BIG name Australian Acts, Themed Bar, Bali Markets, Chill Beach, Carnival Rides & Cultural performances . . . and of course $7.50 BINTANGS”. This was how BaliFest, held in Mandurah, Western Australia, was promoted. Taking place from April 2 to 6 – during the Easter long weekend – tickets cost AUS$30 per day, with 10 percent of sales slated for charitable causes.
Bali has long been a favorite travel destination for international tourists, including Australians. But with Australia’s pandemic travel restrictions still in place, some in the country have sought ways to experience the island without leaving the country. BaliFest was about “bringing Bali and its culture, food, entertainment, shopping and leisure lifestyle to Australia”, its tagline promised.
Leigh Rose, the organizer of BaliFest, said Australians traveled to Bali to escape from work and relax “without breaking the bank”.
“When we [Australians] spend money in Bali, the Balinese people are so grateful and do so much for us,” he said
He wanted BaliFest to give Australians the “Bali atmosphere” at a lower price and to raise money for Bali-targeted charities, such as Let’s Help Bali, Bali Life, Bali Peace Park and the Bali Dog Association.
However, after the event took place, critics wrote on BaliFest’s Facebook page that it had not delivered what was promised, particularly in terms of representing Balinese culture and traditions.
Some attendees who posted on the page complained about the lack of Balinese influence at the event, including a lack of authentic Balinese food. One attendee commented on BaliFest’s page that “the market stalls were average, with half of them not even Bali-related, and the food choices were limited – especially if you wanted Balinese-style cuisine.” The event was criticized as being overpriced for what it offered. A number of posters asked for refunds.
Bali has long been a favorite travel destination for international tourists, including Australians. But with Australia’s pandemic travel restrictions still in place, some in the country have sought ways to experience the island without leaving the country. BaliFest was about “bringing Bali and its culture, food, entertainment, shopping and leisure lifestyle to Australia”, its tagline promised.
Leigh Rose, the organizer of BaliFest, said Australians traveled to Bali to escape from work and relax “without breaking the bank”.
“When we [Australians] spend money in Bali, the Balinese people are so grateful and do so much for us,” he said
He wanted BaliFest to give Australians the “Bali atmosphere” at a lower price and to raise money for Bali-targeted charities, such as Let’s Help Bali, Bali Life, Bali Peace Park and the Bali Dog Association.
However, after the event took place, critics wrote on BaliFest’s Facebook page that it had not delivered what was promised, particularly in terms of representing Balinese culture and traditions.
Some attendees who posted on the page complained about the lack of Balinese influence at the event, including a lack of authentic Balinese food. One attendee commented on BaliFest’s page that “the market stalls were average, with half of them not even Bali-related, and the food choices were limited – especially if you wanted Balinese-style cuisine.” The event was criticized as being overpriced for what it offered. A number of posters asked for refunds.
BaliFest a mess?: Organizer defends Australian Bali-themed festival - Lifestyle - The Jakarta Post
An event that aimed to give Bali-loving Australians a chance to experience the island’s splendor without leaving the country ended up with allegations of overpriced tickets, cultural appropriation and false advertising.
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