They could holiday anywhere; they chose Bali

By Rob Goodfellow

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Stephanie Picald, Celine Dautias and Bruno Bertrand are from Provence in the south of France. David and Kelly Raitt are from Redwood country, northern California. Nick Pullee and Byrdie Rowen are from mountainous, windswept Wales.

Last holiday season Stephanie toured Thailand, Celine visited London, Bruno relaxed in a luxury chateau in the Verdun Gorge, David and Kelly went to Mexico and Nick and Byrdie attended a music festival in Queensland, Australia.

What does this diverse group have in common? Two things. The first is that they all have the means and the adventurous spirit to go wherever they desire for their annual holiday. The second is that this year they all chose Bali.

The reasons for this choice explains why international tourism is rapidly rediscovering Bali as a world class tourist destination.

Last month the highly respected Australian-based IRIS Research www.iris.org.au identified a dramatic increase in both direct flights to Denpasar and a rise in actual tourist numbers to the Island following a long decline. Now ground staff at Bali's international airport - Ngurah Rai, have confirmed that August 2000 was their busiest month since 1998.

Part of the reason for increased tourist numbers in August may have had something to do with the Hindu Galungan-Kuningan festival, which is held every 210 days. During these times, the Balinese invite their ancestors to celebrate the triumph of good over evil in highly colorful ceremonies which involve the entire community. In spiritual significance, Galungan is second only to Nyepi - the Hindu day of seclusion.

Kuningan, celebrated ten days later, on Aug.12, is the last festival of the Galungan calendar.

Notwithstanding the festive season in Bali, the official figures quoted by IRIS have borne out that visitors are returning to the island because it is a friendly and exotic destination that offers a very personal and affordable cultural experience.

In the Balinese community of Batubulan-Gianyar, for example, Nick and Byrdie were guests at the village's lavish Galungan festivities, experiencing first hand traditional dance and theater accompanied by the haunting sounds of gamelan. "I felt like I was in a movie set", said Nick. "It was so rich and colorful and my host, Dewa Muka, went to a lot of trouble to explain the significance of the Galungan ritual. Next year I would like to come back for Nyepi".

In nearby Nusa Lombongan, Stephanie, Celine and Bruno attended Kuningan as the special guests of Wayan Sudiana, the owner of the islands now.

Stephanie, a delightful French language teacher from Marseille, described the communal atmosphere of worship and offerings in the main temple as "the most moving experience of her life".

She added, "It was wonderful to be part of the celebrations, not as an observer, but as a participant. I will never forget the kindness of the people on Lombongan Island.

Celine Dautias, a sophisticated young wine marketing manager from Cahors, proudly announced, "I have definitely decided to come back to Bali on my honeymoon. The problem is that Phillip has not yet proposed.

However when I get home and inform him that we are going to Bali after we are married, I am sure he will agree".

Bruno Bertrand, a charming Physics lecturer from Toulon, particularly enjoyed Lombongan's coral reef snorkeling and deep- sea fishing. "Our French franc is very strong against the rupiah. I cannot imagine anywhere else in the world where I could have had so much fun with so little expense."

However more than anything, Bruno wanted to express how much he enjoyed the special attention he received from the hundreds of beautiful Balinese girls dressed in their finest ceremonial costumes for Kuningan.

"I felt just like a pop star. Bali - c'est magnificent," he added.

In Sanur, David and Kelly Raitt enjoyed a different type of Balinese hospitality. Kelly was keen to sing the praises of one of the islands best hotels. "Our travel agent did some research and recommended that David and I stay at the Radisson Sanur. http://www.bali-pardise.com/radissonbali

"The accommodation was reasonable by American standards. A room by the pool per night was US$56. Someone came to turn down our bed each night. I was indulgent and had a three-hour spa treatment, massage and facial for $32. It was magnificent.

"In addition the hotel staff were kind to our guests - other westerners we met in Bali - and went out of their way to accommodate them," Kelly said.

They stored Kelly's friend's luggage all day while they were waiting to catch a plane.

"The pool was wonderful to look at and listen to as well with its splashing fountains. I often requested my meals by the pool. My favorite was the teriyaki tuna on a sugarcane skewer with a side dish of rice," Kelly added.

For David, however, the highlight of his Bali holiday was white water rafting down the Ayung River. www.baliadventuretours.com

"I had never seen David smile so much as he did describing his rafting trip", Kelly laughed. "I know he had a fantastic guide with a great sense of humor," she added.

He laughed at all of David's crazy antics and jokes. David said they went to remote and untouched places they couldn't have visited otherwise. They saw traditional villages and swam in the clear waters with friendly local people, finishing the day with a delicious lunch overlooking an incredible view. The rafting company picked them up at the Radisson and dropped them off as well", Kelly added.

Will these seven be coming back to Bali next year? The answer was a resounding 'yes', or in the case of Stephanie, Celine and Bruno - 'oui'.

The writer is an Indonesian cultural consultant to international business based at the University of Wollongong. He can be contacted at sujoko@ozemail.com.au