Tourists visiting the popular Indonesian island of Bali have been issued a stark warning after reports emerged of a scam involving illegal entry fees at a famous beach.
Footage of the Scam Goes Viral
The incident occurred at Dreamland Beach in Uluwatu, a white sand destination favoured by surfers and sunbathers. Despite the beach being officially free to enter, footage shared on social media shows locals demanding payment from foreign visitors.
One video, posted to Instagram by user @budu.love, captured the moment a tourist was confronted by a group of individuals asking for 10,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately 44p) to access the shoreline. The post was captioned with a clear warning: "Would you pay 10,000 IDR to enter a free beach? Tourist warning. Another scam in Bali."
The clip highlights that no official receipt or proof of authority was provided by those collecting the money, urging people not to support the scammers.
Official Response and Investigation
Local authorities have confirmed that Dreamland Beach is free and that the Pecatu Traditional Village, which manages the area, does not impose entry fees. Ketut Gede Arta, Head of the South Kuta Sub-District, stated that officials coordinated a response after the issue went viral on social media.
"We actually coordinated on Sunday afternoon regarding the extortion issue after it went viral," Arta told The Bali Sun. "We don't yet know the facts. On Monday, village officials went to the location to check, but no one was there."
He added that because the illegal levies were not directly witnessed, the situation remains unclear, but emphasised that regulations must be followed in tourist zones.
Tourist Advice and Online Reaction
The scam has sparked significant criticism and frustration online. The advice for travellers is clear: tourists should not pay for beach access or parking in Bali unless they receive an official printed ticket or receipt slip.
Reactions to the viral video were mixed but largely critical. One commenter, who identified as a local, expressed surprise and unfairness, having been asked for 20,000 IDR without a receipt. Another criticised broader issues, from ride-hailing app scams to overpriced seasonal fruit.
However, a contrasting viewpoint argued that charging for access to natural attractions is common in places like Europe. This comment stated: "In Europe tourists are required to pay for the entry to the beaches, waterfalls, anything that attracts the tourists. So Bali is also doing what Europe is doing. What's the problem?"
Despite this, the key issue remains the unauthorised and deceptive nature of the charges at Dreamland Beach, which local officials are now working to address.
