March 2023 - This year, as part of our Nyepi celebrations, we decided to create our own ogoh-ogoh from our recycled waste materials and give them new life in this project. Ogoh-ogoh are statues built for the Ngrupuk parade, which takes place on the eve of Nyepi in Bali each year. The tradition aims to cleanse the island of evil spirits and negativity before the day of silence and reflection for Hindu New Year.

THE CREATURE: GAJAH MINA

Water is an essential element within our waterpark and something fundamental to our business, to life and nature. We chose a powerful symbol of water as our statue, the Gajah Mina, a mythical creature which is an elephant-headed fish ridden by Dewa Baruna (the almighty King of the Ocean) - an incarnation of Dewa Wisnu - who appears when the earth is facing a great disaster. It is believed that if humans continue to pollute the oceans and disrespect nature, it will end in a catastrophe, and Gajah Mina will appear to teach mankind a lesson. The statue is a reminder of our duty to protect our oceans and waterways and look after our environment.

UPCYCLED MATERIALS

Hand-designed by our team, the structure frame is made from steel and bamboo, while old paper from printed entry tickets and cardboard make up the bodies of the creatures. Our yellow and blue sun lounger fabrics and material from Boomerang tubes create the fish scales. Old Waterbom towels cover the base, and damaged non-slip floor mats and locker wristbands were rolled to make the intricate carving-style decoration on the bottom. Old slide covers create the feeling of waves underneath the Gajah Mina.

A group of 13 talented members of our Waterbom team worked passionately for 2 months to complete this project and we are proud to have it on display during Nyepi.

Special thanks to our Ogoh-ogoh Project team: Sahrul (Pool Attendant), Gusde (Engineering), Wirnata (Lifeguard), Ekayana (Linen), Uled (Landscape), Gung Indra (Driver), Dewa Komo (Landscape), Subagia (CCTV), Kukur (Creative), Indra (IT), Ngurah Darma (Programs), Kuncung (Maintenance), Ajik Dewa (Head Of Culture).

Click here to watch the final video