Entering the year 2008, the government of Denpasar Municipality launched the state-of-the-art program in tourism sector. The program is better known as Sightseeing Denpasar. “It’s expected that the program will uplift the image of Denpasar as tourist destination city and take part in substantiating the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 campaign,” says Putu Budiasa, Head of Denpasar Government Tourism Office.

The brand new program is the brainchild of Denpasar Mayor. It is meant to improve the art creativity and activity, culture and economy as well as provide entertainment to the Denpasar city dwellers. Activities are packaged into a series of programs and consist of dance and traditional gamelan music performance, art parade, traditional food festival, exhibition, bazaar and other activities that are no less attractive.

For instance, the ‘Padanggalak Kites Festival’ (kites festival at Padanggalak Beach, Sanur) will be held in July; ‘Sanur Village Festival’ (art and cultural festival of Sanur Village) in August 2008; ‘Maha Bandana Prasada’ (art and cultural festival inspired by heroic spirit of struggle at Puputan Badung); ‘Sail Indonesia’ (a regatta participated by entrants from all over the world, sailing from the waters of Australia to Indonesia to promote the regions across Indonesia) in September; ‘Gajah Mada Raya’ (art and cultural festival to commemorate the area of Jalan Gajah Mada which, in ancient times served as the trade center of Denpasar) in October 2008 and ‘ASEAN Beach Games’ (beach games by Southeast Asian countries) will be executed at Sanur Beach.

Added value of Sightseeing Denpasar, for instance, is the offer of free shuttle bus for tourists who are making a visit and staying in Denpasar. “Free shuttle bus service provided for tourists will be adjusted to the route of city tour on particular events,” adds Budiasa.

The prepared route for the shuttle bus is: starting/finishing at Hotel Sanur Beach—Bali Hyatt, Inna Grand Bali Beach—Struggle Monument of Balinese People—Badung/Kumbasari Market—Bali Museum and Art Center. There will be two buses of 20 seat capacity for this free shuttle bus program. “Tourists will be provided with services pursuant to the schedule. Further information will later be forthcoming,” explains Budiasa.(BTN/015)

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