Johan Hensen Column The writer is a retired hopitality consultant and living in Bali. Any comment about this article, please email at johan@bits.bali.com or HP 081558582853

BALI: Still The Inspiration, for You Too!

Dear Bali Friends,
"Have no fear; the safe Bali is still here!"
Well, the fact that you are here in Bali and reading this magazine, says enough and that you are not afraid of visiting us. But please let me explain why all these negative news reports and travel warnings should not stop you of going around Bali and discover the truly unique "Real Bali". Also it might help you to explain to your friends back home, why they also should not be afraid to visit beautiful Bali.
We all know that some parts of Indonesia have been hit by natural disasters like the Tsunami and Earthquakes in Java and Sumatra. The international support and generous reactions were overwhelming and made it easier for us and the people of Java and Sumatra in trying to overcome the enormous loses of dear ones and to start building up a new living. They are not alone and we all keep supporting them.
However, the damages caused by these natural disasters, seems to continue as our international friends are now afraid to visit our beautiful country and even Bali.
There is a misplaced conception of "going to Bali / Indonesia or going somewhere else?"
Tourists are in doubts, because of fear for new earthquakes, tsunamis, political unrest or what so ever.

Please allow me to clarify some facts:
Bali is not situated in the same geographical line that is now prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.
Bali is as far from the stricken areas in North Sumatra, as for instance Amsterdam to Ibiza, as far as New York to California, or as far as London to Madrid and so on.
Since the downfall of the authoritarian, dictator regime of Soeharto in 1998 and the following start of real democracy, and especially after the election in 2004 of the current president & government, there is hardly anymore political unrest in Indonesia than in your home country.
Violent street demonstrations are very rare these days, in contrast with many western countries.
Bali is still the inspirational and unique island, the ideal holiday destination and trade hub in South East Asia.
Bali caters for all, as it has it all.

• A unique variety in tropical nature
• Unchallenged Arts & Cultures
• Beautiful nature, panoramas and views
• Great, world class marine and diving possibilities
• All kind of spiritual and sports activities
• Simple home stays till super luxury resorts
• Traditional healing, treatments for body & mind till pampering Spas
• A vast array of Culinary Heritage: fabulous Bali Cuisine, delicious Indonesian Cuisine till all international food restaurants. A treat for everyone!
• It is not only a shopping paradise, but also the ideal hub for trading and purchasing: gold & silver, other jewelries, pearls, natural stones, beads, accessories, home accessories & decorations, paintings, sculptures & artworks, handicrafts till all kinds of furniture.

You can’t name it, Bali has it for you
Also because of the inspirational and relaxed, friendly people and environment, that makes Bali so unique, I am confident, that your visit to Bali will be one never to forget.

Selamat Datang / Welcome, My Dear "Bali Friends"

Seen in the picture, during a lunch meeting with Chief Editor Mr. Wisnu Wardana, is Ms. Joyce Baron, who recently visited our Bali Travel News offices. She lives in Australia and is very active in promoting Bali. She wished to express her hope that all visitors will tell friends back home, that Bali is still worthwhile visiting, while also urging all parties in Bali (and not just the public and private sectors, but foremost the community of Bali itself), to be very active and reach out, go out, to directly meet and interact with our friends worldwide. In her opinion, the media in Bali should take an active, leading role in this. That is why she visited BTN. She can be reached at: joycebaron2006@yahoo.com