Friday, July 2, 2010

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

Sunday, June 27, 2010

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



Thursday, May 13, 2010

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.
 

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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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