Two sea turtle nests discovered on Nikko Bali Resort and Spa's beach

Nusa Dua, June 10th, 2010 - Sea turtles are one of the world's most bizarre creatures; it has the unique instinct to lay their eggs on the same beach where they hatched. Hunted for their meat, shells and, unfortunately, their eggs as well (considered delicacies for some), this species' population is quickly dwindling and facing extinction. With a very slim chance of surviving (0.01% from one nest) in the wild, world organizations and environmentalists have been taking actions to protect known nests to help increase sea turtle population around the world.

Located on the shore of the Indian Ocean, Nikko Bali Resort and Spa has been very lucky to be able to take part in helping this creature by protecting nests over the years. Recently the associates of Nikko Bali Resort and Spa found two nests just at the beach of The Shore Restaurant and Bar. Immediate actions were taken including erecting protective fences around the perimeter of the nests. It is now just a matter of time before these eggs hatch and gives birth to another generation of sea turtles that will once again roam the ocean. Expected to hatch early August, this will be an exciting moment for both guests and Nikko’s associates. 

A single act to save a life, another STEP UP taken by Nikko Bali Resort and Spa.

Nikko Bali Resort and Spa, Introducing a quality tennis service

The modern game of tennis originated in United Kingdom in the late 19th century. As an Olympic sport, it is played at all levels of society at all ages; it literally can be played by anyone who can hold a racket, including people in wheelchairs. As a friendly sport, tennis has been growing in Asia, especially in Indonesia. With the likes of Yayuk Basuki, Wynne Prakusya and Angelique Widjaja, Indonesia has made its mark in the world's tennis tournaments and the players ranking. 

Nikko Bali Resort and Spa has always been supportive of the tennis community on the island by providing 3 lit-covered tennis courts to accommodate tournaments, charity events and even an academy for the next generation of tennis players here in Bali. With an international tennis tournament such as the annual Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions (November 4 - 7, 2010), Bali is known as an international tennis destination, either for a holiday or a tournament. 

Recently, the resort appointed Pure Tennis (www.puretennis.asia), a company that provides tennis management program to resorts and clubs around Asia. This company provides quality tennis services to the resort such as consulting, coaching, tennis holiday and events. Pure Tennis will offer a variety of services and products, from Junior Tennis classes for children from the age of 4 to Pure Tennis Holiday, a special program they created for family groups or large groups to travel to the island to have an unforgettable tennis experience. 

The company consists of international professionals with more than 15 years of experience that are qualified to develop the best suitable service for their clients. Pure Tennis in Bali will be lead by Alexandre Correia, the company director and the pioneer in this venture. The coaching team itself is composed by renowned international tennis professionals who have worked with top tennis players around the world. This company will surely bring international standard services and products to the tennis community in Bali.

Nikko Bali Resort and Spa will still continue to open its door to the local tennis community with the support of Pure Tennis, bringing this friendly sport another STEP UP

Nikko Bali Resort and Spa for "Bali is My Life"

On Saturday night, more than 200 guests filled the Graha Sawangan Ballroom of Nikko Bali Resort and Spa for "Bali is My Life" Charity Golf Tournament Dinner. The tournament - organized by Bali Hotels Association, Bali Golf and Country Club, Nikko Bali Resort and Spa, Now Bali and Rotary Club Nusa Dua - was held earlier in the same day with more than 100 pro and amateur golfers who played through 18 holes for charity.

The dinner was a continuation of Bali is My Life website and movie trailer launch (officially launched by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik the previous day). After a short welcome by the chairman of Bali Hotels Association, also the General Manager of Nikko Bali Resort and Spa, Jean-Charles Le Coz, all guests were awed by a grand feast of world’s cuisine, specially prepared by Nikko Bali's culinary team. 

Jack Daniels, the master of ceremony of the evening, took the stage with a short opening speech, impressively in a fluent Bahasa Indonesia and Balinese as well. A short presentation of an interview with Allistair Speirs to explain about "Bali is My Life" along with the footage taken from the previous day launch event, officially began the Bali is My Life program of the evening. One of the highlights was the magnificent performance by Bali's own Ayu Laksmi who sang two ethnic inspired songs, an emotional water chant and a cheerful tune about Dewi Sri, Goddess of Prosperity. The celebration continued with the preview of the long awaited Bali is My Life movie that will soon launch sometimes in August 2010. Supported by Bali Hotels Association and its members, this movie will feature many sides of life in Bali, through its art, culinary, culture, leisure even spiritual aspects.

The night continued with the award presentation for all the golfers by Bali Golf and Country Club's General Manager, Bruce Jellard along with a lucky draw featuring many great prizes from golf shoes to a grand price of a return flight ticket to Shanghai and accommodation at the new Hotel Nikko Shanghai. 

Bali Hotels Association’s "Bali is My Life" Charity Golf Tournament will give the proceedings of the event to Rotary Club Nusa Dua who will use this fund for their charity program for HIV/AIDS and cleft palate.

Pan Pacific Managing Bali Nirwana

Five-star resort operator management integrated Nirwana Bali Resort from April 1 to be changed from Le Meridien Pan Pacific. "Pan Pacific known for its hospitality and great attention to everything up to detailed matters," said President and CEO of PT Bali Nirwana Resort, Henu Kusdaryono in a press release received by The Jakarta Post, Wednesday (3 / 3 /).
Pan Pacific Nirvana is the second property managed by Pan PacificHotel Group in Indonesia. Integrated resort covering 103 hectares is located on the Southwest coast of Bali. The resort which opened in 1997 it has 278 rooms and is equipped with 18 holes golf course of legendary golfer Greg Norman design.

10 Best Hotels For Honeymoon

The honeymoon for many couples, it is very important to start building their eternal love that will be remembered as a very special moment when the marriage lasting until old age.
To get a very special honeymoon, it takes a special atmosphere as well. Here's ten best hotels of the world which is packed to the beauty of your honeymoon.
1.Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, Polynesian, French
The hotel is for those of you who want to enjoy sex on the water, without being distracting. Bungalow in the resort is built on a lagoon with blue water, with a private deck. Uniquely, the resort staff will deliver food using a canoe to your bungalow.

2.Hotel Bellagio, Las Vegas, United States
The name Las Vegas would have to be guaranteed to build your intimacy. But this hotel is one of the best, with culinary excellence than any other hotel. One more special, with a partner you can enjoy a private performance. One of them 'O', which was performed by Cirque du Soleil.

3.Grand Hotel Florence, Italy
This is for you who want to enjoy the sensation a la royal bride. This hotel was once a palace. Please enjoy the cuisine in Restaurant In Cantonya palace famous throughout the world. And enjoy the trip down the River Arno, while making love with your partner.

4.Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Want to enjoy a honeymoon filled with snow? Place here. The hotel provides a private glide skiing and riding with your spouse. When the summer too, this hotel has a fantastic view of the river with white water rafting. Second season, will make your honeymoon thrilling with its natural challenges.

5.Resort Caneel Bay, Virgin Islands
Maybe you want to get married and honeymoon at the same time in the same location. This is the place. The hotel offers both the facility. Natural scenery in the Virgin Islands National Park, will make you fascinated. Plus the rooms are very membrikan provided extra privacy for guests.

6.Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, Caribbean
Sensation honeymoon on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, the place. Beautiful and clean beaches, spas, swimming pools, even a mini waterfall, is here. Imagine when you bask in your psangan daytime and danced, until the night making out together in a luxury hotel.

7.Walt Disney World, Florida, United States
This is for newlyweds who want to remember back to the wonders of fantasy world when they were kids. This location is also a favorite honeymoon spot for those who just can do many after the wedding. Because your kids must think their parents are their heroes when invited to vacation here.

8.Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii
Hawaiian name would be a guarantee of your vacation pleasure. For couples who honeymoon, the hotel offers a romantic dinner together on the beach. Then enjoy a swimming pool for adults, which can be enjoyed with your partner's body beautiful.

Real Acapulco Diamante 9.Camino, Mexico
Beautiful scenery Pichilingue Coast, the Bay of Puerto Marqueus so guarantee your honeymoon intimacy. Romantic atmosphere coupled with a room built on the hill. And restaurants are designed to add flavor to the v = love your spouse. Do not forget, Mexico is also guaranteed for you and a couple who liked the glamorous world of the night.

10.Amankila, Manggis, Bali
This is for those of you who choose their honeymoon in their own country. This five-star hotel of international standard, which would be guaranteed the pleasure of your honeymoon. Here you can become more loving with your partner own cultural treasures. And when the book quickly, you can enjoy a private pool exclusively for your beloved with

Source : http://www.tempointeraktif.com/hg/perjalanan/2010/03/09/brk,20100309-231289,id.html

Long Tail Monkeys at Monkey Forest Ubud, Bali

Monkey Forest is a wildlife sanctuary and the temple complex in Ubud, Bali. It is home to approximately 340 monkeys are known as long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

Sacred forest is also a popular tourist attraction in Ubud and is often visited by more than 10,000 visitors each month.

With an area of approximately 27 hectares and at least 115 different species of tree, you will find a quiet atmosphere during a walk in the middle of this forest.

Being here, you will see four groups of monkeys, each of which occupies a different region. This is the main attraction offered Monkey Forest

While visiting the forest, you have to treat apes with respect. Do not feed them without a guide to watching you.

These apes are beings who are curious and nosy. So it's good to keep your luggage. If one monkey do ignorant to take the goods, you should ask for help in the guide.

Inside the Monkey Forest, you will also find the temple Pura Dalem Agung temple Padangtegal as well as used for cremation ceremonies.

This forest is maintained by villagers Padangtegal. Wana Wenara Padangtegal Foundation which manages the forest serves to maintain integrity and promote the sacred holy site as a destination for visitors.

To get to the Monkey Forest site, you first need to Ubud. From the airport travel to Ubud will take approximately one hour. You can use the many available taxis at the airport.

Travel agents will also be a lot of you met in Denpasar. If you stay at the hotel, management usually provides a shuttle service with a reasonable cost.

Sacred forest is located on Monkey Forest street which is the main street of Ubud, so you will not miss it.

About souvenirs, you should not worry because many shops scattered here. So is the restaurant, so the stomach feels hungry when you do not need hard to find a place to eat

Dutch Tourists Admire Bali Nature

Nature beauty, scenery of terraced rice fields owned by farmer members of the water control system, Balinese traditional irrigation organization, is still the main attraction for tourists to enjoy a vacation on the Dutch island of Gods.

God's gift of natural beauty becomes special attraction for both tourists Dutch elderly and younger ages, Made said Suardana special Tour Guide Dutch tourists in Bali, on Wednesday (07/07/2010).
  
Young children home country windmill remained busy on holiday to Bali, especially at mid-year holiday season, while the elderly tourists usually travel tours around the end of the year.
  
"Tourists to Bali, the Dutch still busy, even now more than in previous years," said Made, who claims often take visitors around the island, staying in mountain areas or in areas of the river ravine.
  
Difficulty air transportation from Bali to Europe these days do not seem to reduce the interest of European society, especially from the Netherlands are on holiday to the island with an average of one visit for two weeks.
  
He along with other tour guides groups almost every day to take guests from the Netherlands in the rural corners to be able to see the beauty of nature in the mountains, the customs of society who did not unparalleled in the world.
  
Dutch travelers who are elderly, usually husband and wife to travel to Bali to reminisce and they usually settled in this area up to a month. Bali Tourism Office recorded a number of Dutch tourists to this region increased nearly 50 percent from as many as 20 806 people during January-May 2009 to 31 166 people during the same period in 2010

Russian tourists to Bali Down

The number of Russian tourists who enjoy the panorama of nature and the uniqueness of Balinese arts and culture as much as 24 970 people during the period from January to April 2010 or down thin compared with the same period the previous year.

"These conditions decreased 0.77 percent from the same period the previous year which recorded 25 165 people," said Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Ida Komang Wisnu Bali in Denpasar, on Wednesday (06/09/2010).

He said all the Russian tourists go to Bali through Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport, the plane that flew directly from his country, and no one is carrying through seaports.

According to him, although this time the Russian people who come to Bali is reduced, the figure rose from the ranks ninth in the period prior to the eighth position from ten countries supplying the most foreign tourists to Bali.

Countries had contributed 3.34 percent of total foreign tourists coming to Bali as much as 24 970 people during the first four months of 2010.

"These conditions increased 10.23 percent compared with same period the previous year 679 226 people," he said.

Ida Komang Vishnu explained that most suppliers from 10 countries for foreign tourists to the Island of the Gods, among the five countries experienced a significant increase and five other countries has decreased.

Five countries have increased quite encouraging, it is Australia amounted to 59.68 percent, 44.19 percent of the Netherlands, Taiwan, 19.08 percent, China 0.98 percent, 0.86 percent and the UK.

While five states that reduced the number of people who come to Bali, in addition to Russia, is the French 0.16 percent, Japan 24.52 percent, 10.20 percent of Malaysia, and South Korea's 7.80 percent.

The number of tourists to Bali Nearly One Million

The number of foreign tourists visiting the island of Gods, Bali, During January-May 2010 was close to a million or carrying as many as 926 454 people. This amount increased 12.02 percent compared with same period in 2009.

"The condition of tourism in Bali was quite encouraging and conducive situation should be maintained, if necessary improved so that the international community increasingly crowded vacation in this region," said an observer of tourism in Bali, Dewa Rai Budiasa, in Denpasar, on Monday (07/05/2010).

Government of Indonesia-Australia relations are getting better is one of the causes of the increasing number of society

"The country Kangaroo" came to enjoy the natural beauty of the Balinese culture and art, in addition to travelers country of origin countries of Europe that was traveling in Bali.

Budiasa Rai said the growing number of Australian tourists to Bali during the first five months of 2010 quite extraordinary because of the increase reached 56.6 per cent to 214 712 people compared to the same period the previous year was recorded only 137 092 people.

"The role of the presence of Australian tourists to Bali Bali Provincial Tourism Office noted in 2010 had reached 23 percent. This is the highest and largest numbers to Bali," said Rai Budiasa.

In addition to increasing transport current, an increasing number of Australian tourists visiting Bali as the most likely impact of the Bali bombing incident in 2002 because the Government of Indonesia, especially Bali, vigorous fight against terrorism so that the tourists are safe here.

Tumultuous events in the world when that happens, Australia is offering tourists the most, so the information of the condition of a tourism area in Bali is often echoed in the country's neighbors. Thus, younger children were more interested in the country to get to know Bali more closely.

"It is proved, Australian tourists to the region increased in number, dubbed the island paradise by the international community," said Dewa Rai said, mentioning that Australia was the one who saves the number of foreign tourists to visit this area because the number of travelers visiting other countries of origin sagging.

Children younger Japanese who travel on holiday to Bali tourism sagging aka drastically in early 2010 because there were only 100 757 people or less to 23.6 percent when compared to the period from January to May 2009, which reached 131 970 people.

Many factors cause the drop in the number of Japanese tourists to Bali, one of them because of the difficult air transport to Bali from the country lately. Difficulties are also often with information on the arrest of a terrorist problem in Indonesia.

In addition to Japanese tourists, the number of tourists from other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea, a trip to Bali is also reduced. However, all of it covered with the presence of limiting the number of travelers coming from Australia, the international community remained increased to Bali

W Hotels launches vacation villas in Bali

Contemporary hotel chain W has just launched its W Residences at the seaside resort of Bali.

This is its fourth property project in Asia - and it is aimed at people who are looking for a vacation home.
There are 79 villas for sale, starting at US$1.4 million for a 2,400 square foot unit.

When asked about the outlook for the luxury property sector in Asia, Matthew Jung, director of W Hotels Asia Pacific, said: "So far, we've seen a positive response from the cities where we're opening the W Residences.

"... There's very, very robust growth from our hotels side over the next few years, going from 3 hotels to more than 12 by the end of 2012.

"As this brand recognition grows ... I'm pretty sure that the attractiveness of the residence will grow as well."

He added: "The owner of the residence who chooses to buy into this, and wants to live in this scene, they're also having this insider access.

"They're right on the premises, having the insider access and privileges, enabling them to enjoy the food and beverage element, to enjoy the happenings, to enjoy the engagement with the city that we create through the hotels. This is an attractive thing for a lot of people."

As to the impact of Europe's sovereign debt crisis on the hotel chain's business, Mr Jung said: "We started seeing the leisure business coming back as early as August 2009 at the W Hong Kong.

"In the fourth quarter, we started to see the corporates really getting back on the airplanes and traveling, and an influx of business into this particular hotel, into Hong Kong. And that business has been pretty sustained throughout the first quarter as well. So overall, we've enjoyed a nice Q1."

Left of Empire at the End of East Bali

Before the year 1908 is a region of Karangasem regency empire under the rule of kings. The last recorded king until the year 1908 is Ida Anak Agung Gde Djelantik who supervises 21 retainer, ie, Karangasem, Seraya, Bugbug, Ababi, Abang, kidnap, Kubu, Tianyar, Pesedahan, Mangosteen, Antiga, Ulakan, Bebandem, Sibetan, Pesangkan, Strait , Muncan, Rendang, Besakih, Sidemen and Talibeng.

According to the Babad Dalem Pebancangah, that since the enthroned King, I Dewa Coral Amla, Regional Municipality Batuaya Amlapura is called the Village. Then switch to the king's throne Ida Anak Agung Agung Ketut Karangasem Anglurah, the palace at Castle Amlaraja, at that time already used the title of Karangasem, which in this case was confirmed by the Charter of the Temple Mount.

With King Anak Agung Gde Agung Gde Putu and Oka, Awig-Awig Village Batuaya converted into Awig-Awig Amlapura. Later in the reign of Anak Agung Gde Jelantik, Amlapura City Area designation was re-called Karangasem as a center of government.

By Decision of Minister of the Interior (Home Affairs), dated November 28, 1970 No. 284 in 1970, starting on August 17, 1970, the capital city of Karangasem changed to Amlapura, returned as a kingdom of Karangasem who reigned in the City of Coral Amla (Amla mean Asem).

At that time there since the handover of Karangasem kingdom of King Batuaya power holders to the Karangasem Castle, represents the transition from system to system of royal government of the Republic, where the city now named Amlanegantun Amlapura.

At first, the capital city of Karangasem Karangasem is still centered with the same name. Given some districts in Bali have had with the Mother City as Buleleng Singaraja City - Lion Ambararaja, Jembrana with the City State, the capital city of Denpasar, Badung, then sought for an effort to find the best name the capital city of Karangasem.

Anak Agung Gde Karang who became regent when it consulted with the Chairman of Parliament Ida Wayan Sonneratia, until finding a Amlepure (Amlapura) which meant that Amla fruit, as appropriate, Karangasem district that has the potential fruits of a very diverse, any fruit in Bali in Karangasem exists. Amlanegantun region of origin of the name and as a center of various fruits, it gives birth Amlapura name, derived from the word meaning a place and Amla Pura means fruit.

Name Amlapura finally inaugurated as the capital city of Karangasem regency to the decrease in Kep. Minister of Home Affairs dated 28 November 1970 No. 284 in 1970, and starting on August 17, 1970, the City as the capital city of Karangasem Regency is converted into Amlapura, along with the Shroud Opening Ceremony Local Monuments Seal, by the Regional Commander of Police (Pangdak) XV Bali, as a banner of pride in the Karangasem Regency Square Land Aron.

And that exhilarating moment of Karangasem regency Tropy awarded certificates and Sculptures and gifts of money USD. 200.00 as the cleanest district in Bali. Now the town of Karangasem on Amlapura Anniversary 39th cleanest city also became a province not only Bali but throughout Indonesia to reach Trophy clean city.

Local symbol taken from the symbol of Mount Agung who smoke by forming the island of Bali with Tugu Pahlawan in the middle, surrounded by rice and cotton signifies prosperity symbol with Mount Agung Pura Besakih as a center of Hindu rituals as well as a region has a history of struggle, cheap food and clothing, Gemah Ripah thanks loh jinawi lava of Mount Agung. While the red line is a symbol of Karangasem ngemong Kreteg in Pura Besakih Kiduling.

While Tirtagangga Park, one of the attractions located in the village Ababi, Abang District. The distance is approximately 5 km to the north of the City Amlapura (district capital), which was built in 1948 by King Anak Agung Agung Ketut Karangasem Anglurah.

Before construction, the park is a large fountain area and the public to call with embukan, meaning spring. This spring is enabled by the inhabitants of surrounding villages as a place for drinking water purification and a place pesiraman or Betara Ida (the gods), therefore the springs were sacred by local people.

From this spring and then the King of Karangasem got the idea to build a theme park because of its natural first supported by the cool air, which later named Park Tirtagangga. Just as with Tama Soekasada Edge, the Tama Tirtagangga have a strong attachment to the Puri Agung Karangasem.

In the area Tirtagangga Park there are several large ponds and fish ponds functioned as a place of baptism. Water flowing through the shower-large and small fountain that comes out of the mouth of the sculptures in this pool comes from a spring so that was cool and refreshing. In this place there are fountains and statues tower storey lotus that divides the two large ponds.

In the present work Tirtagangga Park religiously, socially, as well as entertainment. Religiously, the spring in place is being used as holy water for the surrounding community in addition as a place for ceremonies and Metirtayatra Yadnya god.

Socially, Tirtagangga springs used by local governments as a source of clean water to the society of Karangasem. And as entertainment, Tirtagangga Park is managed and developed as one of the objects and attractions are in great demand and is visited as a place of recreation.

Amed Jemeluk-developed as one nautical attractions and is a prima donna for foreign tourists and domestic. Located in the Village Purwakerti, Abang District, located about 19 km from City Amlapura (district capital), 12 km from Tulamben, 33 km from the attractions of Candidasa, and ± 78 km from the city of Denpasar. This tourist attraction is included in the development of a tourism area Tulamben.

The main attraction is the panoramic sights of nature's underwater beauty that holds the potential of coral reefs with a wide variety of ornamental fish species. The existence of coral reefs remain pristine strives to conserve the lives of fishermen and traditional salt-making activities by local communities is also the main attraction.

From Amed tourism attractions we can achieve Soekasada Park Edge with the distance of about 1.5 hours through the east path past the edge of the cliff with the eastern tip of Bali Island which has the exotic scenery along the journey. Waterscape lined loose with dozens of boats or fishermen djoekoeng be an attraction that will not be forgotten with a blend of hilly panorama. In this place a lot of built villa and hotel accommodations and other lodgings that offer a variety of facilities.

Translated from :http://travel.kompas.com/read/2010/07/01/20155734/Sisa.Kerajaan.di.Ujung.Timur.Bali

Bali, Environment Friendly Tourism Model

Already three times Nengah Suastini (46) went to Japan, namely in 1997, 2002, and June 2010. Everything in the framework of tourism exhibitions. He brings expertise, products, as well as his ancestral heritage: gringsing cloth.

She practiced gringsing fabric weaving process that for participating in tourism exhibitions and trade "Bali & Asian Modern Style in Japan 2010" in Sagamihara and Urawa, Japan, June 7 to 15, 2010. From morning to evening, dressed in traditional Balinese clothes, Suastini weaving. He answered all questions in a friendly exhibition visitors.

Inclusion gringsing fabric, manufacturing process, and its maker in the exhibition should be appreciated. Not only to return back to the level of tourist visits Japan's flagging at the beginning of this year. More than that, it seems that the stakeholders in this country

or in Bali still agree that tourism is environmentally friendly and sustainable model that should continue to be supported and lived.

Gringsing fabric is a name unique to call a typical product ikat Pagringsingan Tenganan, one aga village in Karangasem regency, Bali. Through the fabric of everyday's life Suastini.

He feed, for example, the use of double ikat technique that takes a long time, until a few months, and the use of natural materials from a variety of foliage and roots to dye the fabric gringsing. A process as opposed to the practice of most products is driven by market needs, namely the production process faster and most use artificial ingredients or chemicals.

Balinese can be proud, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) chose the island as a model in the development of environmentally friendly tourism or green tourism in the world. One is essentially able to develop tourism in Bali is considered armed with local knowledge and philosophy to maintain the balance of nature, that is Tri Hita Karana.

"Bali is able to maintain balance and harmony between humans, humans with nature, and man with God as manifest in the concept of Tri Hita Karana. Wisdom is still alive and adhered to until now, "said Geoffery Lipman UNWTO Assistant Secretary General in the presentation selection of Bali as a model of environmentally friendly tourism in the office of Governor of Bali, Denpasar, late last year.

The concept of eco-friendly economy is closely linked with green (green economy) that includes, among others, decreased carbon dioxide production, investment, environment friendly, alternative energy use, and preservation of biodiversity. However, application of the concept was obtained actual challenge, especially when faced with a number of related issues that concern climate change impact on environmental degradation in Bali. One striking phenomenon is visible is the erosion in coastal areas.

In addition to Tenganan, green friendly practices that remain practiced and sold to the tourists are still prevalent. Call it Penglipuran indigenous village in Bangli regency or Kertalangu Tourism Village in Denpasar recently developed several years ago. There's also the ecological agricultural practices in Amazing, Tabanan. The area was even proposed to be the world's cultural heritage to the United Nations.

Giver of life

For society Penglipuran, bamboo is the giver of life protection as well.

Approximately 75 hectares or more than 50 percent of the total land area is 112 in Penglipuran bamboo forests. The forest was surrounded almost the entire village area, ranging from rural northeast, north, west, and south of the village. Of the total 75 hectares of it, among them five acres of land owned by the village committee managed by the local indigenous village. Of the five acres, the 1.5 hectare area surrounding the temple among the local villages.

The existence of a bamboo forest in the village land use adapted to be passed from generation to generation in accordance with awig-awig (rules) the local village. Of the total land area of 112 hectares in Penglipuran, for example, has a clear usage. Agricultural areas in the village covers an area of 25 acres, 90-10 acres of settlements, and sacred places around two hectares.
Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said, the image of Bali as a tourist destination in the world of environmentally friendly tourists who are expected to bring in quality. Inside, it was once more the determination to strengthen efforts to protect natural and cultural preservation.

"It also becomes increasingly challenging to preserve its natural Bali. Because, no tourism has also denied making people reluctant to move to the city and became a farmer. If agriculture can be developed, people will not be crowded-crowded into the city. And make Bali more green, "said Pastika some time ago

Kuta Paradiso Hotel Bali

Kuta Paradiso Hotel Bali located at South Kuta Beach, Kuta Paradiso Hotel is luxury five-star hotel, a resort style in downtown Kuta area. A combination of 243 deluxe, superior rooms and suites are arranged in two wings leading off the hotel’s spacious lobby. All rooms are providing comfortable, tasteful accommodation overlooking the ocean and the hotel's landscaped tropical gardens.

Kuta Paradiso Hotel is just ten minutes drive from the airport, centrally surrounded by restaurants, amusement center, and nightlife entertainment. The famous Kuta Square-shopping center is just at our doorstep. Enjoy your holiday in Kuta, Bali!

KUTA PARADISO HOTEL BALI
Jl. Kartika Plaza, PO Box 1133, Tuban, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.
Tel: (62 361) 761 414. Fax: (62 361) 756 944

Kuta Paradiso Hotel Room

Deluxe Garden / Pool View
King size or twin beds.
Room size: 32 sqm

All rooms are comfortably decorated in traditional and contemporary style with the polished wood / parquets flooring. Overlooking the landscape tropical garden for Deluxe rooms and for Deluxe Pool rooms overlooking free shape pool and ocean view.

Guest Room Amenities
 * Duvet Comforter * Private balcony * Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower * Luxury bathroom essentials * Hair dryer  * Individually controlled air-conditioning * In-room safety box * Remote-controlled color TV * Satellite TV * Coffee and tea-making facilities* Fully stocked minibar * 24-hour room service * IDD telephone

Deluxe Garden / Pool View
King size or twin beds.
Room size: 32 sqm

All rooms are comfortably decorated in traditional and contemporary style with the polished wood / parquets flooring. Overlooking the landscape tropical garden for Deluxe rooms and for Deluxe Pool rooms overlooking free shape pool and ocean view.
Guest Room Amenities:
* Duvet Comforter * Private balcony * Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower * Luxury bathroom essentials * Hair dryer * Individually controlled air-conditioning * In-room safety box * Remote-controlled color TV * Satellite TV * Coffee and tea-making facilities * Fully stocked minibar * 24-hour room service * IDD telephone

Super Deluxe Garden / Pool View

King size
Room size: 40 sqm

All room offer a wider space and guests can be assured of high degree of warm, friendly service in locally designed wooden furniture, complete with all modern amenities. For added comfort come with balcony overlooking our tropical garden and for Super Deluxe Pool rooms overlooking free shape pool and ocean view.

Guest Room Amenities:
* Duvet Comforter * Private balcony * Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower * Luxury bathroom essentials * Hair dryer * Batik bathrobes and slippers * Individually controlled  aor conditioning * In-room safety box * Remote-controlled color TV * Satellite TV * Coffee and  tea-making facilities * Fully stocked minibar * 24-hour room service * IDD telephone

Super Deluxe Garden / Pool View
King size
Room size: 40 sqm

All room offer a wider space and guests can be assured of high degree of warm, friendly service in locally designed wooden furniture, complete with all modern amenities. For added comfort come with balcony overlooking our tropical garden and for Super Deluxe Pool rooms overlooking free shape pool and ocean view.
Guest Room Amenities
* Duvet Comforter * Private balcony * Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower * Luxury bathroom essentials * Hair dryer * Batik bathrobes and slippers * Individually controlled  aor conditioning * In-room safety box * Remote-controlled color TV * Satellite TV * Coffee and tea-making facilities * Fully stocked minibar * 24-hour room service * IDD telephone

Super Deluxe Garden / Pool View
King size
Room size: 40 sqm

All room offer a wider space and guests can be assured of high degree of warm, friendly service in locally designed wooden furniture, complete with all modern amenities. For added comfort come with balcony overlooking our tropical garden and for Super Deluxe Pool rooms overlooking free shape pool and ocean view.
Guest Room Amenities:

    * Duvet Comforter * Private balcony * Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower * Luxury bathroom essentials * Hair dryer * Batik bathrobes and slippers * Individually controlled air-conditioning * In-room safety box * Remote-controlled color TV * Satellite TV * Coffee and tea-making facilities * Fully stocked minibar * 24-hour room service * IDD telephone

Family Room
1 King Size Bed + 2 Single Beds
Room size: 37 sqm

All Family Rooms offer wider and spacious area overlook to the landscaped garden and street. Bedding configuration is well set up for family consist of one king size bed and two single beds. Maximum occupied for four adults or two adults and two children.
Guest Room Amenities

    * Duvet Comforter * Private balcony * Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower * Luxury bathroom essentials * Hair dryer * Batik bathrobes and slippers * Individually controlled air-conditioning * In-room safety box * Remote-controlled color TV * Satellite TV * Coffee and tea-making facilities * Fully stocked minibar * 24-hour room service * IDD telephone

Suite Room
King Size Bed.
Room size: 69 sqm

Designed of artistry style with landscape garden front and or overlooking the free shape pool and the famous Kuta beach. The Suite room consists of one master bedroom, exclusive bathroom with separate bath tub and shower glass door, and spacious living room equipped with state-of-art 42-inch Plasma TV, DVD player and hi-fi set.

The Suite is designed to blend into traditional splendor and ultimate comfort of a 5-star hotel and your unforgettable luxury living style.

Guest Room Amenities
    * Duvet Comforter * Private balcony * Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower * Luxury bathroom essentials * Hair dryer * Batik bathrobes and slippers * Individually controlled air-conditioning * In-room safety box * Remote-controlled color TV * Satellite TV * Coffee and tea-making facilities * Fully stocked minibar * 24-hour room service * IDD telephone

The Laguna, Nusa Dua, Bali makes Bali island greener by planting 2000 mangroves

The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali makes Bali Island greener by planting 2000 mangroves at Serangan Beach on Thursday, 29 April 2010. This Care for Community initiative involved more than 200 employees from various departments led by the General Manager, Mr David Cuddon, Executive Committee members, Department Heads and many staffs. All enthusiast participants departed from the resort at 14.00hours to Serangan Beach - Bali an hour's drive away.

Mangrove Plantation - Serangan Beach, Bali by The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

Mangrove Plantation at Serangan Beach, Bali by The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

The event was initiated by Human Resources Department and the mangrove planting this year is a continued effort to last year's mangrove planting. The 2000 mangrove planting activity also invited 50 students from SDN No 6 Benoa (elementary school), a mentoring school by the resort. The Students, Head Master and Teachers who participated on this planting activity were very excited. It is an exceptional collaboration between the resort and the Students on how we care to our community.

The Laguna Cycling Club lead by the award winning Executive Chef I Made Putra and its members also provided a full support towards this community event. Members of this cycling club rode their bike from the resort to the Serangan Beach, which is about 30 kilometres away from Nusa Dua area. The cycling club is also promoted the initiative bike to works to the participants of mangroves planting.

This environment activity initiated by The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali is one of the Starwood Care agendas, Care for Community. Every year, The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali organises several Care for Community activities of various scale and programs inline with the Starwood Care programs. The mangrove planting activity is also reflects to the well-known Hindu's Balinese life of concept, Tri Hita Karana. One of the Tri Hita Karana pillars are; Palemahan which is highlighting a harmonious life between the people with its surrounding community and Pawongan, which is related to the harmonious relations between human to human.

With the successful of community activities conducted by the resort continuously, The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali has recently received a tourism award - Tri Hita Karana, Gold Medal. The Annual Awards nomination was participated by almost 120 resorts, hotels and tourist attractions in Bali and organised by Bali Travel News magazine. The awards presented recognises accommodation operators and tourist attractions in Bali in their business, which embodies high levels of professionalism while at the same time embracing the spiritual and community values of Balinese culture.

 

eTravelblackboard

Hotel upgrades rejuvenate Bali

The island's business events properties improve offerings

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel is to begin a room upgrade this year and is currently offering meeting packages for US$45 per person. The hotel has an abundance of outdoor beachside space ideal for off-site events and gala dinners under the stars. The hotel also features an amphitheatre that can host up to 900 people for standing cocktails.



BIG PROJECT
The 494-room Melia Bali has begun its US$12 million Lagoon Access Suites project, which will finish in the third quarter of 2010 and will deliver Bali's highest number of lagoon-side suites when completed. The suites will be 43 sqm and all will have private patio access to the resort's lagoon.

Recent business events groups to use the hotel include Toyota with 85 people and a group of 130 for L'Oreal. The hotel also recently opened a complimentary arrival and departure lounge located at ground level.

The 342-room Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali will begin a year-long renovation of all its rooms on May 1. The US$8 million project will deliver new tropical-themed rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds, iPod docks and modern AV facilities.

The refurbishment will be carried out in three stages. The adjoining Bali International Convention Centre will remain untouched. Its largest space is 1,960 sqm.

DELUXE ROOMS

The 537-room Ayodya Resort Bali is also upgrading its 330 deluxe rooms. The project will be finished in stages until the end of 2010. Daihatsu Japan recently took a 24-person incentive to the property while Nokia hosted a team event for 36 people.

The 648-room Grand Hyatt Bali recently hosted a 600-person event for the Asian Development Bank (see Case Study, page 23 June 2009 CEI Asia) and a group of 500 from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophtalmology. Hotel highlights include two grand ballrooms, 25 meeting rooms and a private beach that can hold up to 1,500 people.

Conrad Bali is also in the Nusa Dua area and features four distinct wings that offer seclusion for MICE groups. There are seven hectares of manicured gardens and 360 guestrooms with the entry level being 45 sqm. The ballroom also seats 540 guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cei.asia

 

 

Bali airport renovation rejected by governor

Kompas.com reports that Bali's governor, Made Mangku Pastika, has rejected renovation plans advanced by Bali's airport managers, calling instead for a more Balinese design concept with greater emphasis on public as opposed to commercial spaces.

With renovations scheduled to commence before the end of 2009, I.B. Parsa, a spokesperson for the Bali government, said the provincial government and the governor's office would not give its supporting recommendation if the proposed renovations are only used to expand commercial space. "It would be better if Angkasa Pura (the airport managers) repaired the messy public areas at the airport," said Parsa.

Bali's international airport is being designed to handle 11 million domestic and international passengers, an increase from its current estimated carrying capacity of 9 million. Parsa pointed to poor security at the airport, sluggish visa and immigration handling and passenger boarding problems while asking why the airport authority seemed more intent on creating a commercial mall than on improving overall systems and airport infrastructure.

In response, the general manager of PT Angkasa Pura I at Bali's airport, Heru Legowo, confirmed the governor's objections, asking for several months to present a new set of renovation blueprints. At the same time, he said it would not be possible to meet the government's demand for more Balinese-styled architecture at the airport, promising only to endeavor to create a Balinese atmosphere to welcome arriving passengers.

Bali's airport occupies a tract of land measuring around 300 hectares. Of that area, 73,776 square meters is utilized for the passenger terminal and 1,200 square meters for parking lots.

turbonews.com

Tourism authorities to fix visa on arrival service at Bali airport

Tourism authorities have asked immigration officers at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to improve their visa on arrival service following complaints from foreign visitors.

"The problem with the immigration division at Ngurah Rai International Airport, especially its visa on arrival service, looks like a severe disease," Bali Tourism Agency head Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu told kompas.com on Wednesday.

He added that foreign tourists had to line up for hours in a heavily crowded booth to obtain their visas on arrival.

"Once I received a report saying that a tourist went mad because of the inconvenient service at the immigration booth," Subhiksu said.

The Bali administration has been urging the central government to fix the matter, but the trouble has remained unaddressed, he added.

Source: www.pax.travel

Jammed Bali looks for solutions

The popularity of Bali Island has for years translated into road congestion due not only to the multiplication of tourist busses but also the lack of parking facilities, of proper public transport, and the undisciplined behavior of most local drivers who park their vehicles at their convenience. All of these elements make circulation in Bali a nightmare.

It takes regularly over an hour in the evening to ride along the 21 km separating the popular beach resort of Kuta to the famous temples of Tanah Lot. In fact, places such as Legian, Denpasar, Kuta, or Ubud are jammed most of the afternoon with traffic regularly coming to a complete standstill. Tourism figures have rocketed over the last decade, growing from 1.399 million in 1999 to 2.229 million last year, up by almost 60 percent, not to mention some three million domestic tourists.

Added to a local population of 3.5 million inhabitants, Bali Island has to support in the year the movements of almost ten million people. While tourism development has been limited to only three regencies due to a 1988 decree, most of the congestion is consequently concentrated where tourists are, from the airport/Nusa Dua area to Sanur, Kuta, and Legian.

But as usual, Indonesia's central government and provincial authorities have not been able to tackle the problem of growing congestion. So far, plans to improve the situation have only remained at the good-wish level.

Bali Governor I. Made Mangku Pastika came out over the last year with some plans to cope with the increasing congestion. Earlier this year, the governor mulled out the option of building overpass highways, following their endorsement by religious authorities. Until recently, religious leaders maintained that elevated highways, pedestrian bridges, or underground tunnels violate Balinese religious principles. In the past, these religious restrictions linked to petty bureaucracy, rebuked a group of Malaysian investors to build four toll roads, which would have connected Sanur and Nusa Dua, cutting traveling time from 45-60 minutes to less than 15 minutes, as well as Bali airport to Nusa Dua. The project was estimated to cost US$440 million.

With religious restrictions now being lifted, the governor expects to be able to start the first overpass projects by this year for an opening by 2011 and 2012. Priority development would still concern the airport area and Nusa Dua area, as well as Denpasar, the capital.

Another option is to develop a rail circle line, which would offer a reliable alternative for locals and tourists to move around the island. The system would stop at major tourism objects and would require less land use than highways. The proposal has also received the support from Bali Governor Pastika.

Meanwhile, the island must also tackle with the increasing congestion at Bali airport. Recently, Indonesia's Minister of Tourism Jero Wacik pleaded for a quick expansion of Ngurah Rai International Airport. The process to a brand new international terminal has been delayed due to polemics on its design with Balinese authorities asking for a more Balinese identity. The Bali Airport project would double total capacity to 20 million passengers a year. The current terminal would be converted to the domestic airport, following the opening of the new 120,000 sqm international facility. The cost of investment is estimated at US$185 million. Authorities are also entertaining the option for a second airport on the northern part of the island

eturbonews.com

World Expo: Putting Indonesia on the map

The Indonesian Pavilion attracted 20,000 visitors at the opening day on May 1.

If Phileas Fogg and Passepartout need 80 days to travel the globe in Verne's classic Around the World in 80 Days to win £20,270 (US$30,000), we need less than that and less traveling once we are inside the World Expo 2010 Shanghai, China.

Located on a 5.28-square-kilometer plot of land, the 53rd expo features dozens of pavilions from 189 participating countries – after three countries withdrew from the event at the last minute – as well as 50 international organizations.

China has crafted its name in world history for its success in hosting the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This time, Shanghai – with a 19.2 million population – aims to create another success by hosting the five-year expo dubbed the third biggest event in the world after the Olympics and the soccer World Cup. The municipality has prepared to welcome a targeted 70 million visitors during the six-month long event.

Visitors were willing to queue for four hours – especially at favorite pavilions such as China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, England and Germany – amid the heat. The organizers reported that about 200,000 people flocked to the expo site for the opening on May 1.

That day, about 20,000 visitors flocked to the Indonesian pavilion.  

The pavilion – a 2,400-square-meter building that stands on 4,000-square-meters of land – featured information about the country's rich natural resources and cultural heritage along the 700-meter ramp that allows visitors to enjoy the displays.

Balinese dance and gamelan entertained the visitors.

"It's been good to perform here," said Ni Wayan Windrati, a fifth grader from Ubud, Bali, who performed the dance to welcome Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Indonesian Ambassador to China Imron Cotan during the opening ceremony. Wayan practiced for nearly two months before the performance day.

The building is mostly made from bamboo. Architect Budi Lim said he wanted to create a design that represented Indonesia. "I didn't want to use traditional architecture. I realize that everyone respects nature and this is shown in the architecture. Our nation lives in harmony with nature," he said.

Budi also used bamboo because he believes it may be "the timber of the future".

Visitors take a closer look at the resin-made relief of Borobudur Temple.

Compared to other countries' pavilions, which mostly have four walls, the Indonesian pavilion is open with good air circulation. Entering the pavilion, visitors can easily spot a giant waterfall – measuring 40x17 meters –  that features a map along a wall. The waterfall also serves to cool the air temperature.

"We will be able to determine if this cooling method works over the course of summer. There are some air-conditioners that have also been installed inside the pavilion to anticipate Shanghai's heat as the temperature can reach 39 degrees Celsius during the summer," Budi said.

Mari explained that the pavilion was divided into three zones: The bio zone features the country's abundant natural resources, the diverse zone showcases equipment used by traditional society in agriculture and the city section includes food and beverages.

She said that in line with the expo theme of "Better City, Better Life", Indonesia defined "better life" as harmony among different groups with their innate cultural heritage, while constantly moving forward in democracy and modernity. "We are showcasing our democracy and the progress that we have made in political, economic and cultural aspects in the past years."

Inside the Indonesian pavilion, visitors can sign on at a computer screen to cast their votes for the Komodo dragon to be named among the new seven wonders of nature. Such an effort has helped the Komodo to stay in the top 14 at the website http://www.new7wonders.com. The Komodo, which can grow up to 3 meters in length, is an endangered species living in the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Gili Motang in East Nusa Tenggara.

In another part of the pavilion, visitors can see resin-made reliefs of the world's largest Buddhist temple Borobudur and touch the Buddha's hand inside a replica of a stupa, a temple, located in Muntilan, Central Java. The world heritage site – as declared by UNESCO back in the 1980s – has been among the most favorite destination for tourists.

The pavilion also showcases numerous batik clothes as well as musical instruments such as Sasando of East Nusa Tenggara that is made from a split leaf of the Lontar palm, and becak (pedicab).

While other pavilions offer traditional cuisine, the Indonesian pavilion had yet to open its Enak (delicious) Restaurant, which minister Mari said would highlight Indonesia's delicacies such as fried rice, fried noodles and sate.

"The menu was selected by President Bambang Yudhoyono," she said. "Our nasi goreng [fried rice] is different from other country's because it's the only one that uses sweet soy sauce."

It was unfortunate the Enak Restaurant was not prepared to welcome the guests during The Jakarta Post's visit last week. The coffee corner, slated to serve the famous Toraja coffee, was not operating either.

The government spent US$10 million to build the pavilion and said it hoped to earn Rp 1 trillion (US$108.7 million) in transactions from trade, tourism and investment sectors. However, deputy chief of the Expo Coordination Bureau,  Zhu Yonglei, said that only five hallmark venues would be stored inside the Expo site, including the Expo Axis and the China Pavilion.

Mari hoped the Indonesian pavilion would be named among the five most beautiful although it is competing against other favorites including Japan, Saudi Arabia and European countries' pavilions. It is the second pavilion ever built by the government during its participation at the world expo. The opportunity has been seen by the government as "a massive PR event" to show how Indonesia has moved away from decades of autocratic rule and is becoming a beacon of democracy, emerging as one of the most resilient economies in Asia.

Mari said Indonesia, which has had the third largest economic growth after China and India, was like a charming girl. "This expo is to help people become more familiar with Indonesia before they eventually build a bilateral trade relation and invest in our country," she added.

The World Expo has brought the world closer to visitors and helped them learn about most countries' cultures as well as build interaction among them.

— Photos by Primastuti Handayani

Source: Jakartapost

 

Ten affordable places to stay in Ubud

Bali's cultural capital is enjoying a moment in the spotlight, having recently been voted Asia's best city destination. Here's our pick of the best-value homestays and hotels

Bali is on the up again, but the hot address is no longer the luxury villas and nightclubs of Seminyak beach, but the cultural capital Ubud, right in the centre of the island. The place has been buzzing since Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem based themselves here last year to film Eat, Pray, Love, and then the fickle readers of American Conde Nast Traveler decided to vote Ubud as Asia's Best City Destination 2010. Despite all this hype (and a host of ultra-expensive luxury hotels lining the nearby Sayan valley), there are still some very reasonably-priced places to stay in Ubud, from traditional homestay B&Bs with Balinese artists to small local hotels with beautiful pools, tropical gardens, family temples and romantic rooms.

1. Puri Saren Agung

This is where Ubud's long tradition of homestays all began, right in the Royal Palace of the King of Ubud, more than 80 years ago, when Bali first started to attract bohemian artists from around the world. It is still going strong today, though prices have gone up. To rent one of the seven traditional stone bungalows in the sumptuous royal courtyard is still quite an experience, and every night this magical palace comes alive with the sound of Gamelan music as Balinese dances are performed just across the wall from this unique B&B.

• Jalan Raya, Ubud, +62 361 975057. Double room with breakfast from £40

2. Fibra Inn

The Fibra first opened 30 years ago, when Monkey Forest Road was not much more than a dirt track, and today it is still difficult to find a more friendly place to stay in Ubud. A rambling compound of traditional Balinese houses, the gardens are a riot of exotic flowers and tropical vegetation, while the swimming pool is small but utterly romantic. Owned by one of the island's most famous dancers, Sri, guests can can see her perform every Friday in the artist's hamlet of Peliatan, while on Sundays there are concerts of her own all-woman Gamelan orchestra. At the back of the hotel is an excellent spa.

• Monkey Forest Road, +62 361 975451, email: bagusfibra@yahoo.com. Double room with breakfast from £30

3. Jati Home Stay

Parallel to the busy Monkey Forest Road, Hanoman Street is a lot quieter, and both sides are lined with budget homestay accommodation, hidden away inside traditional Balinese walled compounds. Fortunately Jati's homestay is well signposted as you weave left and right through a labyrinth of family temples, houses filled with noisy kids, artists studios, and an assortment of animals wandering around. Dewa Nyoman Jati is a well-known artist himself, and he opened his B&B 20 years ago to allow him to paint and also build up an important collection of works by contemporary Ubud artists, which is on show in his gallery. The accommodation is basic but comfortable.

• Hanoman Street, +62 361 977701. jatihs.com. Double room with breakfast from £12

4. Oka Wati Hotel

Oka Wati is a feisty Balinese lady, one of the pioneers of Ubud's homestays. When she first started taking guests in, her house was all alone in the middle of padi fields, and over the years, she has built up a comfortable nine-room hotel with swimming pool and restaurant. Once you've traversed the maze of narrow lanes that lead to the hotel, the location is perfect for exploring the centre of Ubud. Breakfast is copious, and in her restaurant Oka Wati still makes delicious gado-gado salad, a classic dish that strangely seems to be disappearing from restaurants here. She also serves the best Brem rice wine. 

• Off Monkey Forest Road, +62 361 973386, okawatihotel.com. Double room with breakfast from £35

5. Warsi's House

Warsi has a tiny boutique specialising in Balinese textiles, right opposite Ubud's soccer pitch. You have to make your way through a chaotic passage filled with junk before coming out in an idyllic oasis where her four bungalows sit next to a holy temple and lotus-filled pond, looking out over a dreamy landscape of rice fields and coconut trees. Don't expect luxuries like a swimming pool or aircon, but the breakfast of banana pancakes is delicious, while Warsi and her nephew Nyoman are always on hand to spoil their guests. 

• Monkey Forest Road, +62 361 975311. Double room with breakfast from £20

6. Rona

Located right at the entrance to Ubud, a walk down Tebesaya Road is like stepping back 10 or 15 years, when this was still a sleepy village. Rona is owned by an eccentric local known as Mr Chicken, who has turned traditional Balinese bungalows into a funky cafe, bookshop and hotel, decorated in very un-Balinese purple. Although there is an inviting pool, the rooms don't have aircon, though a fan is adequate considering the low-cost rates.

• 23 Tebesaya Road, +361 97322. Double room with breakfast from £18

7. Putu Putera Homestay

It is difficult to know just how much longer there will still be authentic homestays such as Putu Putera in Ubud, where for a minimal fee, guests can share the house of a local artisan, experience  family life in a traditional compound, and learn directly from the craftman himself about the skills in painting, wood carving, stone masonry, dance or music that Ubud is so famous for. The owner here has converted the top floor of his house into five no-frills B&B rooms. His wife prepares breakfast, while guests are welcome to accompany him to his workshop where he creates wood and stone ornaments for gardens. 

• 30 Tebesaya Road, +62 361 973204. Double room with breakfast from £6

8. Tiing Gading Bungalows

With no namesign, this is not the easiest place to find, but guests are rewarded by discovering a tranquil hideaway surrounded by thick bamboo groves, tall palm trees and a small river. The pool is to-die-for, and with a spa and restaurant it is easy to just relax here rather than going into Ubud in the evening. There are just 10 rooms, with aircon inside and cool terraces to sit out in the evening and enjoy an ice-cold Bintang beer.

• Tebesaya Road, +62 361 973228, vacationsinbali.com. Double room with breakfast from £30

9. Ubud Inn

A host of chic boutique hotels have opened up on Ubud's main drag, Monkey Forest Road, but the trademark "tropical Bali" design is all pretty similar, and prices can be surprisingly expensive. The Ubud Inn was one of the first places to offer more luxurious accommodation, and although this may not be the hippest place to stay, it is difficult to find better value. There is a huge swimming pool, surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, bar, restaurant and spa, free Wi-Fi, while the spacious rooms come with a four-poster bed complete with mosquito nets.  

• Monkey Forest Road, +62 361 975071, ubudinn.com. Double room with breakfast from £38.

10. Family Guest House

In the quiet artist's hamlet of Peliatan, this friendly homestay lives up to its name as the rambling compound is a great place for families to base themselves. The bungalows are simple and basic, but with large verandahs, and visitors are free to wander round the family temple and sumptuously decorated pavilions - just don't expect to find a swimming pool at this price. There is free WiFi, though, a copious breakfast famed for its brown bread, and just outside on the street is a fun "mini-bar", perfect for a late-night drink before going to bed.

• Jalan Sukma 39, +62 361 974054, email: familyhouse@telkom.net. Double Room with breakfast from £20.

• All photographs by John Brunton.

Source: Guardian.co,uk

Amandari Screens Heritage Films Of Classic Bali

Amandari will host a viewing of heritage films of Bali in conjunction with the French Cinémathèque of Dance and the Swedish Dance Museum.  The films focus on the theme of dance, with rarely-seen screenings of Rolf de Maré, a Swede who compiled outstanding footage of dance from Indonesia in the 1930s.

Films will be screened in Kedewatan's village wantilan, or open-air meeting place, adjacent to Amandari.  Each evening's showcase will feature two films with an intermission in between.

The first film to be screened on July 1 is "Goona Goona," (also known as "The Kris"), from 1932, which runs 65 minutes.  It was directed by Armand Denis and Andre Roosevelt.

This film, when it was shown in New York in the 1930s, became a huge success and put Bali on the international map. The term "goona-goona" became the equivalent of "that old black magic" of the popular song title (by Frank Sinatra). Released in 1932, its American title was "Love Powder." Amidst reams of expedition footage, the producers endeavored to contrive a dramatic plotline involving the romance between a Balinese prince and a servant girl.  Our hero finally wins the heroine's love with the help of a magic potion concocted by the local witch doctor.

A parallel will be drawn between Bali and Harlem in the '30s. While the Bali film was sweeping New Yorkers away, the Nicholas Brothers, child dancers from Harlem, were the stars of the Cotton Club. Both Bali and Harlem nightclub life inspired the artist Miguel Covarrubias. This screening will be combined with a 45-minute montage of the Nicholas Brothers' most sublimely virtuoso moments.

On July 2, Amandari will screen a film of Rolf de Maré's 1938 expedition to Nias, Sulawesi, Sunda, Java and Bali preceded by a short montage of photographs of deMaré presented by Erik Naslund.  This runs 90 minutes.

The film will be shown in two parts with musical accompaniment by two or four musicians.  Sequences are silent and show dances from what was then the West Indies. The trip was "curated" by Claire Holt who delegated the choice of dancers in Bali to Walter Spies. This unique document seldom travels and will probably never be shown again in Indonesia for technical reasons; the films are now too fragile. The evening will be presented by Erik Naslund, director of the Dansmuseet of Stockholm, Sweden and author of a biography of Rolf de Maré.

Rolf de Maré (1888 – 1964) was a Swedish art collector and leader of the Ballets Suédois in Paris from 1920–1925. In 1933, Rolf de Maré founded "Les Archives Internationales de la Danse" (AID) in Paris – the world's first museum and research institute for dance. The Archive became a famous centre for studies in dance and visitors came from all over the world to see exhibitions or to study in its vast library. After the War, de Maré donated his collections from the Swedish Ballet in Paris and the fruits of his expedition of exploration to Indonesia in 1938 – the first to have been undertaken with the purpose of documenting dance – to Stockholm to form the Dance Museum, which he opened in 1953.

The final day of the programme sees the screening of "Island of Bali — La Isla de Bali," from 1930, which runs 60 minutes and was directed by Miguel Covarrubias. This screening will be preceded by a documentary on the life and works of Miguel Covarrubias, the Mexican caricaturist, author and painter. This film is an edited compilation of footage taken by his wife, Rose Covarrubias, in 1930 and 1937. It covers every aspect of Balinese life following the chapters of the famous book "Island of Bali" which was a best-seller in the United States before the War.

source: eglobaltravelnews

Celebrating Galungan in Bali, Balinese slaughter thousands of pigs

Balinese people do a mass slaughter thousands of pigs on the day PENAMPAHAN Galungan, a day before the Galungan holy day, Tuesday (11 / 5) morning.

 

"Thousands of pigs slaughtered at the same time it has been prepared since six months ago, so the needs of pigs in large numbers can be met from the local area, no longer bring in pigs from outside Bali, as in previous years," said Head of Bali Provincial Animal Husbandry Putu Sumantra .

 

He said the joint venture undertaken pig slaughter. One male weighing 100 kilograms divided by the 15-20 family. Even people who belong to cut off a pig. Most of the meat is given to immediate family.

 

Communities in Hamlet Ole, Dauh Puri Village Marga, Tabanan regency, around 45 km southwest of Denpasar to cut the pig in the morning, before sunrise, so cutting it is completed. Each family received six to seven kilograms of pork were next with their family members are processed in a variety of Balinese food menu.

 

"There are processed into lawar and bebalung to eat today and tomorrow and processed in the order that can last a few days ahead," said Pan Anga, 45, one local resident. He says, a pig with a weight of 100 kg of one resident purchased a joint venture with 15 people with equal division.

 

Meanwhile, urban communities, especially in Denpasar, only a small portion of pork cuts in the household. They are mostly bought in the form of pork that is clean ready to be processed in the traditional markets, with prices up to Rp40.000/kg Rp35.000.

 

Balinese society, both in cities and rural areas, on the day of Galungan PENAMPAHAN keep doing ngelawar tradition and making various kinds of Balinese cuisine. According to Putu Sumantra, Bali ahead of Galungan has a stock of more than 283 000 pigs with an average weight over 100 kg / head.

 

In one family automatically after the existing division of tasks have finished processing the meat and then enjoy it together. The men make bamboo decoration Penjor ie mounted on the front door of each household. Meanwhile, a housewife, including her daughter's child prepare a series of special occasions (offerings) that will be offered at the temple or sacred place of the family (merajan) on Galungan holy day which falls on Wednesday (12 / 5).

 

For three consecutive days, 11-13 May 2010, offices of government agencies and private companies in Bali holiday (facultative). Similarly, the teaching and learning process for all levels of education in Bali is also a holiday during the week. (Ant/OL-04)

Galungan in Bali, Janur Vendors and Flower Harvest

A day before the celebration of the holiday Galungan, Hindus in Bali was busy with preparations to welcome the day of victory over adarma or good darma against crime. Among them is to buy equipment such as flowers and prayers on special occasions.

 

Market traders in Badung Denpasar did not want to miss this opportunity by selling flowers and on special occasions. In addition to equipment dealers, traders also sprung up a surprise that deliberately selling flowers and coconut into the holiday every Galungan. Due to high demand for more profitable because they were also price rises.

 

"If the price of coconut and flowers are usually sold seven thousand to eight thousand, per bundle, on the eve of this holiday rising to 12 thousand to 16 thousand, per bundle," said Ketut Suwarya one coconut traders in Pasar Badung, Denpasar. "Supply for Galungan and Kuningan holidays are still safe," he added.

 

Like previous years, residents of Denpasar and surrounding areas flock to Badung market for the purposes of Galungan and Kuningan from morning till evening began later.

 

Translate from Kompas.com

Garuda Plans to Cover Gap After JAL Cuts Bali Routes

National flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia announced on Monday that it was ready to fill the void after ailing Japan Airlines canceled its routes to Bali this year.

Kiyoshi Tanaka, a JAL representative in Bali, said on Monday that the bankrupt airline's massive restructuring had prompted it to cut less-profitable routes, including to Bali, which have already showed a decrease in passenger numbers. He said JAL's daily Tokyo-Denpasar and Osaka-Denpasar would be eliminated by Oct. 1, leaving Garuda the only carrier flying between Japan and the resort island.

Pujobroto, Garuda's corporate secretary, said on Monday after JAL's announcement that the Indonesian carrier would raise its Osaka-Denpasar flights from four times a week to five starting in November. Garuda also provides once-daily Denpasar-Tokyo service and three Denpasar-Nagoya flights per week.

"The flights from Denpasar to Japan will use Airbus 330-300 aircraft," Pujobroto said.

Amid a massive restructuring, Japan Airlines has decided to trim unprofitable routes, including to Bali. The planned cancellation will leave Garuda the only carrier flying from Japan to the resort island of Bali. (EPA Photo)

Pujobroto also added that Garuda was planning daily Jakarta-Tokyo service in September.

JAL, Asia's biggest carrier, declared bankruptcy in January under $6 billion of debt. Poor management and out-of-control costs, as well as unprofitable routes, were all factors leading to one of Japan's biggest corporate busts.

Its troubles were also compounded by the global financial downturn, which decimated travel demand for its extensive international flight network.

According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of visitors from Japan to Bali dropped 22 percent to 65,059 in the first quarter from the year-earlier period.

JAL currently has two daily routes to Bali, Tokyo-Denpasar and JAL 715 Osaka-Denpasar.

Heru Legowo, general manager of PT Angkasa Pura I Ngurah Rai, regretted JAL's decision to stop the service, which it has flown for 10 years. He said the cancellation made little sense because the 400 passangers arrived on each flight as well as cargo, not to mention the fees JAL paid to the airport management firm.

"With the route closing, we will lose income of Rp 150 million [$16,500] a day," Heru said.

Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya, chairman of Bali's Tourism Board, said the closure would also cause tourist numbers to drop. Japan accounts for the third-largest number of visitors after Australia and China.

Ronn Nomura, sales and marketing officer of Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, said the impact had already begun to be felt.

"With the closure, we expect to lose 50 percent of our guests," he said.

 

TheJakartaGlobe

Bali Special Package - Classic Tour For Group

03 HARI / 02 MALAM BALI PACKAGE TOUR

Bali Classic Tour

 

 

HARI 01: TIBA DI DENPASAR . Tour Mengwi – Tanah LOT ( MS, MM)

Setibanya di Airport Ngurah Rai Denpasar meeting service dan di hantar menuju Restaurant untuk Makan Siang.

Kemudian Peserta akan diajak untuk mengunjungi Desa Mengwi yang terkenal dengan Pura Taman Ayun, kemudian Mengunjungi Hutan Monyet atau Alas Kedaton. Dilanjutkan kunjungan ke Tanah Lot untuk menikmati Matahari terbenam.

Makan Malam disiapkan di Lokal Restaurant daerah Denpasar

 

HARI 02: TOUR SEHARI KINTAMANI ( MP,MS,MM ).

Makan pagi di hotel, Tour mengunjungi : Desa Batubulan, menyaksikan pertunjukan Tarian Barong , pusat kerajinan patung cadas dan kerajinan batik khas Bali. kemudian Desa Celuk untuk melihat kerajinan Perak dan Emas, Desa Mas, kerajinani Patung, ukiran dll. Pura Tirta Empul yang dikenal dengan sumber mata airnya yang ada di Tampak Siring. Makan siang dilayani Restoran sambil menikmati indahnya Panorama Gunung dan Danau Batur.  Mengunjungi Pasar Sukawati untuk berbelanja oleh2 khas Bali.

Makan Malam di sediakan di Pantai Jimbaran, Menu Seafood BBQ

 

HARI 03: KEBERANGKATAN DARI DENPASAR ( MP, MS)

Makan pagi dihotel kemudian dilanjutkan dengan menuju Tanjung Benoa untuk menikmati permainan air harga sudah termasuk 1X Mengunjungi pulau penyu, kemudian dilanjutkan menuju GWK untuk kunjungan dan Makan siang di restaurant setempat. Dihantar ke Airport untuk penerbangan kembali ke tujuan selanjutnya.

Harga per orang minimum 25 orang + 1 FOC Tour Leader

Palm Beach Hotel : Rp. 885.500;-  

 

Tambahan utk 1 kamar sendiri

Palm Beach Hotel           Rp. 285.000,-

 

Note :

-       Anak2 di bawah 3th free of Charge, Anak 3-5 th dengan orang tua 50%, Anak 5-8 th dengan extra bed 75%

-       Harga berlaku sampei dengan June 14'2010

 

TOUR SUDAH TERMASUK : Tour sesuai dengan program dengan transport Pariwisata AC ( private ).  02 Malam hotel sesuai dengan pilihan termasuk makan pagi satu kamar berdua.  03 x Makan Siang pada saat tour di restoran setempat. Dan 1X makan malam di Jimbaran, Seafood, 1X Makan   Malam di restaurant local, 1X mengunjungi pulau penyu dengan glass bottom boat  Biaya Masuk Obyek wisata, Tiket Tarian Barong , Guide fee , Pengalungan bunga di airport