Archive for August, 2007
If you have trouble remembering names, try this one:
Prince Lorenz Otto Carl Amadeus Thadeus Maria Pius Andreas Marcus d’Aviano of Belgium, Duke of Modena, Archduke of Austria-Este, Prince Imperial of Austria, Prince Royal of Hungary and Bohemia.
In a more abbreviated case, His Imperial and Royal Highness Prince Lorenz of Belgium arrived in Bali last week with his wife, Princess Astrid of Belgium and their children (two princes and three princesses) for a holiday visit.
Apparently nonplussed by EU travel advisories on flying in Indonesia, the Royal Family arrived on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, onboard a Garuda Flight from Makassar to enjoy the island’s fine resorts and many attractions.
Gainfully employed as a Swiss Banker, His Imperial and Royal Highness Prince Lorenz of Belgium is known as Mr. Hasburg during in his work-day capacity.
The affable banker was created Prince of Belgium by Royal Decree in 1995, elevating his children to the rank “Prince(ss) of Belgium, Archduke/Archduchess of Austria-Este, Prince(ss) Imperial of Austria, Prince(ss) Royal of Hungary and Bohemia.”
By all accounts, on an island that has at least 9 local kings, the Belgian Royals felt right at home in Bali.
Source: www.balidiscovery.com
August 22nd, 2007
Bali’s culinary experts are attempting to promote the island’s fine dining scene by participating in the month-long Bali Dining Festival.
Some 27 restaurants are taking part in the ongoing festival, which is the first of its kind on the island and aims to promote Bali’s best chefs and restaurants.
“We’re trying to increase the culinary awareness of people about Bali. Bali has really fine restaurants but not many people know of them,” festival spokeswoman Marije Dalm said over the weekend.
The festival is one of several events being held to promote tourism to the island. The Sanur Village Festival is taking place this month, while the Kuta Carnival and Ubud Writers Festival are taking place next month.
The dining festival arrives at a time when the island is struggling through the recent blows of a human bird flu death and alcohol shortages.
Dalm said the wine and spirits shortages that have affected the island for the last two months have had an impact on restaurants participating in the festival. Dalm said the festival wanted to reach high-end vacationers to show them what Bali chefs could offer.
She did acknowledge, however, that the festival needed more promotion.
“Because it’s a new thing, people seem to be hesitant to try it,” she said.
Bali is famous for its beaches, rice paddies and rich cultural heritage. A growing numbers of five-star hotels and resorts have attracted more wealthy travelers to the island, long a popular destination for budget backpackers.
Dalm said one of the good things about Bali was that visitors could enjoy fine dining at affordable prices. Every restaurant participating in the event has prepared unique menus created just for the festival. Some restaurants also are offering private cooking classes.
Lucienne Kristy Anhar, owner of the Hotel Tugu Bali in Canggu, said guests would enjoy traditional Balinese and Javanese cooking with Waroeng Tugu’s chef Ibu Sulastri.
The festival also offers a new gastronomic experience, dubbed the Bali Dining Safari. Guests participating in the safari will enjoy three-course meals at three different restaurants, with surprise menus prepared specially for them.
Mily, from the Japanese restaurant Kaizan in Seminyak, said the festival was a good way to promote restaurants in Bali.
“It’s good promotion for us. People should know that Bali does not only offer beaches, temples and clubs, but also fine cuisine,” she said.
Dalm said organizers planned to expand the festival in future years to include smaller restaurants and cafes.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com
August 21st, 2007
DENPASAR, Aug 14 (Bernama) — More Malaysians are holidaying in the resort island of Bali in Indonesia with 43,678 arrivals recorded between January and June this year.
Bali Governor Dewa Beratha said 32,674 Malaysians visited the island during the same period last year.
Malaysians formed the fifth largest number of foreign tourists in Bali after Japan, Australia, Taiwan and South Korea, he said here after receiving a courtesy call from a group of journalists from Malaysia, Palau and Kiribati.
The journalists are here on a nine-day visit since Aug 12 organised by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry.
Dewa said Bali received about 1.2 million tourists each year including from China, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States and France.
He expected an increase in tourist arrivals this year with Bali hosting the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Conference from Sept 25 to 28 and also the International Conference on Climatic Change from Dec 3 to 14.
Source: http://www.bernama.com/
August 20th, 2007
A unique, charitable hotel & villa reservations directory has recently launched for Bali & Thailand. Travel Ethos is the first internet reservations site for hotels and villas that has the accommodation providers pay their fees / commissions directly to their nominated children’s charities in Bali and Thailand. Currently Travel Ethos supports the Bali Children’s Project in Ubud in Indonesia and the Mercy Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. This direct (with the hotel / villa) booking site also asks the accommodations providers to submit details of their ethics, environmental policies and even legality so that users of the site can determine how clean and green they are.
(PRWEB) August 13, 2007 — A unique, charitable hotel & villa reservations directory has recently launched for Bali & Thailand. Travel Ethos is the brainchild of a corruption / human rights victim and activist, Mark Austin.
Mark’s English company has been providing bespoke services to the Bali and Thailand tourism market for 8 years, but since Mark’s life was put at risk at his home in Phuket, Thailand as a result of problems with an aggrieved business competitor and the alleged illegal actions of what many — including Transparency International — consider to be one of the most corrupt police forces (Indonesia) in the world, meant his ability to maintain a commercial travel business to these destinations ended. In addition, as a result of these problems, Mark began to realise the greater problems for the people of Bali and Thailand, including their children.
Mark’s company has always supported worthwhile causes such as with free accommodation for the friends and families of Bali’s bomb victims, plus financial aid to poor families who lost their only income source when their family member was sent home without pay from the hotel where they worked due to the tourism problems, in a land without social security. His company also made a name for itself supporting where possible hotels and villas that were legal and ethical in every respect, so many not giving their own impoverished staff the service charge element they are legally entitled to. So the concept of and migration to a charitable reservations site which focused on the ethical or not operations of the hotel industry was a vary logical and easy one to make.
Travel Ethos asks for any support the media, hotel / villa owners and tourists can give it. Any hotel or villa owners in Bali or Thailand not yet listed on the site are asked to do so. Travelers are asked to use Travel Ethos’s direct reservations facility when and where they can as the commission the site earns goes directly to a needy children charity.
Please visit Travel Ethos here: www.travelethos.com - Bali & Thailand Hotels & Villas Reservations, Charitably and Ethically
Source: http://www.emediawire.com/
August 20th, 2007
Foreign tourists have restored Bali, Indonesia`s most popular tourist destination, on their world renown tourist destination map, after canceling trips to the island paradise for some time following the terrorist bombings which not only claimed the lives of hundreds of people but also devastated the local tourism sector, an official has said.
“Foreign tourist arrivals in Denpasar dropped by 47 percent following the 2002 bombings and the decline continued following the bomb attacks in 2005,” Visa Indonesia country manager Ellyana C. Fuad said in a press statement made available to ANTARA News here Friday.
The increasing flow of foreign travelers to Bali was marked by a rise in the use of credit cards by foreign tourists in Bali, she said.
“A year after the 2005 bombings, the number of foreign tourists using Visa cards grew again year-on-year and remained stable until June this year,” she said.
In the first six months of this year, Ellyana said, the use of International Visa cards grew by 39 percent compared to those in the same period last year.
Tourism industry is the source of income for Bali that the first bombing in 2002 which killed about 200 people mostly Australian holidaymakers and the second one in 2005 which murdered 26 people had affected tourism sector in the country.
The rise in the use of the credit card has not only occurred in Bali but also in Thai popular tourist destination of Phuket after it was hit by devastated tsunami in December 2004.
She said, however, the use of International Visa cards dropped in southern part of Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Sectarian conflicts in the southern parts of Thailand as well as political and social upheavals in Sri Lanka have discouraged foreign tourists to visit the two regions.
Source: www.antara.co.id/en
August 16th, 2007
Dreamland, the half finished resort on the western Bukit that leads down to the largest white sand beach in the area, is to undergo massive changes in the next 12 months. The ‘owners’ of the land which include Tommy Suharto, are planning to develop the area and the beautiful white sand beach is part of the plan.
Originally named Cimongka, Dreamland became a popular spot for intermediate surfers, due to its beach break and casual atmosphere with many beachside warungs. These warungs are destined for the garbage heap, the new developers demanding the beach be kept pristine. A section of the dry riverbed leading to the beach has been set side for the warung owners. The Bali Times has the whole story and it will be interesting to see how things turn out.
Back in 2003 locals manned a roadblock to Dreamland, demanding a small fee to access the beach. This they said was to compensate them from the illegal theft of their land by rich Jakarta businessmen. The army replaced them for a while and now it seems the developers are back in town. One long term Bali expat said to me that economically Indonesia is a country of bottom-feeders, the people having been screwed over so many times by their own government, locally leaders, and people in power. Hard not to agree and I feel sorry for the local people who lost their land. As for the warungs, maybe it was just 1 warung too many and the beach at Dreamland will look better without them. Not sure people will take to the name New Kuta Beach, better try something easy like Sunset Beach.
Source: http://www.baliblog.com/
August 15th, 2007
Despite the fact that Bali is ranked the most beautiful island worldwide every year, the government and Balinese community do not want to base their economy merely on the tourism sector. Rather, they prefer to choose the agricultural sector as the economic foundation of the region. This matter is discernible from the statistical figure indicating Balinese people predominantly (over 60%) persist with the dependence of their bread and butter on agricultural sector.
On the other hand, the economists of Bali invariably state the figure that 80% of Bali’s economy depends on tourism. However, in terms of labor force absorption, the agricultural sector remains dominant, far more than that of tourism sector.
As an island among the 17,000 belonging to Indonesia, the land of Bali suits to be overgrown by a variety of productive plants, ranging from paddy, coffee, vanilla, strawberry and other vegetables. Therefore, it is reasonable for the Balinese people to lean on the agricultural sector. Does the quality of Bali’s agricultural products remain less competitive than that of other countries? On that account, there are many agricultural enterprises developing and focusing on product quality like the utilization of organic fertilizer and so forth. To learn more, read futher articles in this issue of Bali Travel News.
Source: http://www.bali-travelnews.com/
August 15th, 2007
July 25th - August 31st
FETISh recognises the fact that objects and any physical phenomena around us do not only have a functional relatedness to us. The utilitarian outlook doesn’t fully
apply and it even becomes incapable once fetishes are concerned. FETISH exposes the fragility of human beings’ existence amid objects they themselves create, while showing the wild nature of humans’ imaginations that try to give meaning to themselves and the world around them… through FETISH. The exhibition will be held at The Biasa Gallery in Seminyak.
11th,16th, 17th,18th
The Junction is back! Prepare yourselves for Southeast Asia’s meeting point, in Seminyak, for the international house-music community; also functioning as a platform for the promotion of emerging talents. Ever since its launching in 2005, The Junction has developed into one of the most innovative and successful elements of the region’s house-music panorama, attracting names of the caliber of Martin Solveig (Mixture), Dj Gregory (Faya Combo), Mandrax (ShakeDown), Nicolas Matar (Cielo NYC), Dj Anton (future10) and many more international talents, as well as all of Indonesia’s house-music’s headliners.
15th
Double Six Club, in Seminyak, presents ‘Famous’, a well known club in Australia. ‘Famous’ is ready to shake Double Six’s grounds on 15th August with international DJs such as, Grant Smllie (TV Rock), Naro (Jak), Mark James (Aus), Derek. K (Aus), Johaness Gerhard (Can), Serotonin (Aus), Golddigger (UK), Brent Burns (Rsa), Nina (Swe), Terry Camaro (Can), Andy D’Lux (Ger), Ian Charles (UK), XLP (Aus), P-Smoke (Aus) and Fadi (Swe).
15th - 19th
The second Sanur Village Festival (SVF), from 15th to 19th August, at the Inna Grand Bali Beach and Segara Beach. Carrying a new theme ‘The new spirit of heritage’, a variety of cultural performances and arts, sporting and culinary events will be held during this five day fun-packed event. Local and international tourists, visitors from all ages, can participate and enjoy this festival with its delightful mixture of activities. Just to name a few: musical and dance performances during the opening ceremony, painting and bonsai exhibitions, a jazz festival and the official closing ceremony will be a colourful cultural parade.
Please note:
Bali Plus cannot be held responsible for any changes or cancellations that may occur.
Source: http://www.baliplus.com/
August 14th, 2007
HOTELS and bars on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali have been hit by an alcohol shortage due to an import problem, officials said today.
The tourism industry is worried that the shortages could impact the number of foreign visitors, said Djinaldi Gosana, executive director of the Bali Hotel Association.
Tourism in the predominantly Hindu island of Bali in mostly Muslim Indonesia is starting to recover after suicide bombers attacked the island in October 2005, killing 20 people.
The attacks came after more than 200 died in nightclub bombings by Islamic militants in 2002.
A trade ministry official said the state-owned firm responsible for importing alcohol for hotels and restaurants had not applied for quotas, which must be renewed every six months.
Bali’s Denpasar Post newspaper reported that the shortages followed the discovery of an alcohol smuggling ring using falsified duty stamps.
“Our members are complaining of a shortage of wines and spirits over the past two months,” Mr Gosana said.
“Apparently there’s a reorganisation at the customs department after the discovery of a smuggling ring.”
He said some outlets on the resort island had been forced to close because of the shortage.
“It’s an even bigger blow for hotels that offer all-inclusive packages. Their reputation is suffering,” he said.
According to government data, tourist arrivals in Bali rose 34 per cent to 781,059 in the first half of 2007 from a year ago.
The island will host a number of major international meetings this year, including a key UN conference in December on climate change.
Source: http://www.news.com.au/
August 14th, 2007
The author of the acclaimed Australian novel The Unknown Terrorist, Richard Flanagan, will visit Bali in September to take part in its international Ubud Readers and Writers Festival, which organisers see as helping build bridges between people of different nations and demolishing walls of misunderstanding and fear.
Mr Flanagan – winner of the 2002 Commonwealth Writers Prize – will visit the Festival from September 25-50 as a guest of Garuda Indonesia, which is also organising special travel packages to the international event, which has been described by Harpers Bazaar as among the top six literary festivals in the world.
“I was delighted to be invited to the Ubud Writers Festival for two reasons: One is that I have long wanted to learn more about Asian writing and this seemed a wonderful opportunity to meet Asian writers and learn from them,” said Mr Flanagan.
“The other is related. We live in a world in which we are encouraged to fear others and to see difference as a threat to be met with violence. These are powerful ideas and one of the great questions of our time is how to combat them. The best response that can be made to such fears and the horror it engenders on all sides, the best response we can make to the tragedy of Bali’s own bombings, is to come together and remind ourselves and others that what joins us as human beings is always greater and better than what divides us. That is, after all, what novels show us: that where ever and how ever we live, we are never alone, nor that different.
“And all of this makes Ubud—in its setting of Bali, the economy of which needs support; in its subject of books, which at their best assert an idea of a common humanity; and in its bringing together of cultures— something more than just one more writers festival. It is perhaps an idea whose time we all need to make come, and come soon. Taking part in this festival seemed to me a small but very good step I might take on that path.”
Mr Flanagan’s first novel Death of a River Guide, was described by the Times Literary Supplement as “one of the most auspicious debuts in Australian writing.’ The Sound of One Hand Clapping, his next book, was a major bestseller, selling more than 150,000 copies in Australia. Flanagan’s first two novels, declared Kirkus Reviews, “rank with the finest fiction out of Australia since the heyday of Patrick White.” Gould’s Book of Fish, his third novel, was hailed around the world as a masterpiece and won the 2002 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. His most recent novel, published in 2006, is The Unknown Terrorist. His books are published in 26 countries.
Garuda Indonesia has also supported a visit to Australia and Bali to promote the Festival by the renowned travel writer Pico Iyer, described by publishers Random House as one of the best travel writers now at work in the English language. He has emerged from a recent visit to both countries bemused at the huge difference between the fears about Bali often generated in this country and the exquisitely rich and tranquil experiences of those who actually visit there.
Garuda Indonesia’s Festival packages – from $1235* a person ex Sydney and Melbourne, $950* ex Perth and $855* ex Darwin – all include return airfares, Bali airport/Ubud transfers, four nights accommodation with daily breakfast at Ananda Cottages and Festival registration fee. Accommodation upgrades to the luxury Maya Ubud and Alila Ubud hotels are also available.
Drawing on its experience of 38 years flying millions of people to Bali in comfort and outstanding safety, Garuda Indonesia has negotiated top value packages with leading hospitality providers in Bali’s cultural capital. In keeping with the sensuous and stimulating nature of the Festival, the packages include a variety of free extras such as trekking, picnics, reflexology, massage and spa treatments – as well as incentives to stay longer and enjoy a range of complimentary dining in an area that has become noted as a gourmets delight. (see www.balionANYbudget.com.au for further information)
The Festival was named last year as ‘one of the world’s great book events’ by Conde Nast Traveler and ‘among the top six literary Festivals in the world’ by Harper’s Bazaar. The 2007 Festival, themed Sekala-Niskala | The Seen & Unseen, encompassessix days of rousing discussions, creative workshops, book launches, luscious literary lunches and dinners, a free children’s program plus poetry, theater, film, music and dance. It features more than 80 writers from 16 countries, including the winner of the 2006 Man Booker Prize, Kiran Desai; author of Raise the Red Lantern, China’s Su Tong; award-winning Australian author Richard Flanagan; and the ‘enfant terrible’ of Pakistani literature Mohsin Hamid,.
Source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com/
August 13th, 2007
Next Posts
Previous Posts