No love for Balifest Australia

balinews

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Feb 14, 2010
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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.

 
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sakumabali

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Apr 2, 2010
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That sound very arrogant, not to say colonialist IMHO ?
"yes yes cheap price, massaaaage with happy ending. no problem! Me so happy you come here! 2gether 3gether yes yes"

Arrogant indeed! Why no donation / charity event if they really respect Bali? Sounds like they just used the name as a cash cow
 

Markit

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Sep 3, 2007
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Karangasem, Bali
It sure does. Why not be generous and announce your source, as you will be going back for the second dose.
Sorry it's really no secret as the locals all over (at least in Karangasem, Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur, etc) are all administering it through the banjar. We just rocked up with our Domicili/Kitas/any official looking paper and first they said no, then called us 5 min later and said come back. Nothing new there :) Our second shot is in July or June.
 

Mark

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Apr 19, 2004
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Wife and I got done last week with the Astra Zeneca. Seemed pretty decent to us...?
Did you have any side effects? Expat friends that got AZ experienced a variety of issues ranging from a simple headache and fatigue to two days in bed with fever and chills.
 

Markit

Well-Known Member
Sep 3, 2007
9,317
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Karangasem, Bali
Did you have any side effects? Expat friends that got AZ experienced a variety of issues ranging from a simple headache and fatigue to two days in bed with fever and chills.
The next day both of us were a bit sleepy but that was really all.

I had 3 naps - was wonderful to at least have an excuse...
 
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