The state of tourism in Bali

Tourism is down compared to last year and the locals are feeling the pinch.

I read in the Jakarta Post today that east Asian tourists represent the strongest groups right now and that the next big toursit rush will be in the latter part of December.

Tourism is super important to Bali’s economy and while it will recover, a single year has not been enough to raise doubts over safety.

I talked to an English tourist recently who told me he and some friends hiked up Gunung Batur, one of the big volcanoes. He said it was the best thing he’s done here in his 3 weeks in Indonesia including surfing.

When you get out to those areas you wil not see too many other tourists right now as 95% of people stick to Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur and Nusa Dua. Having to drive for 2-3 hours is enough to put most people off exploring, which is crazy because a lot of great things including an idea of what traditional Bali is like are waiting.

I can’t wait to take my brother and my buddies Sean and Chris on a tour when they get here and enjoy some of what the island has to offer.

Ten years ago people were complaining that the island was already spoilt with tourists. My answer 10 years later….you can see ceremonies in every part of Bali, visit temples, meet friendly people, explore villages where tourists don’t go and still have your creature comforts if you look for them.

The weather here is holding up remarkably well, clear skies and sunny all day.

Here at Global Xtreme a posse of German tourists meant I had to wait to get online, but when I did I got high speed connection which is so worth it. Incidently compared to many other internet cafes in Kerobokan and Seminyak that charge 15,000-18,000rp and hour, Global charges just 6,000rp. You decided which is best.

Joe Erlich kindly sent me an article from the San Francisco Chronicle on what to wear when hiking a volcano.