Tourism Case Study Bali

The graph above shows the increase in tourism from 1950 to 2030 (projected). Describe
the trends in global tourism since 1950. – 4 Marks

The graph above showcases an increase in tourism i.e tourist arrivals all over the world have
increased and estimated to keep increasing at a rapid rate and end up at 1.8 billion by 2030. We
can also see that Europe has the most tourist arrivals throughout all years, followed closely by Asia
and the Pacific, then Americans, middle east and lastly, Africa. However, there are certain
challenges faced as Global Tourism takes two dips at 2001 and one in 2007. Despite that tourism
never experiences a downward fall for long as it always bounces back up.

These trends show us that tourism has become a popular market over the years and is expected to
keep growing. This means that there will be more opportunities for tourism related employment,
and more money to be earned.

State the total number of tourists arrivals in millions to the following regions for 2020 – 5
Marks
Africa
150 million
Middle East 100 million
Americas
200 million
Asia and Pacific 350 million
Europe 600 million

There are two dips in tourism on the world tourism graph. One in 2001/2002 and one in
2007/2008. What could account for these dips in tourist numbers? - 4 Marks

Dips in tourism can happen due to many factors. Mainly, any geopolitical event such as bombing
or other terrorists’ attacks instill fear and results in a lack of tourists. During 2001, The September
11 terrorist attack in the US caused a widespread fear and caused a dip in tourism. Similarly,
Natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes also lead to decline in the tourist numbers as
it instills fear. Health concerns, such as outbreaks cause may have also caused a dip. There was a
concern over the spread of SARS and H1N1 influenzas. Economic instability is also a huge cause, as
people would be less likely to visit another country if they cannot support themselves in their own.

Introducing Bali
To carry out this piece of work, you will need to watch the Journeyman YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjMMcxe1C64

https://youtu.be/qjP4QdZK7tc

Describe the site and situation of Bali. – 4 Marks

Site (where it is physically located)

Bali, is an island located in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian country. It is situated between the
Pacific and Indian Oceans, east of Java. Area province, 2,232 square miles (5,780 square
km). Pop. (2000) province, 3,151,162; (2010) province, 3,890,757. (Britanica.com)

Situation (its position in relation to the surrounding human and physical features & what caused it to develop &
grow)

Bali is mountainous and has volcanic peaks and is close to the equator which influences
the humid climate of Bali. As it is on the equator, there are also mangroves and stunning
landscapes. Most of Bali’s physical features formed as a result of Volcanic activity and
tectonic plate movement as it is home to many active and dormant volcanoes such as
Mount Agung and Mount Batur. Others, such as rainforests and mangroves, have been
influenced by the Climate.

Human features include Terraced rice field, due to the physical feature of Bali being filled
with mountainous regions. Fishing communities, due top Bali being an island. Sacred
Water temples, which is a result of the water supply from volcanic springs and has shaped
Balinese culture. Most of Balinese Culture has its roots deeply intertwined with sacred
land and water.

Conduct some further research into Bali and make a note of the physical and human
attractions of the island. – 6 Marks

Physical Features

(1) Beaches: As an island, beaches are Bali’s most sought-after destinations. Kuta,
Seminyak and Jimbaran offer opportunities for surfing, water sports and attractive
views.
(2) Volcanic Landscapes: The Island’s volcaninc origins have led to mountains, lush
valleys and rice terraces. Mount Agung , Bali’s highest peak and Mount Batur with
it’s stunning crater lake are famous for trekking, hiking and sunrise viewpoints.
(3) Waterfalls: Due to Bali being on the equator, plent of rainforests and mangroves are
spotted here. So are Waterfalls. The Tegenungan Waterfall is the most famous one here.
(4) Caves: The Goa Gajah(Elephant cave) has ancient carvings and bathing pools inside it.

Human Features
(1) Cultural festivals: Festivals like Galungan and Nyepi offer a cultural experience and are
deeply rooted in Hindu-Balinese beliefs.
(2) Artisan Villages: Villages like Celuk and Mas are filled with craftsman making beautiful
artworks.
(3) Sacred temples: The sea temple of Tanah Lot and Besakih temple, known as “Mother
temple” are a few of Bali’s sacred sites.
(4) Spiritual retreats: Yoga studios and wellness centres are established all over Bali.

Journeyman – YouTube Video Activities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjMMcxe1C64

Watch up to 06:30 to get the background information on Bali and the rise in tourism
numbers since the 1970’s. – 4 Marks
Make notes here of any interesting facts, dates or numbers.

Over last 40 years, millions of surfers have come to Bali.

1970’s first gen surfers took a dirt road south from the main center Denpasar to find coast
of Uluwatu. Since late 1970’s population has grown from two and a half million up to
around four million mark. Number of tourists have exploded from 120 thousand a year to
two and a half million.- Between ten and fifteen thousand people a month are visiting
Uluwatu,.

How much has the total population and the total tourist numbers grown since the 1970’s
in Bali? – 2 Marks

Since late 1970’s the total population has grown from two and a half million up to around
four million. The total number of tourists have exploded from 120 thousand a year to two
and a half million.
What is the biggest problem associated with tourism in Bali? – 4 Marks

The biggest problem associated with tourism in Bali is the rapid development and
commercialisation burying Bali’s culture and destroying its land.

For example, due to the influx of tourists, more five-star hotels have sprung up in Nusa Dua. They
cause a waste of water as each guest flushes down three times the amount used by an
average Balinese family. It’s a luxury Bali cannot afford as much of the water in Nusa Dua
is piped in by agricultural lands northern. Another example is rice fields, an integral part to
Bali’s culture, being sold to make way for villas in Ubud.

“The sources of agrarian culture are land and water- key resources. If these are gone
there’ll be cultural degradation. It’s automatic that the culture will change without
them.”- Local.

Another huge concern is the destruction of the environment. There is an accumulation of

cooking oil, sewage waste and other liquid waste in Uluwatu, a destination famous with
tourists, and has been seeping up for last 30 years. The water was also tested to find
human effluent residing in them. Furthermore, rubbish piles on to the Kuta beach, again a
famous destination for tourists, and spills onto the oceans. Together they generate 1000’s
of tons of rubbish and waste problem is out of control. Turning sensitive mangroves into
putrid swamps.

What is the issue in the town of Kuta? Write about what the local people say too. – 4
Marks

Kuta’s major issues all stems from its rapid development. Kuta has sparked debates on
what it means to be Balinese and if all this development is necessary or not. Its
commercialisation is destroying parts of the island.

An increase in tourists have caused rubbish to pile onto the world famous Kuta beach and
spills onto oceans, ruining the environment of Kuta. Nightclubs and shops have sprung up
and promotes westernization in Kuta, often at the cost of the local culture.

“I remember a time where I lived 200 m away from the Kuta beach and I could hear the
sound of the waves but now all I hear is people cursing.”- Local
“When I see the mainstream it’s like selling, selling, selling, and that’s wrong I want to
fight this. It doesn’t matter what you wear or say but what you do for the island. That’s
what matters.” - Local

“What made me angry is knowing that Bali is being destroyed systematically. Balinese
people are like lemmings. Lemming is an animal that consciously knows when he gets
near the ocean, he’s killing himself but he keeps doing it.”- Local

12:12 – What are the issues caused by the construction of large hotel projects? - 4 Marks

Nusa Dua once acquired by small families is now dominated by international resorts In the
late 1970’s Bali had just one five-star hotel, now there are 41. They’re guilty with waste of
water as each guest flushes down three times the amount used by an average Balinese
family. It’s a luxury Bali cannot afford much of the water in this part is piped in by
agricultural lands northern.

“The sources of agrarian culture are land and water- key resources. If these are gone
there’ll be cultural degradation. It’s automatic that the culture will change without
them. Bali might become a distinct memory 10 years into the future. I don’t understand
why Bali is destroying itself and heading towards the valley of destruction.”- Local.

There is a rule to keep big development, such as large hotel projects, a respectful distance
from hallowed ground but big money and jobs have local people turning blind eye.

“I cannot imagine a future in Bali, especially for those of us who believe in reincarnation.
We’re the ones who will suffer for the destructions we created in this life. The cultural
fortress of Bali, is the land”- Local.

Thousands of Bali’s rice farms in Ubud have been turned to villas and hotels and is
destroying Bali’s culture.

“Agricultural lands in Ubud are running out because of villa and hotel. The saddest part
is the Subak temple does not have rice fields around it any more. Right now, Ubud is
turning itself to Kuta”- Local.

15:50 – Outline what life is life in rural Bali in the village of Ubud. – 4 Marks

Few hours from south Bali up into rolling, rising slopes of the island is its cultural heart-
Ubud, a peaceful and quiet place, full of farms and rice terraces.
The people in Ubud value spiritual connections and are often emersed in agriculture.
Ubud’s Hinduism is shaped from agricultural practice. Tsubaki irrigation a complex and
spiritual irrigation system popular in Ubud , connects farmers and water to god. It’s also
the cultural heart of Bali, meaning many temples are located here surrounded by rice
fields. The Subak Temple is the most famous one of them all. Others include Pura Gunung
Lebah temple and Tanah Lot temple, all extremely divine places. Kids often take baths in
the river with everybody in the village.

Ubud’s reputation as cultural centre holds up with frequent night performances of

gamelan and dance, depicting the history of Bali, have built a ‘resovoir of cultural
heritage’, which will sustain Ubud.

“It’s not just for tourist, it’s for all of us, to be closer to our land.”- Local

What is happening to this rural land? - 4 Marks

Farmers have been selling land causing the real estate boom that’s driven prices to the
roof. Thousands of Bali’s rice farms have been turned to villas and hotels. There is also a
takeover of western culture due to the increased tourism.

The rivers are also highly polluted due to sewage waste seeping through, and destroying
the aquatic life. Resources such as water are running out due to guests in vilas
contributing to a massive water waste.

“Agricultural lands in Ubud are running out because of villa and hotel. The saddest part
is the Subak temple does not have rice fields around it any more. Right now, Ubud is
turning itself to Kuta”- Local

“When I was a child, I used to go to rivers with my great grandmother we’d take a bath
together with everybody in village, my kids can’t experience that because the quality of
river…it’s no longer safe. It is a shame you know.”- Local

20:27 – What does the governor of Bali, Made Pastika, think of the tourism industry in
Bali? What are the problems and benefits that he talks about? 4 Marks

Made Pastika, the governor of Bali believes that it’s not tourists that are the problem
rather the investors. He explains how he had once tried to shut down any new projects in
a particular part to preserve its integrity but it was rejected by the investors and
politicians.

“It’s not the tourists, it’s the greedy investors. Part of the problems are that they ar mixed
up in Bali’s political system. Although he put up a notice on restricting new building on a
specific part of Bali, it failed.”

“Everybody wants to invest in Bali and on one side that is good creating jobs and
moving the economy but on other side some of these investors are greedy, exploitation
of the land, the people, the culture. That is the problem. Those who love Bali, they will
invest with their heart.”

He also believes that culture is an important part of Bali and tourism should be a force to
promote this culture, not abolish it.

“Balinese people believe that everything in Bali has its own soul. Everything we do in
our life is offering to god and to our environment. It’s our duty to preserve it.”

Outline the tariffs that are imposed on locals and tourists in the main bars in Bali? 4 Marks
Twice Bar, is a mainstream bar popular with locals as well as tourists. Here foreigners walk
in for free but Balinese must pay for entry. It’s a symbol of resistance, to show that
Balinese people have the right to have fun while still not compromising on the love for
Bali.

“We’re adopting western culture but that doesn’t mean we become slaves to
westernization. You don’t have to dress like a Balinese, You don’t have to speak like a
Balinese but it’s about what you care for and what you do for the island, for the
community.”- Local.
Press CTRL and click on the screenshot of the news item above (or click here) to read the
full story. Outline the other negative effects of tourism linked to global terrorism. Who
were the targets in the attacks? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/4303904.stm 6 Marks

(1) Attacks cause fear amongst tourists: Due to attacks, a large amount
of tourists have already left( mostly on evacuation flights from
Australia and Singapore) This is also evident from the graph numbers
and the long que. Many fear that tourists who were willing to stay
after first attack might leave after one more.
(2) Business reliant on tourists experience loss: The Cafe manager,
Wayan, has stated that “Business is very, very bad. Businesses like
cafes are reliant on tourists and since the decline of tourism, there’s
a decline in their revenue.

(3) Hotels and Villas suffer: Once again, this is a business reliant on
tourists. Hotel bookings fell by 80% after the October 2002
bombings, and people are cancelling their holidays, blowing a huge
hit to these businesses.
(4) Employs get less pay: Employs working are put on half pay and thus
they suffer due to less wages.
(5) Economic troubles: According to the article-“The first bombing
sapped a lot of the island’s economic resilience and it remains to be
seen how much stamina is left to cope with the aftermath of thee
new attacks. “
(6) Locals in Bali consider migrating: I feel I am dead; I have no chance
anymore in Bali looking for a job," said Agus, a 35-year-old tour
guide. Bali might experience mass migration and loses out on local
 employment and will face a massive hit to their economy.

Although these attacks seem to target tourists to instil fearas they were bombed on hotels, I
believe it was targeted towards the Bali government. Tourism is a huge revenue for Bali and
contributes a lot in strengthening their economy, however an attack such as these disrupts these
numbers and will cause economic harm. It will also attract media attention and drag down their
name.

The effects of a growth in tourism are generally positive and that careful management is
needed if problems are to be avoided.

For bali, explain how tourism is damaging the natural environment (7)

Bali’s tourism is slowly damaging the natural environment.

Tourism causes water pollution, contaminating water and destroying the marine
ecosystem. There is an accumulation of cooking oil, sewage waste and other liquid waste
in places like Uluwatu, a destination famous with tourists, and has been seeping up for last
30 years. The water was also tested to find human effluent residing in them. Furthermore,
rubbish piled onto the beaches, spills onto the oceans, affecting the marine life and the
water quality of the ocean.
1000’s of tons of rubbish is generated every day and piles onto beaches. The waste
problem is out of control. This also affects mangroves turning them into putrid swamps.
The waste disposal has to be better managed to avoid contamination of water and lands.

There is also a wastage of natural resources such as water and land, as most of the
gorgeous rice fields are being sold to make way for villas and hotels. The construction of
thee buildings cause pollution, especially air pollution, to build up. It also causes habitat
destruction, deforestation and loss of biodiversity, impacting ecosystems.

Water is also wasted as each guest flushes down three times the amount of an average
Balinese family. It is also wasted due to a high demand of it caused by the influx of
tourists.

Lastly, there is tons of carbon emissions produced due to activities such as transportations
and other hotel resources, which further adds to the pollution of the place.
For Bali, describe the socio-economic impacts of tourism on the destination (7)

(1) Tourism has affected the economy of Bali, causing it to skyrocket. There’s a lot of
money to be earned through the hotels, businesses catering towards tourists such as
cafes, transport, cultural performances etc. This can help build better infrastructure and
an overall better standard of living
(2) Employment oppurtinties: There is more demand for employment in jobs such as tour
guides, hotel managers etc. This will strengthen the country’s economy. This also gives
jobs to the performers who can continue to preserve Bali’s culture while earning a living.

(3) Infrastructure development: Due to the increasing economy, Bali can now afford to
build bigger and better projects. This is also caused by the demand of such projects due to
the large amount of people visiting Bali. It has improved lives of the locals.

(4) Culture preservence: While tourists have introduced more western traditions, the
culture of Bali remains intact as there is now demand for such experiences. Take Ubud, for
example, where its night performances are a integral part to their culture.

(5) Facilitated small businesses: Businesses such as cafes and small villas are now more
and more on demand due to rapid increase in tourism in Bali. These also encourage locals
to participate and open up businesses.

(6) Brought together people: Tourism has brought together people from all over the world
and has allowed for cultural harmony as different ideas get exchange.

(7) More light on environmental issues: As tourism increases, there is more pressure to
maintain the beauty of the land of Bali in places like beaches or surfing spots. This raises
light on the environmental issues and forces the government to take an action.