Opinion

Letter: From Dreamland to New Kuta

| Sat, 02/14/2009 2:44 PM
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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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