Upscale Bali: The movement to re-market the image

Bali is in a state of transition from a bamboo and trinket, hippie trail layover, to a villa, spa, nightlife retreat for tourists. The movement started some years ago, inspired in part by some of the expat New Yorkers and Sydneysiders who saw a need to up-market everything. Everything from boutiques, spas, lounge bars, private villas with ‘rice field view’ (often quickly morphing into the next villa), minimalist Zen design and shorter visiting tourists.

One gushing review in the Sydney Morning Herald, talks about this aspect of Bali. I think for people on their first trip here ,this account fits the bill, everyone is smiling and life is good. Life is still good when you live here, but a dose of reality soon arrives. Bill Clinton used to have a note on his desk which said ‘Its the economy stupid’. This was a reminder to him what was most important to American voters. If you visit Bali, you should write yourself a note and keep it in your wallet. It should say ‘Its all about the money stupid.’ People are friendly here and enjoy an intense culture, but a lot of what goes on here, in relation to tourists in economic, just like every other place.

In the next 20 years Bali will undergo tremendous change and development. Get your fill of ‘quiet Bali’ now. We will look back on these days in wonder 20 years from now. Imagine saying to someone, “I went to East Bali for the weekend and only saw westerners once.” You can do that now so why wait, enjoy Bali as it should be.