Jakarta |
Wed, October 5 2016
| 11:29 am
Surfers walk along Kuta Beach, Bali, in May 2010.(Shutterstock.com/hkhtt hj)
“The surfing business in Bali is promising and has potential, such as
surfboard rental services and surfing lessons. It could help increase
local incomes as there are taxes to pay; unfortunately the potential has
not yet been maximized," Irawan, also known as Piping, a surfer and
coach, told
kompas.com in Bali on Sunday.
Along the south coast from Jembrana to Karangasem, there are at least
200 locations popular among surfers. These locations are already home
to several surfboard rental services and surf schools with rates
starting at Rp 50,000 (US$3.85) per hour for rental and Rp 3.5 million
for a two-hour training session.
"It's not that we are asking for attention. We just want to share the
potential of surfing market management in Bali as no regulations have
been made by the administration," said Piping, adding that even after
the 2002 Bali bombings, which affected tourism on the island, the
surfing business had survived.
"Following the Bali bombings, tourists were told not to travel to
Bali. But foreign surfers continued to arrive from Singapore to surf and
give their support. It was truly remarkable."
Andrew, a tourist from Australia who frequently visits Bali, shared
his excitement about the activity. "I love Bali. I enjoy surfing here; I
usually do it in Tulamben [in Karangasem]," he said.
Meanwhile, a surfboard business rental owner at Kuta Beach, Dek Ar,
said he rented out up to five surfboards per day. "During holidays, the
number is a lot higher," he said.
Medewi, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tulamben and Nusa Penida
beaches are said to be among the most popular surfing spots for
tourists. (fmn/kes)