Archive for May, 2008
The Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, Association Mondiale de la Gastronomie, Baillage de Bali and Grand Hyatt Bali proudly presented a Japanese cuisine experience at Nampu, Grand Hyatt Bali’s authentic Japanese restaurant.
Confreire de la Chaine des Rotisseurs is an international society devoted to fine dining and the camaraderie of the table for gastronomers and culinary professionals. Bailliage de Bali – or the Bali Chapter – meets periodically-, in selected hotels-/-restaurants. For the third time, Grand Hyatt Bali has been honoured by being named the host of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotissuers.
Chef Shozo Yoshioka (known as Chef Yoshi), Chef de Cuisine of Nampu, and his dedicated team created a seamless orchestra of food and beverage presentations. “The concept of the cuisine was country-style Japanese food. The dishes were simple, yet sophisticated,” commented Chef Yoshi, who was in charge of creating the menu for the evening.
The dinner started with Zensai (a trio of a appetisers) that consisted of Angimo (Sauteed Monk Fish Liver Flavoured with Ponzu), Yarabagani Motoyaki (Baked King Crab Leg with Garlic and Kinome Leaves) and Maguro Bainiku (Yellow Fin Tuna with Plum Paste and Marinated Yam)-, complemented by Nakano Ume (Cold Plum Wine), followed by Otsukuri Sashimi (Indonesian Crayfish, Japanese Toro and Australian King Fish, Served with Nampu Wasabi and Soya Sauce)-, complemented by Petaluma Riesling.
The six-course dinner continued with Sumiyaki Kobe Gyu (Seared Kobe Beef Served with Asparagus, Myoga and Baby Eggplant)-, accompanied by E. Guigal Chateauneuf Du Pape.
Hashi Yasume (Sake and Yuzu Sorbet) was served before Kawari Age (Deep-Fried Fresh Eel and Bait Fish with Rice Crackers, Tempura Dip Served with Ginger-Flavoured
Cabbage Roll and Sake Akashi Onigoroshi (hot sake). This was followed by Gohan Gawari (Mushrooms Mixed with Sushi Rice, Topped with Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Served with Lobster Miso Chowder)-, complemented by Kubota Senju (cold sake).
The dinner concluded with a truly decadent dessert of Baked Bitter Chocolate Passion fruit Tart Served with Green Tea Mousse and Tuille, called Kanmi, complemented by Inniskillin Icewine Cabernet France 2004. Japanese tea was also served, accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets, including assorted Mochi, Soba biscuits and Yokan.
All aspects of this event represented the true essence of Japanese style. “Chef Yoshi and his team have done a great job arranging this wonderful spectacle and shown their passion as professionals in this industry”, commented Mr. Paul Wright, Executive Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage at Grand Hyatt Bali.
Source: http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/
May 19th, 2008
The Bali Dynasty Resort is improving their facilities through extensive refurbishments to their lobby areas, guest reception area and the all new family studio rooms.
The lobby
The Bali Dynasty Resort’s main lobby will be transformed whilst maintaining the lofty central teak ceiling, the introduction of white plastered ceilings at the lower level with the highest quality white Jogja Stone walls will give more light and create a more inviting and pleasant atmosphere.
The minimalist interior design with a modern central feature will give a fresh new appearance to the hotel and with the addition of a new lobby lounge and bar along with grand piano will become more of a central focus from where people can relax, enjoy the entertainment, enjoy a sunset drink or just watch the activities in the lobby.
Guest Reception area
As the final stage of the Lobby upgrade begins, the hotel reception area has been relocated to the foyer of the former Departure Lounge. The Departure Lounge has been relocated upstairs making an ideal waiting or meeting point where guests can relax with Satellite TV, Complimentary Tea and Coffee facilities, Library with Books, Magazines and Newspapers and also a Room Service menu is available. For guests with late check outs the free changing facility with Lockers and Showers is still located behind the Reception area on the ground floor.
New “Family Studio” Room
Set for completion on June 1 of this year, the “Family Studio” room will be a total of 47sqm and be able to accommodate up to 2 adults and 3 children with a fully partitioned section accommodating bunk beds and a trundle bed for the kids whilst the privacy of the master bedroom will open out onto a spacious veranda with views over the front pond.
The rooms will be minimalist in design and will feature 2 flat screen TV’s. The en suite will feature a large step in Rain shower and double basin unit will ensure sufficient room for all the family
Source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com/
May 19th, 2008
Indonesia’s island resort of Bali will soon have a modern and permanent port for foreign cruise ships.
The Bali Provincial Transportation Office hopes that after the completion of the port, foreign cruise ships passing by will take a few days to make a port call at the Indonesian island.
At least 300 luxury cruise ships, each with 1,500 to 2,000 tourists, arrive in Singapore every year after mostly bypassing Bali.
It has been estimated that even if half of the 300 cruise ships made port calls to Bali, it would have a positive impact on the tourist industry in the province, as well as on the local economy.
The new modern port for cruise ships will be built on the site of the old port of Karangasem, and should be ready in 2009.
Source: http://story.malaysiasun.com/
May 16th, 2008
Denpasar (ANTARA News) - The government through the Transportation Ministry allocated Rp20 billion in 2008 for the construction of Amuk Port in Karangasem district, Bali, for cruise ships.
“The allocation of funds is the second phase after the Transportation Ministry disbursed Rp10 billion for the same project in the year before,” chief of the Bali Transportation Office Putu Sujana Cahyanta said here on Thursday.
He said the special port for tourist cruise ships was under construction by the Karangasem district administration in cooperation with the central government.
The port is expected to be in operation in September next year.
Putu Sujana said the port is built on a 3.5-hectare plot of land in Karangasem district.
“The modern and permanent port is expected to be completed in September 2009 because scores of foreign cruise ships were ready to visit Bali,” Putu Sujana said.
He expressed hope that after the completion of the port, foreign cruise ships passing Indonesian waters would take a few days to make a port call in the Indonesian resort island of Bali.
“Luxury cruise ships carrying tourists from other countries to Singapore are expected to call at Bali as well after the modern, permanent port is ready,” Putu Sujana said.
He pointed out that at least 300 luxury cruise ships, each with 1,500 to 2,000 tourists, arrived in Singapore every year.
“The floating hotels on their way to a number of countries in Asia usually pass through Indonesian waters, and therefore they are expected to make a call at in Bali when the port is ready,” Putu Sujana said.
He estimated that even if only a half of the 300 cruise ships call at Bali, it would have a positive impact on the tourist industry in the province, as well as on the local people`s economy.
Putu said at least 17 cruise ships with thousands of foreign tourists called at the old port in Karangasem in 2007, and 15 cruise ships in 2006.
He said before the Bali bombing tragedy, more than 20 cruise ships called at Bali, and in 1995 some 70 of them with hundreds of thousands of tourists arrived in the resort island.(*)
Source: ANTARA News
May 16th, 2008
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is proud to announce the opening of its new, multi-function meeting room, ‘Jepun Sari’, which has already been hailed as ‘the largest private room in Bali with an ocean view’.
Built in a traditional Balinese architectural style that blends seamlessly with the grace and ambience of the Resort, Jepun Sari is characterised by a soaring, ‘alang alang’ thatched roof, a wrap-around terrace, and an abundance of space and light. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls maximise the spectacular views across Jimbaran Bay, yet a series of blinds can be dropped, if required, to provide a blackout facility.
This impressive air-conditioned building has been custom designed not only to host business incentives and executive gatherings, but also to accommodate larger indoor weddings. Its spacious interior has the capacity for up to 150 business guests for a corporate meeting or small conference, or up to 90 guests for a sit down meal, therefore making Jepun Sari the ideal venue for receptions, reunion celebrations, parties, theme dinners, corporate functions, seminars, conventions, product launches and social events.
The room can be set up in a number of different styles including classroom, theatre or boardroom style. It is complete with a readily available, full range of audio-visual, business, presentation and PA equipment, including a hi-tech built-in screen. Furthermore, the Resort’s professional, innovative planners are on hand to support organisers by tailoring to the specific needs of each particular group, while a specialised team of technical and service staff is trained to cater to every aspect of function and meeting requirements. Jepun Sari is complemented by the exemplary facilities of the Resort, including gourmet cuisine, luxurious villa accommodation and a holistic spa.
Source: http://www.etbmice.com/
May 15th, 2008
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Unesco Director General Kaichiro Matsura is expected to be a keynote speaker at the first Bali Cultural Congress which is to be held in conjunction with the opening of the 30th Bali Arts Festival on June 14, 2008.
Kaichiro Matsura will be one of six foreign speakers in the three-day congress on June 14-16, according to information from the organizing committee.
The five other international speakers would be Dr Shangkar Dhayal Dvivedi of Uthar Prodesh University in India, Prof Jenskin of the United States, Adrian Vickers of Australia, Shenji Yamasitha of Japan, and Dr Mark Hobart of Britain.
In addition to the six foreign speakers, nine national culturalists will also speak at the congress which is expected to be attended by at least 400 people.
The national speakers would be among others Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, Putu Wijaya, and Prof Komang Gede Bendesa, and 12 local speakers from Bali.
Meanwhile, Bali Cultural Office chief I Nyoman Nikanaya expressed hope that the Bali Cultural Congress would be able to formulate something important for the province in the globalization era. (*)
Source: ANTARA News
May 14th, 2008
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has protested against a plan to build hotels and villas in a number of districts in Bali province in support of the tourism industry.
Anak Agung Wardana, chief of the Walhi chapter in Bali, said on Monday he had written to the Tabanan, Karangasem and Badung district heads to reconsider the plan.
Two of the hotels will be built at Wangaya Betan, Tabanan district, and Padangbai village, Karangasem district, while one of the villas will be built near Uluwatu Temple in Badung district.
Wardana feared if the projects were realized they would have an impact on the environment and the Balinese people`s social order.
“We lodge the protest to follow up on complaints from the local people who want the district heads to provide them with correct information and give them access to participate (in preserving the environment),” he said.
The move was aimed at enabling the people who would be affected by the projects and cared about the environment to get involved in any decision making process, he said.
Under Law No. 23/1997 on the Environment Management and Bylaw No. 4/2005 on Pollution Control and Environmental Destruction, every citizen was entitled to obtain correct information on and participate in environmental management, he said.
(*)
Source: ANTARA News
May 13th, 2008
(Balidiscovery) Nikko Bali Resort & Spa will host its 3rd Open Golf Tournament on Saturday June 7, 2008, at the Bali Golf & Country Club, Nusa Dua. Play will be based on a Callaway scoring system with three hole-in-one prizes of a Ford Ranger, Nissan Livina and Samsung LCD 52 inch A-650 television on offer.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with tee-off commencing at 01:00 p.m.. Joining fee for the tournament is Rp.1.400.000 (US$152) for the public. Registration covers all playing charges, a light luncheon and drinks during tournament, an official tournament golf shoe bag, polo shirt and an end-of-the-day cocktail reception and awards dinner at the Nikko Bali Hotel.
Even the less skilled golfers have the opportunity to win prizes with lucky draw, including round-trip tickets to Surabaya and Jakarta and accommodation packages.
For more information and registration contact Ms. Iva or Mr. Taufik on telephone: +62-(0)361-773377.
Source: www.balidiscovery.com
May 12th, 2008
By Reena Amos Dyes
Summer vacations are round the corner and it’s that time of the year when people start making their holiday plans and reservations.
So if you are all set to pack your bags and head out of the UAE this summer, then why not try out the Anantara Resort in Bali’s uber-chic Seminyak district.
Once there, enjoy early-morning walks amidst landscaped gardens, surrounded by the natural beauty of the pristine Seminyak beach. Or experience the toast-famed sunsets, explore the enviable line-up of chic restaurants and boutique shops and indulge in its trendy nightlife.
Anantara Resort Seminyak is situated on a stunning beach under a canopy of greenery, from where you can see the azure Indian Ocean. The 59 suites are infused with all the touches of 21st century convenience and feature expansive, free-flowing living spaces with Balinese-inspired décor, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows. You can take in views of the sparkling ocean from signature terrazzo hydro tubs from your own private balcony.
However, if you want to enjoy the ultimate luxury then be sure to check into the Anantara Penthouse suite. Michael Sagild, COO of Anantara told Emirates Business: “Being a boutique resort, Anantara Seminyak only has 59 rooms and 12 have direct access to one of the three pools. Guests can step straight out of their rooms into a refreshing pool within seconds.
“The resort has several luxuries for guests to take advantage of, but the penthouse suite is a truly breathtaking feature. The suite is spread across 420 sqm and has beach-front views and a private beach access.”
Offering sweeping 180-degree ocean view, this Dh18,365 a night penthouse suite is the embodiment of the ultimate luxury experience.
It consists of two bedrooms, a lounge, library, kitchen, bar and dining area in an open-plan style.
Outdoors, it features a concept pool with a glass roof, spacious sundeck with Weber barbecue area, loungers, daybeds and a jacuzzi.
Let the butler indulge your every whim, from arranging spa treatments, private yoga and meditation sessions, to sunset cocktails prior to a lobster barbecue on the private deck. If it’s nature and new experiences you want, then the possibilities to explore hidden corners of the island and to enjoy extraordinary experiences are endless here.
Michael Sagild said: “A very special activity to add to the Anantara experience is the Discover Seminyak tour of Bali in a Vespa sidecar.
“For a truly cultural experience guests can enjoy a visit from a Bali spirit man. During the session the spirit man will take you through a cleansing ritual, meditation in tiered rice paddies and a visit to a nearby temple.”
If you are not spiritually inclined, then dive into the ocean for an up-close discovery of Bali’s famous coral reefs or take up surfing lessons. Michael Sagild said: “Seminyak is known for its great surf conditions so we provide lessons for all levels at the resort. We also offer kite flying, an activity very close to the cultural roots of Bali.”
However, if you are the adventurous kind then a hike to volcanic hinterlands will no doubt provide endless enjoyment, while boundless thrills are guaranteed from tours on Harley Davidsons to elephant back rides. Round off an adventurous day by relaxing at one of three pools overlooking the ocean or enjoy an invigorating Thai massage, ancient Ayurvedic spa therapy or the signature spa treatment utilising long-pressure treatments and local oils at the Anantara Spa.
“The Anantara Spa, located on the sixth floor, provides an extensive luxury spa menu complimented by amazing views over the tree tops of Bali,” Sagild said.
A number of popular water sports and activities can be enjoyed, while the fitness centre is well equipped to work up a sweat. And if you get thirsty hit Sunset on Six, a rooftop bar that has stunning sunsets on the menu along with tall and cool designer drinks.
So don’t think twice. Go ahead and book yourself for the newest Anantara experience in Bali, the island of gods.
Source: http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles
May 12th, 2008
I will be in Jakarta in June and intend to take a seven-day break while in Indonesia, to Bali. I am traveling independently, so can you advise which is the cheapest and most reliable airline that I should book with, and should I book the ticket now, or when I get to Jakarta? - Peter Morton, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds:
There have been a spate of air crashes in Indonesia over recent years, and the situation has got so bad that the EU has added all Indonesia-based carriers to its banned list - see http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm. It means that the EU aviation authorities feel the airlines there all fall short of acceptable safety standards.
Everyone who’s ever been to Indonesia has an airline horror story mine was in Sumatra on an old Merpati airlines plane with black smoke billowing from the for right engine so for time being, you are better off booking with on alternative carriers.
Until recently this wasn’t possible, and you’d be stuck with Garuda (www.garuda-indonesia.com), Lion Air (www.lion.co.id), which has new aircraft and uses the accidentally menacing strap line ‘We make people fly’, or Adam Air (so bad that it has even been grounded by the Indonesian government).
But now there Malaysia-based Air Asia provide budget style domestic flights inside Indonesia with a young fleet of Boeing 737s.
As with Low Cost Carriers anywhere else in the world, you should book as early as you can to get the really cheap fares. Right now, Air Asia has return fares from Jakarta to Bali (Denpasar), including taxes, from £41.
Most UK-based travel web sites won’t quote you fares inside Indonesia, but an exception is Alternative Airlines (0871 222 9222, www.alternativeairlines.com), which has fares with Garuda and Air Asia.
Source: http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/
May 9th, 2008
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