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Snowing In Bali
It's snowing in Bali. Among Bali's drug dealers it's the code for a huge cocaine shipment having just landed. For the men who run the country's drug empires, it's time to get rich and party hard.
Snowing in Bali is the story of the drug trafficking and dealing scene that's made Bali one of the world's most important destinations in the global distribution of narcotics. With its central location to the Asia Pacific market, its thriving tourist industry to act as cover for importation, and a culture of corruption that can easily help law enforcement turn a blind eye, Bali has long been a paradise for traffickers as well as for holiday-makers.
Kathryn Bonella, bestselling author of Hotel Kerobokan, has been given extraordinary access into the lives of some of the biggest players in Bali's drug world, both past and present. She charts their rise to incredible wealth and power, and their drug-fuelled lifestyles, filled with orgies, outrageous extravagance and surfing. But running international drug empires in Bali can also be a highly risky business, with terrible consequences for those caught and convicted.
From the highs of multi-million dollar deals to the desperate lows of death row in an Indonesian high security jail, Snowing in Bali is a unique, uncensored insight into a hidden world.
Snowing in Bali is the story of the drug trafficking and dealing scene that's made Bali one of the world's most important destinations in the global distribution of narcotics. With its central location to the Asia Pacific market, its thriving tourist industry to act as cover for importation, and a culture of corruption that can easily help law enforcement turn a blind eye, Bali has long been a paradise for traffickers as well as for holiday-makers.
Kathryn Bonella, bestselling author of Hotel Kerobokan, has been given extraordinary access into the lives of some of the biggest players in Bali's drug world, both past and present. She charts their rise to incredible wealth and power, and their drug-fuelled lifestyles, filled with orgies, outrageous extravagance and surfing. But running international drug empires in Bali can also be a highly risky business, with terrible consequences for those caught and convicted.
From the highs of multi-million dollar deals to the desperate lows of death row in an Indonesian high security jail, Snowing in Bali is a unique, uncensored insight into a hidden world.
432 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
355 people are currently reading
3438 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Bonella
11 books171 followersAustralian Journalist
Former 60 Minutes tv producer.
Kathryn has written 4 bestselling books.
Instagram @kathryn.bonella
Snowing in Bali
SNOWING IN BALI/KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Operation Playboy
OPERATION PLAYBOY / KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Hotel Kerobokan
"HOTEL KEROBOKAN" [HOTEL K]
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=HO...
Schapelle Corby My Story (also titled No More Tomorrows.)
"SCHAPELLE CORBY MY STORY" [NO MORE TOMORROWS]
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Former 60 Minutes tv producer.
Kathryn has written 4 bestselling books.
Instagram @kathryn.bonella
Snowing in Bali
SNOWING IN BALI/KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Operation Playboy
OPERATION PLAYBOY / KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Hotel Kerobokan
"HOTEL KEROBOKAN" [HOTEL K]
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=HO...
Schapelle Corby My Story (also titled No More Tomorrows.)
"SCHAPELLE CORBY MY STORY" [NO MORE TOMORROWS]
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
March 20, 2013
Snowing in Bali... what a read.
An insight into the inner workings of the illegal drug trade in one of the biggest drug capitals in the world.
A true story that is well paced, easy to follow and will have you hooked from the first few pages. The scene and character bios are very well written, with excellent descriptive content throughout the book.
Snowing In Bali is written using many references from people in the center of this crazy and bizarre underworld, the book also references credible current media sources. The author has dedicated countless hours to personally interviewing many of the key identities that make Bali not only a popular tourist destination, but a extremely powerful player in the global drug trafficking trade.
The characters in this story are larger than life. From the human horses who carry the drugs through airports to high ranking drug lords, Snowing in Bali documents their lavish and wild lifestyles. Cocaine, money, escorts, mansions, parties, orgies... these drug barons seem to have it all. But all this power and greed comes with some extremely high risks and one hell of a price to pay if they get caught...
Once you have read this book you will never look at Bali the same way again.
Highly recommended.
An insight into the inner workings of the illegal drug trade in one of the biggest drug capitals in the world.
A true story that is well paced, easy to follow and will have you hooked from the first few pages. The scene and character bios are very well written, with excellent descriptive content throughout the book.
Snowing In Bali is written using many references from people in the center of this crazy and bizarre underworld, the book also references credible current media sources. The author has dedicated countless hours to personally interviewing many of the key identities that make Bali not only a popular tourist destination, but a extremely powerful player in the global drug trafficking trade.
The characters in this story are larger than life. From the human horses who carry the drugs through airports to high ranking drug lords, Snowing in Bali documents their lavish and wild lifestyles. Cocaine, money, escorts, mansions, parties, orgies... these drug barons seem to have it all. But all this power and greed comes with some extremely high risks and one hell of a price to pay if they get caught...
Once you have read this book you will never look at Bali the same way again.
Highly recommended.
March 10, 2013
Kathryn Bonella you strike again!
Another of your stories that make me feel like im a part of it all or even know the people and surroundings that you write about. I feel your stories - I become absorbed,addicted even! I dont want them to end..I want another chapter and then some.
You have a great style of writing - easy to understand. So informative and descriptive.
I just this morning finished reading my book "Snowing in Bali"...I didnt want it to end - i thnk i read the last page 5 times just so i wasnt finished lol. I took that book everywhere that i knew id have a spare minute to read it - even the gym! Yep.. treadmill, crosstrainer, bike, bottle of water and my book lolol... You CANT stop writing now - when can we all expect another wonderful piece of work?
Thanks for another great read.
Another of your stories that make me feel like im a part of it all or even know the people and surroundings that you write about. I feel your stories - I become absorbed,addicted even! I dont want them to end..I want another chapter and then some.
You have a great style of writing - easy to understand. So informative and descriptive.
I just this morning finished reading my book "Snowing in Bali"...I didnt want it to end - i thnk i read the last page 5 times just so i wasnt finished lol. I took that book everywhere that i knew id have a spare minute to read it - even the gym! Yep.. treadmill, crosstrainer, bike, bottle of water and my book lolol... You CANT stop writing now - when can we all expect another wonderful piece of work?
Thanks for another great read.
February 27, 2013
A great read, I've found it fascinating on how they could live with constant fears not to get busted - where was their conscious, I guess it's just like what some of the characters said in the book, it's a playground arena. There's some sadness too.
Looked at some, very familiar faces, until reached page 227, I recalled incident where I was one of the witnesses of the violence mentioned in the book. While I was standing in front of the club on Dhyana Pura street with an American friend. Jose & Kate were fighting & they both shouted at each other, she was punched & dragged by her hair, cops were called by the staffs of nearby club where the incident took place (in front of undergoing construction site - believed to be another club/bar) - before both disappeared they said "I love you". I was thinking to break the fights, but my friend told me not to get involved.
Then Jose was on his motorbike (a scooter like - honda) & Kate was driving her dark colored Feroza (rental car), they were back shouting at each other, then he stopped near her car, approached her & punched her face. The cops were there yanked him off her. Her posture was slender, over 175cm tall or approx. less than 6', her hair was above shoulder wavy/curly blonde. I froze for 2 days with my mind still circling around that particular incident.
As well as other incidents I recalled that related to Kathryn's other book as well.
Highly recommend this book, a reminder what lays behind illusive life-style, money, the channels/connections, what happiness is meant for someone. What is living in peacefulness, what is the value of life, victims & players.
Kathryn, you have done a brilliantly great job. Your books are my favorite gift ideas to friends. As for Rafael figure in the book, I cried reading the turn point you made for people you loved in your life (your children & your own being), I give you a lot of respect for living a true life, your children couldn't be prouder to have you by their sides now. Perhaps one day I can come visit your surf lesson shop & learn how to surf. Bravo!!!!
Looked at some, very familiar faces, until reached page 227, I recalled incident where I was one of the witnesses of the violence mentioned in the book. While I was standing in front of the club on Dhyana Pura street with an American friend. Jose & Kate were fighting & they both shouted at each other, she was punched & dragged by her hair, cops were called by the staffs of nearby club where the incident took place (in front of undergoing construction site - believed to be another club/bar) - before both disappeared they said "I love you". I was thinking to break the fights, but my friend told me not to get involved.
Then Jose was on his motorbike (a scooter like - honda) & Kate was driving her dark colored Feroza (rental car), they were back shouting at each other, then he stopped near her car, approached her & punched her face. The cops were there yanked him off her. Her posture was slender, over 175cm tall or approx. less than 6', her hair was above shoulder wavy/curly blonde. I froze for 2 days with my mind still circling around that particular incident.
As well as other incidents I recalled that related to Kathryn's other book as well.
Highly recommend this book, a reminder what lays behind illusive life-style, money, the channels/connections, what happiness is meant for someone. What is living in peacefulness, what is the value of life, victims & players.
Kathryn, you have done a brilliantly great job. Your books are my favorite gift ideas to friends. As for Rafael figure in the book, I cried reading the turn point you made for people you loved in your life (your children & your own being), I give you a lot of respect for living a true life, your children couldn't be prouder to have you by their sides now. Perhaps one day I can come visit your surf lesson shop & learn how to surf. Bravo!!!!
June 19, 2013
Brilliantly written....a must read for anyone who has been to or is planning on going to Bali. From the moment I opened the book I couldn't put it down....a seductive and enticing exposé of the unseen underbelly of Bali. Drugs in Bali...we know what we read in the news, but this book divulges even more of what is truly an intricate network of systems and methods, to supply to the rich and famous and holiday maker crowd. The fact that I had unwittingly spent five days being coached to surf by one of the main characters made it even more fascinating, because I had the privilege to know him as he is now, and not who he was....his personality comes through so authentically in the book, and that gave me the comfort that I wasn't being spun a tale.... Well done! I want to read it all over again....
November 21, 2012
I absolutely love this book.! Loved Hotel K so I had to read this and it's fantastic! So interesting and that's coming from me who has never read any books before these two. Just love Kathryn Bonella's work! Just great :)
May 7, 2013
I am such a HUGE fan of Kathryn Bonella!! This book gives the reader a fascinating insight into Bali's 'hidden drug world'. I have to say..... I know he was a bad dude; but I was completely captivated by the charismatic Rafael. A provocative and eye-opening read.
April 13, 2013
A compelling book about the underworld in Bali. It really is an eye opener and so well written that it drags you in and keeps you reading until the final page. I didnt want it to finish. Am going to read hotel Kerobokan next by the same author. well done.
April 28, 2013
A very good book about drugs and how the different players are involved. Lots of first hand accounts and personal recollections. I really loved this book.
It's interesting to see how most people involved in dealing drugs won't stop. Even when they are caught they find ways of getting out of jail and continuing with their business.
It's interesting to see how most people involved in dealing drugs won't stop. Even when they are caught they find ways of getting out of jail and continuing with their business.
April 7, 2013
Truly shocking!! I was not prepared for what was inside the cover.. Kathryn Bonella takes her readers all the way from the Island of the gods to the seedy underside of tropical paradise. Totally captivating, brutally honest and very raw. A definate MUST READ I found it hard to put down!
November 22, 2012
Couldn't put this book down...just amazing how many people risk everything for money.
April 13, 2013
Best book I have read in a long time. I would have given it 10 stars if I could. I only finished it on Monday and want to read it all over again. Read it people - you will not regret it!
February 27, 2013
I have recently completed Snowing in Bali which I could not put down. I recently went to Bali and fell in love with the place as do many many others. This really exposed a side to Bali that I had only heard vague things about. It really gets you into the story and the characters within, Rafael plays a main role in this story and is charming and likeable and it makes you really see how they all got drawn in with the money and living the high life until it all comes crashing down around them. The descriptions of the mules, horses etc really draw you in and you get to know them personally which is a credit to Kathryn Bonella.
I cannot wait to read Hotel Kerobokan....
I cannot wait to read Hotel Kerobokan....
August 27, 2013
Yet another well written informative book from Kathryn Bonella on the underside and drug trade in Bali.
An honest look inside the lives of the drug dealers and how they operate and the prices they pay for their fortunes quickly won and lost. An insight into the way they recuit their "horses" and basically everything you have ever wanted to know about what really happens in Bali's underbelly but was afraid to ask.
I have read all of Kathryn's books and highly recommend this one, to any true crime fans or for people to read before they go on their trip, you may see a very different side if you take off the tourist tinted glasses.
An honest look inside the lives of the drug dealers and how they operate and the prices they pay for their fortunes quickly won and lost. An insight into the way they recuit their "horses" and basically everything you have ever wanted to know about what really happens in Bali's underbelly but was afraid to ask.
I have read all of Kathryn's books and highly recommend this one, to any true crime fans or for people to read before they go on their trip, you may see a very different side if you take off the tourist tinted glasses.
October 26, 2012
I bought this book because I'd read hotel kerobokan by the same author and absolutely loved that book. I heard the author on Kyle and Jackie O show this week and bought her new one straight away. If anything, this book is even better. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get an intimate - sometimes very sexual - (the orgy in the first chapter and more later are pretty in your face - its not for prudes)- at drug bosses in Bali and the great life they live but also it gives plenty of reasons why its not a good idea to traffic drugs. Like Hotel kerobkan this is a page turner.
August 24, 2013
Well, well, well! That was a very intense and brilliant read indeed.
I enjoyed the many detailed events described by the characters, especially how deep with Rafael the book gets regarding relationships and his own issues with cocaine.
The brutality of the Indonesian "police" *cough* thugs *cough* made me feel that they themselves were no better than the drug dealers... And, at times, they were a lot worse!
Thank you for writing this book, I plan to read Hotel K very soon and I'm sure it will not disappoint.
Kieran
I enjoyed the many detailed events described by the characters, especially how deep with Rafael the book gets regarding relationships and his own issues with cocaine.
The brutality of the Indonesian "police" *cough* thugs *cough* made me feel that they themselves were no better than the drug dealers... And, at times, they were a lot worse!
Thank you for writing this book, I plan to read Hotel K very soon and I'm sure it will not disappoint.
Kieran
July 10, 2013
I loved this book. It is beautifully written and makes you feel like you are right in the moment. The author has done an incredibly good and brave job of getting drug bosses to open up and talk to her, revealing details of debauchery and also of secret ways they traffic drugs. if you like true crime, this book is a must read. Amazing. Congrats to the author.
January 29, 2013
I don't read much but I couldn't put either of them(snowing in bali & hotel kerobokan) down they a unbelievable insight into the drug underworld and prison life.
very well written, you feel like your on the streets of bali with the people in the book.
very well written, you feel like your on the streets of bali with the people in the book.
January 20, 2013
Great book! Have always been curious about the dark side of beautiful bali! Almost makes me want to do a few cheeky runs!
July 30, 2013
Totally love this book. A sequel of Hotel K. Thumbs up!
May 29, 2013
Excellent could not put it down. Highly recommend.
November 19, 2012
riveting!!! A must read for anyone who has been to Bali.
January 16, 2013
Best book ever. If any one is goin to Bali or has been to Bali IT IS A MUST READ must read must read must read
March 29, 2013
Loved it and am going to read Hotel Kerobokan this author next. I read nearly the whole book in one go.
February 18, 2013
Interestingly I actually read this book before Hotel K and finished it within 3 days. I couldn't stop reading it and couldn't believe I actually reached the last page.
It gives an insight into the works of drug trafficking in the simplest ways. And how it got people started because of the seemingly easy ways to do it.
For the rich, it's like an exciting game where they can push their limits to challenge danger itself.
For the normal folks, it is the gateway or rather a lure to a lavish lifestyle in a place where cost of living is low, enjoyment level is high, and where money seems to be able to get you away with almost everything.
It is like an insider story without any censorship. The raw information makes it so alluring that I can't put the book down.
It gives an insight into the works of drug trafficking in the simplest ways. And how it got people started because of the seemingly easy ways to do it.
For the rich, it's like an exciting game where they can push their limits to challenge danger itself.
For the normal folks, it is the gateway or rather a lure to a lavish lifestyle in a place where cost of living is low, enjoyment level is high, and where money seems to be able to get you away with almost everything.
It is like an insider story without any censorship. The raw information makes it so alluring that I can't put the book down.
September 13, 2015
A really interesting read! I've never read a book quite like this before. Having travelled to Bali during a time where a lot of the story was unfolding I feel so naive to now know just how deep rooted, lavish and blatant the drug scene was.
It was also very interesting and almost bittersweet to hear the main characters thoughts at the end of the story. Having gone on such a crazy and risky ride for such a long time to realise that it really is the simple things in life that bring the most satisfaction and joy.
It was also very interesting and almost bittersweet to hear the main characters thoughts at the end of the story. Having gone on such a crazy and risky ride for such a long time to realise that it really is the simple things in life that bring the most satisfaction and joy.
January 30, 2017
To the holiday-makers who think they're going to paradise...All isn't as it seems. Just finished reading Snowing in Bali. Really addicting non-fiction. Highly recommended
February 9, 2018
Well, the book has almost made me chickened out at the thought of flying into Bali's stunning sunsets, giant waves and exotic cultures again. Actually, I have made several amazing and fun trips to Bali during the past 2 years, because of it being geographically close to both OZ and China. The place is heavenly, but in an odd and bizarre way. I had quite a lot of fun over there. I chased waves, suntanned myself, took as many shots as I could at the packed bars and peddled around only to get stunned by the vast expanse of the rice paddies and the fiery volcanoes scattered everywhere. Bali is a paradise, blessed with all the cultural and natural wonders. It is worth a visit. But some of my personal experiences in there also weirded me out. I was once stopped and dragged off my scooter by a middle-aged Indonesian hooker who meant to pull off my pants and demanded to give my pal and me a blow job right near the rice paddies at 5 P.M., when the traffic was constantly swelling. Well, I guess I am open-minded, but I do find it a bit disturbing and too much.
In spite of the fact that drug trafficking is playing hard, I am still dreaming of moving to Bali and living like a hermit over there, waking up to the birds' chirping and the balls of sunlight splashing into my teeny-tiny bungalow every day in either Kuta or Seminyak. Who can resist the temptation of such an unspoiled nature? Well, I cannot. I would literally kill for a chance to move there.
In spite of the fact that drug trafficking is playing hard, I am still dreaming of moving to Bali and living like a hermit over there, waking up to the birds' chirping and the balls of sunlight splashing into my teeny-tiny bungalow every day in either Kuta or Seminyak. Who can resist the temptation of such an unspoiled nature? Well, I cannot. I would literally kill for a chance to move there.
March 11, 2015
This book introduced me to a whole new world, though I'm aware of the drug smuggling and the thriving smugglers but this story brings you to the very heart of the underground world. Kathryn Bonella had done an extensive research for this book, and its not the normal 'reporting' book. This book is narrated by the smugglers themselves, and how the easy money attracted them, as well as how it set out for their doomsday. If you're looking forward to learn about the smuggling world, then "Snowing in Bali" is a good start.
May 1, 2014
Very suitable that I read this on my latest trip to Bali. Its surreal when you actually know the places, restaurants, etc, that the author refers to. Loaded with real interview quotations straight from the mouths of the accused (and in my opinion often victims of a corrupt political system). Really makes you think, shivers down the spine material. A must read if you want to go to Bali... or if you have any interest in corruption.
December 6, 2018
I read Hotel K when Bonella went to the Super Maximum-Security Kerobokan Prison on Bali about 4 years ago so I knew what to expect. She spent 18 months researching and writing this particular book that came out in 2012 in Australia. She states in her Foreword: ‘I hope ‘Snowing in Bali’ is an exciting read - but more than that, I hope it shows however glamorous it may appear to be on the outside, for those involved in drug dealing there are usually no happy endings’. Better buckle up. I think this is going to be a bumpy journey.
‘By the late 90’s ‘Bali was far from its sanguine, peaceful postcard image. It had turned into a hedonistic haven for drugs and debauchery, becoming a lucrative island for pimps, hookers, drug dealers, gangs and corrupt cops, police, prosecutors and judges – who were all running rampant’. Yikes! Anyone got a time machine? Scrap that. Don’t pay your drug bill and the gang will come round to your house and shoot in the mouth in front of your wife and kids. Charming. Not really paradise is it? Bali was also being used as a hub for then moving drugs on to other parts of Asia and if you got into Australia then there was even more money to be made.
For the first 100 pages it is party central. The main drug dealer, Rafael, originally from Brazil, is telling his story and things are great. More than great. Life is unreal. He has everything he desires. There is Marco and Andre also living the dream. There is a great story into how Andre got into drug dealing. I had to laugh when one of the dealers admitted to watching ‘Banged up Abroad’ to get tips.
The next 100 is still rosy for the drug dealers with money and drugs pouring in. Restaurants being opened, houses built and parties attended. You know that this empire is built on sand. Bali sand and it can give way at anytime. If you have seen any rise-and-fall gangster movies then this will come as no surprise. The police turn up the heat.
Paradise takes a turn for the worse. Torture, kidnapping, murder, corruption, robbery and drugs. Oh boy. There is the story of Kate Osborne, the missing English girl - http://www.hayloft.eu/Remember%20to%2...
I did enjoy the book. I am not quite with Bonella that it is an exciting read but it is insightful and very well put together. On the evidence provided I have decided to stick with my boring day job and carry-on reading when I can. It’s a lot safer, although not very glamorous, but I probably won’t end up in an Indonesian prison waiting for the firing squad like one crazy dealer. Good luck if you end up in a Paris jail as well. You’ll need it.
I’ll leave the last word to a dealer, Alberto. ‘For a period of time everybody was happy and living life on top of the world and the karma started. If you look back, most had some tragic … real bad tragedy’.
‘By the late 90’s ‘Bali was far from its sanguine, peaceful postcard image. It had turned into a hedonistic haven for drugs and debauchery, becoming a lucrative island for pimps, hookers, drug dealers, gangs and corrupt cops, police, prosecutors and judges – who were all running rampant’. Yikes! Anyone got a time machine? Scrap that. Don’t pay your drug bill and the gang will come round to your house and shoot in the mouth in front of your wife and kids. Charming. Not really paradise is it? Bali was also being used as a hub for then moving drugs on to other parts of Asia and if you got into Australia then there was even more money to be made.
For the first 100 pages it is party central. The main drug dealer, Rafael, originally from Brazil, is telling his story and things are great. More than great. Life is unreal. He has everything he desires. There is Marco and Andre also living the dream. There is a great story into how Andre got into drug dealing. I had to laugh when one of the dealers admitted to watching ‘Banged up Abroad’ to get tips.
The next 100 is still rosy for the drug dealers with money and drugs pouring in. Restaurants being opened, houses built and parties attended. You know that this empire is built on sand. Bali sand and it can give way at anytime. If you have seen any rise-and-fall gangster movies then this will come as no surprise. The police turn up the heat.
Paradise takes a turn for the worse. Torture, kidnapping, murder, corruption, robbery and drugs. Oh boy. There is the story of Kate Osborne, the missing English girl - http://www.hayloft.eu/Remember%20to%2...
I did enjoy the book. I am not quite with Bonella that it is an exciting read but it is insightful and very well put together. On the evidence provided I have decided to stick with my boring day job and carry-on reading when I can. It’s a lot safer, although not very glamorous, but I probably won’t end up in an Indonesian prison waiting for the firing squad like one crazy dealer. Good luck if you end up in a Paris jail as well. You’ll need it.
I’ll leave the last word to a dealer, Alberto. ‘For a period of time everybody was happy and living life on top of the world and the karma started. If you look back, most had some tragic … real bad tragedy’.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews