Bali Bombings anniversary: Photos that show what sites of terror attack look like now

Popular nightclubs and tourist hotspots were destroyed in the Bali bombings. This is what they look like now, two decades on from the terror attack.

Hundreds of Australians still tread the footpaths along the colourful, noisy, Jalan Legian, the main road that cuts through the popular tourist and nightclub area of Bali’s Kuta.

The now tree-lined road looks a long way from the scenes of utter devastation after the bomb attacks on two night clubs in 2002 which killed 202 people from more than 30 countries, including 88 Australians.

In the 20 years since its buildings and innocence was blown to pieces, most of the businesses along the strip have been rebuilt and the shops are buzzing with visitors. The footpaths have been upgraded and the nightclubs are pumping out loud music every night.

At first glance – from the dozens of parked motor bikes lining the road to the money changers, take away burger outlets, tattoo parlour, mini-supermarket, clothing shops, and restaurants – it looks like nothing bad ever happened there.

Except, of course, if you look a little closer and find the Ground Zero Memorial Wall which has been built honouring the victims of the bombing right on the site of the original Paddy’s bar.

Within a couple of years, Paddy’s was rebuilt a 100 metres down the road, and was again hosting thirsty tourists.

But across the road from the memorial, the once wildly popular Sari Club, where so many Australians died and were badly injured, has never been rebuilt.

After being left untouched for years, the site was turned into a car park which has been earmarked for everything from a peace park to a multi-story development.

It has been the subject of negotiations between its Balinese owner and the Bali Peace Park Association, which has been hoping to buy the land and turn it into a memorial park.

And, just ahead of the 20th anniversary of the bombing, a deal has been struck.

Founder of the project, Australian Dallas Jackson-Finn, has revealed an agreement which will allow the peace park to go ahead.

The concept for the peace park is based on the Balinese philosophy of the Tri Hita Karana, or the three pathways to peace and harmony.

Across the city, in the capital Denpasar, the house were the bombs were made remains almost untouched.

At Menjangan Island Street No.18, the outside of the unassuming house remains unchanged save for the front fence which has been painted white and carries a banner advertising “cheap room (for) rent Rp 400,000 per month …”

This was the place Umar Patek mixed the chemicals for the bombs after it was rented by fellow terrorists Samudra and Imrom.

Listen to the AFP’s new podcast Operation ALLIANCE: 2002 Bali Bombings

The ownership has not changed, and Yanti, a relative of the owners, explains it now operates as a boarding house but guests are scrutinised closely.

“Now, we are selective and be careful to accept anyone who wants to stay here,” Yanti said.

“I am tired. I don’t want to talk about that (Bali bombing) anymore. It happened long-time ago …

“We never expect(ed) that they will do that (make the bomb). They look kind, friendly. Who knows that they will that?” Yanti said.

The boarding house is near a university and some schools, and is a popular place for students.

But Yanti says they just want to move on.

“Let’s just forget the incident 20 years ago. I feel tired of getting questions about it. Let us stay here in peace,” she said.

Originally published as Bali Bombings anniversary: Photos that show what sites of terror attack look like now