Published on April 28, 2014
More than 2,000 tourists have registered to join the Asia-Pacific Hash 2014 on Bali , which is to take place from 6 May-13 May 2014.
Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Pangestu said in Denpasar recently that participants will run across beautiful panoramic countryside, visit historic monuments, enjoy delicious food and stay at people’s homes. Hashers love to visit villages, seek unique experiences while touring and hiking.
This year hashers will not only visit Bali, but also neighboring Lombok island, all the way to Labuan Bajo on Flores island and to the habitat of the giant Komodo lizards.
On Bali, the route will cover Sanur Beach, the monkey forest at Sangeh, the Heroes’ cemetery at Margarana, resting place of Bali’s hero, Ngurah Rai, the hill station of Tampaksiring by the Presidential Palace and Goa Lawah or the Bats Cave at Klungkung.
Distances taken vary between 5 kilometers, 7 and 12 km.
To date nationals from 18 countries have already signed up, these are from : Australia, Austria, Brunei Darussalam, China, Denmark, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States.
Called the Wonderful Adventure Indonesia: Asia Pacific Hash (WAI: ASPAC 2014) the event is the initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, to bring multiplier effects through tourism to local communities, similar to that experienced through the hosting of the international Hash at Borobudur, in Central Java in 2012, said Minister Mari.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the ASPAC 2014 Supriyadi added that this time during the opening ceremony, hashers will all wear red women’s dresses. The color has in no way any political connotation, added Supriyadi, referring to the fact that Indonesia’s presidential elections will be held in July this year, where political parties are distinguished by their colors.
“The event is also an opportunity to collect contributions that will be given to the upkeep of temples, orphanages, and traditional villages in Bali” said Supriyadi.
Special interest tourists are large spenders, explained Minister Mari Pangestu. They usually stay in Bali for three weeks and on average spend US$ 3,000 per stay, compared to the average US$ 1,140 per tourist.
The Ministry has allocated Rp. 3 billion for the organization of the event, while the balance of Rp. 3 billion is contributed by districts and cities on Bali.
