Miss Seychelles 2013, Agnes Gerry, was among the first group of contestants to check in at the Pan Pacific Nirvana Bali Resort, the home of the 116 contestants participating in this year’s Miss World Beauty Pageant.

“I am finally here – the people are nice, and I have met some of the contestants. My roommate is Miss Sri Lanka, Iresha Asanki de Silva,” Agnes said while reporting to Seychelles Tourism Board’s Events Team at their head office at Bel Ombre in the Seychelles.

Agnes said that she was looking forward to the adventurous program laid out for them during their four-week stay on the island of Bali, Indonesia. This includes visits to several historical sites including temples.

“I am thrilled to experience this side of the world for the very first time. Indonesia is a very beautiful country – its environment is similar to home with palm trees, green tropical plants, and sandy white beaches,” she added.

Full of enthusiasm, Agnes explained that she will be learning a lot from other contestants through their different cultures and sharing with them what the Seychellois have to offer in the “Wonderful World of the Creoles.”

Agnes left Seychelles on Monday, September 2, on an Etihad flight via Abu Dhabi to the island of Bali airport on a flotilla of traditional Indonesian boats, as part of the welcoming ceremony for the 2013 Miss World contestants.

Speaking over the phone to the Seychelles Tourism Board, Agnes said she is proud to be at this international event to represent her beautiful islands.

The Nirvana Bali Resort is located on the sandy white coastline of southwest Bali with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and picturesque sunset.

The unique cultural heritage of Bali island will be showcased with traditional dances, music, and celebrations as contestants from all over the world unite for the first time at the Nirvana Bali Resort.

After the official welcoming, the contestants will be given the chance to explore the local area accompanied by local guides, who will reveal the many hidden secrets to be found at the Nirvana.

This perfect location is a place of unimaginable beauty to host the world’s most beautiful ladies.

The surrounding grounds of the resort has the iconic Tanah Lot rock formation, an area which contains rich cultural as well as aesthetic beauty.

Most of the 116 contestants have already flown into the tropical paradise of Bali, and the official welcoming to Indonesia - Bali Style - has taken place.

During their stay, the contestants will participate in community projects based on the “Beauty with a Purpose” concept.

This concept was incorporated into Miss World with millions of pounds and countless hours of hard work that was carried out across the globe.

As well as the official “Beauty with a Purpose” charity, many other of these selfless activities have been organized through the years.

From the ground up, thousands of contestants from regional heats to the global final have found countless ways to make a difference to bring about positive changes to the communities in need.

Meanwhile, auditions for the “Talent and the Dances of the World” event were showcased before choreographers whose task is to blend the huge variety of cultural performances together to create one of the most popular parts of the Miss World Final on September 28.

“I will be spreading our rich culture and history and sharing it with the world. Our national flag is being flown at this prestigious world event,” Agnes proudly added.