In Reply to: Telegraph Article posted by Balinov on Friday, 17. November 2006 at 11:18 Bali Time:
I agree the article is negative... But - it is a true indication of what occured in Bali, pre-bombings.
I have been many times and continue to go - in fact; getting back Monday. But... The behaviour pre-bombings of drunked tourists, did (and sometimes still does) extend to things that are highlighted in the article. I have been to Bali on footy trips - alot of people have.
BUT. Most Aussies in Bali at the moment are people with connections. Local Friends. Genuine Feelings. And are not there to destroy karma, but help continue the legend that created our favorite holiday destination.
There is a reason the article isn't right, it mentions "why would the locals want us there?". The reason is - our patronage, commitment and love of Bali (as an Aussie) has created a reliance on our money.
An unfortunate side affect. But an unavoidable one.
Many Bali Locals have returned to their villages and left behind their expensive lives, established in Tourism hot spots such as Kuta, Legian, Lovina (the best place to travel in Bali at the moment!!!!!!!!!) or Sanur. But those that remain rely on the Aussies or other nationalities that will travel there. Poor behaviour and all.
The article wasn't a glowing review of Bali, but, I think people know enough about the place and its history; not to be detered by talk about a pre-bombing bali where it was a party destination with no parallel. Bali is a starkly different place these days.
There was mention on here about a Bali Campaign saying: Where the bloody-hell are you? This isn't what they are pushing ... Instead of promoting themselves as a party destination their new tourism push is around culture and history.
They are giving Bali a new face; and that face is the locals that live there. The guy who like his father and their entire chain of fathers is a mask carver, 500 years of experience and a product of perfection.
The rice farmer, the fisherman, the cook.
These are the faces of the new Bali and whilst the article mentioned shows what Bali has become. The new push from the Bali Tourism Board combined with the people who continue to go there for the RIGHT reasons, have the opportunity to ensure that the NEW Bali is a starkly different place than the one that was the destination for people who behave poorly.
I miss the feeling of the old Bali for sure. But not some of the behaviour.
For Sure.
For Sure.
DB.