| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 22/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 41 |
| Copyright: Other |
Indonesia
Standing on ceremony: customs are still an important part of Balinese lifeHaving a Bali fantastictime in paradise island
Water sports and mystique attract visitors
Karen
Maxwell
FOR some, Bali conjures up images of exclusive resorts, volcanic mountains and rice terraces. For me, Bali’s main selling point is its people.Tourism has barely affected their deep-rooted Hindu faith and the mystique that lies behind their unique culture means this island is much more than a sun and sea destination.
This was not my first trip to Bali. I had stayed there on my honeymoon and left assuming that the good wishes we received from the Balinese people were reserved for honeymooners. Nine years later the smiles were just as broad.
Bali has become a value for money destination since the Asian economic slowdown and is now accessible to a wider UK market. With only five days on the island, I decided sunbathing by the pool could wait and instead set off to discover the world outside the hotel. I had a tricky choice to make – white-water rafting, jungle trekking, an elephant safari or touring the island and its volcanos in a landcruiser. I took the sedate alternative and signed up for a day-trip on the Waka Louka – a 23-metre catamaran. A 2hr sail took me and 40 other passengers to Lembongan Island where we were greeted by a school of inquisitive dolphins and a picturesque beach scene.
Bali’s beaches are not quite Caribbean standard but still offer turquoise waters lapping white sand. Nestled neatly inland were comfortable sun loungers under the shade of palm trees, leading to a swimming pool, bar and access to 10 hideaway bungalows in the Waka Nusa Resort. We all tucked into an Indonesian-style buffet, before taking the opportunity to snorkle, fish or visit a seaweed-farming village inland.
Water sports enthusiasts have been lured to Bali’s coastline since the Australians discovered the surf on Kuta beach almost 40 years ago. So the next day I made the 3hr drive from Nusa Dua to the east coast resort of Tulamben for my first attempt at snorkelling with Yos Marine Sports.
Hovering over live coral and a ship wreck, I was a bit wary of what might lurk below but I soon became smitten and barely flinched when I found myself floating precariously towards a shoal of foot-long tuna.
On the drive back to the south coast and the resorts of Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua, I was struck by the beauty of the landscape.
Lush rice terraces, tropical flora and sacred temples all seemed untouched by the western world.
Villagers engaged in initiation ceremonies where children reaching puberty have their teeth filed to ward off bad spirits and colourful processions were commonplace. They didn’t mind me taking pictures but as the display was not for my benefit I kept a respectful distance.
By contrast, the bars and restaurants around Kuta have an international feel, offering live entertainment as well as traditional Balinese dancing.
A thorough clean-up last year rid the beaches of illegal hawkers and the quality of shopping in the town has improved dramatically.
I enjoyed the ambience enough to develop “too much helicopter in the head” – as Ary, our tour guide remarked, after he watched me enjoy the local Arak Attack cocktails.
The last day arrived and I had to make a decision. A massage in the relaxing settings of the Nusa Dua Resort and Spa Hotel or shopping for wood carvings, batik sarongs and woven place-mats in Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.
I decided to ship home a set of teak garden furniture – on which I shall sit and plan my next visit.
Factfile
BALI
Cost of living: travelling is reasonable. Taxis start at 30p, increasing by 15p a kilometre. Motorbike hire starts from £4 a day and a Jeep costs £19. A three-course meal costs between £5-£10 in a restaurant or from £15 in a hotel.
agent quotes
Karen Maxwell travelled to Bali with representatives from several tour operators. Here they give their views of the destination.
“I expected the island to be more commercialised, however, I found most of the developments to be in tune with nature and in line with the height restriction policy for new hotels. I think Bali’s main selling point is its people, my only complaint was that I felt that the hawkers on the beaches could annoy guests.”
Robert Kent, reservations, Silverbird
“I thought the beaches were not as soft and sandy as the Caribbean, but the customer trend is veering towards wanting a more adventurous holiday rather than just sunbathing, and Bali is certainly more than just a beach destination.”
Darshi Shah, reservationsmanager, Tropical Locations.
“This was my first time in Bali and I was struck by the diversity of the island – black sand on the north coast as opposed to white sand in the south and scenery that ranges from rainforests to volcanoes. My only concern was the half finished developments I noticed, which may have been due to the currency devaluation. However, that factor made the trip excellent value for money.”
Samantha Sheldon, product trainer long haul and ocean liners, Saga Holidays
“I think the key to Bali is its diversity. Bali has it all – shopping, culture, food, sunshine and breathtaking scenery. I would defy any visitor to get bored there. During my visit I felt like I was getting the full VIP treatment.”
Carolyn Burgess, Travelbag senior product executive Far East
Rice terraces: form part of Bali’s stunning scenery
Carolyn: made the most of the markets in Bali