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."

Krisis Global Hantam Bali

KUTA, JUMAT - Kunjungan wisatawan dari 10 negara pasar utama pariwisata Bali ke Pulau Dewata anjlok akibat krisis global. Hal itu terlihat dari pembatalan pemesanan kamar hotel sejak sebulan terakhir hingga masa pergantian tahun ini yang mencapai 40 persen. Pemerintah daerah dan kalangan pelaku pariwisata setempat khawatir, kondisi kepariwisataan di pulau itu sepanjang tahun 2009 akan suram.

Kepala Dinas Pariwisata Bali I Gede Nurjaya dalam pembukaan pameran pariwisata Pulau Kalimantan Borneo Extravaganza 2008 di Kuta, Badung, Bali, Jumat (21/11) mengungkapkan, 10 negara itu adalah Jepang, Australia, Taiwan, Korea Selatan, China, Malaysia, Inggris, Prancis, Amerika Serikat, dan Italia. Selama ini, kedatangan wisatawan negara-negara itu memberi kontribusi lebih dari 30 persen dari seluruh wisatawan mancanegara ke Bali. Total asal negara yang datang ke Bali tercatat 184 negara.

Kondisi ini mencemaskan, karena Bali pernah mengalami dampak buruk akibat anjloknya wisatawan pascapeledakan bom tahun 2002 dan 2005. "Krisis global telah terlihat dampaknya secara langsung termasuk di Bali, seperti halnya imbas yang terjadi di sejumlah negara maupun daerah lain di Indonesia, khususnya di sektor lain," kata Nurjaya.

Nurjaya mengungkapkan, jumlah kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) hingga Oktober lalu sudah mencapai 1,6 juta orang atau naik sekitar 23 persen dibanding periode yang sama tahun sebelumnya. Namun akibat dampak krisis global, dikhawatirkan pertumbuhannya akan makin turun dan target mendatangkan 1,9 wisman sulit tercapai . Apalagi dalam bulan-bulan ini sedang masa sepi wisatawan.

Jakarta Post

Tourism future bright despite travel warning: Minister

The Minister of Tourism and Culture Jero Wacik expressed optimism Thursday that the future of Indonesia's tourism remained bright despite a number of countries issuing travel warnings following the recent execution of three terrorists.

"Tourism conditions in Indonesia remain stable, particularly in Bali," he said.

Several countries, including Australia -- one of the largest contributors to tourist numbers -- has warned its citizens against traveling to Indonesia following the execution of Amrozy, Ali Ghufron and Imam Samudra.

The three were convicted terrorists responsible for the 2002 bombings of two popular night spots in Kuta. The blasts killed 202 people, mainly foreigners, and injured hundreds of others.

Jero said there were fears the executions would destabilize the country's security, but counterterrorism forces had managed to maintain stability.

Jero said he was confident that the travel warnings would not significantly affect the flow of foreign travelers into Indonesia, and denied they had triggered cancellations and a reduction in visitor numbers.

"Please check those facts. From which countries did these cancellations occur? Based on the report I received, everything is still going well," he said.

A small decline in tourist numbers over a one or two day period was normal, he said, but those instances should not be used to measure the overall conditions.

Citing official data, Jero said the number of foreigners visiting Bali was still around 6,000 tourists per day, exceeding the average of 4,500 visitors.

"This year the average soared to 6,000 and even 6,400 tourists per day. These are very good numbers," he said. Jero said this proved Bali was still a very attractive destination for holiday-makers.

From January to August 2008, 1,298,046 foreign and domestic tourists visited Bali, a monthly increase of around 10% compared to the same period last year.

"We think the numbers will remain at a high level, or even increase," Jero said.

Indonesia's receives the most tourists from Japan, Australia, Russia and Malaysia.

Source : Jakartapost

Bounty Hotel Bali Reviews

The Bounty lives up to its expectations and comments from various travel sites. Yes it does have a 24 hour pool bar and 24 hour DJ. You can sleep as well, the noise stays pretty central to the main pool, they shut the second one after some point at night.

The hotel is in between the main street on the beachfront and Legian Road, about a 10 minute walk in either direction to get to them. The place is surprisingly big for its location, has two pools with swim up bar and loads of lounge chairs, 5 internet terminals (20k for 20 mins), a restaurant I never saw anyone in and is laid out with 3 levels of rooms surrounding the pools. I had the top level so there wasn't much noise from people walking by as you'd get on level 1.

I was the only non-Aussie in the entire place, which had I'd guess 150 guests at the time. Most people were travelling in groups of 10-15 it seemed, but you could meet people easy enough. There is also a tour desk where you can jump in on booked tours if there is room so check that out.

I couldn't get one of the cheap rooms so I had a supreme room which was massive, far more than necessary and amounted to close to $50/night. You can get smaller rooms which I'm sure are just as good for less.

If you want to be right near the beach and are looking for more relaxation than non stop party this might not be the best spot for you. Some people never left the pool bar, I mixed it up with the beach and the clubs/pubs on Legian Road and enjoyed my time.

The 24 hour room service comes in handy with pretty good food for cheap when you make it back from the clubs.

travbuddy.com

The Indonesian Travel Market - TIME 2008 in Makassar successfully concluded

MAKASSAR - The Indonesian annual travel mart, Tourism Indonesia Mart&Expo (TIME) or 'Pasar Wisata Indonesia' is concluded today with total attendance of 104 buyers from 21 countries. The top five buyers consisted of Malaysia, Korea, India and Indonesia, Singapore, and the Netherlands. TIME 2008 also attracted 108 sellers from 16 provinces of Indonesia, which mostly come from Jakarta, South Sulawesi, Bali, North Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara, Yogyakarta and East Kalimantan, and Papua.

The percentage of sellers based on industry is hotel, resort and spa (75 percent), NTO (10 percent), tour operator/travel agent (7 percent), adventure/activity holiday (3 percent), airline (1.5 percent), and others (hotel management, tourism board, tourism organization and travel portal (8.5 percent).

The above was reported during the closing press conference of TIME 2008 by the organizing committee of TIME 2008. "Despite the current global financial crisis and EU ban to Indonesian airlines, TIME 2008 has booked an estimated transaction of US$15.2 million," said Meity Robot, chairperson of TIME 2008.

"The conduct of TIME 2008 in Makassar has proven successful as a result of good cooperation among the organizing committee and organizer of TIME 2008 together with the local committee, which comprises the provincial government of South Sulawesi, City of Makassar, and the entire tourism industry, as well as associations in South Sulawesi and Makassar," said Meity.

"We have heard some positive comments and constructive notes have been expressed by delegates of TIME 2008 saying that Makassar has grown significantly since the last TIME 2006 and has shown tremendous progress in featuring the city as a travel and MICE destination, with its newest international airport and convention center, as well as development of new hotels and tourism attractions," said Meity.

Buyers and international travel writers are given the opportunity to take part in the post-tour program to Toraja for 3 days and 2 nights.

The organizing committee of TIME has decided that next year's TIME will be held in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. At press time by West Nusa Tenggara yesterday, the provincial government of West Nusa Tenggara represented by the vice chairman of DPRD West Nusa Tenggara, in association with the Lombok and Sumbawa tourism board, stated that with full support from the provincial government of West Nusa Tenggara, together with the entire tourism industry and association, they are ready to host TIME 2009 and 2010 and will assure that the venue, as well as infrastructure, will be ready in time so that TIME in Lombok will be successful.

Lombok is only a 20-minute flight from Bali. The island possesses various tourism potentials, from nature (mountain, sea, and land) to culture and arts, which could attract an international market. Presently, Lombok has 3,000 hotel rooms with international standards. With the present development of hotels in Lombok, by 2009 Lombok will have around 3,500 hotel rooms.

In terms of accessibility, Lombok is flown from Singapore by Silk Air; from Malaysia by Merpati Nusantara; from Jakarta by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batavia Air; from Surabaya by Merpati Nusantara, Lion Air, Batavia Air, and Citylink; and from Bali by Merpati Nusantara, Trigana Air, and Indonesia Air Transport. Beginning December 2008, the island will have a direct flight from Perth, Australia. Moreover, Lombok is now developing its international airport.

"The shifting of TIME to Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara will be for two consecutive years - 2009 and 2010 - and is aimed at promoting Lombok and West Nusa Tenggara to the international market, as well as to foster the development of tourism facilities and improvement of infrastructure in the region so that at the end, the destination could enjoy itself as a global travel destination," Meity Robot concluded.

Last year, TIME 2006 in Makassar was attended by 110 buyers from 21 countries and 124 sellers from 20 provinces with a recorded transaction value of USD$15 million, whereas previously TIME 2005 in Yogyakarta was attended by 84 buyers from 23 countries and 128 sellers from 20 provinces with a transaction value of USD$13 million.

TIME 2008 is supported by the ministry of culture and tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, South Sulawesi provincial government, the city of Makassar, the South Sulawesi culture and tourism office, the Makassar culture and tourism office, Garuda Indonesia as the official carrier, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, INACA (Indonesia National Air Carriers Association), BARINDO (Board of Airline Representatives Indonesia), the embassies of Indonesia overseas, ASITA (Indonesian tour operators and travel agencies) South Sulawesi, PHRI (Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association) South Sulawesi and Makassar, the Indonesian Conference and Convention Association (INCCA), Pacto Convex as the event organizer, Indo Multi Media as the offical media partner, TTG Asia and Venue Magazine as supporting media partners, and Bulanmadu.com.

Tiara P.I. Hasibuan Project Leader Pacto Convex Ltd. Tel: (62-21) 570 5800 Ext. 214 Fax: (62-21) 570 5798 Email: tiara_hsb@cbn.net.id Website: www.pasarwisata.com

Indonesia-bound tourists ignore warnings

PEOPLE flying to Bali yesterday said they would not let the possibility of revenge attacks stop them from holidaying on the island.

Despite the Federal Government advising people bound for Bali to reconsider their travel plans, passengers waiting to check in at Melbourne Airport for the 10.55am Garuda Airlines flight to Denpasar, Bali's capital, were philosophical about the possible dangers.

"It made us quite anxious, but we're not going to let the bastards beat us," said Dot McGuiness, who was travelling with her husband, Barry, to a "gated resort". "The wills are up to date, though."

Other travellers noted that although the Government had asked people to reconsider going to Bali, it had not raised its travel advisory to the next, and highest, level.

"If the Government was really concerned, they would have upgraded the warning," said Pat Barber, who is staying with three friends near Kuta, the site of the 2002 bombings.

"Look at other countries; I think the USA has actually downgraded its warning."

The Federal Government said yesterday it had "credible information" terrorists could be planning attacks as revenge for the executions.

"The executions could prompt a strong reaction from their supporters such as demonstrations, acts of violence and reprisal attacks," a travel advisory said.

"You should exercise great care, particularly around locations that have a low level of protective security, including where Western tourists gather such as beaches, bars, malls and other venues associated with foreign interests."

The Government referred specifically to young people holidaying in Bali for "schoolies" holidays in the next few weeks, advising them to "exercise heightened caution".

The threat level remains the second highest of five, with the Government asking people to "reconsider your need to travel". The highest level is "do not travel".

A spokesman for Garuda Airlines, Kerry Timms, said the prospect of the bombers' executions had not dampened people's willingness to travel to Bali.
"(The execution) has been on the cards for some time, but there have been hardly any cancellations," he said.
"Most people have already made a decision about the environment. Our loads outward bound have been really strong."
Friends Sarah O'Connell and Vanessa Smith said they discussed cancelling their trip about two weeks ago, but decided they would take the risk.
"Anything can happen wherever you go," Ms O'Connell said. "It could happen to you at Flinders Street station."
"If it really was a big deal, the Government would have raised the travel warning."
Surfer Daniel Shergold described his attitude to the possibility of a terrorist attack as "when your time's up, your time's up".
Mr Shergold said he would be passing through Bali on his way to the nearby mainly Muslim island of Lombok.
"I'd be more worried about someone there attacking me in the street with a machete than I would be about bombings," he said.
"But I really don't think at this stage that anything's going to happen."

Australian travel advisory aletts
1. Be alert to your own security
2. Exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety
3. Exercise a high degree of caution
4. Reconsider your need to travel - Indonesia, including Bali, is at this level
5. Advised not to travel

http://smartraveller.gov.au
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2008/11/10/1226165429240.html

Bule pun Ikut Kontes Raja dan Ratu Kuta

Kuta: Kontes raja dan ratu bertajuk Kuta Karnival ke-12 digelar di kawasan wisata Kuta, Bali, baru-baru ini. Bukan hanya warga lokal yang sibuk mengikuti lomba ini, wisatawan asing pun tak mau ketinggalan. Mereka bergaya dengan pakaian adat Bali.

Lomba ini bertujuan memperkenalkan budaya Bali pada wisatawan. Para peserta pun mengelilingi catwalk untuk memperkenalkan diri. Gaya masing-masing peserta jadi hiburan tersendiri bagi para penonton dan juri. Akhirnya dua peserta dinobatkan menjadi King and Queen Kuta 2008. Hans, pria warga Belanda dan Ashley, turis asal Australia.(YNI/Aries Wicaksono)

Asian Beach Games in Bali

Asian Beach Games in Bali

Asian Beach Games will be held in Bali from October 18-26. The Games venues spread from Sanur to Kuta beach. Interested? Come to Kuta Beach (Body Building, Dragon Boat Racing, Surfing); Nusa Dua - Benoa (Water Polo, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Basketball, Beach Wrestling, Beach Pencak Silat, Jetski Sport, Paragliding, Woodball); Sanur Beach (Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepaktakraw, Beach Handball, Beach Soccer, Marathon Swimming, Triathlon); Serangan Island (Sailing, Windsurfing).

A total 340 gold, 340 silver and 410 bronze medals.
A total of 1,634 athletes and 900 officials from 45 Asian countries will be participating in the games, covering 71 events in 11 venues.

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Beach Handball
Beach Handball is a team sport where two teams pass and bounce a ball trying to throw it in the goal of the opposing team. The game is similar to team handball, but is not played in a sports hall, but on sand instead. Matches are played in two or three sets depending on when a team wins their second set of the game.

Beach Kabaddi
Beach Kabaddi is basically a combative sport, with four players on each side; played for a period of 15 minutes with a 5 minutes break (15-5-15). The core idea of the game is to score points by raiding into the opponent’s court and touching as many defence players as possible without getting caught on a single breath.

Beach Pencak Silat
Beach Pencak Silat is a combative art of fighting and survival. Pencak Silat describes the martial art forms practiced throughout the Malay Archipelago. It has evolved into a social culture and tradition in Indonesian and Malaysian civilizations for centuries.

Beach Sepaktakraw
Beach Sepaktakraw, a cross between soccer and volleyball, is a sport native to Southeast Asia, resembling volleyball, except that it uses a rattan synthetic ball and only allows players to use their feet and head to touch the ball across a volleyball-type net.

Beach Soccer
Beach Soccer is a variant of the sport of football played on beaches. The irregularity of the soft-sand playing surface leads to a style of play where players must improvise. The compact pitch (measuring 28 x 37 meter) allows players to score from anywhere.

Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is an Olympic team sport played on sand. Two teams, positioned on either side of a net which divides a rectangular court, hit a volleyball using their hands or arms. Players on each team attempt to hit the ball over the net in such a way that it touches the ground inside the court boundaries and to prevent the ball from touching the ground on their own side of the court.

Beach Wrestling
Beach Wrestling is practiced in swim suits within a sand circle of 6m and consists of very simple rules. A match lasts three minutes and is refereed by a single referee. To win the match, the wrestler must keep his opponent’s shoulders on the ground (victory by fall), bring him to the ground twice or push him out of the competition area twice. This new wrestling style is very popular and contributes to wrestling being more accessible and festive.

Body Building
In Competitive Body Building, bodybuilders aspire to develop and maintain an aesthetically pleasing body and balanced physique to display to a panel of judges who assign points based on visual appearance according to body building standards. The competitors show off their bodies by performing a number of poses thus revealing their toned definition through a combination of fat loss, oils, and tanning or tanning lotions.

Dragon Boat Racing
Dragon Boat racing is a sport where a very long and narrow boat is powered by a team of 10 to 50 paddlers. It originated in China and dragon boats are always rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails and are required to carry a large drum aboard that leads the crew throughout a race with the rhythmic beating that indicates the timing and frequency of paddling strokes, from the cadence to picking up the pace to slowing down.

Jet-Ski Sport
Jet-Ski Sport is an extreme competition on a type of jet ski. The sport discipline involves racing and adrenaline-pumping free-style contests.

Marathon Swimming
Marathon Swimming is long distance swimming across large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel. Marathon swimming is an endurance sport that pits a swimmer not only against other contenders in the race but also against the currents and tides of the water. According to International Swimming Federation rules, swimmers cannot use wet suits as this can artificially increase speed or endurance. Swimmers are accompanied by a nearby boat crew that monitors and advises the competitors.

Paragliding
Paragliding is a recreational and competitive flying sport using a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing, whose shape is formed by the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing.

Sailing
Sailing is a surface water sport using a boat, sails, wind and water to increase, maintain or decrease speed.

Surfing
The sport of Surfing requires participants to ride on the crest or along the tunnel of a wave.

Triathlon
Triathlon is an athletic event consisting of swimming, cycling and running over various distances. In most modern triathlons, these events are placed back-to-back in immediate sequence and a competitor’s official time includes the time required between the individual legs of the race, including any time necessary for changing clothes and shoes.

Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a surface water sport using a sailboard that is usually two to five meters long and powered by a single sail. The sport combines rules and aspects of both sailing and surfing, along with certain athletic aspects shared with other board sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.

Woodball
Woodball is a lawn game where the players use a mallet for teeing off and fairway for playing and putting. Woodball consists of playing a ball from the starting area through the gate by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Woodball Rules. The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner. Each team consists of 2 to 4 players.
(BTN/*)

Suryo ignites Bali games relay

Niken Prathivi, The Jakarta Post, Grobogan, Central Java

Dubbed the fastest man in Southeast Asia, Indonesian sprinter Suryo Agung Wibowo received a flaming torch near Semarang on Wednesday to mark the beginning of the 2008 Bali Asian Beach Games torch relay.

He was handed the torch by Bali Asian Beach Games director Rita Subowo at Mrapen geological site in Grobogan, around 35 kilometers outside Semarang, Central Java, and carried it for a lap of the Mrapen course.

Suryo, who was a gold medalist in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events at the 2007 Nakhon Ratchasima Southeast Asian Games, then passed the torch on to one of seven other athletes who took it in turns to carry around the course. They were: Rollerblader Alan Candra, weightlifter Hadi, sepaktakraw athlete Yudi Purnomo, volleyballer Ardi Muyanto and footballers Mico Ardiyanto and Zauzan.

"This torch symbolizes an eternal flaming spirit within sports," Rita, who also chairs the Indonesian Sports Council, told reporters after the ceremony.

"I call for support from all Indonesian citizens for the success of the Bali Beach Games. Hopefully, we can inspire the world with our efforts," she said, referring to the theme of the games, Inspire the World.

From Mrapen, which is a regular site for starting torch relays of national sporting events, the flame was ferried by bus to Central Java provincial office in Semarang.

"We welcome the games and wish all involved the best of luck," Central Java's newly-elected deputy governor, Rustriningsih, told reporters.

From Semarang, the torch continued on toward Jakarta, and is expected to arrive at the Indonesian Sports Council headquarters by 3 p.m., Thursday.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to hand over the games torch back to Rita on Friday, before it is relayed from Jakarta to Bali by motorcade.

The torch is expected to arrive in the resort island on Saturday, and will be paraded through eight regencies and one municipality.

The games, which will run from Oct. 18 to 26, will be officially opened by the President on Oct. 18 at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in southern Bali.

Some 5,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries are expected to take part in the Rp 210 billion event that will feature 17 beach sport events.

Source : Jakarta Post

Funeral of the Century

The Most Elaborate Royal Funeral in Three Decades Was Staged in Bali, Indonesia

"Strange as it seems, it is in their cremation ceremonies that the Balinese have their greatest fun," ethnographer Miguel Covarrubias wrote in his book "Island of Bali," published in 1937.

And they certainly had a lot of fun Tuesday, in one of the biggest royal cremations on the island in recent years. Thousands gathered for the grand Hindu ceremony, unique to Bali, in which three members of the Ubud royal family were cremated along with 68 of their most prominent subjects.

Balinese men carry the coffin of a deceased member of the Ubud royal family during the cremation ceremony, Tuesday, July 15, 2008, in Ubud, Bali. Balinese royalty and dozens of other prominent Balinese from Ubud were cremated in a ceremony that took months of preparation.

Balinese priests, left, say prayers for a deceased member of the Ubud royal family.

Although this was a royal cremation ceremony, some commoners were also cremated on the same day but in a separate location. The bodies of the commoners had reportedly been set aside months ago, even years, in order to participate in this spectacular ceremony.

Balinese men carry a relative of a deceased member of the Ubud royal family down from a 91-foot ceremonial tower prior to the cremation ceremony.

The star of the ceremony was Agung Suyasa, head of Ubud's royal family. Suyasa died on March 28, after which his body was embalmed for more than three months. As the people of Ubud paid their respects, royal family members submitted daily offerings, including symbolic meals, to Suyasa before the final goodbye.

An effigy of the naga banda mythical dragon goes up in flames, inside of which are the sarcophogi of the most senior royals. The Balinese believe the cremation releases the souls from their bodies before being reincarnated.

In the final stage of the elaborate ceremony, the ashes of the deceased are scattered in the sea.

Ammu Kannampilly and Zoe Magee contributed to the reporting of this story.

source : abcnews.go.com

Badung in Bali Needs More Beach Safety Guards

TEMPO Interactive, Badung:
The Badung Regency Government on the island of Bali only has 100 safety guards, only 50 percent of the ideal amount.

Ideally, Badung Beach needs 200 safety guards.

“We plan to add 23 more people by the end of this year,” said Safety guard’s coordinator for the Badung Regency Made Suparka yesterday (6/10).

The beaches in Badung Regency stretch for some 75 kilometers and most beach areas are used as tourism sites.

It is recorded that 263 people have been carried away by the sea so far this year, and 13 of them have died.

ANANG ZAKARIA