The Lost Bali Stories: Volume I

by Leslie Anne Franklin, Natasha Berting (Design), Ketut Swardana (Contributor)

THE ULTIMATE READ ON YOUR FLIGHT TO BALI!

The Lost Bali Stories – Volume 1 is an entertaining collection of true tales direct from the lips of an eclectic mix of youthful vagabonds, rainbow gypsies, artists, giddy optimists, cosmic healers, and colorful misfits who unwittingly participated in an incredible cross-cultural moment in Bali between1970 to 1985 before mass tourism changed the face of the island drastically. Written from hindsight, the stories are tinged with memories of a bygone era and testimonies to Bali’s transformative powers. Volume I contains over 47 stories by travellers who adventured to Bali from years 1970-1985. Many of the writers are today successful in their own right. Filmmaker and world renown anthropologist Dr. Lawrence Blair wrote the Foreword. There are stories by Rhett Hutchence (brother of INXS's Micheal Hutchence); Indonesian photographer, Rio Helmi; Director of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Janet DeNeefe; Historian and author, Bruce Carpenter; Author, Diana Darling; Peter Steenbergen,husband of Made and owner of Bali's famous Made's Warung restaurant; Entrepreneur Nigel Mason of Mason Adventures, Bali, to name a few. The stories capture a magic time in Bali’s history before it became ‘modernized’ by mass tourism from 1990 onwards. Each writer tells a true personal story about something that happened to them while in Bali. Some of the stories are wild, funny, heartfelt, mystic, sad and eye-opening. The reader will take a step back in time and feel the energy of Bali seep through the pages. In this book the reader will find an interior map of Bali, some poetry, Hindu blessings and quotes from famous people who visited Bali along with the amazing stories.

At the conclusion of each writer to adds their own piece of advice to todays visitor to Bali. The reader will be given better advice than a Lonely Planet guide with ‘insider’ tips coming from those who actually lived a long time on the island.

This book will appeal to any person that has been to Bali or plans to travel there

356 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2022

Reviews

[John Haviland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I finished Volume 1 of the 2 Volume “The Lost Bali Stories” compiled by Leslie Ann Franklin, an American model and entrepreneur who went to Bali, Indonesia the same year I did, 1982, and stayed for 30 years. Can’t blame her a bit for that. Bali was a magical place back in the 50’s-80’s which is the period of stories and photos contributed by some of the 30,000+ members of Leslie’s Lost Bali Facebook site, when the place was in its tourism infancy so to speak, started by the international surfing crowd and fueled by fun and sun lovers from around the world, but especially Australia and New Zealand. To me it was everything I ever imagined a tropical paradise to be. It’s still a lovely place, outside of the traffic jams, nightclubs, overdeveloped hotel sector, spiked alcoholic drinks, brawling young Aussies, petty crime and other aggravations that come with “progress”. Not to mention the 2 terrorist bombings that took place almost 20 years ago. Those lucky enough to visit Bali before the onset of rampant tourism will remember the beautiful beaches, sunsets, lifestyle and the beautiful Balinese people that made it a treasure known as “the Morning of the World”. And continue to reminisce through the Lost Bali site and these two wonderful volumes of stories. And others to come I am sure.

[Ginetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am frequent visitor to Bali, I first visited in 1989 as 21 year old, it was my first overseas trip. I loved it then, and still love it today. The stunning landscapes, the mystical and magical atmosphere and the beautiful people. I captured a tiny glimpse of what Bali was like pre mass tourism in 1988, as I witnessed massive changes in the last two decades. Mostly western-modern influences in infrastructure and hospitality. However I would have loved to experience the simple beauty of Bali in the 70s, when basic accommodation were hut style structures, many with no electricity or running water. These stories are recounted and shared by those who were there, and many who have stayed on to live there, each reflecting of their time, some with humour, inspirational moments, and life changing experiences. An enjoyable read.

[Omar Beretta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I so wanted to like this book. It is a cute idea, like grandma self-publishing the story of the family, but the result is not of great interest beyond the family. It could have worked if a writer or professional editor had interviewed all the contributors to this book and then write a more coherent analysis of their time in Bali. It could also have rescued them from the occasional shows of ignorance, superiority, or paternalism. In the very first pages Lawrence Blair justifies the looting of local art because it has been “lovingly preserved abroad” and celebrates that “now … the nation (Indonesia) is awakening to its cultural heritage”. The colonial mindset of some of the contributors to this book is intertwined with the casual fetishization of the Asian woman in a disturbing way. This group of friends love Bali very much, but they need a lecture by a sensitivity reader.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling, magical and perfectly compiled series of short stories that transported me in time to a Bali I never knew (but hope to find one day).

The book contains a gorgeous and varied collection of treasured memories detailing Bali from a visitors view from 1970 - 1980. I learnt a lot about the culture and had vivid dreams about what it was like.

[Ivana Varesko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of beautiful stories that transport you to the times you can almost feel, smell and hear while reading the book. I was reading it on my trip to Bali and it somehow made an incredible trip even more beautiful. It made me nostalgic for the times I did not know. If you are not already in love with Bali, you definitely will be after this book!

[Jessy Munch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books and people real stories. I read one while in Bali then ordered another and I’m so glad I did. It’s fun to read others stories about Bali way before I ever went and it’s neat to read things I have learned from going there and to learn things to try when I return to that most magical island I have ever been too.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild ride - the marijuana thief who turned out to be a bear is a highlight. A book that's easy to get lost in and brings out Bali through all the senses. Would like a few more of the stories to be by indigenous Balinese and what they made of all the wacky and wild foreigners on their land.

[Roelien Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Not all the stories were as great, but the deep love for Bali evident between the pages, transformed me back.