Kuta has a new attraction that is popular with locals and might be good for a tourist missing the frigid conditions back home. The Bali Bersalju (Snowing in Bali) located next to Ace Hardware in the Kuta Galleria, promises ice sculptures, ice slides and temperatures of minus 20C.
Ika was excited to experience cold temperatures and show Jevon the ice sculptures, so this afternoon we checked it out. Admission is 40,000rp for adults, 30,000rp for kids, infants free, prices rising by 10,000rp on weekends. There were people in line when we arrived but in only a few minutes we were heading in. Winter jackets were provided, but I already came equipped with fleece, jeans and homeless hat. Ika borrowed one of my sweaters and once inside used my hat and sarong for her neck. Jevon wore his kiddie jacket and wool hat. Little bugger didn’t know what was going on and was keen to leave, after about 15 minutes.
The set up inside is basically a huge meat locker, with chunky ice-sculptures in the form of zodiac icons and Indonesian temples / Gods etc. The sculptures were not that great and rather blocky in my opinion. Still the locals seemed to enjoy shivering away and playing on the slides. One set were family oriented, like a slide at the local park. The other slide was faster and wider,
encouraging a mob of 20 year olds to go flying down it landing in a heap, their friends slamming into them.
With the fans going, minus 20C can get chilly fast. After 20 minutes we were happy to leave. Outside the food court offered noodles and hot drinks. If you want something different this might be for you. Not sure ho long anyone can stay inside a deep freeze, so any fun will have to be quick.
This ice show is doing a slow march through SE Asia. Starting in Malaysia, it will visit Medan, Surabaya and Bandung. Bali Bersalju will run for approximately six months, and is open from 12pm to 10pm during weekdays and 11am to 10pm at weekends.
Bali Bersalju
Kuta Galeria
Kuta
Bali
(0361) 7932338
