In Reply to: "burgeoning growth in visitor numbers" posted by Liku on Sunday, 21. August 2011 at 19:47 Bali Time:
simply asking whether people realise that SOME things at least have improved in Bali over the past few years (Squat v's "normal" toilets?).
I am also not so "naieve" (sic) as to believe that some of the changes haven't brought excessive strain to some sectors of Balinese society.
The selling off of rice fields for development of villas is an interesting one.
Are the farmers being forced to sell, or are they simply cashing in on the current opportunities that present themselves??
A recent survey found that the numbers of people living in poverty in Bali has dropped significantly over the last few years, and some of this must surely be attributed to the money coming in from "people wanting a peaceful retirement/vacation in the ricefields".
The Balinese and Indonesian tourist bodies continue to strive for increased visitor numbers, and are achieving their objectives.
If there is any "blame" to be allocated for "strain on infrastructure", am I as a visitor to blame or are the local people who are managing (mismanaging?) the situation to blame??
Thanks for allowing me my opinion, but I have not yet stated my opinion.....simply raising a few points in response to the "all downhill" brigade....interesting isn't it?