Archive for March, 2008
by Asia Pulse
Indonesia´s famous resort island of Bali is now offering tourists, especially foreign vacationers, various attractions in its efforts to make the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 program a success.
Tourists who come to Bali will be entertained at a number of spectacular events, including a Bali Arts Festival, an Asian Beach Games and a photography exhibition. The province will hold the annual Bali Arts Festival from June to July 2008 to attract a maximum number of tourists, the head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, I Gede Nurjaya, said recently.
In addition, Bali would also organize at least 30 local arts and cultural festivals and other events in eight districts, I Gede Nurjaya said, adding that all the activities would be made possible thanks to the involvement of local people. Besides cultural events, Bali as Indonesia´s premier international tourist destination was also scheduled to host the first Asian Beach Games (ABG) 2008 from October 18 to 26, 2009.
“The ABG will consist of 17 sports events which will be participated in by players from Asian countries,” Chairperson of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Rita Subowo said.
Ms Subowo said sports branches in which players would compete were among others ´pencak silat´ (Indonesia´s traditional martial arts), beach sepaktakraw, beach volleyball, beach football, triathlon, sail paragliding, surfing and other water sports.
Tourists would also be able to enjoy an exhibition of the best photos produced by professional photographers on different objects, especially related to the uniqueness of Bali´s arts and culture.
The photo exhibition would be held at the Florida Key International College in the artist town of Ubud in Gianyar district for one month from March 10 to April 10, 2008, coordinator of the photo exhibition, Komang Arba Wirawan, said in Denpasar, Bali, recently.
Source: http://www.property-report.com/
March 19th, 2008
Written by Farida SuwarkoÂ
Nusa Dua – Bali, March 2008… Swiss Grand Bali is delighted to announce that it is now operating under the name of The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua (www.thegrandbali.com). This follows a change in management, which took place earlier this year and the property is no longer part of the Swiss-Belhotel International chain.  The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua is a 63 room boutique retreat located within the confines of the exclusive Nusa Dua enclave. The property was designed as a relaxing haven that harmonizes with the natural environment and offers guests a level of unprecedented luxury. Nestled within landscaped garden filled with indigenous flora, The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua now aims to promote healthy lifestyle concepts and eco-friendly tourism. The new logo adopted by the property appropriately features a single leaf in a vibrant shade of green as a reflection of this vision.  Showcasing elements of local tradition, The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua offers guests an intimate travel experience coupled with personalized hospitality that anticipates every conceivable need. Guest services include a nurturing spa centre that has been inspired by the timeless healing and beauty rituals of the island. A charming restaurant facility orientated towards the garden and pool area serves an exquisite menu of Asian and international cuisine catering for every taste preference.  The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua neighbours an 18-hole championship golf course and is in close proximity to the white sands of Nusa Dua beach. An exclusive shopping complex is also located within the enclave and features an array of boutiques, souvenir outlets, cafes and a branded department store. Â
The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua’s Director of Sales, Ms. Farida N Suwarko comments, “The name change is in line with our new vision and mission to create a healthy green environment for guests with a friendly ambience and excellent service that will provide memories to last a lifetime. The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua is an intimate property where guests will want to return again and again.”
This re-branding effectively marks the beginning of a new era for the property.
 The Grand Bali - Nusa Dua is a leading boutique resort set in the exclusive, and luxury complex of Nusa Dua. The unique resort blends the warmth of Balinese tradition with modern-day comforts to create a relaxing environment. Experience unprecedented personalized service, pristine white beaches and spacious accommodation all combined to give you memories that last a lifetime… A boutique hotel reflecting Balinese tradition The Grand Bali - Nusa Dua is a 63 room resort offering panoramic views of the garden or twin pools. The guestrooms feature air-conditioning, IDD telephones, satellite television, stereo system with CD player (suites and villas only), safety deposit box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, hair dryer, private balcony or terrace with ceiling fan, electronic key card and spacious marble bathrooms with bathtub and separate shower stall.Grand Deluxe
The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua boasts the largest 52 square meter, standard, deluxe rooms in the Nusa Dusa area. Tastefully decorated and with great views of the pool or garden, each room offers spacious bedroom and sitting areas. Enjoy the elegant marble bathrooms feature a large bathtub and separate shower stall with luxurious towels and amenities. Private terraces on some ground floor of Deluxe rooms allow guests to have direct access to the twin swimming pools.Grand Suites
Featuring a large 85 square meter bedroom and living area, these elegant suites include a terrace with a comfortable seating arrangement or traditional Balinese “day bed” for relaxation. Some suites also enjoy a large sun deck, private jacuzzi, and well-appointed dining area for entertaining in style and privacy.Grand 1 and 2 bedroom Villas with Private Pool
For the ultimate vacation, the Grand 1 and 2 bedroom Villas set a new standard of luxury. The 200 square meter premises offers an abundance of space with bedroom quarters set in a thatched-roof Balinese bungalow. Villas enjoy outdoor living areas with seating and dining facilities surrounded by lush tropical gardens, fountains, and a private swimming pool.Dining Facilities The Restaurant
Overlooking the gardens and swimming pool area, our restaurant serves a selection of the finest Asian and international cuisine. Choose from an extensive buffet or our a la carte menu. Two large traditional garden pavilions are available for intimate fine dining.Lounge Bar
A charming and friendly hotel bar serving a wide variety of drinks and light snacks. Open from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m.  The Grand Bali – Nusa Dua, Jl. Nusa Dua Selatan No 8, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Phn: (62 361) 77 66 88, Fax: (62 361 77 36 36 ) email: info@thegrandbali.com
Source: http://www.freepressreleases.co.uk/
March 19th, 2008
The exclusive suites at The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali , offers a once in a life time experience that befits the indulgence that all holiday makers should treat themselves to when holidaying in Bali.
Ranging from the expansive 390 square meters of the Imperial Suite to the intimate 60 square meters of the Honeymoon Suite, the resort’s upper levels of accommodation exemplify the standards of exclusivity and comfort expected of a Luxury Collection property.
Of the 18 suites available, the most impressive is the 2-bedroomed Imperial Suite. In a display of unsurpassed elegance and grand style befitting a private residence, the Imperial Suite is the Laguna Resort and Spa’s stately homage to unrivalled affluence.
The dining room seats 10 and furnishings are of the finest quality, a grand piano decorated with gold leaf, a Murano glass chandelier, and electric blinds that reveal stunning views across the lagoon, gardens and Bali Sea.
The suites are all fitted with the latest technology including Kinetic lighting and 42” plasma TV, a Bose sound system and wi-fi internet access. hand-picked furniture and art pieces. A private study makes time for business. Upstairs, two expansive bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms offer airy, secluded balconies , a 24-hour butler service and full kitchen facilites. There is also direct access to a private and spacious pool deck and the lagoon.
Also spanning two floors are the Sultan and Raja suites, each spanning 158 square meters. These luxurious suites include floor-to-ceiling windows which bathe the suites in exquisite natural light.
The more intimate Honeymoon, Executive and Lagoon Access suites, which measure 60 square meters of private residential style, may be smaller but they are no less luxurious.
The Honeymoon Suite offers a deeper level of intimacy for newlyweds and romantics in a dazzling white residential sanctuary furnished in soft cream hues.
All 18 luxury suites were included in the US$7.5m renovation of The Laguna Resort & Spa, which also included the extensive upgrading of the resort’s main ballroom, meeting areas and the resort’s health and fitness facility, The Laguna Spa.
The Balinese resort was voted Best Resort Outbound by travel agents and travel industry professionals in the 2007 Travel Weekly China Industry Awards.
Source: http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/
March 18th, 2008
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Twenty medical specialists from Singapore will give free medical services to Balinese, particularly those living in the Ubud area, Gianyar district, Bali Island, from March 20 to 22, 2008.
“The civic mission involving foreign doctors is to be carried out in cooperation with the Arma Ubud Museum and Singapore-based Mount Elizabeth Medical Center,” Anak Agung Gede Rai, owner of Arma Ubud Meseum said.
The medical specialists would include dentists, orthopedists, gynecologists, obstetricians and cleft-lip surgeons, he said.
The Singaporean doctors to be led by Dr. Myra Elliot will arrive on Bali Island on Wednesday (March 19).
In a similar civic mission carried out in the Ubud area last year, Singaporean medical specialists treated around 2,000 villagers.(*)
Source: ANTARA News
March 18th, 2008
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Four students of the Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) will take part in the Balinese Food Promotion to be held in Malaysia`s Nikko Hotel in Kuala Lumpur next week.
The four will leave for Malaysia on Sunday, the ISI Rector Prof Dr I Wayan Rai S said on Saturday.
The four are Ida Ayu Diah Setiari, Ni Nyoman Sumariasih, Ni Putu Diah Yeti Mahayani and Ida Ayu Indra Pratiwi, he said.
The four will perform several Balinese traditional dances during the promotion, he added.(*)
Source: ANTARA News
March 17th, 2008
Education for All by 2015
E-9 education ministers meet today in Bali
Ashfaq Wares Khan, from Bali, Indonesia
Education ministers from nine high-population and low to middle-income countries including Bangladesh will kick off the seventh E-9 meeting at Bali today.
The objective of the meeting is to brainstorm and find better solutions for achieving Education for All (EFA) by 2015 — a key component of the Millennium Development Goal.
Themed “Improvement of Teacher Education and Training as a Focus of Educational System Reform,” the high-level biennial meeting is designed to receive political will behind education policies and strategies, exchange best practices and monitor progress towards reaching the EFA.
The E-9 (’E’ for education and ‘9′ for nine countries) Initiative was launched in New Delhi, India, in 1993 to provide citizens of the nine countries with basic education as a fundamental human right and as a way to curb population explosion.
The E-9 countries comprise Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Experts from these countries met yesterday at The Westin resort in Nusa Dua to thrash out the agenda of the high-level meeting commencing today.
The experts yesterday discussed the problems surrounding the shortage of teachers and their lack of training in the E-9 countries as the situation threatens to undermine the quality of education over time.
The biggest problem identified by the education experts was difficulties in retention of teachers and failure to attract teachers to the profession due to low salaries and diminishing “prestige of teachers” in the society.
Middle-income countries shared their success in training teachers with the aid of information and communication technology — television and the Internet — which a number of low-income countries including Bangladesh are trying to replicate.
As a means to manage and control madrasa education in Muslim countries, Egypt and Indonesia shared their experience in scaling up “religious educational institutions” to mainstream the students through offering uniform education agendas and curricula.
The experts also said despite pressing priorities to meet basic educational standards, there is plenty of room for experimenting with education policy, allowing more innovative projects.
Primary education secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan is leading the Bangladesh delegation that also includes the department’s deputy secretary and Manzoor Ahmed from Brac University.
Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman and Primary Education Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury opted out of the meeting.
Primary Education Secretary Musharraf said Bangladesh has made progress on a number of fronts that offer examples to other E-9 countries.
“Bangladesh has decentralised both deployment of teachers and follow-up trainings which are best practices that can be replicated by other E-9 countries to good effect,” he added.
Although Bangladesh is one of the best performers among the E-9 countries in universal primary school enrolments and achieving gender parity, it is lagging far behind other countries in tertiary enrolments, dropout rates, and illiteracy.
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/
March 17th, 2008
(Balidiscovery) 150 officials from nine countries are expected in Bali this week at the Education for All Conference (EFA).
Scheduled to be held from March 10-12, 2008, the conference will be opened by Indonesia’s Vice President Jusuf Kalla. The conference, first held in 1995, is dedicated to eradicating illiteracy, estimated to be as high as 70% in some of the countries participating in the Bali conference.
According to a conference organizer, the Bali gathering is targeting to produce a joint declaration to reduce the problem of illiteracy.
The nine countries represented at EFA are India, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, Egypt and Pakistan. Each of these countries are “high population nations” where illiteracy, gender disparity and teacher training remain major concerns.
According to a statement issued by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): “Improving the number and quality of teachers is seen as a key to further progress and the subject is high on the agenda of this seventh meeting of the E-9 group. In some E-9 countries only 50% of teachers have received primary education training. Recognizing the critical role teachers play as catalysts for change, the meeting will thus concentrate on teacher education and training, highlighting individual country and regional experiences.”
The EFA Conference will be held at the Bali International Conference Center in Nusa Dua.
Source: www.balidiscovery.com
March 14th, 2008
Garuda Orient Holidays has released the 2008/09 edition of their iconic “Bali on ANY budget” brochure.
In a departure from the traditional Balinese themes that have graced the cover of past brochures, this year’s “Bali on ANY budget” features a stunning image of one of Bali’s many luxury properties on the front cover, with equally mouth-watering hotels appearing on the inside front  and outside back covers.
The new cover design is indicative of the wholesaler’s intention to depict Bali in a fresh, new way that is representative of the extraordinary diversity and value that Bali has to offer these days.
GOH Director, Mr. Poerwoko Soeparyono, says that the new cover showcases the Bali of today and reinforces the fact that the “Bali on ANY budget” product truly offers a Balinese experience that suits ANY budget, from the most basic to the most lavish.
Inside, the new brochure continues to offer the huge volume of helpful information and holiday choices that Australian consumers have come to expect, and caused the industry to adopt the brochure as it’s preferred Bali reference tool.
Given the volume of repeat visitors to the island, it is also appropriate that an updated airline page provides details of Garuda Indonesia’s Frequent Flyer program.
Adventure-seekers and special interest clients will be pleased to note these additions to the brochure:
- New Rip Curl School of Surf classes (page
- New product and pricing for Bali Diving Academy (page 9 - formerly Bali Hai Diving Adventures) offering easier options for casual divers to purchase local area diving in 4 locations – Nusa Lembongan Island, Tulamben (East Bali), Pemuteran (North Bali) and Gili Trawangan Island (off Lombok)
- “Tee off to Bali” (page 11) now includes pricing for 3Day/2Night “Golf Break” packages at Le Meridien Nirwana Resort and Nirwana Bali Golf
- Surfing Indo (page 13) now includes “Wave Hunter” (sister to Captain Coconuts) operating Lombok/Sumbawa surf boat trips
The Aman Resorts feature has been re-designed and now features exceptional valued Aman Packages at these leading luxury resorts.
A
lso, the ever increasing popularity of villa holidays has resulted in some new additions in the Villa Holiday section of the brochure (page 17), including:
- Sun Island Villas (previously Aston Sun Island)
- Sesari Bail (a very popular new property listing in Seminyak)
- Kupu Kupu Barong Beach Resort (previously Santi Phala) sister to Kupu Kupu Barong, Ubud and a new listing in South Kuta
- Karma Kandara and Karma Resorts Jimbaran (new listings in Uluwatu and Jimbaran)
Other new, or returning, properties to look out for include:
- Ida Hotel (page 29) in Kuta (sister hotel to Dewi Sri and Barong)
- Anantara (page 35) in Seminyak (brand new luxury suite property situated across the road from Gado Gado Restaurant)
- Outrigger O-CE-N (page36) in Seminyak (opening mid April 2008)
- Segara Village (page 40) in Sanur (returning after several years following substantial renovations)
- Melia Benoa (page 45) in Tanjung Benoa (returning to meet the resurgence in demand for “all inclusive” resorts)
- The Santosa Villas (page 65) in Lombok (formerly Intan Lombok Village, now substantially renovated)
- Bali Village Hotel (page 66) in Legian (a traditional Balinese style budget hotel)
Supplies of the new brochure are now available to select travel agents through TIFS www.tifs.com.au . An announcement will be made shortly regarding the new version of the popular e-brochure on the www.BalionANYbudget.com.au website.
Source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com/
March 14th, 2008
Irawaty Wardany , The Jakarta Post , Denpasar  |  Wed, 03/12/2008 11:46 AM |  Bali
While prohibiting public kissing is being discussed under the controversial anti-pornography bill, youngsters of Sesetan, Denpasar, continue the ancient tradition of mass public kissing and hugging in a ritual known as Omed-omedan.
The annual ritual took place on the day of Ngembak Geni (welcoming the fire), a day after Nyepi, the Hindu day of silence. This year, Omed-omedan fell on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Dozens of youngsters from the banjar (a traditional neighborhood organization) gathered in front of their organization’s hall in Jl. Sesetan to prepare for the ritual.
After praying at their temple, they marched onto the street and formed two separate groups. Huddled together, the group of boys faced the girls and anticipation filled the air.
Each group then elected someone to be the first kisser. The others surrounded the two kissers and pushed them together. As the head of the banjar instructed, the two got closer and started kissing and hugging. While the pair were kissing, a banjar official poured water on them.
The water has a symbolic meaning. It is a blessing of fertility but it also has a practical function; it prevents the young pairs from kissing each other for too long.
“This tradition has been going on for a long time,” said head of Banjar Kaja I, Wayan Sunarya.
He said the tradition started just for fun to celebrate Hindu New Year.
“An elder from Oka Sesetan temple was once cured of a disease after watching Omed-omedan, so we have continued the tradition,” he said.
He said they used to hold Omed-omedan on the same day as Nyepi but decided to shift it to Ngembak Geni (a day after Nyepi) because they did not want to disturb the day of silence.
He said they tried stopping the tradition once but it led to a strange happening in the banjar.
“One year, when we didn’t celebrate Omed-omedan, a couple of pigs started fighting in front of the banjar’s temple. They continued fighting even though people tried to separate them,” he said.
Wayan said after the village elders decided to continue the tradition, the pigs disappeared and were never seen again.
“So we are afraid to discontinue the tradition,” he said.
The tradition has a different meaning for the youngsters who participate in the event.
Desi, who has taken part in the event for the last three years, said Omed-omedan was a chance to get close someone she had a crush on.
“Unfortunately, I always get kissed by someone else. I missed my target twice,” she said grinning.
Putu Sri, another participant, said she also missed her target. Fortunately, her boyfriend Eka was not jealous.
“I managed to kiss her after she kissed him,” said Eka.
After the two-hour event, all the boys and girls rushed back to the banjar’s temple, where they held a purification ritual.
Since the tradition is unique to Banjar Kaja of Sesetan village, hundreds of Balinese locals joined the many journalists to watch the youngsters lock lips.
Source: Jawa Pos Online
March 13th, 2008
Contiki has released its new Contiki Resort Bali brochure, a 12-page full colour brochure jam-packed with everything your clients need to know about this stunning resort exclusively for 18 to 35s with packages from $45 per day.
Tammy Marshall, managing director of Contiki Holidays & Resorts said, “Our new brochure is a great selling tool for agents, with stunning images, a full wrap up of all the resorts’ features, general travel information, pricing and a whole lot more.
“Feedback from agents indicated that clients are looking to get the full low-down the resort before they book and stay, so we have invested in making this brochure as comprehensive as possible.
“The Contiki Resort Bali is a luxurious four-star resort, offering a vibrant social atmosphere for guests, so they can make new friends, socialise the day away and experience Bali’s fantastic cultural identity together, which is the spirit of the Contiki experience.
“With our expert CAPs (Contiki Action Planners) readily available, guests are in great hands, and will get the low down on sightseeing activities, day trips, going out and everything else they’ll need to know about Bali.
“The concept is simple – a four-star resort, at amazing prices designed just for 18 to 35s located in trendy Seminyak, close to all the funkiest bars and restaurants.”
Great value packages are chock-a-block full of inclusions, such as:
- Brunch daily – served from 7am to 11am, Contiki’s extensive breakfast buffet and hot food cooked to order is the perfect way to start the day
- Dinner daily – each night is different at the resort, with theme nights such as a Mexican Fiesta, Mongolian Magic, Balinese Banquet and Twilight Terrace Dining just a few of the great dining experiences on the menu
- Resort activities – from beach volleyball to basketball and everything in between clients will never be stuck for things to do
- Lagoon pool and swim up bar – it’s exactly what clients need on a tropical island holiday – colourful cocktails without having to leave the pool complex!
- Gym – fear not, gym junkies can still get a workout fix while on holiday
- Contiki Action Planners (CAPS) – Contiki Action Planners are on-hand day and night to point your clients in the right direction of the hottest bar, best place to shop, coolest activities and more. They’ll do everything from book day-trips, help plan your clients’ time on the island or let them in on a few local secrets to get the most out of their holiday
- Blue Nightclub – Contiki’s very own nightclub, one of hottest nightspots in Bali, with free entry to resort guests.
Here’s the deal. Stay four nights from $223 or stay seven nights from $373 per person (based on twin share), with extra nights from $50 per person (based on twin share).
Source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com/
March 12th, 2008
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