INDONESIA | Thursday, 20 June 2013 | Views [338] | View Larger Image
I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy the affordable luxuries and the 'happy happy' moments of my time in Bali, but I realize now that those cheap fixes come with hidden costs. As the mass tourism continues, the grandeur of the natural landscape is obscured by a spectacle of scenery and ornament; the sanctity of tradition is disregarded and put on display; the genuine warmth and spirit of the local people is veiled by a curtain of commercial hospitality. In essence, the true beauty of the Balinese experience is quickly being eclipsed by the convenience of an affordable holiday. While the social and environmental implications of Bali's visitor influx are beginning to make international headlines more frequently, the benefits of the tourism industry have been undeniable. Will Bali find a way to strike a healthy balance between tourism dollars and natural riches, or will the island become yet another disposable paradise?
