Bali Tourism
In 1963, Sukarno constructed the Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, which played a significant role in boosting tourism in Bali. Prior to the construction of the hotel, there were only three notable tourist-class hotels on the island. As a result of this development, hotels and restaurants began to emerge throughout Bali, leading to a further increase in tourism. The opening of the Ngurah Rai International Airport in 1970 also contributed to the growth of tourism in Bali. Recognizing the potential of the tourism sector, the Buleleng regency government actively encouraged its development as a means of economic progress and social welfare.
While the tourism industry is primarily concentrated in the southern part of the island, it also holds significance in other areas. Notable tourist destinations include Kuta, known for its beach, as well as its surrounding suburbs of Legian and Seminyak, which were once independent townships. Sanur, located on the east coast, was previously the sole tourist hub, while Ubud, situated towards the center of the island, also attracts a considerable number of tourists. Additionally, the areas south of the Ngurah Rai International Airport, such as Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Pecatu, have witnessed newer developments and contribute to the tourism industry.
In terms of travel advisories, the United States government lifted its travel warnings in 2008. The Australian government issued an advisory on May 4, 2012, lowering the overall level of caution to 'Exercise a high degree of caution'. On June 10, 2012, the Swedish government issued a new warning following the death of a tourist from methanol poisoning. Australia issued another advisory on January 5, 2015, due to new terrorist threats.
The growth of tourism has also led to the expansion of the real estate industry in Bali. Areas such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Oberoi have experienced rapid development in terms of real estate. Additionally, high-end 5-star projects are currently being developed on the Bukit peninsula in the southern part of the island. The construction of expensive villas along the cliff sides of south Bali, offering breathtaking ocean views, has attracted both foreign and domestic investors. Jakarta-based individuals and companies have shown significant activity in the real estate market, and investment in other parts of the island continues to grow. Despite the worldwide economic crisis, land prices in Bali have remained resilient.
Transportation in Bali
Transportation in Bali is primarily facilitated by the Ngurah Rai International Airport, located near Jimbaran on the southernmost part of the island. Lt. Col. Wisnu Airfield is situated in northwest Bali. The island is encircled by a coastal road, and there are three major two-lane roads that cross the central mountains at passes reaching heights of up to 1,750 meters. To bypass Denpasar, the Ngurah Rai Bypass, a four-lane expressway, has been constructed. However, it is important to note that Bali does not have any railway lines.
For transportation between Bali and Java, there is a car ferry service available between Gilimanuk on the west coast of Bali and Ketapang on Java. Additionally, plans were made to construct a new Tanah Ampo Cruise Terminal in Karangasem, Bali, with an estimated value of $30 million. The existing pier at Tanah Ampo is currently 154 meters long but is expected to be extended to accommodate international cruise ships.
In terms of public transportation, the Trans Sarbagita bus system is available for commuting within Bali. However, there have been discussions about the potential construction of a railway network along the coast of the island. As of now, no specific details about these proposed railways have been released. Nevertheless, the governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has expressed interest in improving the transportation infrastructure and has considered plans to build an electric rail network across the island.
In recognition of its services, Tanjung Benoa port received the "Best Port Welcome 2010" award from London's "Dream World Cruise Destination" magazine. The government also has plans to expand the port in the future.
Bali Culture
Culture in Bali is rich and diverse, encompassing various art forms, cuisine, and architecture. Balinese cuisine stands out with its unique flavors and the inclusion of pork, unlike other regions in Indonesia. The art scene in Bali is vibrant, with skilled artists creating beautiful paintings, sculptures, woodcarvings, and handcrafts. The performing arts in Bali are also highly developed, with traditional dances like pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak showcasing Balinese influence and Hindu epics. The music of Bali, known as gamelan, is a sophisticated percussion orchestra.
In terms of architecture, the Balinese have a unique spatial orientation system called kaja and kelod, which represents the orientation between the island's largest mountain, Gunung Agung (kaja), and the sea (kelod). This system also carries connotations of good and evil, with gods and ancestors believed to reside in the mountains and demons in the sea. Balinese buildings, including temples and residential homes, are designed with the most sacred spaces closest to the mountain and the less sacred areas nearer to the sea.
Temples typically have inner and outer courtyards, with the inner courtyard being the most sacred and serving as a venue for wali rituals dedicated exclusively to the gods. The outer courtyard, on the other hand, is where bebal rituals take place. Bali's cultural heritage is showcased through thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, and public performances, making it one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world.
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