Absolutely Bali offers look at 'other side' of Bali

JAKARTA (JP): It is true that Bali is more than just white sand, undulating seas, surf and amusement parks or beautiful Balinese girls clad in elaborately gold-embroidered songket lined up in streets ready to attend a religious ceremony in a nearby temple.

An increasing number of vacationers are coming to Bali to enjoy ecological, historic and cultural sites as well as social activities during part or most of their stay on the island. Rather than staying in a wide selection of luxury hotels in resorts in the already crowded tourist areas in Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua, they seek alternative places and sources of inspiration faraway from the hustle-bustle of the island's thriving tourist spots.

In this particular tourist business climate, a number of local entrepreneurs, called themselves Absolutely Bali, are attempting to win over this niche market.

Launched in Jakarta last week, Absolutely Bali groups several companies including Anggrek Umah Anyar, Bali Professional Management Services, Coconut Homes.Com, Damai Lovina Villas, Desaineko, Hatten Wines, Jepun Bali Resort, Ombak Putik Cruises, Pavilions Private Villas, Tirtasari sacred mountain Sanctuary, Tauch Terminal Dive Resort and Villa Balquisse.

"Our main intention is to promote the other side of Bali. Visitors, foreigners in particular, really want to seek something new, refreshing and enlightening for their minds and hearts," explained Maryse La Rocque from Hatten Wines.

She said each member offers distinguished products and services to its potential clients.

Hatten Wines is likely to give you a different taste of wine. A family-owned winery situated in Sanur has been producing wines from local Balinese black grapes for over six years.

"Visitors are able to visit our winery and see how the wine here is being produced," she maintained.

For those who want to stay in remote and exotic places in Bali, they can contact Bali Professional Management Services (BPMS) which specializes in villa rental and management.

This organization represents some of the finest private villas in Bali.

There are also private villas and sanctuaries to please affluent holidaymakers to Bali.

Coconut.Com boasts private villas and can be contacted at coconuthomes.com.

In the heart of Sanur, Pavilions Private Villas, charms opulent vacationers with a serene environment.

Sacred Mountain Tirtasari is created for people who need a completely relaxing and spiritually soothing atmosphere. The resort is located on the slopes of Gunung Agung, the sacred mountain for the Balinese in East Bali.

Heading to the northern part of Bali, Damai Lovina will give you a new lodging and dining experience.

Several other unique villas like Villa Balquisse in Jimbaran area, Anggrek Umah Anyar on the bank of Petanu River in Ubud, Jepun Bali resort in the northeast of Bali provide visitors with an unspoiled and typically Balinese ambience.

For adventurous guests, Ombak Putih Cruises will take you to some fabled islands to the east of Bali. Or you can dive and experience the wonder of Bali's underwater environment at the Tauch Terminal Dive Resort in Tulamben.

"To promote our organization, we will also hold a launching ceremony in Australia in the near future," Maryse said adding that Australia is one of Bali's biggest tourist markets.

Anyone interested in knowing more about Absolutely Bali can click www.absolutelybali.com. (raw)