THE HISTORY 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.
Throughout 1993, the boat and day resort prospered, and a constantly increasing number of people – (around 7000 in 1993 alone) – enjoyed what was to become known as a “Waka Experience”.

There was fierce competition among the boats that plied the daily Benoa to Lembongan sea route (about five other vessels) but only WakaLouka had a land base.
This was to be the pattern of the Waka group’s groundbreaking foresight. The ‘Reef Club’ concept gave us a unique selling proposition – and we used it effectively and prospered.
In the year 1994, the boat carried 10.000 guests to WakaLouka Reef Club on Lembongan Island; and in 1995, 13.000.

At this time a new 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, stylish hotel which deliberately avoided the clichés – televisions, air-conditioners 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 most successful and well-known resorts in Ubud, and even in all of Bali.
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 luxury Land Rovers, which were purchased in Jakarta. 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.

An efficient, international marketing network does not happen by itself. It was carefully created and worked for – at trade shows (Pasar Wisata in Jakarta each year from 1994; twice-a-year sales calls to Australia (the then largest single source of tourists to Bali); a special sales tour of the USA in 1996 to establish contact with key representatives; special negotiation with wholesalers for inclusion in their catalogs; and a constant program of familiarization for visiting journalists and travel agents from Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA.

The ‘Waka’ company was on the move.
Entertaining and fraternizing with the local representatives of all the 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 resort was able to be successfully marketed because of the brand name - Waka. It immediately plugged in to the existing network, and as long as the management, quality control, style and service is maintained, it will continue to thrive.
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 their first year of operation, both the travel industry and its clients, primarily because of the promise inherent in the brand name Waka, immediately accepted them.

In addition to the two new resorts, we added a five star 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. The ‘Starlight Dinner Cruise’ was an immediate success – the result of the ‘Waka’ branding, the promotional publicity network, and the efficient Waka sales team.

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 – both completely supported by the travel industry 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 and had no detrimental effect on the marketing of the Waka brand.

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. Bali is now however like the rest of Indonesia – deemed unsafe.
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 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 In conclusion, any new resort or product marketed under the Waka brand still can be assured of immediate acceptance by the travel industry and its clients, and by the worldwide network of travel magazines, books catalogs, and will by definition be successful under all or most conditions, however the current situation has made this just that much more difficult, we have to work smart !
Travel warnings, embargoes and cautionary advise are keeping people away from Indonesia – and now include Bali Island.
But as always the future belongs to the brave – he who dares wins

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

The Waka Experience
“Could you go to Bali, Nick?”said Craig, Audley’s Managing Director one aspect pf my job involves traveling to exotic tropical islands and then immersing myself in luxury
Just to test it out for you, our clients. “It’s a dirty job, but …”

So off we went, Isabel (Our Indonesia Specialist) and I, designed for Denpasar. Now I am not going to pretend for a second that it was a chore. It wasn’t. However, after many similar trips to the East, let’s just say my excitement has become a little jaded? I’m sure you appreciate that one hotel can begin to look like any other hotel, I have become adept at distinguishing which hotels are ideal for Audley travelers: distinctive local character, uncompromised comfort and elegance (which can also be reflected in the service), a hotel situated where I would want to be if I was on holiday, close to the action or gloriously secluded.
Perhaps it is easier to define that the type of hotels we like are not the type that are principally designed to ‘shift numbers’ in tourism’s mass-market herd mentality. Here at Audley. We like a smaller, more intimate atmosphere, where you truly immerse yourself in a hotel which compliments the country you find yourself in, something truly unique and special
Luckily, over the years, I have found many such hotels throughout Asia, but rarely is it that I find a chain of hotels meeting all of my criteria all of the time. The Indonesian owned network of Waka hotels in Bali are the realisation of this, our concept. On discovery, I felt almost aggrieved, as if they were two steps ahead of me, taking my own blueprint for the perfect resort hotel and then applying it to a paradise island.

The Waka properties have the feel of private residencies, almost making them ‘anti-hotel’. They only ever have a maximum of 17 bungalows in any one of their six Waka resorts dotted around Bali and each has an air of exclusivity borner out of its intimacy. Whilst poking my nose around the ever so deliberately. Slightly over-grown landscaped grounds of each Waka Resort, it was as though the residents were members of some hidden society.

I was jealous of them and their ‘secret’ that distinguished them from the tourists elsewhere on the island, in retrospect the ultimate accolade
Of the resorts, two can only be accessed by boat. Waka Nusa, is on a sun drenched beach on Lembongan Island and Waka Shorea is in Barat National Park on the islands’ rremote north west corner. In both instances, elegance and comfort are nestled on secluded crystal clear waters, well away from the big hotels. Ubud, Bali’s cultural mecca in the consistently stunning scenery of the lush valleys of the interior, is accessed by Waka Namya, a pocket of tranquility in the heart of the artist community of Penestanan, or alternatively by Waka di Ume, among the paddy fields just outside of town.

The beaches of south Bali are home to the Waka Maya, close to the commercial hub of Kuta and Sanur Beach. The most unconventional of all is the Waka Gangga, on a quiet western beach backed by paddy fields, quite literally in the middle of a nowhere, but close enough to Bali’s principle temple, Tanah Lot to be able to enjoy the cultural side of Bali too.
Not content with simply offering accommodation, the Waka ‘group’ also organize day cruises on their own 14 metre catamaran The Waka Sailing Catamaran, The Waka Dinner cruises on Benoa Harbour; expeditions by landrovers into Bali’s lush interior: diving off Menjangan Island; and day treks up Puncak Tedung. Deep in the Balinese countryside. Each resort has a Waka Sutra health spa, offering traditional Balinese massage and all kinds of rejuvenating treatments.

That is, if the ambience and laid back surroundings of the resorts have not already done the trick. My re-introduction to Bali was indelibly flavoured by the ‘Waka’ experience. However, it is only fair to point out that the Waka resorts are not for all, and indeed, nor should they ever try to be. They don’t have the clinical presentation adhered to by the international exponents of a five star resort. They are, dare I say it, a little wacky !

It is a personal affliction, but I fell in love with Bali all over again, and I fell in love with this quirky low-key collection of small resort hotels. And for this, I suppose I ought to thank our new friends at Waka, for reminding me that I do indeed have the best job in the world!