INDONESIA: Village Tourism To Attract French Tourists To Bali

Tourism sites, which are widely spread across Balinese villages could attract foreign tourists, mainly from France, as long as hygiene and safety are ensured.

"Village tourism could create a special impression for the tourists who spend their holiday in Bali," local tourism and cultural observer, Dewa Rai Budiasa said.

Dewa is quite experienced in helping French and American tourists, who visit his lodgings in Banjar Pengaji, Melinggih Kelod, which is located 35 kilometers northeast of Denpasar city.

In that area, tourists visit elementary schools, traditional markets, and observe villagers' activities.

"One of the sites, which attract a lot of people, is Payangan market in Gianyar district," Budiasa stated.

He also operates a tourism foundation called "Komunitas Yasa Putra Sedana," which promotes various cultural programs, such as the "sarana banten" making.

It is an offering for the Yadnya God's ceremony.

Young people from France also learn how to string "janur" (young coconut leaves) when they gather at Jero Pangaji Payangan before watching the traditional "barong" dance and enjoying their dinner.

There are a lot of French people, including the director of Institut Fran?ais d'Indon?sie Marc Piton, visiting the "Yasa Putra Sedana" foundation at Payangan village.

According to the Bali Tourism Office, 115,288 tourists from France visited Bali during the January to November period in 2015, which made up 3.43 percent of the 3.6 million foreign tourists, who visited that Land of God.