Balinese Life
Water Sports, Another Hidden Treasure

The Balinese have no seafaring tradition as the Bugis tribe from Celebes do. Even though they have livelihood of catching fish as fishermen, the just operated small jukung outrigger and its coverage area might not too far from their home base, while the Bugis have operated larger outrigger named phinisi. This versatile ship could explore more extensive area and hold more passengers. It could be use to convey passengers as means of sea transport, fishing or even sea defence. That’s why they have been famous for their capability of exploring the sea in the earliest time. So, it’s not surprising if they have reached some distant area from their home across this vast archipelago, including Bali. Due to their superiority in the sea, some kingdoms in Bali appointed them royal coast guard to help secure their territory. As a proof, up to now there are some Bugis kampongs in Bali, like at Serangan Island and North Bali.

In modern eras, since the decade of 1960s, this island has attracted more visitors even though it lacked of facilities. In the long run, beaches like Kuta and Sanur progressively became famous playground among foreign tourists to do water activities. Circa 1974, Kuta still looked so natural as other pristine rural villages with its distinctive coconut plantation and beach bordered with pandanus clusters. However, in keeping with the arrival of more visitors, it then came to be renowned beach worldwide.
If the Balinese originally interacted with nature just for treasure, taking its resources, so the arrival of some foreign tourists to Bali have given them a new way to find pleasure. They have caught fish in the sea for generations by traditional jukung outrigger and been familiar with high and low waves. In the long run, many locals were interested in surfing as their tourist mate did. Some prestigious surfing tournaments were once held on this island. Not satisfied with Kuta’s waves, other surfing enthusiasts kept on discovering new sites. Some went westward by trying Canggu, Balian and Medewi Beach, southwardly to Jimbaran, Nyang Nyang, Dreamland and Suluban Beach, while the rest explored the Serangan, Lebih and some other beaches. This rapid development then followed by the construction of new small accommodations there.
Other than carrying out regular job, fishermen group also got order to take tourist for leisure sailing or crossing the lake to reach the ancient village at Trunyan. Soon, other water sports were introduced for visitors’ consumption. There are diving that takes guest to underwater exploration seeing the allurement and richness of coral reef along with its decorative fish and other biodiversity or enjoying fishing to catch delicious fish and many more.
The arrival of cruise ship has added the richness of water attractions. It usually sells one-day package to Lembongan Island consisting of village excursion, snorkelling, banana boat, glass bottom boat and so forth or sunset sailing while having dinner aboard. In essence, visitors will be able to luxuriate in their holiday with pleasure and happily.
Fast and challenging adventure has also enlivened some famous rivers in Bali, like the Ayung River with its white water rafting. This grouped sport that needs cooperation brings unlimited enjoyment where participants can discern some activities of the locals in the river, native birds along the river valley or even splash down into deep pool in a stream. In short, water sports as tourist attraction has given wide job opportunity to the locals.
Household mothers around the location, like at premier surfing sites, got new side job. Having completed their household works including the ritual in the morning, they take advantage their spare time by offering massage service on the beach. Or while waiting for guests who purchase beer or soft drink in their temporary warung (stall), they bring along some pieces of young coconut leaves for ketupat rice bag and canang offerings. As a matter of fact, this is something new for the Balinese who are customarily familiar with agricultural activities. Therefore, the sea or other location of watersports has given them something like ‘hidden treasure.’ (BTN/029)