I took a look at the trailer teaser on the documentary entitled Cowboys in Paradise which has upset the Balinese by its imputation that Bali boys are sex toys for female tourists.
As a long time fan of Bali who has travelled there more times than I’ve been anywhere else in Asia, I think the documentary has been intentionally provocative by making what’s a minor activity that can occur anywhere, even right here in Singapore, into a major activity, if not attraction, of the island.
Bali has many attractions like food, shopping, super hotels, culture, sea, beaches and a certain mysticism, but alas its indigenous men are rather sub-standard when compared to its other lures.
The Balinese authorities by kicking up a fuss over Cowboys may be unintentionally helping the film and its Singapore-based Indian national director Mr Amit Virmani, in his 30s and a first-time documentary film-maker, gain more attention than either would have otherwise done — because sex for hire is such a big yawn in today’s widely permissive climate.
The authorities should instead take a closer look at who is behind the truly vituperative blog that has been spewing its poison against all things Bali for more than two years. I am of course referring to http://balibollocks.blogspot.com
If anyone deserves to be hauled over the coals it is the person/people behind the blog.
As for Mr Virmani, the next time he wants material for a documentary to raise eyebrows and perhaps cause controversy, he should first take a stroll across the beach from Petitenget to where the Oberoi is in Seminyak!

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Dear auntielucia..well said..I am a Bali fan (addict) too….and there are so many lovely memories connected to Bali etched in my mind (lovely beaches, sunsets, scenery, villas, night life, great food and lovely souvenirs to shop for, great cultural shows and dances, the gentleness of the Balinese people and MASSAGES/SA, etc) from the many, many wonderful visits to this magical island in the southern hempishere.
As with many popular worldwide tourist stops, not necessarily those which offer beautiful beaches with blue skies, waters and romantic sunsets, there are bound to have such type of services available to anyone who seek and want them (and I am referring to both sexes). Nevertheless, this issue has not and will not stop me from visiting Bali again and…again and again………LW
Yeh, dear LW, well said! We heart Bali! And don’t think/believe there’s anything sleasy or unwholesome there, unless pple specifically look for it. However, if pple go n look for the sleasy and unwholesome stuff, they will find it even in squeaky clean S’pore lah.
Read the latest story in the Straits Times about the goings on on the 4th floor of Fortune Centre, where incidentally PT, I, mum n her maid Siti go there for our regular New Green Pasture lunches a la Sophie? I rest my case.
So, to all those who are trying to do Bali in, I say grow-up!
great place
visit my blog, there so many information about bali
I don’t normally let pple post their website links in comment section of my blog. I’m making this exception because I think yr site is informative. And I’m a great fan of Bali, of cos! Best!