From Hindu culture to prime real estate
Soft white sand, laid back lifestyles and Hindu temples always made Bali attractive for cultural travelers; however, the opening of Ngurah Rai International Airport in the 1970s ensured the island became much more accessible, especially for those just a short flight away in Australia. Although many of the Aussies heading to Bali back in the 70s and early 80s were solely interested in consistent waves and affordable digs, the more tourists who came to see what the fuss was all about, the more the money men capitalised on the island’s exotic charms. The coastal suburbs around Denpasar, including Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua, all attracted real estate developers, fast-food chains and all-inclusive package vacationmakers with little or no intervention from, at best, a weak government, at worse, a completely corrupt bunch of incompetents. Ineffectual leaders still exist today, a prime example being the proposed Benoa Bay development which, if pushed forward, plans to bring increased numbers of tourists to the already over congested southern Bali in the form of shopping districts, luxury accommodation and a marina, within an area that’s currently underwater. This proposed reclamation project threatens not only the marine ecology and surrounding coastline but also several sacred underwater Hindu sites. Not only does Bali’s government need to get its act together in terms of protecting the natural environment and cultural sites of the south, it needs to respect the rights of local people ahead of international corporations before it edges ever closer to the mass tourism volcanic rim of no return.
What you can do
Don’t treat Bali as just another homogenised hot spot and stay in high rise hotels where English is the only language you’ll hear all vacation, or opt for all inclusive packages that don’t require any traveling other than from the pool and back. Go and explore; experience Bali on two wheels through rice terraces or in remote mountain villages, like Tenganan and Trunyan where Bali Aga traditions exist alongside incredible volcanic scenery. Discover the intricacy of ikat textile design and what it means to be invited in for coffee by someone who welcomes you with nods, smiles and twinkling eyes.