batur.
5. Authorities have taken measures to address issues caused by tourists in Bali, including the deportation of offenders and plans to ban foreign tourists from using motorbikes due to traffic law violations.
6. The announcement of the tourist tax in Bali coincided with the day when millions of Indonesians went to the polls to elect a new president and legislature.
7. Indonesia has over 200 million eligible voters.
8. The purpose of the tourist tax in Bali is to generate revenue to support environmental conservation efforts and maintain the island’s unique cultural identity.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) implemented
(2) protect
(3) excellent
(4) making
(5) arrivals
(6) Instances
(7) stripping
(8) taken
(9) offenders
(10) millions
(11) COVID-19
(12) authorities
(13) environment
(14) identity
(15) surfing
(16) parts
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. levy
Answer: (O) A charge or tax imposed by a government or authority

2. renowned
Answer: (I) Widely known and esteemed for a particular feature or quality

3. landscapes
Answer: (A) Scenic views or natural features of an area

4. contributor
Answer: (K) An entity or factor that adds or contributes to a larger whole

5. exempt
Answer: (J) Freed from an obligation or liability imposed on others

6. misbehaving
Answer: (H) Acting inappropriately or in a manner that is not acceptable

7. sacred
Answer: (E) Regarded with great respect and reverence, often in a religious context

8. outcry
Answer: (G) A strong expression of public disapproval or anger

9. deportation
Answer: (N) The act of officially forcing someone to leave a country

10. preservation
Answer: (F) The act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition

11. pandemic
Answer: (M) A worldwide outbreak of a disease

12. revenue
Answer: (L) Income or money generated by a government or organization

13. conservation
Answer: (C) The protection and management of natural resources and the environment

14. heritage
Answer: (B) The traditions, values, and cultural characteristics passed down through generations

15. electorate
Answer: (D) The body of people entitled to vote in an election
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why has the Indonesian government implemented a tourist tax in Bali?
Answer: (a) To protect the island’s environment and culture

2. Who is exempt from paying the tourist tax in Bali?
Answer: (c) Domestic Indonesian tourists

3. How many tourists visited Bali in 2022?
Answer: (b) Nearly 4.8 million

4. Which country was the largest source of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2022?
Answer: (a) Australia

5. What has been the local community’s response to the behavior of some tourists in Bali?
Answer: (d) Public outcry

6. What measures have the authorities taken to address misbehavior by tourists in Bali?
Answer: (c) Deportation of offenders

7. What percentage of Bali’s annual GDP did tourism contribute prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer: (d) Approximately 60%

8. What is the main goal of implementing the tourist tax in Bali?
Answer: (b) Balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The tourist tax applies to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia, while domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt. (Answer: True)
2. The implementation of the tourist tax reflects the government’s commitment to balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. (Answer: True)
3. Foreign tourists visiting Bali will NOT be required to pay a 150,000 rupiah levy upon entry starting from Valentine’s Day. (Answer: False)
4. Bali is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. (Answer: True)
5. Instances of tourists misbehaving in Bali, such as stripping off on sacred sites and engaging in sexual activity, have led to private approval. (Answer: False)
6. The Indonesian authorities implemented this tax to exploit Bali’s environment and culture. (Answer: False)
7. Nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali in 2021, contributing significantly to the island’s economy. (Answer: False)
8. Australia was the largest source of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2022, with over 100,000 arrivals. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧