Royal Bali Resort Scam and Bali Safari Park

Just read your post about the Bali Resort scam – we are still in Bali (as at 29th of Aril 2011) and had a very recent experience (like today) with these crooks. Apart from the ticket guys around the markets in Kuta they have developed another method to get hold of you – through the respected and very popular Bali Safari Park.

We were caught by completing a survey when exiting the Bali Safari Park earlier this week, Monday 25th April. As we were exiting the internal part of the park, just where the aquarium section is, we were approached by staff of the safari park as asked to complete a questionnaire. Being a very respectable, popular and trusted tourist attraction my wife completed the form which she thought it was a genuine Bali tourism type questionnaire, so she thought she was doing the whole industry a favour. Also coming from Cairns we respect how tough tourism has been all through the region. My wife got a free pen for her trouble. She also had to put the name of our Resort on the questionnaire.

On Wednesday we get a call put through from the resorts reception which was from “Andy” from Royal Bali Resorts. I won’t bore you with the speal as you know exactly what it was. I immediately asked the guy if it was time share, and he said no, just wanting to promote the resort etc. Still suspicious I decided to accept their invite to pick us up from the hotel but asked for it to be today (Friday). I wanted the time so I could check it out. I had trouble getting onto the WIFI at the resort we were staying at. The resort was so bad (that’s another whole bad experience) we moved to the Ulin Villas in Seminyak just down the road (which I can highly recommend by the way) and as it turned out has good WIFI. Before jumping on the web to do some searching I decided to call this Andy (his Bali number by the way is 08001401357) . Another guy answered the phone and said Andy was busy. This was after I had told him who I was, I suspect Andy was avoiding taking the call – part of their MO I suspect. So I asked this guy if it was time share and he also said no. I then asked him another 3 times, each time the same answer, no. Now I’m not a violent type but I decided to take a punt to test this guy out. I said that if we get there and it turns out to be time share then I would “knock his block off”. He quickly said he would cancel the pickup and then hung up.

I then decided to google Royal Resort Bail and found your site – and had a huge laugh! Wished I had of done this before I rang them. I wouldn’t have gotten them to cancel the pickup and fronted the guy when he turned up.

What was really the most disappointing bit was that a respectable attraction such as the Safari Park is involved with this scam.

To the management of the Safari park: What were you thinking? Are you really that desperate to make extra money that you need to resort to teaming up with scammers such as this? Someone in your management team should be sacked over this.

This is our 2nd trip back in 5 months, this time with the kids, never again and I hope that all those that read your web site Tony take note. The best way to teach these scammers a lesson is to not go to the Safari Park. After all if the park management condones this sort of scam then what else are they capable of? If they claim to not know about the scam then they are guilty of being incompetent and should still be sacked.

To the management of the Bali Tourism board: I’m making you aware of what happened because I believe you should know and warn your affiliate members about engaging in this sort of behavior. I suggest you read the comments on Tony’s site (see link above) to see other comments

It looks like the scum bags that started this on Gold and Sunshine Coasts back in Australia in the 80’s have moved to Bali.

We are leaving Bali tonight and can say this has left a really bad impression with us on after what was a wonderful 7 days here. We are just so glad that we didn’t waste our time with these scammers.

Dear Mr. Bradley

Thank you for your email and to bring this matter to our attention. We really appreciate your frankness that help us to understand the situation.

It is with deep regret to read your experience and learn the reality behind it.

It is true that we have a short agreement with Karma Group to do promotion & visitor survey inside the Park, with an understanding that they will provide the prize for a cruise trip. They approached us to support our survey activity within the park during peak months as part of participating Tourism related business survey campaign. It is never mentioned in the agreement that they will use our guest data base for such purpose.

In responds to your letter, we have taken your feedback seriously so we immediately contacted them to cancel our agreement in which unfortunately has to be terminated in the next 2 weeks. We will not allowing such operation in the park that certainly has jeopardized our reputation.

On behave of the management we would like to apologies for all the inconvenience experience for you and family.

Again, thank you for your understanding and please do let me know on how can I assist you further.

Best Regards,

Yoke Darmawan

Sales & Marketing Manager

Indonesia Leading Amusement Park 2010/2011
Bali Safari & Marine Park
Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8
Gianyar 80551, Bali, Indonesia
Telp. +62 361 950 000
Fax. +62 361 950 555
www.balisafarimarinepark.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jim Bradley <jim@miware.com.au>
Date: Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 1:08 PM
Subject: Stll happening as of April 2011 - they also now use the Safari Park
To:
Cc: "info@balisafarimarinepark.com" <info@balisafarimarinepark.com>

Yoke,

Thank you for responding to my email. I really didn’t expect to hear from anyone for the Bali Safari park.

I’m glad to hear that you are cancelling your agreement with this company, they can do nothing but harm to the reputation of your business. It seems they may have misled you with their intentions as well.

Only on Sunday, after returning from Bali, we discussed our Bali holiday with our neighbours who told us they are booked to go over in June. We raved about our trip to them but also mentioned the time share schemes and what to watch out for. They were surprised when we told them about the Safari Park involvement.

I will now inform them of your email and let them know what actions you have taken..

Regards

From:	Jim Bradley <jim@miware.com.au> Add to Contacts
To:	Yoke <marketing@balisafarimarinepark.com>
Cc:	Mabrio Bradley <eam@balisafarimarinepark.com>; Info BSMP <info@balisafarimarinepark.com>