Bali Maturing as a Tourist Destination

Bali Maturing as a Tourist Destination

Article by Anwar H

Although Bali has always been a stopping point for outsiders for many centuries, it was not until the 1980’s that the infrastructure was in place to enable mass tourism to the island. Bali has gone through many upheavals throughout history such as conflicts between the Balinese themselves, attempted subjugation by the reigning Javanese powers and Dutch colonization. Additionally, Bali underwent Japanese occupation during World War 2, the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 and terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005. Indonesian independence in the 1960’s has brought a semblance of peace and prosperity in the island and has laid the framework for a stable and prosperous Bali that enabled the island province to emerge as a premier world holiday destination.

The first tourist oriented hotel in Bali, aptly named The Bali Hotel, opened in 1926 in the modern capital of Denpasar. The 1930’s saw a gradual increase in the number of hotels opening in South Bali, mainly operated by Europeans until Japanese occupation during World War 2 put a hold on things. The 1960’s brought an increase in popularity of Sanur in Bali’s South East coast with Australian tourists, while the 70’s saw an empty stretch of mangroves and white sand beaches on the tip of a peninsula in south Bali gradually transform in to a string of 20 luxury resorts known as Nusa Dua. Kuta, located near Bali’s only international airport also emerged as mecca for surfers from Australia and the rest of the world.

The ever increasing influx of tourists from the 1980’s onwards have played a major role in improving the standards of living for the local Balinese and has brought in much needed foreign currency to the island. Paradoxically, tourism has not destroyed Bali’s unique culture, religion and strong sense of tradition, but rather reinforced them as an integral part of Balinese identity. The immense growth in the tourist industry does have its downsides, however. Many consider the unabated property development and construction in the south of the island to be unsustainable and detrimental to the environment. North Bali is increasingly seen as the answer to Bali’s overpopulated south, and the recent announcement of Bali’s second international airport to be constructed in North Bali is seen as a major step by the government to shift some of the tourist traffic to the less developed north.

Already a popular destination for many visitors looking to avoid the tourist traps of the south, north Bali has plenty of attractions in its own right. One of the biggest draws in North Bali, Lovina Beach boasts a large number of superb hotels and tourist accommodations and is also home to Lovina Beach Resort, the area’s only five-star luxury beachfront investment property.

About the Author

Situated in Bali’s north shore, Lovina is known for its peace, friendliness, beauty and affordability. Among the things to see and do in Lovina are dolphin watching, scuba diving, snorkelling, waterfalls, hot springs, beaches and ancient temples. Ever wanted to own your own slice of tropical paradise? Visit http://www.lovinabeachresort.com, call 65 9742 1164 or email info@lovinabeachresort.com.