Indonesia
APPLYING JAVA M
Bali is Indonesia’s star performer but there are plenty of reasons to convince clients to sample other destinations across the multi-island archipelago, says Jonathan Hart
ention Indonesia to clients and chances are you’ll receive a blank stare. But
mention Bali and you’re more likely to spark their interest. In fact Bali is frequently viewed as a country in its own right by many holidaymakers. The fact that Bali is just one of more
than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago is usually lost, due largely to a lack of visibility or promotion in the UK. This is unfortunate because Indonesia
covers the vast majority of islands straddling the Indian and Pacific oceans from the west coast of Malaysia to the northern tip of Australia. Across islands both small and vast, such
as Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi and Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia collectively comprises perhaps the last great treasure trove of untapped Far Eastern holiday possibilities. Highlights include Buddhist relics, marine national parks, rainforests, volcanic landscapes and 300 different ethnic groups. Yet it is the former hippie hangout of
Bali, with its unique version of Hindu culture and enduring reputation as a paradise, which continues to attract a major portion of Indonesia’s seven million international visitors a year. Located off the west coast of Java, at
the eastern end of the ‘Spice Islands’, Bali combines relatively easy indirect access from the UK with all the essential ingredients for a magical tropical holiday. The island’s colourful ceremonies, arts,
crafts and dance blend with some of the world’s most luxurious beach resorts, spas and rice terrace hideaways, together providing extensive choice for honeymooners, couples and families alike. Now recovered from the aftermath of
two terrorist bombings (in 2002 and 2005), Bali’s popularity continues to grow: this year alone sees another 10,000 new hotel rooms on the island and a new highway linking the key resorts of Sanur and Nusa Dua is planned in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2013.
42 October 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com A less crowded holiday alternative is
the neighbouring island of Lombok where tourism development has been steadier and a new international airport is due to open soon.
What’s New Thailand-based Centara Hotels & Resorts is to open two new properties in Bali before the end of the year. The group’s first overseas property of its Centra value brand opens in November at Seminyak. A five-star Centara Grand property at Nusa Dua opens in December. Additional new openings or refurbishments include the Kamakila, Sahid Meritus, Aryaduta Resort, 101 Legian and W Retreat & Spa in Kuta/Legian/Seminyak; the
InterContinental and The Regent in Sanur plus the Renaissance Resort & Spa and Jumeirah Resort in Nusa Dua. Elsewhere, riding, boating, snorkelling
and wildlife safaris are among attractions at the new Menjangan resort in West Bali National Park. The Lifestyle Retreats’ resort offers a selection of lodges for couples and family groups.
From the Front Line ANDREA LODDO
lead regional product manager, Far East, Hayes & Jarvis
“Thanks to our offers we have received strong last-minute bookings for Bali in the past few months, particularly to the all-inclusive Melia Benoa resort. Forward
bookings for summer 2012 are going from strength to strength. Twin-centres combining beach resorts with Ubud are popular, as are bookings for Lombok.”
NEIL BEDFORD area specialist Audley Travel “We are experiencing
growing interest in Indonesia generally, with good business for touring temple sites such as Borobudur and Yogyakarta in Java. Bali has some great new resorts and continues to perform well year on year, particularly for honeymooners."
Main picture: W Retreat & Spa Bali, Seminyak; Panorama: Melia Benoa Resort, Tanjung Benoa; Opposite page: the rice fields of Ubud
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