Bachata Hot Spot: Fula River in Bonao, Dominican Republic
If you're a Bachata lover, then Bonao in the Dominican Republic is a must-visit! The Fula River here is a local hotspot where you can find people dancing to bachata, merengue, salsa. It is also a popular destination if you are on a bachata dance tour around DR that takes you to different cities.
The dancers at Fula River are full of energy and creativity. They're not just sticking to the basics; their quick feet and funky moves keep you on your toes. I was smiling and laughing the whole time dancing with the people from Bonao.
It's a reminder that Bachata is all about fun, not about following to rules. Originally from the countryside and streets, Bachata was born from spontaneity, not formal training.
One drawback is the volume of the music – it's loud! There's no official DJ; instead, locals compete to blast their tunes from big speakers in their cars. (Oh so fun for my ears 😂)
If the noise gets too much, take a break by the tranquil waterside. You can still enjoy the music from afar while cooling off in the refreshing water.
A few words of caution: watch out for food poisoning from local eats, bring water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky waters, and don't be discouraged if you can't keep up with the fast-paced Dominican Spanish spoken in Bonao.