To say it simply, a begpacker is someone who goes to foreign countries and beg for a donation from the locals.
That is problematic because tourists are supposed to bring money to help the economy, not taking them out. They seem to think that they are entitled to travel the world so they beg people to give them money.
Bali had enough of begpackers
Bali and indeed Indonesia obviously have no problem with backpackers who want to travel in the lowest possible budget. They are all welcome.
However, begpackers who plan to take advantage of the kindness of locals will be dealt with swiftly and firmly. Tourists who are caught begging will be sent to their respective embassies and banned from entering the country.
An official from Ngurah Rai’s Immigration Office stated that they will no longer tolerate that kind of practice. Indonesia is visa-free for people from many countries, especially western developed ones. Unfortunately, some of the travelers from those take advantage of those privilege to come to touristy areas and beg.
These begpackers are real problems faced by many governments that they start to make a stern stance now.
The idea of touching down in a country knowing you don’t have the financial means to support yourself is surely unimaginable to all but the most self-indulgent traveler. Particularly in a place where the tourist dollar (or rupiah) means such a lot to the local community.
Tourism accounts for up to 80 per cent of Bali’s economy, according to a 2018 Vice magazine article, and has helped lift people out of poverty through an increase in employment opportunities and a rise in regional income. While there are environmental arguments against the impact of the industry, Bali’s residents are at least financially better off than they were a decade ago.But only if visitors are willing to spend.
Those who aren’t – whether Chinese tourists on zero-dollar tours, on which sightseers are wheedled into shopping at stores where all profits are siphoned back to China, or Western begpackers, who would rather sponge off the kindness of strangers than pay their way – are a financial drain on the island.
And a misplaced passport or a stolen wallet are no excuse, either. Consulates and embassies exist to, among other things, help travelers in genuine need of assistance; although it should be noted that having made the “lifestyle choice” to travel off others’ handouts probably doesn’t fall under the category of “genuine need”.
As far as Destinations Known is concerned, there is no romance to poverty and nor is there virtue in travelling the world for free. Someone has to pay for it, somehow, so it might as well be you.
It’s no secret that Bali has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in Indonesia, and not only the local people who go there, foreign tourists also admit that Bali is one of the best tourist destinations.
However, because of the many tourists who come here, there is a perception that traveling to Bali requires a lot of costs. In fact, the truth is not really. If you really want a vacation to Bali, but with a limited budget, you can practice these five ways!
- Avoid holidays to Bali when it is again “holiday season” aka high season!
These first tips are important and you should know before deciding to leave for Bali. Usually, school holidays and year-end become the most avoided time if you want a budget trip to Bali. You see, the cost there will swell along with the many tourists who come. Look for a normal day that is more quiet visitors to reduce spending.
- Choose a hotel that is cheap and closest to tourist destinations
The location of the hotel is also important so that you can reduce your budget even more. Select the location of the hotel near the tour you want to go to. In addition, you can also try capsule hotels that are more affordable compared to hotels in general.
- Motorcycle rental is the best solution for traveling in Bali at a low cost
Compared to using a taxi to travel to Bali, if you can ride a motorcycle, try to rent a motorcycle there. Besides being cheaper and more practical, the motorbike is also faster to take you to your destination especially when the situation is jammed.
- Look for a “free” hangout
Who says free is not always good? In Bali, you can easily get free hangouts that have no less good views, for example by visiting the beach.
- Look for cheap culinary info around your lodging
You don’t need to be afraid to ask local residents there for cheap “culinary”. If you are still shy, use Google Maps and find culinary recommendations from the reviews of people who have visited it. Thus, you can reduce expenses during holidays in Bali.
