Slipping and sliding into a tropical paradise? That’s Waterbom Bali for you. It’s more than just a water park. It’s a lush oasis in the heart of Kuta. Waterbom Bali first opened its doors in 1993. It was the brainchild of Santo Gulino. He envisioned a water park that harmonized with Bali’s natural beauty. He insisted that not a single tree be cut down during construction. Today, over half of Waterbom’s 3.5 hectares remains a vibrant jungle and botanical garden.
Waterbom Bali’s early years were challenging. The Asian Financial Crisis of 1998 and the 2002 Bali Bombing tested their resilience. The close-knit “Waterbom family” persevered. Their dedication and loyalty helped them weather the storms. Today, many long-term staff members still contribute to the park’s unique spirit. This dedication can be partly attributed to the founder, Santo Gulino. He fostered a strong connection with his team. His son, Sayan Gulino, current CEO of Waterbom, emphasizes his father’s personable approach and accountability.
A turning point came in 2007. Waterbom Bali built the thrilling “Boomerang” slide. This marked a shift in their fortunes. The same year, Sayan Gulino joined the team. He brought his expertise in tourism management and entrepreneurship. Under their leadership, Waterbom flourished. They added seven new, state-of-the-art slides, all manufactured by the renowned White Water. Waterbom Bali earned accolades. It was voted Asia’s #1 Waterpark by Tripadvisor in 2016. It also won the World Travel Awards for ‘Asia’s Leading Water Park’ from 2017 to 2019.
Despite the island’s booming tourism, Waterbom resisted becoming a mass-tourism destination. They prioritized quality over quantity. They focused on providing a positive experience for every guest. They partnered with M&M to offer healthy, gourmet catering, a departure from typical theme-park fare.
Witnessing the impact of mass tourism on Bali, Waterbom embraced sustainability. They implemented eco-friendly practices. They adjusted pumps and irrigation systems. They introduced waste separation and composting. They installed solar panels and even formed a dedicated sustainability team of “Eco-Champions”. Their efforts paid off. Today, Waterbom Bali sends only a small fraction of its waste to landfill. They operate a closed-loop water system. In 2018, they achieved carbon neutrality, a first for a tourism operation in Bali.
Sayan Gulino’s commitment to sustainability reflects his deep connection to Bali. He has raised awareness about Bali’s water crisis through a TEDxUbud talk and a short documentary. He emphasizes that sustainability is deeply rooted in Balinese culture. The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, promoting harmony between people, nature, and spirituality, resonates with Waterbom’s values.
Waterbom Bali sees itself as more than just a water park. It’s a place for fun. It’s also a platform for change. They aim to inspire guests, colleagues, and the community to embrace sustainability. Waterbom continues to grow. But their growth is now defined by their positive impact on Bali and the planet.