October 25, 2012

Days numbered for the dokars of Denpasar – in pictures

Bali's capital, Denpasar, had more than 200 Dokar, or horse and carts, up to the millennium. Today only about 17 remain in the city.

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: The Vanishing Dokar Of Denpasar — A woman waits to transport her produce from Badung market, Denpasar, Bali, using a Dokar, or traditional horse and cart. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Dokar driver, Nyoman Mantra Manik, loads produce into his Dokar — A colourful cart parks up alongside motorbikes at Badung market. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: The Vanishing Dokar Of Denpasar — Nyoman Mantra Manik, 55, a kusir (or Dokar driver) takes his place in the traffic of Denpasar. Increasingly, the availability of motorcycles and other vehicles is pushing the Dokar to obsolescence. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Kusir, Nyoman Mantra Manik, helps as passengers load up his Dokar — Passengers help to load up a Dokar at Badung market. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Dokar driver, Nyoman Mantra Manik, takes off his horses harness — Nyoman Mantra Manik releases his pony from the Dokar harness. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: The Vanishing Dokar Of Denpasar — Another Dokar driver, Nyoman Yasa, cleans his cart for the road. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Dokar driver, Nyoman Yasa washes the wheels — A thorough clean includes a wash and polish for the wooden wheels. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Children play in front of a Dokar — Children in Denpasar enjoy the freedom of the streets. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Deliveries by Dokar — As Bali has turned into a tourist mecca, the Dokar has declined as a crucial part of everyday business. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Kusir, Nyoman Mantra Manik, waits for passengers in the early hours — For Nyoman Mantra Manik the average working hours are from 2.30am to 8am, which might bring in $7. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Kusir, Nyoman Yasa, sleeps in his Dokar in the early hours of the morning — In the early hours Nyoman Yasa snatches some sleep in his Dokar at Badung market. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: The Vanishing Dokar Of Denpasar — The pony belonging to Nyoman Mantra Manik shakes off the street dust. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Dokar driver, Nyoman Yasa, washes his horse down — Nyoman Yasa takes time to wash his horse down at the stables. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Dokar driver, Made Puja, 38, tends to his horse — Made Puja, also a Dokar driver, ensures the ponies are fed.
Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images Photograph: Chris McGrath/Action images

Vanishing Dokar, Bali: Dokar driver, Made Puja, carries a sack of freshly cut grass for his horse — Made Puja carries a sack of freshly cut grass for his equine workmates. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

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