Words by Barry and photographs snapped by Lesley Greville-Eyres
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| Uluwatu's cliff top views of the surf break with jukung boats in the background |
Bali, despite it's history of bombings; debauchery; tourism
and sustainable development gone or going wrong; and many happy returns, remains a
fascinating destination and paints a far different picture to many of the other
islands on the far eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago. Despite
successive ‘boom and bust’ periods courtesy of the 2002/5 bombings, the 2008
financial and broader Global Financial Crisis (2007 – 2012), the tourism
sector remains vibrant albeit decidedly chaotic.
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| A typical Legian Kuta street scene |
Even though regional autonomy is afforded to the 33 country-wide
provinces, by the centre in Jakarta, tourism and it's associated development on
the Indonesian island is heavily contested by multiple ‘interest’ groups both
local and global. One has a sense that bule, or foreigners, including Asia’s emerging super-nations, have an enormous
stake in this multi-billion dollar industry and their interests are being
served at the expense of the Balinese and their much vaunted Island of Peace. It’s highly likely that
the all-pervasive KKN – collusion,
corruption and nepotism is similarly endemic and rife on the island and as a
consequence the industry remains in limbo - largely uncoordinated and poorly
governed with a general, free-for-all orientation.
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| The upmarket and 'exclusive' Potatoe Head beach club - Seminyak |
In spite of this, the Balinese experience is alluring and
unique as one is taken in by the soothing and intoxicating embrace of country
and kinfolks. Everything works wondrously well despite the crush of people and
vehicular traffic, with all on the same page or Bintang-induced ‘good karma.’
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| Gentle and charming Balinese men |
There is consistency, continuity and even camaraderie in
breaking, by Western standards, every conceivable rule of the road. It’s all
very liberating and in spite of the apparent lawlessness it’s rare to find, in my experience, Aussies, Poms or
any other tourist behaving badly. There is, however, evidence to the contrary. In
a recent Australian Herald Sun report it was confirmed that on average one Australian
dies every nine days in Bali (with 39 meeting their demise in 2011/12 alone).
Many more are injured annually in motorbike-scooter accidents and nightclub
brawls. Personal biases aside, Aussies are remarkably civil and content to
share the island with all and sundry even though my ‘mates’ usurped Bali as
an extraterritorial state decades ago. Formal policing is largely ‘invisible’
although the private security presence is very obvious and the relationship
between the two appears to be strong and one of mutual respect and
cooperation.
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| Touring the countless unique Balinese Hindu temples in the Ubud area |
Fact Sheet - Bali
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Bali is located at the westernmost end of the
Lesser Sunda Island, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east;
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Denpasar is the provincial capital;
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According to the 2010 census the population
was recorded at 3,9m with an estimated 30,000 expats living on the island;
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| Stone carvings and sculptures at the Great Elephant Temple outside Ubud |
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Bali is home to most of Indonesia’s Hindu
minority with about 92% of the population adhering to Balinese Hinduism while
most of the remaining Indonesians worship Islam;
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The island is the largest tourism destination
in Indonesia, renowned for it's highly developed art and culture including
traditional and modern dance; music; sculpture (wood and stone carvings);
painting; batik fabric; leather; metalwork specifically silverware and water
sports – a diving, boating, fishing and surfing mecca;
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| The awe-inspiring window shutter facade of Seminyak's Potatoe Head Beach Club |
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Tourist arrivals include: 2,5m visitors in
2010; 2,2m visitors in 2009 and 1,96m in 2008. Currently Australians, Chinese
and Japanese top, respectively, the visitor list to Bali;
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| A must do - cycling through the Bali's rural highlands from Kintamani Volcano to Ubud |
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Roughly 80% of Bali’s economy depends on
tourism yet agriculture is still regarded as the island’s biggest employer
particularly with regard to rice production.
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| One of the many well stocked roadside farm stalls in Bali's highlands outside Ubud |
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Other island nicknames include Island of
Love, Gods and Hinduism;
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Balinese culture was strongly influenced by
Indian, Chinese and particularly Hindu culture, around the 1st
century AD;
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First European contact with Bali is believed
to have been made in 1585 when a Portuguese vessel was shipwrecked off the
Bukit Peninsula. In 1597 the Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman arrived in Bali
and by 1602 the Dutch East India Company had established a significant presence
on the island;
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| Home stays in Bali offer intimate insights into the daily lives of Balinese and are a wonderful accommodation alternative |
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The 1963 volcanic eruption of Mount Agung in the
central highlands (in close proximity to the modern-day cultural hub of Ubud)
killed thousands, caused economic devastation and forced many displaced
Balinese people to migrate to other parts of Indonesia;
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The Asian Palm Civet is kept on plantations
to produce a unique blend of Balinese coffee known as Kopi Luwak. The civet
feeds naturally on the ripening coffee ‘cherries’ and the beans pass
‘relatively’ unscathed through the digestive tract of the animals. The
collected and cleaned beans then receive the mildest of roasts with this
‘downstream processing’ culminating in the distinctive and sought after Kopi
Luwak;
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| Ben's home stay in Ubud |
It’s wonderful to bask in the generosity, Hindu-mystic and
goodwill of the Balinese. The island offers accommodation options aplenty yet
we found our homestay with the Bengkur family in Ubud to be the most memorable
and insightful (Ben’s Homestay ben_bali88@yahoo.com). The notion of supporting ‘local enterprise’
and contributing directly to the GDP of our host family sat very well with us.
The upper end of the accommodation market, ranging from
small, exclusive boutique hide-away lodges to expansive resort complexes, found
typically at Nusa Dua, Sanur and Seminyak, provide an interesting education in consumerism,
social elites and exclusionism. The Balinese people, culture and way of life are
at the very core of the island experience and there is a concern that it’s
being eroded, increasingly, by external influences and globalization.
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| Resort-styled accommodation in Bali typical of Sanur and Nusa Dua |
The surfing sub-culture in the region has been a long
held, personal pre-occupation and an obvious observation is that it’s assumed
epic proportions particularly in Bali. It’s no longer a minority of middle-aged
misfits who live off nasi goreng, palm wine and island-hopping but has morphed
and mainstreamed into a multi-generational past-time that is also exceedingly
lucrative. It’s super-cool to surf and
much of the holiday hype is geared towards ‘selling’ this dreamy facade including
surf & boards; sex; sunshine; boardies & bikinis; stock-standard gear
to the burgeoning Bintang brigades and associated accoutrements. Branded surf
shops and fashion outlets, quite conceivably, outnumber Bali’s night clubs and
bordellos.
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| An unidentified member of the Bintang Brigade reconnoitring the resort beach at Sanur |
Much has been said, seen and written about Bali’s fabled
surf spots and reef breaks but the key in this regard is to ‘manage’ one’s
expectations very carefully. As a first-timer or even a returnee, it’s often a
major mission to find the spots and once there, contend with hoards of ‘local’;
wannabe and hard core surfers all vying for the perfect 10 wave ride. The
proliferation of surf schools, in recent years, has added to the in-water bedlam.
More joy and head-space is to be had venturing out of the Legian-Kuta area
altogether. Canggu, a short 30-45 minute commute from Legian-Kuta, is well
worth a punt. Swell generating conditions are also quite unpredictable, often
reliant on major weather patterns far south that seem to conspire ‘to make your day or week’ or perhaps not at all! Besides being ‘seduced’ by sexy and imaginative
sounding surf locations such as Impossibles, Padang Padang, Playgrounds,
Uluwatu surfer-dudes tend to be ‘eternal
optimists’ and the promise of tomorrow and what the Surf-Gods will bring keeps
many grounded and going.
Uluwatu, situated almost at the southern tip of Bali and
far enough from the maddening crowds, has consistently provided me and
countless others with the goods – a surfer’s heaven on earth. Besides being a breathtakingly
beautiful location, where water-side one is totally
immersed in an almost outer-worldly experience with wrap-around vistas
alternating between towering cliffs and heaving horizons of open sea. The
package deal – rhythmic sets gracing the left-hand reef breaks; casual banter
and camaraderie shared with nameless nationalities of fellow surfers; warmer
yet invigorating seawater and wind sigh-like caresses; adrenalin surges
matching wave peaks, breaks and barrels; surf satisfied bodies and minds in
need of nourishment; ecstatic escapism - is true soul-food. There is no mistaking the spiritual aura that
blends sea, land and people into one.
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| The Blogger threading his way through a crowded Uluwatu line-up in small surf conditions |
Landside, the cliff hugging Uluwatu community is like no
other – new tussling with the old; a warren of warungs and restos (eateries),
bars, tourist shops, surf shops, surfboard ding repairs, apparel & photo shops
(delivering cliff-top, real time personal digital pics of surfed expression
sessions below) – a pulse, life and vibe of its own all dictated by nature’s timeless
rhythms of sunrise and set; lunar cycles; tidal ebb and flow; senses and
emotions laid bare by adventure, hunger, thirst, exhaustion and curiosity.
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| Uluwatu's quaint cliff-top and side community that primarily supports the global surfing fraternity |
It’s
fascinating to observe the daily trans-migration of people and surfer dudes
from elsewhere into Uluwatu, with the trickle beginning around sunrise and
developing into a steady stream throughout the day. With surfboards racked and
loaded, the main mode of transport is the omnipresent $5 a day motor scooters. For
those, like me, who find the daily commute too time-consuming and onerous there
is ample locally based accommodation in close proximity to the action. Home stays
are on the increase and I spent many relaxing nights at the very affordable and
comfortable Bali Bule (balibule.uluwatu@yahoo.com).
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| Superb Bali Bule home stay accommodation at Uluwatu |
Uluwatu surf sessions are inevitably punctuated by local
fare (fried rice and noodles - nasi & mie goreng; fresh fruit smoothies or
juices); in situ massages; quiet interludes of reflection and utmost appreciation
and the ability to mat or bunk down, in quiet nooks and crannies, for a
powernap if needed. All ages revel in
this splendour all the while ‘shepherded’ by gracious, enigmatic, all-knowing and
seeing Balinese.
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| One of Lombok Kuta's many laid back warungs or eateries with stunning coastal views |
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| Risking life and limb - a backyard gold mining operation on the outskirts of Kuta on Lombok Island |
Lombok has a history of illegal logging and deforestation
and this has impacted severely upon already compromised surface and ground
water supplies. Resilience is etched in the local people, many dabbling in the
passing tourist trade of backpackers, surfers, divers, trekkers and
eco-warriors. One such enterprising Fix-It
or Go to Man is Jerry from Kuta
Lombok Transport Services (+6281 757 95 998).
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| Lombok Kuta's upmarket accommodation at the Novotel Hotel |
Whereas much of Lombok’s upmarket resort-styled
accommodation is centred around Senggigi and the offshore Gili Islands (west
coast), Kuta offers very basic yet comfortable lodgings with the exception of
the flashy Novotel Hotel. Pristine beaches and surf breaks are relatively close
by, well within a short scooter commute and include Mawi, Gerupuk, Seger Beach, A’an
and many others. The hamlet itself is small and quaint with a slow-paced yet
stress-free appeal.
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| A pristine Mawum Beach a short commute from Lombok Kuta |
The 30 minute day break ‘scoot’ from Lombok Kuta to the estuarine
village of Gerupuk, followed by the short boat trip to the right hand reef
break is still vivid in my mind as are the evocative sights and sounds.
Anchored pontoons harbouring farmed lobsters and providing a substrate for
seaweed to grow and flourish punctuate the waterway and are dwarfed by
weathered rock pinnacles and landforms that nod and grant solemn access to one
of Lombok’s iconic surf spots. Gaudily appointed traditional, jukung boats jettison
their eager cargos into the already busy line-up and then anchor, at a distance,
to watch the antics of the multi-national surf armada.
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| Gerupuk Bay with a jukung armada used to ferry surfers to the reef break |
Fact Sheet – Lombok
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Located immediately east of its ‘sister
island’ of Bali and separated by the Lombok Strait the distance of 25 miles is
bridged by sea (fast boats approx. 90 minutes) and air (numerous domestic
carriers daily taking approx. 45 minutes) links;
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| Fast boat service across the Lombok Strait between Bali and Lombok |
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Mataram is the provincial capital and largest
city on the island. Similar in size and population to that of neighbouring Bali
sharing some cultural heritage;
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Lombok’s topography is dominated by the
centrally located volcano of Mount Rinjani (3,726m) – the second highest
volcano in Indonesia and a popular trekking and adventure destination;
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The volcano and its crater was declared a
‘protected area’ in 1997 and incorporated into the Gunung Rinjani National
Park;
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Highlands of Lombok are afforested and most
undeveloped although in recent years large scale deforestation, illegal logging
and associated environment degradation has taken place particularly to the
water catchments;
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| Illegal gold mining on the outskirts of Kuta Lombok |
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As a consequence of water catchment
degradation, the water supply in Lombok is severely stressed placing increasing
pressure upon both the water supply of Mataram and the island in general;
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Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton,
cinnamon, cacao, cloves, cassava, corn, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla are
the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island;
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The islands indigenous Sasak people which
make up 85% of the inhabitants are predominantly Muslim;
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Prior to the arrival of Islam Lombok
experienced a long period of Hindu and Buddhist influence that reached the
island through Java. A minority Balinese Hindu culture remains in Lombok
(estimated at 10 – 15% of the island’s inhabitants);
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Most developed tourist area is on the west
coast of the island centred around the resort complex of Senggigi. The offshore
islands of Gili are also a major drawcard for adventure seeking tourists.
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| Poolside - Novotel Hotel at Lombok Kuta |
An Indo surf-safari is incomplete without a visit to the
off the beaten track Rote Island - specifically Nemberala and other legendary breaks.
Further information can be found at:
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Becalmed on Rote Island – Indonesia http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011_11_01_archive.html;
Ann Turner, the co-owner of Dili's Free Flow Diving and a
tourism industry consultant to Nusa Tengarra Timur - the Timor-Leste government
is emphatic on her views of tourism experiences on offer across the
Indonesian archipelago. Even as
Timor-Leste tries to define it's product and experience there seems a consensus
on what it is not. "I don't think the standard Bali tourist would be
satisfied with Timor-Leste," Turner says.
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| Bali's distinctive tourism brand should not replicated elsewhere in the region more especially in Timor-Leste which is struggling to identify it's own unique brand in a global market place |
Since the country is
predominantly Catholic and with an associated “social conservatism” it stands
to reason that pavement peddling in pornographic DVDs and Viagra; pirated
brands; sex trading and party-style tourism that commonly thrives in most Asian
destinations is widely frowned upon and rarely exists in Timor-Leste. It's relative
“prudishness might become it's strength as the Timorese develop their tourism
industry.” Additional insights into Timor’s unique brand of tourism can be
sourced at:
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Adeus Timor-Leste! http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/
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Timorese Blessings Counted and Received http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011_12_01_archive.html;
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Tais – Kaleidoscope http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/tais-kaleidoscope.html;
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Timor-Leste’s Revealing Road Show http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011_10_01_archive.html;
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Poignant and life-changing markers in
time http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/poignant-and-life-changing-markers-in.html;
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Centrepiece Tatamailau http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011_08_01_archive.html;
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Six of the Best http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/six-of-best-by-barry-greville-eyres.html;
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The City of Peace Rocks! http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011_06_01_archive.html;
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Delectable Dili - Timor-Leste http://barrygreville-eyres.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/delectable-dili-timor-leste.html;
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