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Letter: From Dreamland to New Kuta
Sat, 02/14/2009 2:44 PM | Readers Forum
I refer to an article titled "Big projects erases 'dream' from Dreamland," (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 10, Bali page).
So Bali's Dreamland Beach is now officially New Kuta. The name Dreamland was originally bestowed by surfers in the early *80s, when the only access was a dirt track to a spectacular, unspoiled coastline.
The local Balinese showed their vibrant entrepreneurial spirit with their warungs (small shops) adding local charm and value to the experience.
As has so often happened in Bali, the local charm has turned into corporate concrete.
I don't know what is so appealing about the name New Kuta - I think the marketing people might have blown that one. It's kind of like saying Kauai's Hanalei Bay (the film stand in for Bali Hai) is henceforth going to be known as the New Waikiki.
Richard Lewis
Sanur, Bali
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Leonidas (not verified) — Thu, 02/19/2009 - 2:59am
The old Dreamland was the only thing that kept me going back to Bali. Now that it has been destroyed (and the locals robbed by eminent domain)I can no longer go back in good conscience.
Surely, the Dreamland countryside location is a terrible place to put a "New Kuta" when the old Kuta has all the ammenities one would need shopping, dining, hotels and beaches. I predict it will be a lonely outpost of spoiled civilization.
Whats even worse is the now unemployed locals will be forced into beach hustling. Thanks Tommy.