Pardon Me, Sir, is this the Bali Island Choo Choo?

(4/24/2010)

Bali's governor Made Mangku Pastika is studying the feasibility of creating a slow rail system that will circle Bali, providing inexpensive access to many of the less-visited areas of the island.

As reported by beritabali.com, the Governor views the proposed rail system as a solution to the imbalances in tourism development between north and south Bali.

Speaking to the press after attending a meeting in Tampaksiring chaired by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Pastika said: "The ideas of building a rail system with stops at nature spots (around Bali) has often been presented to me by leaders. Not only a rail system, but also the establishment of an airport in North Bali and an expressway connecting the North to Bali's South have also often been promoted. But before I agree to anything, a feasibility study must be undertaken."

The Governor continued, emphasizing that steps must be taken to maintain the quality of Bali tourism with more done to "sell" the natural beauty of the island's nature and culture. To do this, he said, the environment must be repaired so Bali can continue to be sold as a premium product in the future.