Bali Tourism News

Tourism spots deserted as Bali celebrates Galungan

DENPASAR: Various tourist spots in Bali were deserted Wednesday as much of the island’s Hindus observed the religious holiday of Galungan, which celebrates the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).

Only a handful of overseas tourists were seen swimming and sunbathing along Kuta Beach in Badung regency, while local tourists milled along the beachfront.
There were no lifeguards on standby at their post, with most celebrating Galungan and those on duty busy patrolling the beach.

A similar atmosphere prevailed at Sanur Beach in Denpasar, as well as at the high-end Nusa Dua tourism enclave and Tanjung Benoa Beach in Badung regency.

“It’s always like this. It gets really quiet during Penampahan *a day before Galungan* and Galungan,” Ratna, the manager of a travel bureau on Segara Beach in Kuta, told Antara news agency.

“Tomorrow *Thursday* on Umanis Galungan, there will be more people.”

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has declared a three-day holiday from Tuesday to Thursday to allow residents to celebrate Galungan. -JP

Source: The Jakarta Post

Add comment April 3rd, 2009

New chief of tourism agency appointed

DENPASAR: Ida Bagus Kade Subiksu was officially installed by Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika as chief of the Bali Tourism Agency on Wednesday; he is replaces I Gede Nurjaya who has retired.

“The new officials are appointed to create a new atmosphere and policies,” Pastika, who also installed five other new high-ranking officials, said.
He added that he expected the new chief would give do his best to develop the island’s tourism industry.

“The Chief of the Bali Tourism Agency must be able to perform a role as a good facilitator for all stakeholders *in Bali’s tourism industry*.” - JP

Source: The Jakarta Post

Add comment April 3rd, 2009