Archive for February, 2009
By JACK WONG
KUCHING: Tune Hotels.com will open two hotels in Bali in November, in what will be the company’s first hotels outside Malaysia, said chief executive officer Mark Lankester.
Tune Hotels.com is also eyeing hotel markets in Thailand, China and India.
The two Bali hotels, a 170-room hotel in Legian Bali and a 139-room hotel in Kuta Bali, are now under construction, according to Lankester.
Tune Hotels.com is also scheduled to open a 258-room hotel in downtown Penang and a 222-room hotel at the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in KL International Airport in April.
Lankester said Tune Hotels.com had also planned for two hotels in Johor, one in Kuantan, and more hotels in other Sarawak towns.
Tune Hotels.com currently owns a 173-room hotel in Kuala Lumpur and a 165-room hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
“About 200,000 guests have stayed in Tune Hotels.com (since April 2007).
“As a Malaysian brand, we will continue to roll out more hotels to serve Malaysians first,’’ Lankester told reporters at the launch of the the group’s first hotel franchise, the Tune Hotels.com-Waterfront Kuching here yesterday.
The franchise is operated and managed by Limar Management Services Sdn Bhd and owned by prominent Iban businessnman Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah.
Lankester said Tune Hotels.com was in discussion with Limar to set up a second hotel in Kuching.
Meanwhile, Tune Hotels.com is offering promotional rates, from five sen per night for stays between November this year and January 2010, and from RM5 per night for stays between March and October this year.
The hotel group employs a self-service on-line booking system, modelled after that of low-cost airlines that encourages guests to book early to enjoy exceptionally low prices.
Source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news
February 18th, 2009
DENPASAR: The Bali Education, Youth and Sport Agency has built 81 mini libraries throughout Bali, mostly in rural areas, to help children learn. ,
Agency head I Ketut Wija said he hoped the libraries would help the public gain easier access to reading materials and cultivate a habit of reading among children. Â
“All the books in these libraries are mostly on general issues and are suitable to be read by anyone,” he said recently.
He also said he hoped the public would contribute to the wealth of knowledge available in the libraries by contributing books. -JP
Source: The Jakarta Post
February 17th, 2009
Hotels in Bali are slashing room rates amid falling occupancies as the global economic downturn takes its toll on the tourism-dependent economy.
Total foreign arrivals hit a record 1.97 million last year as the island recovered from the impact of the 2005 terrorist attack.
The second biggest market behind Japan, Australia accounted for more than 300,000 visitors, up 51% from 2007.
However, the recovery is expected to be disrupted amid the international credit crunch, with the Bali Tourism Authority estimating foreign visitor numbers will drop 8.6% to 1.8 million this year.
Hotels are scrambling to fill rooms. Budget and mid-range properties popular with Australians are offering the steepest discounts, with some halving published rates, while upmarket resorts hit by a slowing in the executive market are trying to be more creative in their response to the downturn.
“Some two- and three-star hotels are panicking and cutting their rack rates,” said Bali Hotels Association executive director Djinaldi Gosana.
“That’s a bad idea. We know from experience after the Bali bombings that once we cut the rate, it’s very difficult to put up again.”
Meanwhile, although top-end hotels are sharing the pain, they are more reluctant to reduce rates, Djinaldi said.
Instead, they are offering bonus nights, meals or spa treatments to wealthy guests who are reining in lavish lifestyles.
Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page
February 16th, 2009
BALI, Indonesia: Ten dead whales have washed ashore on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali in recent weeks.
Conservationists said Wednesday stormy weather and strong currents were probably to blame.
Budi Adnyana from Bali’s Conservation and Natural Resources Agency says two of the animals were giant sperm whales — a protected species. They measured 40 feet (12 meters) in length and 8 feet (2.5 meters) around.
Villagers butchered their carcasses to collect oil, which is used for traditional medicine.
Adnyana said the other eight whales were short-finned pilots, about a quarter the size of the larger mammals.
Rescuers were still trying to untangle those carcasses from the roots of trees in a mangrove on the islands’ southern tip on Wednesday.
Source: www.iht.com
February 16th, 2009
TEMPO Interactive, Denpasar: Bali is still a favorite place for tourists to go, especially the Japanese. The total amount of tourists from Japan in 2008 can reach 359,000. The head of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in Bali, Ida Komang Wisnu said that makes it 18 percent of the total Japanese tourists.Â
Komang said that for the past five years, the most visitors coming to Bali were from Japan. “They are interested in the beauty of nature and culture,” he said yesterday. However, he said that in the last four months, the number of visitors in 2008 was reduced due to global crisis.
Australia, that topped 313,000 tourists is the second most popular spot. The figure increased 52.6 percent over last year. Komang said that it is because the Australian government does not give any travel warning to their citizens. While tourists from Korea is in the third position that reached 134,000 tourists, followed by China (131,000), Taiwan (130,000), and Malaysia (129,000).
ROFIQI HASANÂ
Source: www.tempointeractive.com
February 13th, 2009
Failure of Anantara Resort Seminyak to Obey Local Laws Covered by Bali Post and Jakarta Post
The Anantara Resort Seminyak and its reluctance to confirm with local building and zoning rules continues to be in the news with reports appearing over the past week in both The Jakarta Post and Bali Post. Those reports cover the lack of action in removing its roof-top structures, despite repeated promises to do so from the Resort’s management and owners.
As reported previously, the beach side resort stands a full three-meters higher than the stipulated maximum of 15 meters.
The Anantara Resort promised Badung officials on September 28, 2008, that the “Sunset on Six” bar and luxury accommodation on what was to be the building’s roof would be dismantled.
While the bar closed temporarily, it has recently resumed business. The Resort’s General Manager, Ivan Casadevall, told The Jakarta Post, “this rooftop matter is being handled directly by the owner, who is in close consultation with the government to solve the matter.”
Meanwhile, the Bali Post quoted the regional government who insisted that the order for demolition of the top floor would eventually be carried out, no matter what.
Source: www.balidiscovery.com
February 13th, 2009
Creative Holidays packed the Hilton earlier this week with over 100 Sydney travel agents eager to learn about Bali from over 27 operators, marking their biggest roadshow yet.
Operators have since travelled across Australia to educate agents on new resorts, recent refurbishments, and provide a general update on facilities and entertainment options.
Most operators were also providing a number of fantastic industry rates to compliment Garuda Indonesia’s latest offering of $60 fares (plus surcharges) to coincide with their 60th Anniversary, 40 years of which have been flying to Australia.
Creative Holidays also announced the cancellation of all extra fees for amendments to bookings, and the launch of e-Brochures accessible on their website.
Garuda carried some 300,000 passengers in 2008 to Denpasar, a 44 per cent increase year on year. Australia is the third most popular route for the airline.
Hotels such as The Aston are also reporting a rise in business last year, with over 90 per cent average occupancy throughout the year.
For more information, visit www.creativeholidays.com.au
Source:Â www.etravelblackboard.com
February 12th, 2009
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - A total of 359,827 Japanese tourists visited Bali in 2008, accounting for 18.06 percent of the total number of foreign tourists coming to the resort island that year.
The number of Japanese tourists visiting Bali last year represented a 2.21 percent increase from the year before, head of the local statistics office Ida Komang Wisnu said on Tuesday.
Bali`s unique arts and culture as well as panoramic scenery served as special attractions for Japanese tourists to visit the world-renowned resort island, he said.
Data from the statistics office show Japan topped the list of countries in terms of foreign tourists coming to Bali last year.
Trailing behind Japan in the second place was Australia with 313,313 tourists, jumping 52.68 percent from the year before when the figure was recorded at 205,205.
South Korea came in third with 134,909 tourists (6.77 percent), followed by China 131,909 (6.59 percent), Taiwan 130,449 (6.55 percent), Malaysia 129,727 (6.51 percent), the United Kingdom 82,827 (4.16 percent), Germany 82,686 (4.15 percent) and France 77,379 (3.88 percent), and the United States 68,619 (3.44 percent).
The data also show the number of foreign tourists from other countries was recorded at 481,244, up 24.16 percent from a year earlier.
(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2009
Source: ANTARA News
February 11th, 2009
Local authorities are planning to close Ngurah Rai International Airport for the whole day in observation of Hindu holiday of Nyepi on Thursday, March 26, 2009, Antara has reported.
Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has sent official letter for the closing to the Transportation Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Home Ministry, and Communication and Information Ministry as well as 29 government agencies in Jakarta and Bali, said Ida Bagus Made Parsa, Bali administration spokesman, on Tuesday.
He said the airport has also issued a letter to domestic and foreign airlines on the closing of the resort island main airport during the holiday.
Parsa said the closing would be the 11th annual airport closing in observation of Nyepi holiday.
During Nyepi holiday, the tourist island of Bali will become a silent place, with most Balinese staying in doors and tourists asked to keep a low profile.
More than three million Balinese Hindus are expected to observe the holiday, which is also the Saka New Year 1931, in total silence and later in darkness, turning off all lights and machinery and extinguishing cooking fires. (dre)
Source: The Jakarta Post
February 10th, 2009
Valentine in Paradise Package starts from USD 323++ per room per night.
Imperial Valentine Experiences Package starts from USD 1,833++ per room per night.
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali offers Valentine in Paradise and Imperial Valentine Experiences Packages for Valentine’s Day.
Valentine in Paradise package starts from USD 323++ per room per night and enjoy a stay in a wonderful Deluxe Lagoon Access room which has private access to the blue lagoon from the balcony for a swimming pleasure anytime. Another offer is the Imperial Valentine Experiences Package. This is the most exceptional Valentine’s room package offer in Bali. At USD 1,833++ per room per night, treat your loved one to the most luxurious 2-bedroom duplex Imperial Suite. In a display of unsurpassed elegance and grand style befitting a private residence, the Imperial Suite is The Laguna Resort & Spa’s stately homage to unrivalled affluence. Two floors stand in a secluded corner of the property and a majestic stateroom offers direct access to a private and spacious pool deck and the lagoon. The dining room seats 10 and furnishings are of the finest quality, a grand piano decorated with gold leaf, a Murano glass chandelier, leather seating and electric blinds that reveal stunning views across the lagoon, gardens and Bali Sea.
Guest who book the Valentine in Paradise Package or Imperial Valentine Experiences Package enjoys an exquisite Valentine’s Day dinner for 2 persons with an 8-course delightful set menu carefully prepared by our award-winning culinary team on Saturday, 14 February 2009 at Mayang Sari, a Modern Indonesian restaurant or served in the privacy of the Imperial Suite for guest who book Imperial Valentine Experience Package. A private Airport transfer to and from the resort by Luxury Limousine, a bottle of champagne and special Valentine amenity in the room are some luxuries to name a few.
Guests will also be able to enjoy an indigenous spa treatment “Moonlight Massage” for two (2.)  A moonlight massage is a romantic combination of massage, moonlight, cocktails, fresh fruit and chocolate. Choose from our extensive cocktail menu then enjoy a full hour’s traditional Balinese massage, using a selection of traditional oils, in one of our beachfront gazebos while you enjoy the moonlight over the Bali Sea. Fresh tropical fruit and homemade chocolate pralines will be served to complete the experience.
To enjoy the Valentine in Paradise Package or Imperial Valentine Experiences Package, guests are required to stay for minimum of 2 nights and are subject to space availability. The promotion is valid from 13th February until 16th February 2009.
For enquiries or bookings, please contact Reservations Department at +62.361.771327 or email: thelaguna.nusaduabali@luxurycollection.com
The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali is a haven of relaxed luxury offering the highest level of personalised service to discerning travellers. Located in the exclusive Nusa Dua resort area, on Bali’s most beautiful beach, a tranquil haven of tropical gardens and sparkling lagoons, the resort features 271 guestrooms and suites reflect a contemporary Balinese style. A Lagoon Access Rooms allow the guest to step from their private balcony directly into crystal-clear lagoon waters, 24 hours Butler service, 3 restaurants and bars, meeting facilities and spa. To learn more the resort, please visit www.luxurycollection.com/bali
Source: www.etravelblackboard.com
February 9th, 2009
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