Bali: A Tourist Paradise with Complexities
Introduction
Bali is often hailed as a vacation haven for tourists. However, beneath its allure lies a complex reality. This article delves into the various aspects of Bali, from its high-end offerings to the challenges faced by the local community.
The Allure of Bali
Bali offers a plethora of high-end experiences. From luxurious resorts to exclusive spa treatments, there is no shortage of indulgences for those willing to spend. Advertisements line the streets, enticing visitors with offers like a 400,000 - rupiah (around 172 yuan) rafting breakfast or a 500,000 - rupiah session with a chef to explore Balinese cuisine. There are also options for manicures, massages, private tours, and surfing lessons. High-end hotels host elaborate parties that seem to have it all.
The Reality for the Locals
Despite the tourism boom, the villagers in Bali remain poor. The infrastructure is in a sorry state, with congested roads making travel a nightmare. The roads are often narrow and in poor condition, as the area was originally a small village. With the growth of tourism, the focus has been on building resorts and businesses for tourists rather than improving the local infrastructure.
The History of Bali's Tourism
The history of Bali's tourism is intertwined with its political and economic past. In 1970, the Indonesian government and foreign investors identified Bali as a tropical paradise. The construction of the Denpasar Airport that year marked the beginning of a new era. Japanese, Singaporean, and欧美 investors poured in, building numerous resorts, golf courses, and five-star hotels. However, most local villagers were limited to low-paying service jobs such as waiters, drivers, chefs, and masseurs.
The Impact of Economic Crises
Bali's tourism industry has not been without its challenges. The 1997 Asian financial crisis hit Indonesia hard, causing high inflation and soaring unemployment. To divert public attention, the Indonesian government scapegoated the Chinese community, leading to the tragic 1998 riots known as the Black May Incident.
Safety in Bali
Currently, Bali appears to be a relatively safe destination. The Indonesian government is keen on promoting tourism and has taken steps to crack down on the practice of demanding bribes at checkpoints. Additionally, the presence of cameras in many tourist areas provides a level of security. Since tourists are the main source of income for local businesses, ensuring a good experience for them is crucial.
Local Expenses
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Basic Services: Washing shoes and using the toilet cost around 5,000 rupiah (about 2.2 yuan). These services are often privately run, and while they may seem inexpensive, they are not free.
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Leisure Activities: A two-hour surfing lesson with a local instructor costs 200,000 rupiah. Small vendors on the beach offer beer, coconut water, and other drinks, and some even speak Chinese.
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Transportation: A 4 - kilometer ride from the airport costs 12,900 rupiah (around 5.5 yuan), but after platform fees, the driver may not make much profit.
Food Prices
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Tourist - Oriented: A pork chop rice costs 85,000 rupiah, potato beef stew is the same price, and chicken noodles are 70,000 rupiah. These prices are comparable to those in一线城市 in China and are significantly cheaper than in Hong Kong.
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Local - Oriented: Local workers often buy food from small carts, where a meal costs around 20,000 rupiah (less than 10 yuan).
Currency and Payment
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Local Currency: While some might assume that businesses catering to foreigners would accept international currencies like the US dollar, in Bali, most places require the local Indonesian rupiah. Even currencies from major investor countries like Malaysia and Singapore are not widely accepted.
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Credit Cards: Larger restaurants and stores accept credit cards, but there have been reports of credit card fraud, especially after ATM withdrawals. It is advisable to carry cash and count it carefully when exchanging money.
Luxury and Exclusivity
Bali has its share of high-end and exclusive places. There are malls with luxury brands like Kate Spade, Dior, Victoria's Secret, and Coach. These are out of reach for the local population, who earn an average of around 3.5 million rupiah per month (about 1,500 - 1,600 yuan).
Accommodation and Facilities
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Hotels: There are many good hotel options in Bali for less than 200 yuan. However, some hotels have unique features like strange cages in the rooms.
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Water Quality and Utilities: The water in Bali is often salty as it is simply filtered seawater. It is not recommended to drink tap water; bottled water is a better choice. The electrical outlets are of the European standard, so a converter is needed.
Conclusion
Bali is a place of contrasts. It offers a wealth of experiences for tourists but also highlights the economic disparities within the local community. The past has left scars, and the present shows a coexistence of prosperity and poverty. As a traveler, it is important to be aware of these aspects and make informed decisions. I am Visen, and I will see you next week.
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