When Backpackers’ Heaven Turns into Hell
The Sari Club has long been the backpacker’s favourite haunt. All that remains of the club now is a pile of debris. TEMPO’s Irfan Budiman, Rofiqi Hasan and Sunudyantoro report on the former tourist hotspot.
October 22, 2002
Balinese Ayu Sila, 21-year-old cashier at what used to be the Sari Club till that fateful Saturday night, lights incense amidst the debris. On Thursday, October 17, Ayu joined thousands of others to take part in the ‘ulapan’ spiritual cleansing ceremony. “I prayed so that I would not be traumatized by the incident”, she said to TEMPO. Balinese Hindus believe that the ‘ulapan’ ceremony drives away evil spirits.
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