Kuta, Bali, INDONESIA
Airing Date: Mar 31st, 2003
Although the town is still suffering in the aftermath, lives are being rebuilt, and the town of Kuta is slowly getting back on its feet.
Many Australians travelled to Bali on their first overseas trip. For a long time Bali was the perfect destination - sun, surf and culture right on our doorstep. After the bombings at Paddys Bar and the Sari Club, Bali was no longer a place to party, but became a place of danger.
Six months on, tourists are returning to beloved Bali. Despite the Australian government's travel warnings for all of Indonesia, over 11 000 Aussies took a holiday to Bali over Christmas. Not only are people returning because everything is so cheap, but also because they want to help Balis struggling economy.
Shopkeepers are doing it tough and the streets are still quiet, but you can find some great bargains in Kuta.
Fifteen minutes south of Kuta is the coastal village of Jimbaran Bay, known as a seafood lovers delight. Here you can haggle to get lobster at a fraction of the price you'd pay back home.
The public can pay their respects and visit the bombing sites. It may be quite a sombre experience but for many its something that cant be ignored.
The place where Paddys Bar stood now has banana trees growing. Just up the road is where the Sari Club once stood. All that remains now is a fence with a sign reading 'a message of peace from the kids of Indonesia'. As yet there are no memorials, just small remembrances left by family, friends and strangers.
Its hard to forget about the bombing when travelling to Bali. With the streets previously bustling with activity now quiet and still, with the nightclubs now less than half full, and with the governments travel warning, its hard to see Bali as the same tropical haven it once was.
However, the Bali spirit still remains, and it shines through the locals who are warm, friendly and eager to get the Australian visitors back. Its this spirit that keeps Australians returning to Bali, and its this spirit that will continue to make Bali a popular holiday destination for years to come.
The current travel advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs states that Australians should defer all non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. To check out the advice in more detail log onto the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade web site.
The facts
Garuda Indonesia flies 21 times a week into Bali from most capital cities. By June Garuda will have 26 flights a week into Bali from Australia.
Travelworld offers 'Bali on any Budget' packages including flights, four nights accommodation, and transfers. Prices start at $717 from the west coast and $990 from the east coast. Travelworld has last minute deals to Bali for six nights from $799 ex Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Travelworld
Tel: 13 14 35
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Tel: 1300 555 135
