|
The Natural Guide to Bali is an
alternative style guidebook that attempts to show a
more personal side of Bali. A co-publication of
Bumi Kita Foundation and Equinox Publishing,
Jakarta, The Natural Guide to Bali makes extra
effort to point out businesses that make an effort
to be enjoyable for tourists attracted by nature
and authenticity, Nature-friendly and
community-friendly. In its own words "Enjoy nature,
meet the people, make a difference."
The Natural Guide to Bali is written by local
teams, telling the hidden life behind the
landscapes, guiding travellers to responsible
hotels, restaurants, dive shops or trekking guides.
They also conduct capacity building activities with
local enterprises, NGOS and communities to help
them find practical ways of developing tourism in a
way which is enjoyable and profitable for everyone,
while preserving our beautiful planet for the
coming generations.
Responsible Tourism is key to guide book's style.
Tourism is among the largest and fastest growing
industries in the world, providing jobs to more
than 200 millions of people worldwide. Yet in most
cases, 80% of the income from tourism is made far
from the travel destination - by foreign tour
operators, international hotel chains, and the
providers of imported products consumed by
tourists. The local people are left with low-paid
jobs, a higher cost of living, and degraded natural
resources.
The Paradise Paradox
Tourism can destroy the very things that attract
travellers - white beaches and lush vegetation;
friendly, exotic cultures. Soon, we end up with
polluted seashores, rows of buildings, and
acculturated people selling cheap knick-knacks - or
their own bodies. Then the most well-off tourists
leave for more pristine destinations, and the local
tourism economy starts to drop.
A Virtuous Circle?
Responsible ecotourism aims for a virtuous circle.
It starts with considering local people as our
hosts, and show some interest in their culture. It
means learning to understand the fragile ecosystems
we step in, and appreciate them in a respectful
way. It means a journey of discovery, respect and
love. It is more fun for everyone - including
ourselves.
The Natural Guide to Bali leads you from the busy
beaches and tourist traps to exquisite rice paddies
and pristine seashores. Discover the best of Bali?s
diving, surfing, sailing, hiking and bird watching.
Meet the people of Bali at work and play in their
own villages. Learn the secrets of Balinese
dancing, gong playing, painting and cooking.
Packed with stunning photos, maps and essays by
some of the most well-known Bali insiders, The
Natural Guide to Bali reveals:
- Treks to mysterious temples, hidden waterfalls
and active volcanoes
- The lives of Balinese painters, punks and
gigolos
- Balinese views on women's rights, child labour
and fair trade
- The relentless battle to save Bali's corals,
turtles and birds
Featuring:
- 25 full-page travel maps, with 3D views of the
island?s volcanoes
- Detailed descriptions of over 300 hotels and
restaurants, from family homestays to eco-lodges,
luxury boutique resorts, friendly side road
cafés or gourmet restaurants
- A unique eco-rating system leading you to great
hotels, restaurants, dive centres, trekking guides
and craft shops doing their best to preserve Bali?s
nature and culture and benefit its vibrant
communities.
Main writers: Titiek Pratiwi, Godeliva D. Sari,
Degung Santikarma, Bodrek Arsana, Jean-Marie
Bompard, Leslie Dwyer. Main photographers: Ulung
Wicaksono, Iskandar, Leonard Lueras, Djuna
Ivereigh, Dominique Clarisse, Fadil Aziz, Gilles
Guérard.
The Natural Guide to Bali has a Foreward by Ary
Suhardi, Executive Director of the Indonesia
Ecotourism Network.
The book's 448 glossy pages contain great photos
and some funny cartoons about tourism in Bali. The
first 99 pages are broken down into: A Natural Way
of Travelling, Bali in a Nutshell, Getting There
and Around, Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do
at Sea, The Hidden Life of Bali, What to do Inland,
Cultural Discoveries, More Tips from the Traveller,
The Best of Bali.
As far as symbols, The Natural Guide to Bali use a
single "heart" to indicate favourites and 2
"hearts" to indicate outstanding favourites that
correspond to the
"traveler-culture-environment-friendly"
description.
Geographically the book is divided into South Bali
- Beyond Kuta & Ubud, East Bali - Below the
volcanoes, North Bali - The Other Side of Bali and
West Bali - A Vision of Abundance. On the whole the
Natural Guide to Bali attempts to steer people away
from package tourism, offering the advice that the
cheapest package deals will often get you a room in
a tourist trap. The book brings up important
points, chiefly that the local population and local
environment are paying the price of tourism (trees
getting cut down for carvings, ocean water polluted
by unregulated villas, temples included on the tour
bus route, etc.).
Almost as much of an essay, as a guide book, The
Natural Guide to Bali seeks to make a difference in
the reader and for those who like some colorful
commentary, its an enjoyable read. The fact that
out of the way attraction are highlighted makes
this guide unique. It's "nuts & bolts"
information isn't nearly as strong as a the Rough
Guide to Bali, but then again it's intention isn't
to cover everything going on here.
Who is this book good for?
The Natural Guide to Bali is good for people
looking to get out of Kuta / Nusa Dua / Ubud and
see a more authentic side of Bali in a more
personal manner.
Who is this book not good for?
This book is not good for people who just come to
surf, people who want the beach and shopping,
partiers or folks just looking for a
"sun-break".
Mehr
Bali-Bücher>
|