Story of Waka
The Waka legend began in the year of our Lord 1992, with the 23 meter sailing catamaran ‘WakaLouka’ and the ‘Reef Club’ day resort on Nusa Lembongan.
In 1994 a unique style of resort was being built in the Ubud area: Ume di Ume – designed by Ketut Siandana, the architect of the Waka resorts and the developer of the Waka style. With a change of name to Waka di Ume, the resort opened in 1995. Waka was again at the leading edge; marketing a small, charming hotel which deliberately avoided the clichés – televisions and commercial Balinese furniture; but offered a “less is more”, almost monastic / simplistic look, featuring local fabrics, stone and wood – and a meditation center – once more creating a unique selling proposition. Today, Waka di Ume ranks among the successful and well-known resorts in Ubud. This became the pattern for the Waka resorts. Work began on a sister resort attached to the ‘Reef Club’ on Lembongan Island, to be called Desa WakaNusa.
The name Waka began to take on the authority of an established brand name.
Like Waka di Ume in Ubud, WakaNusa island resort was designed and built to work in harmony with the land, to feature the surrounding flora and fauna, and to involve the local people and their everyday working environment. It offered a true Balinese experience.
At about the same time, a second day-tour product was conceived – a land tour by air-conditioned Land Rovers. And the journey to the secret soul of Bali began – to Jatiluwih and Gunung Batukaru.
This was the first such product in Bali, and again it was developed with a unique selling proposition – a purpose-built, private restaurant deep in the bamboo rain forest, high on the mountain side.
This meant there were four ‘Waka’ products – two resorts and two day-tours, supported by a worldwide marketing network.
The ‘Waka’ company was on the move.
Entertaining and fraternizing with the local representatives of European wholesalers is a very important part of the marketing program – because these agents recommend our resorts and provide the guests who fill our day-tours.
Our Balinese sales staff proved their worth and business boomed. A marketing activities plan and positioning statement for the Wakalouka Company was written at this time (early 1994) this was religiously adhered to by Waka Experience staff and associated companies; and it still is!
This dogma maintains consistency through rules and regulations. For example, there are no televisions in the room, no plastic in any form, anywhere; fresh flowers in local pottery; and simple wood, natural fabrics and recycled paper are used throughout the resorts. The design style is traditional but modern, monastic in its simplicity but with all the creature comforts included. The result is stylish and avant-garde, but always Indonesian and especially Balinese.
Waka Maya in Sanur, is operated in partnership with an investor (a beloved German family) – offering distinctive villas and bungalows, located away from the crowds and shops..
This was 1998 – an interesting and challenging year for Indonesia in general and Bali in particular – the year of Merdeka and Reformasi. Nevertheless, all the Waka resorts and day trips – maintained success through this transitory period for the country.
A new excursion was then introduced – Waka Tangga (‘the journey’) is a traditional spiritual trek up a mountain to five Balinese temples. Waka Tangga is brilliantly conceived and executed in typical Waka style, but it is highly specialized, and not a mass-market product.
However, it is an ideal inclusion for the incentives market as a team building exercises, or for groups of devotees seeking to experience the spiritual and cultural aspects of Bali. It is a ‘classic’ Waka product – innovative, culturally and environmentally oriented, and very Balinese. It works, but with limited numbers. (this product is currently dormant due to tourism downturn)
Two new Waka resorts were launched in the years 1999 – 2000. Both have been deliberately situated in non-traditional tourist areas of Bali – Waka Gangga on the ocean beach near Tabanan, and Waka Shorea in the heart of Bali Barat National Park. Both were created specifically for the environment they are located in, and cater for a specific market segment. They both utilize the unique selling proposition of being ‘away from the crowds’ and the more inhabited areas of Bali.
In addition to the two new resorts, we added an evening dinner boat cruise carrying the branding ‘Waka’. The ‘Starlight Dinner Cruise’ was a specialized, romantic dinner experience which was premium priced to differentiate it from its more mass-market competitors.
N.B.
(This was re-launched as The Waka Dinner Cruise in 2005 with the re-designed WakaLouka – as well the Waka was then launched – a brand new purpose built state of the art sailing catamaran – to take over the old WakaLouka. In the second half of 2001 two (2) new Waka properties were opened – Waka Barong in Ubud and Waka di Abian north of Ubud in the Payangan district. Early in 2002 a new style of Waka resort was conceived a Waka ‘make over’ of Padma Indah a family resort. We – Waka now had a resort catering for more than couples – a family affair in the Waka style – Waka Padma. (Later to be changed to Waka Namya)
N.B.
(Changes) Both Barong and di Abian resorts were handed back to the owners to manage and Waka Padma was re-named Waka Namya. These were mutually agreed upon decisions
This occurred in 2003/2004.
Special Note:
Then the events of September 11, 2001 – the day that changed the world – combined with an already down turned US economy to severely effect any tourism globally especially in countries of the Muslim faith (considered high risk and unsafe for holidaying in). (Proven by October 12 2002 and Oct 1 2005) in Bali. As well in Indonesia the social/political unrest continued and escalated with irresponsible sweeping of foreigners both occurring and threatened. As a result most countries issued travel warnings /embargos on Indonesia. Bali remained an exception – but Bali is still Indonesia.
On October 2002 – on the night of infamy Saturday 12th , Bali not only joined the world as a place where terror could happen with outrage and atrocity, it happened in the worst possible way – its tourists were slaughted and a tourist haven was attacked – murder most foul occurred. Kuta hit the world map and not in a pleasant way.
Bali Island though Hindu and peace loving was no longer able to say that “though it was part of Indonesia – the worlds largest Moslem nation, it was safe”.
Bali had lost its unique selling proposition in this troubled archipelago of Indonesia. So sad but true, and then once again dark forces struck and people were murdered at Jimbaran and Kuta – more terrorist bombings and again in 2005 – Bali is still suffering
New positive Action – 2005
At this time the old Wakalouka sailing catamaran was re-fitted and converted to be an exclusive cruise and dine restaurant on Benoa Harbour and a new state of the art sailing catamaran ‘The Waka was launched to sail day trips to Lembongan Island and down to Candi Dasa and a luxury Waka Motor Yacht began taking charters – the Waka fleet had arrived.
WAKA PHILOSOPHY
On the island of the Gods, experience has a new name …….. The Waka Experience
Let us take you through a land of ageless tradition of sacred rituals and secrets, of subtle rhythms and haunting melodies of mysterious hidden forces. People call it “ The Island of the God, the Navel of the world’. We call it our home.
The Waka Experience will show you the Bali that the books were written about the real Bali that often hides itself behind a veneer of 20th century Western sophistication. You will begin to fully appreciate the inherent grace and dignity of Bali and the Balinese people as you involve yourself – even if only for a short time – in the rich culture and scenic splendour of our island. The Waka Experience is a genuine wish by Balinese people to share with you some of the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes of our amazing homeland.
The Waka philosophy is based on a deep and enduring love for the natural environment of Bali and the other islands of Indonesia.From this love comes a desire to give. You will begin to feel the same way about these islands as we do.
We surround you with the elements of nature:
- Earth is represented in the stones used in our buildings, and in the gardens which play such an important role in our environments.
- Air in the scent of the flowers and subtle hints of sacred incense, grasses
- Fire in the fine food and in the candles used to enhance the romantic ambience of each Waka establishment
- Water in the refreshing ponds which decorate our gardens and cool the day, and in the swimming pools that have become an essential part of the Waka maque
Everywhere, our visitors are surrounded by natural fibres – cotton, silk, linen, ramie – and the smiling grace of our Indonesian people, our customs and our traditions. You will experience something different
Something steeped in Balinese cultural traditions, but always with a unique Waka style of presentation
