BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Along the sandy shoreline of Kelan Beach in Tuban, Kuta District, a line of six camels now offers visitors an experience more commonly associated with the Middle East than Bali.
Operated by Bali Camel Adventure, the camel ride attraction has been running since 2017. The business was founded by Yudis, who imported the camels directly from Australia. The operation began with three camels and has since expanded to six due to growing demand.
Camel handler Ivan Prihadi said interest remains strong, particularly among foreign visitors from Japan and Australia.
“They are enthusiastic because they want to experience riding a camel. Camels are usually associated with the Middle East. In Indonesia, especially in Bali, it is quite rare,” Ivan said during a recent visit to Kelan Beach.
According to Ivan, around 60 percent of riders are international tourists, while 40 percent are domestic visitors. During holiday periods such as Lunar New Year, demand increases significantly.
“During Lunar New Year, especially with guests from Taiwan, we can reach nearly 20 riders per day. On regular days, we average around five to six riders when it’s quiet. When it’s busy, it can be more,” he explained.
Kelan Beach was selected for its wide sandy area and hot climate, conditions considered suitable for camels. Ivan noted that camels naturally thrive in sandy, dry, and warm environments. The management also ensures adequate food and water supply for the animals.
Operations run daily from 9:00 WITA to 16:00 WITA. The route follows the shoreline from the basement end of Kelan Beach toward the fishing boat area, with ride durations of 15 to 30 minutes.
Pricing differs between domestic and international visitors. Local tourists are charged IDR 150,000 for a 15-minute ride and IDR 200,000 for 30 minutes under promotional rates. Foreign visitors are charged IDR 400,000 for 15 minutes and IDR 550,000 for 30 minutes.
However, operations are weather-dependent.
“If it rains, we stop. Camels are vulnerable in rainy conditions. For their safety and health, we take a break,” Ivan said.
Camel care involves feeding three times a day, primarily with grass supplemented by concentrate feed such as bran. The camels are housed approximately 20 minutes from the beach basecamp.
Although the camels appear calm, Ivan emphasized that they require experienced handling.
“All the camels here are tame, but they can be dangerous around unfamiliar people. They are truly safe only with their handler,” he said.
Before daily operations, handlers build trust through feeding, interaction, and training. Ivan, who previously worked as an elephant handler, is one of six camel keepers currently employed, each assigned to one camel and rotated periodically.
“When training them to sit, we give rewards such as grass or carrots. Camels are generally obedient, but sometimes they test their handler. If we are not alert, they can resist slightly. We must stay vigilant to ensure visitor safety,” he added.
Camel rides have become a distinctive addition to Kelan Beach’s tourism offerings, complementing the area’s fishing boats and sunset views.