Archive for September 5th, 2006
A recent article on VirtualTourist.com, talked about one guy’s experience on Kuta Beach. Kuta does have a nice beach for sure, and we are spoiled for location. It would be possible, if I was more of a water lover, to ride 1 block from Jl. Legian, park my bike, go for a swim for 30 minutes, shower off for 500rp, and carry on my day. Who knows, maybe sometime in the future I will make that a part of my day, but anyhow, its always there.
Jason Bisson, who lives in Vietnam, said that after finding a quiet patch of sand, he and his family were mobbed by vendors. In the mayhem, he agreed to pay for hair braiding at a price he did not understand. I can sympathise, the vendors do make a relaxing location, irritating and the majority of visitors to Bali I talk to, say that Kuta Beach vendors are one of the top 2 dislikes.
There is of course a way to deal with them. Its not instant, but if you are going to be around for a while, you can fade into the background. Best plan is to situate yourself in the vicinity of a drink vendor, buy all your drinks from him. Talk to him, tell him your name. After a couple of days the strolling vendors will know your name too and get the idea…hopefully.
www.baliblog.com
September 5th, 2006
For the last 2 weeks, I have been hitting a little place for lunch every day. Each warung has its own slightly different style, sometimes the rendang is generous, but the sauce is weak, other times the sauce is great but the portions small. Ocha’s, formerly Warung Roadkill, is hitting the spot right now.
Situated at the junction on Jl. Seminyak and Gang Palawa (across from Jl. Dhyana Pura), the place is in the middle of traffic land. This makes people watching super easy. I tell you, if the CIA wanted to keep and eye on Seminyak, this is where they should sit (or better still, ask an Indonesian woman to sms her friends, for the info on someone).
What do I like about Ocha’s? I like the tuna, I like the 2 kinds of sambal, I like the veg and the way they put grated cooked coconut in some dishes, Balinese style. Lunch today plus Fresh Tea was 24,000rp. Enak!!!
This is a lunch and dinner place and is extremely un-fancy.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 5th, 2006
Banging a square peg through a round hole, is standard methodology in this part of the world. If it still doesn’t fit, get a bigger mallet.
That’s what Schapelle Corby’s legal team seem to be doing. They are in the middle of a judicial review of the case, which saw her get 20 years in jail for drug importation. One of the premises was, new evidence. In particular, video evidence from Brisbane airport, taken while Corby checked in and boarded, back in October 2004.
Australian Justice Minister, Chris Ellison told Corby’s lawyers that no such video tape existed, at her 2005 trial. Despite that, the defence team applied again for video tapes from that day. Once again the Australian government replied there is no tape.
You really wonder why they feel the need to go through this. If there are any other guilty parties, one would hope evidence would shed light on their involvement.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 5th, 2006
All this talk about holiday villas and real estate brings up one important question: How does Bali stack up with it regional competitors as an investment location? Michael Martin from Exotiq Real Estate, compares Bali to Phuket Thailand.
Contrary to what some British tourists think, Phuket is not pronounced ‘Fa-Ket’, its more like ‘Poo-Ket’, something like that. Just wanted to clear that up. My first visit to SE Asia was in 1984, when I flew from London to Bangkok, visiting friends in KL eventually. One my flight (Tarom Romania…never fly Tarom!), I satnext to a 65 year old English man. He asked me where I was gonig and I told him I was landing in Bangkok, and after exploring bit, I wanted to o down to KL. He said “I’m going to a place you’v probably never heard of.” “Its a quiet island that’s just like paradise.” “Last year the owners of the hotel I stay in, threw a party for me, as I was the first foreigner ever to stay there.” “The place is called Phuket.”
I had never heard of it, but sine then Phuket exploded. An American friend of mine had his honeymoon in Phuket few years ago and described it as a combination of Hawaii and Tijuana.
Compring phukey and Bali I’d say Phuket is basically a sand bar, with great beaches, not much local culture. Bali is a multitude of things, it beaches coming in a variety of colors, though never matching the stunning white sand of Phuket.
For a holiday investment you can take your choice. Two points Michael Martin raises are cost per meter, to develop and security of your investment. At the end he leans towards Phuket, as the shakey nature of Bali’s legal system / politics, can give some poeple the shivers. For example there is a law on the books that says its illegal to build within 100 meters of the shore. Everybody does of course, but you leave yourself open. Foo for though and interesting to hear someone give some counter-arguments to investing in Bali.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 5th, 2006
Someone told me there are 2,000 villa construction projects currently going on in Bali. Who knows for sure how many there are, but in my area, Seminyak and the surrounding areas, there is certainly no shortage of existing villas, and new projects.
One company that offers high end villas is Bali Luxury Villas. ‘Live your dream!’ says the ad, ‘own Private Freehold Beachfront Estate.’ They are offering 3 bedroom luxury residences on a 400-1200 sq meter lot, starting at US$369,000. They are also offering luxury villas, with 9m pool, on-site management, ad & sales team & service, for US$249,000. They promise a return of 15%-25% a year.
As always location is the real key, and you’ll have to do your own homework on land prices in Bali, as there are huge differences, depending on area. Reading a local newspaper I picked up the 10 points, that are most important to choosing a holiday villa to buy. These are:
•1. Ideal location
•2. Complete building permits
•3. Solid deeds or licences
•4. Good size and quality
•5. Large private pool
•6. Full time maid (pembantu)
•7. Excellent management
•8. Great advertising & marketing
•9. Proper accounting
•10. Professional after service & marketing
According to one source most visitors to Bali want a villa that is a short walk to a nice beach. One thing that occured to me was that in the hot, dusty, humid atmosphere of Bali, your brand new dream villa, won’t stay that way for long. Things rot fast over here, and the elements constantly attack the structure. If you plan on renting out your villa, constant up keep and occassional renovation are necessary.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 5th, 2006
Sunday morning there was a knock on my door, familiar voices outside, not exactly Cockney, but something similar. It was Rod and Terry from Melbourne. They are in Bali for a week and are in high spirits. Rod & Terry could perform as a double act if they ever wanted too, one makes a funny comment, the other knocks it flat with ihs responce, I’m just a spectator.
Without blowing the guy’s plans, I’ll say they are eager to get out of the Kuta area and see some more of the land including north and East Bali. Relaxation is key so hiring a car might be more stress than they want (even though its actually not that stressful). Perama bus might fit Rod & Terry’s needs, as it has a handy office on lower Jl. Legian and stops at Candi Dasa, Ubud and Lovina.
Ika, Jevon and Ningrum returned from the beach and Ika made us all a cup of coffee, using a tea set she had “where did mum’s tea set come from?” I said. Rod & Terry said that after only being in Bali 4 months ago, Kuta looked the same, with no change in the shops or the people. I reckon these 2 need to get out into East Bali, find a comfortable guest house in a village and drink tuak with the locals. That’s where its at, great scenery, Balinese traditions and a slower more peaceful lifestyle. You can always find the scene in Kuta / Seminyak if you want it. I’ll catch up with them next week and hear all about it (with photos).
source : www.baliblog.com
September 5th, 2006