Archive for January, 2009
Club Med Bali has been given a brand new look, with extensive renovations to the Resort, revitalizing the now lavishly stylish village – all set in hectares of stunning beachfront location, within the popular holiday resort destination, perfect for couples, and families alike.
Special opening rates, with the second person only paying half price are on offer at Club Med Bali when you pay for 6 nights – but stay for 8 nights. For sale from Jan 28 till April 30, and for travel between 28th Jan – 31st October 2009.
Premium all inclusive packages start from $2644 (with 2nd person half price at $1804 ) ex Perth; $2942 first person ex Sydney and Melbourne and $2102 for the second or $2651 ($1811 2nd person ) ex Brisbane; and 9 nights ex Adelaide from $2961 ($2001 2nd person).
The Resort which closed on Sept 1, 2008 re-opened its gates on Dec 19th, after the renovations costing 5 million Euros were completed, exposing a stylish, modern, and eye catching new decor bursting with colours - identifying it easily as the most fun, hip Resort in Nusa Dua.
Club Med offers a premium, all inclusive holiday package – and the magnificent Resort in Bali really delivers on all counts.
What makes Club Med Bali a unique holiday destination is that guests enjoy a truly hassle-free holiday.
They can relax with their family and loved ones or friends, and enjoy a holiday where everything is taken care of and pre-paid in Aussie dollars – from airfares and taxes, transfers, a host of fun activities and sports - to superb gourmet food, served with wines, beers and soft drinks, all day cocktails and drinks at the bar or poolside, and all day snacks.
But for families, and stressed out parents - the best news is that childcare services at the well known Mini Club - are at no additional cost ( from 4 years old - Petit Club 2-3 Years old available but at additional cost).
Set on the south east coast of the Island known famously around the world as the “Island of the Gods,” tropical and picturesque, the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches of Nusa Dua are irresistibly breathtaking, making Club Med Bali the perfect choice for a blissful island escape.
Now, once again Club Med Bali is set to become the most desirable, all inclusive vacation resort on the island. Extensive renovations to the resort have transformed the tropical resort into an exotic, tropical haven – a perfect harmony between modern design and traditional Balinese architecture.
The artistic designer for the new Bali resort is Mark Hertrich, a graduate from the French art school, Ecole Boule in Paris. He began his career working on his first big projects under famous architect of the ‘60s, Michel Boyer. Later he began his own successful company working in luxury design and architecture for jewellery shops, hotels and restaurants.
He has re-designed several exceptional resorts for Club Med including Cancún Yucatán and Ixtapa in Mexico, Agadir in Morocco and La Plantation d’Albion in Mauritius.
THE NEW BALI 2009
Although Club Med Bali has become the favourite holiday resort for many and provided the perfect ambience for those seeking to get away from it all, it was time to give it a new lease of life and inner beauty with a new and contemporary feel.
The Reception
A red ground floor welcomes guests and leads them to the newly re-furnished reception. The choice of furniture here, coupled with impressive lighting, provide a bright welcome to guests on arrival, day or night.
The Main Bar
A brand new bar with a funky ambience is the perfect place to chill out by day and then party all night with a DJ spinning the hottest hits.
The main bar has an oval concept with high concrete columns and wooden panels that are an interesting contrast between local Balinese design and modern architecture. In its new location with a terrace lounge by the beach, facing the sea, it is the perfect place to relax over a long cool drink and drink in a stunning beach vista.
The ambience is intimate and convivial, and guests can enjoy easy access to the beach or the pool.
At night, the lighting changes, along with the music, and transforms the mood here for yet more enjoyable, good times.
The Pool
Adjacent to the main bar is the main pool with a new sundeck where guests will be happy to spend the day at their own pace, sunny side up or in shady comfort.
The entire pool is constructed from natural stones while the poolside area is bright and breezy with furniture and furnishings in red and white.
The Theatre
The theatre is designed for lounging, complete with billiard tables, comfy sofas and an immense wooden library. Rare artefacts decorate the room.
The Spa
A new Spa has been created in a tranquil area of the resort, complete with its own ‘quiet pool’. It offers 9 single treatment rooms and 5 double rooms. Here, guests can pamper themselves and indulge in a variety of relaxation and body treatments inspired by local traditions and modern techniques to achieve perfect balance.
Managed by Mandara Spa, everything is designed to ease the mind and relax the spirit. Guests are greeted at a reception furnished with natural raw materials and an orange and white colour theme, two colours that represent pureness in Asia.
A wooden path leads guests to where they decide on the oils of their choice before proceeding to the treatment room or the library.
Treatment rooms are simple and refined and open to a garden. Double rooms, accessible by a footbridge, are available, too.
After their treatment, guests proceed to a relaxing outdoor area where they can enjoy some peace and quiet.
The Main Restaurant
The main restaurant has a new buffet area with a choice of cuisine – Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Western and local delights – each served in a corner of its own.
A footbridge takes guests to the buffet area where a wide selection of cuisine awaits guests. Designed around this buffet area are 4 dining rooms – each with a different ambience – for guests to choose from.
The Dragon Room
Decorated and lit by many lanterns. This large terrace shelters two large Nagas (protector dragons), sculpted in wood, to welcome guests.
The Divinity Room
Golden statues of divinities are strategically positioned behind mirrors, so they appear and disappear like magic! Golden silk lanterns decorate the ceiling while suspended lamps beautifully light up the dining area.
The Orchids Room
Decorated with a metal support that holds orchids and (electric) candle lighting that illuminates the place with cosy warmth.
The Umbrellas Room
This room is spectacularly stunning with sunshades in an attractive blend of orange and saffron colours.
For the perfect alfresco meal, guests can go to the Terrace Patio where they are protected from the sun and rain by a large roof of white cloth.
The specialty restaurant
The colour red takes centre-stage in this specialty restaurant. Red curtains, large red vases and red flowers are teamed with wood, to provide a modern, warm and magical atmosphere to the place.
Designed with a terrace extension, overlooking the ocean, guests can enjoy outdoor dining with a breathtaking view. Exquisite Western and Asian fusion cuisine caps a fabulous dining experience.
Accommodation
Guests at Club Med Bali can look forward to the most refined and comfortable accommodation with renovated superior, deluxe and suite rooms.
Suite Rooms
Luxurious Suite Rooms, including 2 with garden views and another 7 suites which connect to a Superior Terrace with a garden view.
All rooms are fully equipped with amenities including air-conditioning, mini fridge, flat screen LCD TV and telephone.
Deluxe Rooms
The resort has 87 Deluxe Rooms with a terrace view of lush gardens. Of these, 60 are connecting rooms for families.
Superior Rooms
For guests who prefer the luxury of space, there are 168 renovated Superior Rooms with balcony while 74 of these are inter-connected. There are also 129 renovated Superior Rooms including 30 Superior balcony connecting with Superior rooms for families.
The new Club Med Bali has been designed with the comfort and pleasure of guests in mind.
Beautiful architecture that takes advantage of the idyllic scenery and stunning beauty and fantastic ambience… this is truly the dream place to enjoy the graceful, magical – and unforgettable – island paradise of Bali.
HAPPINESS IS… DISCOVERING NEW CULTURES
Both magical and mythical, Bali has many treasures to offer. Club Med Bali offers various activities that guests can discover themselves, including a 9-hole golf course inside the resort.
Various excursions are also available for guests to discover the enchanting Balinese way of life.
2009: A THRILLING NEW YEAR
Coming or already here in 2009, discover all the treasures of Bali, thanks to our new activities*: scuba diving*, horseback riding*, and Balinese cultural treats. Many excursions, designed by Indonesian experts, are available too.
Some terms and conditions apply (for full T&C please visit www.clubmed.com.au)
Offer valid for Australian residents .
Offer valid for All Ages.
Offer valid for Club Med Bali
Min 8 night consecutive stay at Club Med is required. **9 Nights from Adelaide due to flight constraints
For sale from 28th Jan until 30th April 09. For travel from 28th Jan- until 31st October 09. Black- out dates may apply
Offer valid for new bookings only.
Offer valid for all room types. Room upgrade to Deluxe or Suite available at extra cost.
Limited availability and subject to change without notification.
Open bar and snacking service within bar opening hours, excludes some premium alcoholic brands.
Compulsory Club Med membership fee is not included in price and must be paid at time of booking.
Not valid for Group travel. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
Offer subject to availability. For full terms and conditions, please contact Club Med.
To Book please call Club Med on 1800 258 263 or visit www.clubmed.com.au
Source: www.etravelblackboard.com
January 30th, 2009
Miftahul Chusna
A baby Javan silvery gibbon, known locally as w akwak , was born at the Bali Zoo in Gianyar district, an official said on Thursday.
“The gibbon was born on Wednesday to a male gibbon named Koko and a female named Minul,” said Putu Setiawan, the Bali Zoo’s marketing manager. “It is their third offspring.”
The silvery gibbon has been on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s list of critically endangered animals since 2000.
Research conducted by the Indonesian Institute for Biodiversity Sciences in 2005 found that Ujung Kulon National Park had a population of 560 Javan silvery gibbons, while Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park had 447 and Gunung Halimun Salak National Park had 1,221. All three parks are located on Java Island.
Dewa Atmadja, the Bali Zoo’s veterinarian-on-location, said that because Javan silvery gibbons were on the brink of extinction, they were classified in the first appendix of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which lists the world’s most endangered species.
Setiawan said that the parent silvery gibbons were transferred to the zoo by the Bali Nature Conservation Agency after they were confiscated from their former owner.
He said their first offspring was stillborn and the second was now two years old.
The baby silvery gibbon now occupies a cage measuring 3 meters by 5 meters with its mother, Setiawan said.
“[The mother is] less agile now, probably because she is nursing,” he said.
Atmadja said that the birth was almost completely unassisted. The baby will start growing as soon as it has adapted to its environment, she added.
Each silvery gibbon pregnancy usually results in a single offspring. The gibbon’s gestation period lasts seven months, and a baby is usually nurtured by its mother for two years.
Atmadja said that the gibbons, which are endemic to Indonesia, have a reported lifespan of up to 45 years.
“This primate can only be found in Indonesia, especially in tropical rain forests in the western part of Java,” he said.
The gibbons are characterized as frugivorous, or fruit eating. With their long arms, they can leap from tree to tree to gather food. Illegal hunting and land clearing pose the biggest threats to the animal’s survival, Atmadja said.
Source: www.thejakartaglobe.com/news
January 30th, 2009
Anton Muhajir , Contributor , Denpasar
Eight-year-old Manik Manu Harani likes studying on the floor of the Dharmayana Kongco temple hall in Kuta.
“It is just more relaxing to study here” she said Thursday.
Manik is one of the 25 third-grade students from the state elementary school SDN 1 in Kuta studying at the hall on Thursday afternoons. They all agree that this hall has become a favorite spot for after-school lessons.
Dharmayana Kongco is a Buddhist temple widely used by the Chinese descendents of the Dharma Semadhi community. It became an after-school lesson site two years ago when teachers from SDN 1 state elementary school wanted to find a place where they could gather their students for after-school teaching.
“We used to give lessons at our boarding house, but, for so many students, it was too small and too crowded,” said Desak Nur, one of the teachers giving the lessons.
“But neither could we hold lessons at school because the building was used for students who came in for day-time schooling.”
That was when Adhi Dharmaja, one of the students’ parents and a keeper of the temple, offered the hall of the temple as a makeshift classroom. Desak and the other teachers took up the offer and moved their teaching materials into the hall.
The temple-keepers charge no fee for the use of the hall, though the teachers insisted on donating some money to the temple from the Rp 50,000 (US$ 4.5) each student paid per month.
“It is just to help them clean up the mess after the lessons,” Desak said.
The temple provides tables and a chalkboard for the teachers. The space now available is also a change for the better.
“It feels safer here, and quieter too, because it is far from the main roads. And they have all the facilities they need,” said Kadek Berimo, another teacher from SDN 1.
The after-school lessons are given to students from the first grade to the third grade, reviewing all the subjects that are taught earlier in school, from math to Indonesian.
The teachers switch out the grades every few hours, having first-graders until 12 p.m., when second-graders take over and study until the next designated time.
On that day, the third-graders wait patiently for the second-graders to finish their lesson, before quietly entering the hall.
“This teaches them patience and fortitude,” Berimo said.
He said the temple also provided the students with a sense of religious tolerance, citing the harmonious relationship between the children’s Hindu affiliation and their Buddhist temple classroom.
“We are also learning about interethnic solidarity because we are helping each other regardless of our backgrounds,” Berimo said.
Source: The Jakarta Post
January 29th, 2009
From Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 best-selling book, Eat, Pray and Love.
(PRNewsChannel) / Las Vegas, Nev. / Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 best-selling book, Eat, Pray, Love, has been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 5 million copies. Her travels and experiences resonate with people all over the globe. Now, a lucky few can participate in the newly created tour, “Eat, Pray, & Love Bali,” as Spirit Quest Tours, a boutique spiritual tour company based in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts this unique trip in May, 2009.Spirit Quest Tours tried to incorporate all aspects of the book into the trip. “The Eat part is easy, since the food on Bali is so wonderful” Spirit Quest Tours’ founder Greg Roach said. “Then, we’re teaching everyone how Balinese Hindus pray, and offering meditation and yoga. Of course, everything in Bali is about love.” As to the chance of someone going single and returning with the love of their life, as Gilbert did? Roach laughs. “We don’t make any guarantees!”
A trip highlight is visiting the local shaman Gilbert made famous, Ketut Liyer. Meeting Liyer last year, Roach found an engaging and joyous man. “He did palm readings, and he kept telling everyone they would live to be 100.” For at least one woman on that trip, Liyer’s advice was timed perfectly. “He told her to find a new job, and it was just the push she needed. She went home and started on a new career.”
There is one big difference between Gilbert’s trip and this tour: the accommodations. “Our guests expect a four star experience,” said Roach. “Gilbert just rented a cottage.” Each two guests get their own deluxe room at the Nusa Dua resort. Once in Ubud, the artistic center of Bali, the accommodations get even more upscale. “Each pair gets their own private villa, private pool, even an on-call butler!” Guests will visit local temples, including the famous Taneh Lot, and enjoy spa treatments. More traditional sightseeing will include shopping with local artisans, a torch-lit dinner on the beach, and a farewell evening with traditional Balinese dances. The Kitchak alone requires 100 shirtless men to participate, so perhaps any ladies on the trip who are still single can take a chance at that elusive “Love” part of the “Eat, Pray, & Love Bali” tour.
Contact:
Spirit Quest Tours
Halle Eavelyn
Phone: (310) 292-0688
Email: sqtours@gmail.com
Website: http://www.spiritquesttours.com
Source Web Site: TraveleTVeMagazine.com
http://www.prnewschannel.com/
January 28th, 2009
With travel warnings lifted and a strengthening of the U.S. dollar, resorts and attractions are dealing to lure tourists back to Bali.
By CRAIG SIMONS - Cox News Service
BALI, Indonesia — This island’s tropical charms are more affordable than they have been for years.
This Hindu-majority island and tourist destination near the center of Indonesia’s archipelago has always offered bargains. But a series of factors has made it even better, including the impact of the global recession and a 20 percent strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Indonesian rupiah since 2006.
Many five-star hotels on the island offer rooms for under $200. Spas price hour-long massages at $10. Restaurants sell fresh seafood dinners for less than some fast-food meals in the United States. Local shops offer activities including scuba diving and horseback riding for a fraction of what they cost in the West. And airfare deals keep popping up that make getting here at least somewhat affordable — around $1,200 from New York.
TOP RESORTS
Many of the island’s top luxury resorts have begun to offer steep discounts to attract recession-wary travelers. The Westin Bali, a sprawling, family friendly hotel with a good beach and swimming pool, is offering guests staying three nights a fourth night free. The Oberoi, the Indian luxury resort chain known for top-drawer service, has cut its rates until the end of March and may reduce them further.
The Como Shambhala Estate, featuring private villas with attached swimming pools and a wellness program, is considering promoting its rooms with 25-percent discounts for couples or friends, said general manager John Halpin.
‘’Like every life, hotels have cycles and there are good years and bad years,'’ he said. “We’re always willing to negotiate based on supply and demand.'’
Other resorts priced below $150 a night provide rooms, grounds and service that would cost much more in the United States or Europe, said John Daniels, owner of Bali Discovery Tours, a company he founded in Bali after moving to the island in 1977.
Bali’s combination of tropical appeal and bargain prices has helped it grow from a surfers’ destination to a holiday retreat popular with backpackers, families and the ultra-rich. The number of foreign visitors to the Delaware-size island rose to 1.7 million in 2007 from 1.3 million in 1997.
The number of Americans visiting Bali plunged after a terrorist attack in Denpasar, its capital, killed 202 people in 2002. But last May, the U.S. Department of State lifted a travel warning, citing ‘’objective (security) improvements'’ and the number of American visitors rose to more than 62,000 for the year.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Bali’s unique combination of attractions is certain to draw more travelers in coming years. Without much effort, visitors can hike on volcanoes, dive or snorkel over coral reefs, visit spas and boutique shops and eat at restaurants serving both traditional Indonesian fare and fine French cuisine.
My wife and I sampled that variety during a trip to the island over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
We started on Bali’s south coast, which is best known for its beaches and temples. Our favorite site was Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a Hindu shrine with ornate eaves and entranceways perched on a cliff above the Indian Ocean. Locals and tourists gather at the site each evening to watch the sun set, and we arrived in time to see the ocean fade from blue to red and then, with nightfall, black.
We also took advantage of the stop to learn about Balinese Hinduism. The religion, which became firmly rooted in Bali in the 16th century, seeks to balance forces of good and evil.
Source: www.miamiherald.com
January 27th, 2009
By HBI Staff | Mumbai
Design Hotels has announced that its new member hotel, Alila Villas Uluwatu, will open on April 1, 2009. Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali is the first all pool villa property in a new generation of Alila Hotels and Resorts.
Atop a 100 m cliff, Alila Villas Uluwatu is located along the southern coastline of Bali, a 30 minute drive from the International Airport. The resort offers 52 one-bedroom villas, two two-bedroom villas, five three-bedroom cliff side villas and 25 three-bedroom private villas, each open to the outdoors, offering Indian Ocean views. Designed by Singaporean architects, WOHA, all villas showcase contemporary interiors enhanced with touches of nature and traditional Balinese accents. Other facilities include a 50 m pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, resort library, yoga and pilates studio, an event centre and a wedding pavilion and lawn. Personalised services include three levels of butler service, ranging from private to indulgent.
The Warung and The Restaurant, Alila Villas Uluwatu’s two restaurants, are helmed by Stefan Zijta, Executive Chef, Alila Villas Uluwatu. The Warung offers traditional Balinese and Indonesian cuisine, while The Restaurant is the property’s fine-dining option offering contemporary Western cuisine prepared with regional produce.
The Spa comprises five deluxe spa villas where traditional Balinese massages and beauty treatments are offered. The therapies combine both Asian and Western therapy techniques utilising natural active ingredients. Also on offer are a range of exercise, yoga and meditation classes.
It is the first resort in Bali designed from the ground up to achieve Green Globe certification. The resort pays attention to water conservation, recycling, and energy-saving.
Source: www.hospitalitybizindia.com
January 27th, 2009
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian tourist resort island of Bali expects to finish the construction of a special tourist port worth Rp92 billion in Tanah Ampo, Karangasem district, this year, Karangasem district head Wayan Geredeg said.
Wayan Geredeg said that the construction of the port is in cooperation with three parties, namely the Karangasem regional administration, the provincial government of Bali and the central government.
He said that the Karangasem district administration provided location for the port while the Bali provincial government and the central government provided funds worth Rp22 billion and Rp70 billion respectively.
According to the district head, the physical construction of the port was now undergoing, but he said that its master plan was still in the stage of submission before a recommendation could be asked from the central government.
“For this purpose, we still need a recommendation from the Bali governor,” the district head said.
He said that the special tourist port located in the eastern tip of Bali island would be very important for the development of Bali`s tourism.
“A number of international cruise ship operators have contacted us, asking when the port would be operational,” Gredeg said.***5***
(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2009
Source: ANTARA News
January 24th, 2009
Villa Mahapala in Sanur, Bali, welcomes Year of The Ox as a part of its annual theme of its conceptual interior.
Villa Mahapala Resort in the tranquil beach town of Sanur is preparing to welcome the Chinese Year which fall into Year of The Ox from 26 January 2009. Chinese “Shio” is one of the elements of the villa’s theme décor from public area until bathroom.
From 19 January 2009, the Chinese New Year decoration with bright red as the dominant colour will be in place from the entrance until bedroom of the Villa Mahapala. The decoration will stay until the full moon on 9 February 2009. This relates to the Chinese tradition. During the week of Chinese New Year, Villa Mahapala will give complimentary oranges and candies to its guests both in the Voila restaurant and in room, while special Chinese New Year menus are available to order, as well to follow the Chinese philosophy.
Food may have special significance during Chinese New Year because of the way the Chinese word for its sound. For example Tangerines and oranges are passed out freely during Chinese New Year as the words for tangerine and orange sound like luck and wealth, respectively.
Villa Mahapala is a luxury resort villa featuring the twelve signs of the zodiac. Exceptionally designed with immaculate facilities, it will leave you with an unforgettable impression of your holiday in Bali.
The resort with its elegant villas, complete with their own private pools, will captivate your imagination. Each villa is individually designed according to your own personal zodiac sign. This theme is continued throughout the resort, and our tasteful and elegant atmosphere will ensure that our guests enjoy a personalised villa experience.
Villa Mahapala offers 20 uniquely designed villas customized for all visitors, including high-end guests, and induces a feeling of singularity according to their zodiac sign. All villas feature signature designs, echoing the same mysticism of zodiac symbols in a smart decorated ambience influenced by contemporary Balinese architecture. The resort offers 2 types of villas illustrating either a subtle or bold colour that defines “masculinity” or “femininity”. Complete details on the rooms, facilities, services and location of Villa Mahapala can be found on www.villamahapala-bali.com.
Source: www.etravelblackboardasia.com
January 23rd, 2009
AirAsia, the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia, officially launched its direct daily flights to Bali, the “Island of a thousand temples” from Bangkok. The route which was opened for booking on December 17, 2008 marks another achievement for the airline and further strengthens AirAsia’s aggressive expansion plans in becoming an ASEAN airline.
Today also marks AirAsia’s maiden flight to Guangzhou, China from Bangkok. Both routes are operated by Thai AirAsia, an associate of the AirAsia group.
The historic ceremony was graced by the CEO of Thai AirAsia, Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, and CEO of Indonesia AirAsia, Captain Dharmadi and distinguished guests from the various state government 0ffices, media, hoteliers and travel agents. Upon arrival at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, guests on the inaugural flight from Bangkok were welcomed with a traditional Balinese dance before being garlanded by the VIPs.
To commemorate this special occasion, AirAsia is offering special low fares online for flights to Bali from Bangkok. Bangkok-Bali is now on sale for THB999 one way. Booking period begins from 20th February – 1st February 2009, for travel period from 9 February – 30 April 2009.
Being renowned as the “Island of a thousand temples”, Bali is the perfect holiday destination for all ages, offering something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and rich historical heritage. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. The island does not only capture and portray the unique side of Indonesia but also boasts beautiful white and sandy beaches, attracting surfers and beach lovers from all over the world.
Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, Mr Tassapon Bijleveld said “We are delighted to be launching this new service to Bali. It is good news for both our business and leisure guests and we anticipate strong demand for this new route and look forward to building greater ties with the people in Bali. Our guests can now experience some of the world’s most stylish holiday attractions in Indonesia, with AirAsia’s truly low fares and enjoy 5 star services on AirAsia’s young and modern fleet of our Airbus A320 aircraft. The new route will also draw more inbound international tourist traffic arriving from Bali and Jakarta (into Bangkok), alongside from Bangkok to Bali and Jakarta (into Indonesia) bringing in tourists, who are often interested to explore surrounding cities in the region. AirAsia’s new service to Bali also represents a truly regional expansion and further supports our mission to link Asia with the world’s most important business and cultural centres.”
Chief Executive Officer of Indonesia AirAsia; Captain Dharmadi commented “We are pleased that AirAsia is commencing these new services between Bangkok and Bali. This new route will bring our two countries closer together and enhance the trade and tourism industry of both countries. Bali is one of the fastest growing tourist and commercial centres in South East Asia. These routes answers travelers demand for more convenient, daily direct service to and from Bali. It also serves other domestic points in the region and other international routes which AirAsia flies to via Kuala Lumpur, Thailand and Indonesia.”
FLIGHT SCHEDULE FOR BANGKOK-DENPASAR (BALI)
| Fl Flight from |
Departure/
Arrival |
Flight No.
|
Frequency
|
| J Bangkok to Denpasar |
06:15 / 11:25
|
FD 3677
|
Daily
|
| M Denpasar to Bangkok |
11:55 / 15:20
|
FD 3678
|
Daily
|
Source: www.etravelblackboardasia.com
January 23rd, 2009
Pedalers Pub & Grille Shines Its Light on the Often Overlooked Side of This Popular Indonesian Island Destination
GAINESVILLE, FL, January 21, 2009 — The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), showcases two different faces of Bali on five departures of its seven-day Bali Paradise Ride that moves from suntan beaches into ancient cultures still thriving in off-the-beaten path upland villages and remote coastal hamlets. The departures are Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, Aug 10, and Sep 14. The per person rate is $1,595 ($390 single supplement).
Moving at the speed of two wheels guests explore remote coastal fishing villages and black sand beaches as well as the jungle-clad interior past emerald rice paddies, towering palm trees and volcanic lakes.
Highlights include the culture of the Bali Aga, supposedly the original inhabitants of Bali who still live by strict social rules, including one that requires you to marry within the village or be cast out. There is a stop in Tenganan, one of the best preserved Bali Aga villages still with multi-level cobbled streets and neatly aligned rows of houses. Villagers here are renowned for their complexly woven fabrics.
Another stop is in Klungkung town, with its moated gardens, a surviving remnant of an ancient royal palace. Once flourishing as a former kingdom of Bali prior to the arrival of the Dutch in the nineteenth century, it is here where the last king committed suicide along with the royal court rather than submit to the rule of European invaders.
Often overlooked by resort-bound tourists are the temple complexes of Tegeh Koripan and Ulan Danu Batur, spectacularly situated on Lake Batur in a lushly forested volcanic crater. PP&G guides make sure the group experiences the sunset here when dying rays of the sun bring a profound change of color and drama to the surrounding hills and vistas.
“We aspire to show guests the real Bali far from the crowded beaches and cocktail lounges. To the inquisitive voyager the true Bali is more than a legendary tropical paradise; it’s like Hawaii with Hindu temples not Hula girls. And if you are willing to go that extra distance it’s cheaper than Hawaii by a long shot,” says Tom Sheehan, founder and general manager.
Guests cycle on average 40 miles daily along paved roads with some stretches on narrow lanes. The terrain follows small coastal hills in the beginning with some larger climbs once in the volcanoes. Traffic is light to moderate at times.
Except for international air the trip is all inclusive of accommodations, most meals, professional guides, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers. Personal departures may be scheduled for private groups and bike clubs. More details can be found online at:
www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/indonesia/Bali_Paradise_Ride.htm
Annually, PP&G offers multiple set departures and custom trips to 18 exotic destinations in Asia, the South Pacific and Alaska. The company has been conducting cycling tours of these regions since the 1980’s and is known for creating spontaneous, up close and personal cultural encounters along its well-researched cycling routes.
Asia’s most seasoned bicycle tour operator, Pedalers Pub & Grille specializes in sag wagon-supported road bike tours. They organize rides that are geared toward cycling enthusiasts, featuring longer daily rides designed to fill the day with adventure, while still allowing sufficient time for “off the bike” exploration at fascinating stops along the route. Accommodations are carefully chosen to provide modern western amenities, a comfortable night’s rest and an immersion in the local culture and lifestyle. Meals are a celebration of local beverages and cuisine. Trips are led by either a bi-lingual international guide living in the area or a native born guide fluent in English, complimented by an English speaking support crew from that country. All levels of riders are welcome, from energetic beginners to elite cyclists.
National Geographic Adventure magazine selected PP&G as one of the Best Adventure Tour Operators on Earth for 2009. The awards will be featured in the February 2009 issue.
For more details on all the programs offered you can call 877-998-0008, visit Pedalers Pub and Grille online at their newly designed website www.pedalerspubandgrille.com or send an Email to tours@pedalerspubandgrille.com.
Source: www.bignews.biz/
January 22nd, 2009
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