Bali, Indonesia

Buddha on the Beach.

Bali is one of more than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, located just over 2 kilometres from the eastern tip of the island of Java and to the west of the island of Lombok.  The island is home to about 4 million people.

Stone statue.

Wooden Buddha.

The word "paradise" is used a lot in Bali.  The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and spectacular beaches has made Bali Indonesia's unrivalled number one tourist attraction.  Eighty percent of international visitors to Indonesia visit Bali, and Bali alone.

Sanur Beach.

Pagoda.

The popularity is not without its flip side— over the years, areas have degenerated into congested warrens of concrete, where touts and scammers live on overcharging tourists.  The island's visibility has even drawn the unwanted attention of terrorists.  Bali's tourism sufferrred due to the terrorist bombings of 2002 and 2005.  Although the tourism industry survived, it has only slowly recovered.  The Australian government still rates it at danger level 4 for travellers, out of a scale of 5!

Fishing boats.

Sanur fishing fleet.

Sanur beach.

During the tourist season Bali can get very crowded, especially in July, August and again at Christmas and New Year.  Australians visit during school holidays in early April, late June and late September, while domestic tourists from elsewhere in Indonesia visit during national holidays.  Outside these peak seasons, Bali can be surprisingly quiet and good discounts on accommodation are often available.

Wedding in a cube on the beach!

The happy couple.

Cube interior.

The tourism industry is primarily focused in the south.  The main tourist locations are the town of Kuta (with its beach), and its outer suburbs of Legian and Seminyak (which were once independant townships), the east coast town of Sanur (once the only tourist hub) and the newer development of Nusa Dua.

Hotel pool.

An offshoot of tourism is the growing real estate industry.  Bali real estate has been rapidly developing in the main tourist areas.  Most recently, high-end 5 star projects are under development on the Bukit peninsula, on the south side of the island.  Million dollar villas are being developed along the cliff sides of south Bali, commanding panoramic ocean views.  Foreign and domestic investment into other areas of the island also continues to grow.  Land prices, despite the worldwide economic crisis, have remained stable.

Hotel beach area.

Bali received the Best Island award from Travel and Leisure in 2010.  The award was presented at the "World's Best Awards 2010" in New York.  The island of Bali won because of its attractive surroundings (both mountain and coastal areas), diverse tourist attractions, excellent international and local restaurants, and the friendliness of the local people.

Segara village.

Segara village.

I recently visited the area of Sanur, Bali's oldest upscale resort area and now a mature beachside town.  Despite the abundance of restaurants and accommodation, it has a quiet and relaxed feel to it.  Sanur tends to appeal mostly to middle-aged and older families, especially Europeans and Aussies.

Local muscians.

Dancing ladies.

During World War II, the Sanur region was the entry point through which the Japanese forces landed to occupy the island of Bali.

Today Sanur contains a number of resorts such as the Medina and Bali Hyatt, it remains a popular tourist destination.  Even though there are a few smart hotels on the beach, the litter-strewn seas and beaches, along with beggars everywhere spoil the image.  It reminds me very much of the Philippines with its tacky, gaudy, cheap markets.  It is pretty run down outside the tourist hotel areas, perhaps a throw back from the recent terrorist bombings.

Local market.

Tacky masks.

The name Bali has long been associated with tropical beauty in its many forms; you may have built up picture perfect images of this heaven on earth.  Don’t expect too much, you may be disappointed!

Dancing girls.

One eyes higher.

Colourful makeup.

There is better to be had elsewhere, either in Thailand, Australia or throughout Southeast Asia.