Archive for August 11th, 2006
Tuesday morning I went to CitiBank on Jl. Teuku Umar in Denpasar to open a checking account. Citibank is a business bank, that deals in large scale clients. What does that have to do with me?
Where banking is concerned, I am small scale, but the thing I like about Citibank is it is a well respected, international bank, with branches everywhere and even lounges at airports in Indonesia. Banks in Indonesia are unregulated, you can start your own if you have the cash.
The idea of getting paid via a Citibank account and avoiding the ATM costs of my other account, is attractive. Citibank has a bright and shiny building and is very easy to locate (if I can find a place in Denpasar, its easy to locate), and the staff bury you in ‘Ba Paks’. It’s a super nice place, in no way like BNI, or any of those other places, where its cattle call to get to the counter. There is a reason for all this, I found out.
In order to open a CitiBank account in Denpasar, you need to maintain a balance of US$5,000 and have KITAS. No KITAS, no account. I thanked them and was about to leave, when the sales staff informed me that I could open an account in Singapore, without KITAS! Awesome, sign me up, I’ll get an ATM card and we’re rocking’. Read the small print: You don’t need KITAS, you do need US$20,000 as a minimum balance. How many people do you know who keep $20,000 handy in their checking account? I don’t know any and certainly am not one who can.
Oh well, its was a nice look at how the big boys bank. CitiBank and its staff seem very professional, and if I win the California lottery I might go back.
source : www.balibogcom
August 11th, 2006
Bali is situated in the tropics and as so is a petri-dish for bacteria. People get their water either piped, in the city, from a well, or from a stream. Should you drink the tap water in Bali?
The answer is no. Pouring yourself a glass of water out the tap and drinking it probably won’t kill you, or even make you sick…first time. Its just not a good idea. In my house we have barrels of water and a dispenser, though I have on many occasions, filled a kettle with tap water and made a cup of tea.
Cleaning my teeth I use tap water, and I’m still here. Up in the mountains it gets even better. A friend told me that up in Batukaru, he did a water test, and his stream has less particles that the bottled water!
Most restaurants and warungs now wash their salads and other items in bottled water, or have a water purifier. Most people have figured out that poisoning the customers isn’t a long term strategy.
So don’t worry if you get a mouthful of water, just don’t go guzzling it.
source : www.baliblog.com
August 11th, 2006
The amount of duty free goods you are allowed to bring into Bali are as follows: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco / 1 liter of alcoholic beverage.
The 1 liter can be either wine or liquor, they don’t make exceptions because its weaker. If you do attempt to bring in more and the Customs find it, they will either confiscate the extra, or ask for a ’surcharge’ so you can keep it.
Denpasar airport has a Duty Free Shop at International Departures, selling a range of the usual stuff you’ll find worldwide, including liquor, fragrances and cigarettes. DFS have duty free shopping outlets in Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and the airport in Bali
If you are staying in Bali and want cheap liquor, wine, cigarettes, then my advice is to get on the Bypass and head towards Sanur. About 100 meters BEFORE Macro supermarket, is an unmarked place with a green door, on the left side of the highway. Its open Mon-Fri 9-5pm, or thereabouts. Knock down prices, as good as Duty Free.
source : www.baliblog.com
August 11th, 2006
Here is a list of cargo companies in Bali, who will assist you in everything from packing, shipping, air, sea freight.
Aerotrans
Cargo, Courier, Logistic
Jl. Pulau Saelus 78B
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361)7418740
FAX (0361)257589
Cell 081 8366239
aerotraans@avi-indonesia.co.id
Bali Baik Cargo.PT
International Freight Forwarder
Jl. Raya Kuta 41
Kuta 80361
Bali
Phone (0361)759330
FAX (0361)753460
balibaik@indo.net.id
Bali Bela Cargo
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X
Nusa Dua
Bali
Phone (0361)702816
FAX (0361)702817
bbb@indo.net.id
http://www.belabm@eksadata.com
Bali Reka Mandiri.PT
International Air & Sea Forwarder
Jl. Raya Mudung Sari 96X
Kerobokan
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361)844576
FAX (0361)430276
ptbareka@dps.centrin.net.id
http://www.ptbareka.com
Bayus Cargo.PT
International Freight Forwarding
Jl. Raya Kerobokan Kelod 55
Kuta 80361
Bali
Phone (0361)735363
FAX (0361)7422313
pt_bagus@yahoo.com
http://www.bayuscargo.com
Catur Armada Jaya.PT
Sea & Air Cargo Service
Jl. Tunjung Sari
Denpasar 80117
Bali
Phone (0361)7446493
FAX (0361)410960
cajcgo@indo.net.id
Citra Andalas Bali Cargo
Handicraft, Furniture & Trading Exporter
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai #58
Denpassar
Bali
Phone (0361) 464408
FAX (0361)464408
cab_cargo@telkom.net
Dayu Andalan.CV
Sea & Air Frieght
Jl. Bypass Ngurag Rai 542
Sanur
Denpasar
Phone (0361)285543
FAX (0361)285545
andalan@dps.centrin.net.id
Dwi Bagus Bali Cargo
Jl. Tangkuban Perahu
Gang Padang, Galeria 5X
Denpasar 80117
Bali
Phone (0361)735603
FAX (0361)735604
dwibagus@dps.centrin.net.id
http://www.dwibagusbali.com
Intai Rainbow. PT
Packing, Shipping, Air, Sea Cargo Forwarder
Jl. Raya Kuta 49
Denpasar 80361
Bali
Phone (0361)730740
FAX (0361)755138
intairainbow@yahoo.com
Intan Pramana Cargo.PT
Air & Sea Freight Forwarder
Jl. Raya Seminyak 58
Kuta
Bali
Phone (0361)730740
FAX (0361)730741
gustialit28@hotmail.com
Internusa Cargo
International & Domestic Freight Forwarders
Jl. Suwung Batan Kendai #54 Sesetan
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361)723697
FAX (0361)723698
bali@internusa.co.id
http:www.internusa.co.id
Keraton Bagus Group
Jl. Danau Poso 89
Sanur
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361)289126
FAX (0361)282669
kr-bagus@indo.net.id
http://www.keratonbagus.com
Lintas Benua Cargo
Jl. Raya Andong
Ubud 80571
Bali
Phone (0361)7436710
FAX (0361)977896
lintasbenua@telkom.net
Lokia Cargo.PT
Sunset Rd. Timur #16
Kuta 80571
Bali
Phone (0361)759717
FAX (0361)759950
lokia@indo.net.id
Naval Cargo
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 98B
Sanur
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361)286382
FAX (0361)286409
Cell 081 23801691
info@navalcargo.com
http://www.navalcargo.com
Nikki Cargo
Perumahan Bumi Dalung
Permai, Blok L-32
Kuta
Bali
Phone (0361)413296
FAX (0361)438807
nikkibali@nikkibali.com
http://www.nikkibali.com
Prasada Bali Utama.CV
Buying Agent & Exporter
Jl. Tukad Balian 7B Renon
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361) 238152
FAX (0361)238154
pbu@telkom.net
Sarwa Sarinadi.PT
Internationa Cargo & Trading
Jl. Bung Tomo #21X
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361)415018
FAX (0361)415018
ss-cargo@indo.net.id
http://www.sscargo.com
Surya Indo Buana.PT
International Cargo Agent
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 99A
Tuban
Bali
Phone (0361)701935
FAX (0361)701935
Svasti Cargo
International Cargo Service
Jl. Raya Kuta 58B
Kuta
Bali
Phone (0361)755027
FAX (0361)765590
svasti@dps.centrin.net.id
Toh Jiwa Niaga.PT
Integrated Transportation & Distributors
Jl. Gunung Tangkuban Perahu 3E
Kerobokan
Kuta
Bali
Phone (0361)733924
FAX (0361)730210
tohjiwa@indosat.net.id
http://www.tohjiwa.com
Unik International Cargotama
Packing-Shipping & Export-Import
Jl. Danau Poso 59 Sanur
Denpasar
Bali
Phone (0361)270723
FAX (0361)281456
unikinti@dps.centrin.net.id
http://www.unikinternational.com
Yasa Bali Sujati.PT
Cargo, Export, Import, Trading
Jl. Mertasari 5A
Kerobokan
Kuta 80361
Bali
Phone (0361)736201
FAX (0361)735978
ybscargo@telkom.net
http://www.ybscargo.com
August 11th, 2006
Nusa Dua has a expo going on right now featuring a display of export products, and cultural performances. The expo started August 9th and runs till August 20th.
Here is a schedule of events at the BigExpo:
August 10th - Fashion Day - Models by C & C and Free Stlye Studio. MD by Bagus Saka Putra.
August 11th - Bali Classic Night - Gambuh composed by I Nyoman Cerita, SSt.MFA
August 12th - East Meets West - Barong Sai from Tanah Kilap and Classic Trio
August 13th - Family Day - Wayang Kulit performance and Puppet Exhibition. Music by Red Carpet
August 14th - Archipelago Dance by Mrs.Marta Sirait Group, Jakarta
August 15th - Bondres Dance by Dwi Mekar, Singaraja
August 16th - Brand Management Seminar by AdhitrinAnto. ‘How to Earn Handsome Profit while enjoying Life in Paradise’by lawrence Bellefontaine.
August 17th - Hari Merdeka - Drum Band Corps music by Batalion Kavaleri and Pasopati Band.
August 18th - Tek-tek an from Kerambitan and Sehati Quartet.
August 19th - Saturday Sensation - Barong Lawang and Joged Bumbung.
August 20th - Closing Ceremony - music by the Wheels and Thunder. DJ Wilson (Wilmax) feat. Adith Percussion. Sexy dancer.
Daily entertainment from 6pm - 10pm
BigExpo
Blok C
Bali Collection
Nusa Dua
Information: (0361) 7899670
source : www.baliblog.com
August 11th, 2006
Is Bali still a paradise island? We could knock that question around and around for the next 20 years, togéther with ‘what is the meaning of travel’ and ‘what is happinness’.
Recently travelling on the London Underground, I saw sets of posters with repeating images. A man in a tent on a deserted beach, sunbathers on a deck, the man in the tent, and again the sunbathers. Captions under each said “Heaven, Hell, Hell, Heaven.” Basically one man’s pleasure is another man’s pain.
Same thing goes for Bali. Kuta and Seminyak are not the idyllic tropical fantasy anymore, they are tourist areas. If you want ‘Bali in the 1920’s’ complete with temples, dances, rituals, half naked locals etc. head to the hills and villages, you’ll find it. Most visitors do not want that. They prefer mixed drinks, shopping and party, party. A long-time Bali expat once said to me, that Bali just keeps getting better. I guess those who used to live on grilled fish, and banana pancakes, don’t long for the old days.
Here’s an article from the Jakarta Post that mentions this subject, and the direction of Bali tourism.
Tourism desperately needs new brand image to recoverOn Aug.14, Bali province, Indonesia’s prime tourist destination, will commemorate its 48th anniversary. The province is currently facing challenges in revitalizing its sluggish tourism business. The Jakarta Post’s Rita A. Widiadana talked to a number of key industry players.
The image of Bali as a “paradise island” and “island of the gods” is wholly inappropriate under the current circumstances.
These romanticized, utopian views were created long ago by pioneering visitors who saw the island’s “virginity,” characterized by an unspoilt natural environment, exotic culture and rich tradition.
With bombings in October 2002 and 2005, security and health problems (including rumors of the spread of SARS and, most recently, avian flu), as well as environmental and social degradation, it is indeed difficult to continue branding Bali as a safe haven for tourists and a top holiday destination.
If you need further proof of this, visit a travel agency in Japan or in one of big cities in neighboring Australia, once Bali’s largest inbound markets.
A number of top people in Bali’s tourism and hospitality industry were curious. They visited travel agencies in some Australian cities, asking whether Bali holiday packages were available as no posters or brochures were to be seen at their offices.
Only a few years ago, large, attractive posters and glossy brochures on Bali were on view everywhere in Australia.
Suddenly, all the information on Bali disappeared. “Yes, we still have that package,” said a travel agency employee while reluctantly taking out a small brochure from her locker.
“Holidaymakers here have started to abandon Bali for other destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, Fiji and other interesting places in the Pacific islands,” she said, somewhat flatly.
Back in Bali, hoteliers confirmed the downturn in the Australian market, which formerly accounted for more than 50 percent of the one million tourists who vacation in Bali every year.
Bali Hotels Association chairman Michael Burchett said on the weekend that there has been a crucial demographic shift in Bali’s tourist market. Currently, the market is experiencing a rise in tourists from Taiwan and Russia, with fewer Australian and Japanese guests.
“Many in the government and from survey agencies are often mesmerized by the increase in tourist arrivals, which is often misleading,” Burchett explained.
Statistics show that in June this year, the number of tourist arrivals in Bali reached 109,651, 7.7 percent up on the May figure of only 101,776.
This relatively insignificant rise has provided false hope to many officials, who may now be thinking that Bali is already back on its feet. “Bali has recovered,” Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik has often said.
The reality is rather more stark. “The majority of our new guests spend less time and money, reflecting the changing market. Bali has not recovered yet,” confirmed Burchett, also general manager of Conrad Bali Resort and Spa, Tanjung Benoa.
This means that the industry is earning a reduced income, employers receive less in service charges and the community gets a very meager share of tourist spending. “The industry is facing a dire financial situation, as are the people of Bali in general,” he explained.
According to a report by Bank Indonesia, the central bank, international travelers have reduced their length of stay in Bali from an average 4.01 days in 2003 to 3.12 in 2006.
Hotel occupancy rates were an average of 56.42 percent from June to September, traditionally Bali’s peak season.
Since the 2005 bombings the island’s hospitality industry has been losing around US$2.5 million per day because tourists have gone elsewhere.
*****
The declining popularity of Bali on the world tourist market has become the greatest challenge to the Indonesian tourist industry since Bali is its crown prince.
Bali has provided the largest share of revenue of the country’s $5.1 million annual income from tourism.
The central government in Jakarta appreciates the importance of boosting tourism in Bali. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono set aside a special fund amounting to Rp 67 billion (the Bali Recovery Fund) soon after the 2005 bombings.
Early this year, head of Bali Tourism Office Gede Nurjaya and chairman of Bali Tourism Board Bagus Sudibya told the media that part of the recovery fund, a sum of Rp 37 billion (US$3.9 million) would be disbursed for use on a variety of promotional activities.
“With the disbursement of these funds, we shall immediately launch a number of initiatives to assist in the recovery,” Nurjaya said happily.
The delay in disbursement, he said, was mainly due to a reshuffle of the Cabinet economics team.
That was seven months ago.
As of the end of July, the promised funding did not appear. “It was becoming extremely frustrating to all stakeholders in the Bali tourism industry,” Nurjaya said.
Just recently, industry people urged Jero to disburse the fund immediately, as the ministry had held it for so long, apparently due to government inefficiency and excessive red tape.
With the money in hand, the industry will launch campaigns in major markets, especially Australia and Japan. A private company has been appointed to help design marketing strategies, promotional efforts and the rebranding of Bali’s image on the world market.
This time, the Bali tourism industry, due to its deep frustration, is urging Jakarta to take the issue very seriously. “We’ve been waiting (for the disbursement of the recovery fund) for so long and this is not the time to play games,” Burchett said.
A lack of recovery will mean no job for many locals, and less revenue for the industry, the government and the people.
With more than 40 percent of the island’s 3.1 million population relying for a living on tourist-related activities, a slow and indistinct recovery is could well exact a huge cost in terms of social and economic unrest on the “paradise isle”.
My take on all that: Short term Bali might struggle. Long term Bali will do great, with plenty of foreign investment, new expats, resorts, hotels, villas, schools, services.
source : www.baliblog.com
August 11th, 2006
Australia’s official line on capital punishment, is that it is barbaric, and should not be allowed anywhere. The Australian government has in the past, and will again, use that stance to plead leniency for Aussies convicted of serious offences overseas.
The only fly in the ointment, is the statement made by Prime Minister John Howard, referring to the death sentence, handed out to Bali Bombers, Amrozi and crew. Mr Howard said he does not oppose the execution of those behind the Bali bombing. Other Australian politicians have voiced similar comments.
This non-opposition, raises the questions, ‘is a barbaric punishment ever justified?’ and also ‘who decides when?’ Aussies, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan are in line for execution in Bali, barring some legal miracle. Legal experts in Australia, are warning that the government’s split personality over the death penalty, could hurt the chances of those like Sukumaran and Chan. Here’s more from ABC NewsOnline.
source : www.baliblog.com
August 11th, 2006
Here is a list of the Public Holidays in Bali in 2006.
Sunday January 1, 2006 New Year’s Day
Tuesday January 10, 2006 Idul Adha 1426H
Sunday January 29, 2006 Chinese New Year 2557
Tuesday January 31, 2006 Moslem New Year 1427H
Thursday March 30, 2006 Hari Nyepi or Bali ’s Day of Absolute Silence
Monday April 10, 2006 Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed S.A.W.
replacing the official date of April 11, 2006
Friday April 14, 2006 Good Friday
Thursday May 25, 2006 The Ascension of Jesus Christ
Thursday August 17, 2006 Indonesian Independence Day
Monday August 21, 2006 Isra’ Mi’raj Nabi Muhamad S.A.W.
Monday October 23, 2006 Cuti Bersama
Tuesday & Wednesday October 24-25, 2006 Idul Fitri
Thursday & Friday October 26-27, 2006 Cuti Berama
Monday December 25, 2006 Christmas Day
Sunday December 31, 2006 Idul Adha 1427H
•New Year’s Day
We’re all familiar with this one. New Year’s Day in Bali is spent recovering from New Year’s Eve. Kuta Beach will be busy with tourists from overseas, as well as other parts of Indonesia.
•Idul Adha
This Moslem holiday celebrates Mohammed’s will to sacrifice his son for Allah, and Allah responding by killing a goat in his place. Moslems will be attending prayers at local Mosques and goat satay will be eaten around town. Tourists will probably not be aware of anything going and and there are no tourist related events.
•Chinese New Year
This holiday is traditionally a ’stay at home holiday’ for Chinese people, meaning they celebrate behind closed doors with family. Many restaurants and bars will try to cash in by hanging red Chinese lanterns and serving up something appropriate. Hard Rock Cafe and other nightlclubs (Bahiana in Seminyak etc.) will put on some kind of event to mark the occasion.
•Moslem New Year
(Muharram in Arabic) celebrates the year 1427, in the Moslem calendar. Celebrates Noah leaving the ark on Mount Ararat. It was originally suggested as a fast day by Mohammed, but later became associated with the death of his grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, who was killed on this day in the Battle of Karbala. This is not a tourist event in Bali.
•Nyepi
Nyepi, the Day of Silence is an island-wide ritual cleansing. Evil spirits, that have been chased away the night before, by towering ogah ogah monsters, will return. Everyone in Bali must stay inside, using no lights, making no sounds and acting as if no one is in. This is a very special day for the Balinese and there are no flights in or out of Bali for 24 hours. As a tourist, you might want to leave Bali for a couple of days to Lombok, or check into a resort, where the rules are more relaxed. Nyepi finishes at first light the next day.
•Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed
The birthday of the prophet Mohammed. This is actually the anniversary of his death, and is also oberserved in that sense. This is not a tourist event in Bali.
•Good Friday
Good Friday is a holy day celebrated by most Christians on the Friday before Easter or Pascha. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary. Special prayer services are often held on this day with readings from the Gospel accounts of the events leading up to the crucifixion. The Protestant Church in Seminyak welcomes tourists, who feel to need to talk to The Lord.
•The Ascension of Jesus Christ
This day celebrates Jesus ascending to heaven, and being resurrected soon after. Special services will be held at churches.
•Indonesian Independence Day
This is the Indonesian equivelant of the 4th of July, a day of national pride. It commemorates Indonesia’s independence from the Dutch. The Indonesian Declaration of Independence was officially read at exactly 10.00 a.m. on Friday, August 17, 1945, thus ended the three and a half years of Japanese rule after 350 years of Indonesia being a Dutch colony.
Indonesians will watch TV parades and speeches and decorate every street and alley with the red and white national flag.
•Isra’ Mi’raj Nabi Muhamad
Muslim holiday.
•Cuti Bersama
National holiday for all.
•Idul Fitri
Marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Fitr means “to break” and therefore symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period and of all evil habits. On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family gets up very early and attends special prayers held only for the occasion in big mosques, in large open areas, stadiums or arenas. The prayer is generally short, and is followed by a khutba. The festivities and merriment start after the prayers with visits to the homes of friends and relatives and thanking the Creator for all blessings.
•Cuti Berama
National holiday for all.
•Christmas Day
Christ’s birthday. Most Balinese do not care about this holiday, though the marketing machine will be in gear in every hotel and resort. Restaurants around town may offer Christmas dinner. Kori Restuarant on Poppies II, in Kuta, is a good place.
•Idul Adha
This Moslem holiday celebrates Mohammed’s will to sacrifice his son for Allah, and Allah responding by killing a goat in his place. Moslems will be attending prayers at local Mosques and goat satay will be eaten around town. Tourists will probably not be aware of anything going and and there are no tourist related events.
Both Balinese Hindu and Moslem holidays use a lunar calendar, though are not exactly the same. Therefore, dates for Balinese and Moslem events change every year, including Nyepi and the holy month of Ramadan.
source : www.baliblog.com
August 11th, 2006
Indonesia is a country that is often the subject of foreign travel advisories. While Indonesia has no control over this, it recognizes the negative effect the advisories have on the economy.
Australia has had travel advisories against Indonesia ever since the 2002 Sari Club bombings. Considering there have been major terror events in London, Spain, the US and other places, Indonesia feels slighted that Australia has a separate set of guidelines for it.
Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Pangestu, was in Canberra today and raised the issue. Here’s more from The Australian.
Whatever happens, I know 1 less travel warning against Bali will help.
source : www.baliblog.com
August 11th, 2006