for some reason, people were forming clubs since time immemorial and it is no different here in Indonesia. The first settlers, for example, had the Harmoni Club. Today, the junction on which the venerable institution once stood is still called Harmoni, but he is perhaps best known for a major intersection for the busway, and traffic jams.
The club dates back its roots to a different place from 1776, but it was demolished in 1985 to widen the road. As an indication of the type of gambler who frequented the establishment, right in front was Frerers Oger, a purveyor of fashion to the last, the finest gentleman.
Images of 19 e century show an idyllic scene; carriage transmit well-dressed, wealthy overseas along a rutted track, much like the average street in the Banten province today, but without horse manure, while the natives lounging under umbrellas or try to sweep the road. As you can imagine, the great and the good of Batavia social scene gathered at the club, dressed in their best clothes purchased definitely on the road to the latest tunes and gossip. It would have been a very hierarchical society with moguls now shoulders with politicians and policy makers rubbing, hoping to have a say in how things were done and the hope of some influence.
clubs still play an important role in the experience of Indonesian expatriates and while there are chambers of commerce and pubs to networkers series, there are also clubs and companies out there dedicated to the pursuit of fun and uninhibited pleasure. And not just in Jakarta.
Take Bali, you know, this island between Java and Lombok. Frequently referred to as the Island of Gods by lazy as authors, it is also home to many expatriates, and like the small of a younger age, expatriates Bali do what they can to recreate some home their little piece of tropical paradise.
For example, they run. All these beaches, rice fields and volcanoes make for fertile ground for those who like to sweat the daily stresses of their system. A particular race group is known as the Hash or Hash House Harriers as they are more formally known (or drinking club with a running problem as they see themselves). And there are a number of them!
The Bali Hash House Harriers were founded in 1976 and they run twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I say run. The beauty of the hash table is the hashers of irreverence feel to the club. If you want to walk, then walk. If you want to run and run. If you want to cheat and cheat. But beware, the eyes look!
Hash House Harriers Bali by Bali Living Blog
Bali Hash details can be found on their website www. bali-hash.com who has information to come slopes as well as maps and photographs. Then there is the Bali and Bali II HHH Hash One for those who can not get enough. Links to sites can be found on the website mentioned above.
While the Hash is an afternoon rather distinguished where one can enjoy postcard views and construction sites to the same extent, the Bali Geckos are a rough-and-tumble more of Bali experience. Geckos are the football team of local Australian Rules. You know, the game played in Australia by large men in tight shorts and sleeveless tops. Well, the Geckos, in a nod to their environment, have pushed the common traditional tight shorts through the game and wear boardshorts instead!
The club was formed in 1997, apparently after a player visit Jakarta the capital had boasted the best players of the country. Bali replied with Geckos and now they have a thriving configuration, including a youth academy that will be sending some young players in Singapore in the near future for a friendly match.
You can learn more about the Geckos to their website, www.baligeckos.com
Bali Geckos
Bali is not only hash and AFL. There are many places that offer yoga and spas for aficionados "wellness" there. And there is the International Association of Women Bali ( www.biwa-bali.org ). Their website seems to have been updated for a while, so if anyone have news of these ladies and their activities please feel free to let us know and we will be happy to know their events.
Piston Broke describe themselves as a group of social bike. Based in Sanur, their website says they love to party and they have their own club, Sports Warung Barb also in Sanur. You can find more information on their website http://pistonbrokebali.com.
Regarding golf, Raffles Golf Bali is a social club based in New Kuta Golf Pecatu. They have a walk together on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while they also play other courses around the island at other times. Their website specifically states that they welcome players of all levels, so I can take them on the next time I am on the island!
Raffles Golf Bali
They can be found on their website www.rafflesgolfbali.com.
As this magazine spreads its wings around Indonesia, it would be great to hear about what sports and leisure activities are offered in other parts of the archipelago. If you are involved in a club, it can be a group, a bridge or a social group soccer, women's cricket, rugby or club, then please send us an email with some details and we will be happy to add to a future issue.