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THE BALI EXPERIENCE
The island of Bali is probably the best-known tourist destination in Indonesia. Bali is the
most popular spot for leisure activities given its exceptional tourist offerings. Bali a small
diamond shaped island nestled between the Indian and Pacific Ocean is part of the Indonesian
archipelago that lies 8 to 9 degrees South of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok in
the East. The island covers a small area of only 5,632 square kilometres where vast chains of
volcanic mountains between 1,350 meters and 3,000 meters high stretch across from the West to
East end. Surrounded with beautiful beaches, the island holds lush tropical forests, pristine crater
lakes, fast flowing rivers and picturesque rice terraces. The South coast consists of white sand
beaches, while in other parts of the island the beaches are covered with exotic black volcanic
sand.
The beauty of Bali is also enriched by the sincerity of its people. The population has
grown to over 3.1 million people with an overwhelming majority of Hindus. The island’s largest
city and administrative centre is the fast growing Denpasar with population of over 530,000.
Tourism is spreading rapidly in all directions, making it the largest industry to date. In Bali. the
traditional tourism area includes a vast area between Denpasar, Kuta, Sanur and Ubud. Smaller
towns such as Jimbaran, Tuban, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu are also developing into busy
tourist areas. In the other hand, the Nusa Dua area with its five star hotel compound represents a
more modern approach to tourism.
Historically, the genuine interest for Bali began during the Dutch conquest where the
Colonial government strove to protect and promote Bali as a living museum following the respect
for the indigenous tradition and culture. This initiative resulted in the arrival of wealthy
aristocrats and intellectuals during the early 1920s that came from all around the world to sample
the so-called last paradise. After independence and the instigation of the New Order, the era of
mass tourism opened in Bali. Later, the development of infrastructure and the swift response of
the Balinese people towards the industry have positioned Bali as the focal point of the
development of Indonesian tourism.
Currently, large proportion of tourists and visitors alike to Indonesia, spend most of their
time in Bali. During the year 2001, over 1.3 million visitors came to Bali with an average length
of stay of 11 days and an average spending of US$ 77,35 per day. It is predicted that in the year
2003 the numbers of visitor will decline moderately following the aftermath of the Bali
Bombings in Kuta 2002 and the Irak crisis. However, the last few months has shown more
promising trends particularly after the detention of the individuals responsible behind the Bali
bombings.
In this expanding tourism industry, home and small-scale industries are thriving
especially in the producing of handicrafts and souvenirs for local consumption and exports with
main buyers coming from the United States Europe and Japan. The textile, garment, and
handicraft industry are key aspects of Bali’s export earnings. In the year 2000 craft industry
exports amounted to US $ 348 million. From the total export earnings of US $ 406 million, the
contribution of craft industries amounts to 85,58 %. With this significance, the development of
craft industry in Bali at present and in the future is hoped to be come a model of culture industry
for others.
Tourism in Bali creates employment and has enormous potentials in the sustainable
development of economy, environment and social culture. Tourism has become a realistic option
for development in many areas. Therefore, there is a strong likelihood that the tourism industry
will continue to grow globally over the short to medium term. Of course mismanagement can
have a harmful effect particularly damage to the environment and local culture. The challenge is
to manage the future growth of the industry in order to minimize negative impacts on the
environment and host communities whilst maximizing the benefits it brings in terms economic,
social and cultural development.
Overall, the combination of the natural grace of its community, the natural attractions, the
diversity of its arts, the warmth of its tradition and culture, the year-round pleasant climate, and
stable security are qualities that permits tourism to succeed in Bali. As an appealing destination,
great emphasis of the tourism economy in the island lies on its cultural traits. The uniqueness of
the Balinese way of life seems to attract visitors to the island. Balinese culture that stems from the
Hindu belief. Bali is blessed with unique ritual ceremonies all signifying the Panca Yadnya (Five
Virtues) that includes Dewa Yadnya, Resi Yadnya, Manusa Yadnya, Pitra Yadnya and Bhuta
Yadnya.
The custom of yadnya (religious obligations and offerings) embodies the spiritual and
ritual basis for the Balinese people in conducting their daily life. Related rituals and ceremonies
such as Ngaben (cremation) and Odalan (temple festivals) provide great tourists spectacle.
At the same time, the arts of Bali cannot be separated from the Balinese tradition and
culture. The tradition and cultural root influences the birth and development of local geniuses in
the field of arts. The notoriety of the island in the field of arts comes from its arts diversity, from
classic traditional arts to powerful and vibrant modern arts. The scope of Balinese arts includes
performing art (dance, theatre, puppetry, music, self defence, etc.); visual art (painting, sculpture,
architecture, craft, design, etc.); literature (prose, poetry, and story-telling); and multi-media art
(film, video, and other recording art).
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