Archive for March, 2009
By James Wilkinson
Pacific Blue has announced it will increase Australia-Bali flights from June 1 with the launch of direct services from both Melbourne and Sydney.
The announcement of direct Melbourne and Sydney flights comes just three months after the successful launch of Bali services from Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
Virgin Blue Group CEO Brett Godfrey said the strong connecting traffic from Melbourne and Sydney was the main reason for the expansion of services to Bali.
“Bali has traditionally been a popular destination for Australians and we have seen strong connecting traffic from Melbourne and Sydney so the next obvious step was to put on direct services,” he said.
“We are pleased to be offering more convenient flying options from other key capital city destinations and providing another airline choice for people to fly to Bali on.Once we launch the new flights, Pacific Blue will offer direct flights from more Australian cities than any other airline.”
Godfrey also said Adelaide will also benefit at the same time, with services set to be ramped up from twice- to thrice-weekly.
The increased flights to Bali will keep Australian arrivals to the island climbing. Recent statistics showed Australian travellers recorded the highest number of visitor numbers for the month of January, edging out Japan and Korea.
In January, Australia recorded 27,873 visitors arriving in Bali, ahead of 25,324 for visitors from Japan, according to the Bali Government Tourism Office.
Godfrey said the current holiday package prices are the lowest they have been for two decades and to further stimulate mini-breaks, the airline was currently offering flights for $299 each way on the internet from both Melbourne and Sydney.
“Indonesia was Pacific Blue’s first foray in to the Asian region and its close proximity to Australia is a big drawcard for people keen to take a mini-break without breaking the bank,” he said.
“Holiday package prices are at the lowest they have been for two decades so it is providing ideal opportunities for some great deals, not just in the air but also on arrival in Bali.”
Blue Holidays currently has some hot deals to Bali on offer, including a package which includes return flights from Australia to Bali (inclusive of taxes) and five nights at the Novotel Nusa Dua in Bali, starting from $898 per person twin share.
Source: www.spicenews.com.au
March 31st, 2009
DENPASAR: The Hindu adherents in Bali spent Friday, the day after Nyepi, locally known as ngembak geni (Welcoming the Fire), preparing various offerings for the Kuningan religious festival that falls on Saturday.
Usually, ngembak geni is a leisure day, during which Hindu adherents visit the houses of their neighbours and relatives or take a trip to the beach and other recreational sites.
“I don’t have time to go for a walk because I have to complete all the offerings for Kuningan, there will be a major temple ceremony in my home village on Kuningan,” Ni Komang Wiratni, a housewife, said Friday.
Kuningan is the last major festival in a series of religious ceremonies to mark the victory of Dharma (virtue) over Adharma (vice). - JP
Source: The Jakarta Post
March 30th, 2009
Weather Experts Warn of Lightning and High Winds in Bali Until May.
On Thursday, March 19, 2009, Bali’s capital of Denpasar fell victim to an unprecedented combination of heavy winds and hail that damaged several homes along the Jalan Pidada area of the city.
Heavy hail in combination with high winds destroyed the roofs of several homes, damage that was largely repaired within one day of the event. Because of the limited extent of the damage, Denpasar municipal officials are still considering if financial aid will be extended to the residents of the affected structures..
Bali-based metereologists report that the hail storm of large ice particles is the first incident of its kind recorded on the island. Rare in tropical equatorial zones, hail storms are usually experienced in sub-tropical areas.
The storm that affected Denpasar varied between 3 and 10 minutes, depending on which area of the city is being discussed.
Bali weather experts are blaming the ice storm on the presence of large cumulus nimbus clouds, strong winds and high temperatures.
More to Come?
A report in the Jakarta Post quotes Bali weather experts as warning of the possibility of strong localized wind squalls and lighting storms from large cumulonimbus clouds expected to form over Bali during the season shift betwen March until May.
Well known and avoided by pilots, cumulonimbis clouds are vertical cloud formations that can soar thousands of feet in height with shapes that can resemble mushrooms or giant anvils. Characterized by strong vertical winds patterns, these clouds often carry lightning and thunderstorms.
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.
Source: www.balidiscovery.com
March 30th, 2009
DENPASAR, Indonesia (AFP) — Bali’s normally packed beaches were deserted Thursday as the holiday haven shut down for a day of silence to mark the Hindu new year.
Shops shut their doors and tourists were effectively confined to hotels for Nyepi, a day of reflection that is supposed to be free from work, play and — for some — even talking or eating.
Public observance among the Hindu-majority Balinese was enforced by guards in sarongs bearing sticks and traditional daggers.
The island’s ports and the international airport were also shut down, with hospitals the only public services functioning close to normal.
Gede Jonantara, a 27-year-old Balinese who drives luggage from the airport to hotels, said the compulsory break to the hassle of daily life was a moment to reflect and prepare for a new year.
“Hinduism is about my heart, my feelings. If there is no Nyepi on Bali, we feel like something is missing,” he said.
While the Day of Silence usually follows a more raucous day of parades to end the old year, most of the processions were called off on fears they could degenerate into violence ahead of national elections next month.
Young men from Bali’s tight-knit communities usually parade effigies known as Ogoh-Ogoh, which mostly representing demons and are burned as a symbol of renewal and purification.
The parades have been known to degenerate into brawls before and community heads have voiced fears they could be hijacked by parties already involved in intense campaigning for the April 9 poll.
Despite the fact Balinese Hindus make up a small minority of the national population, Nyepi is a public holiday across Indonesia, which is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.
Source: www.google.com/hostednews
March 27th, 2009
Miftachul Chusna
Denpasar. Bali’s normally bustling streets and beaches resembled a ghost town on Thursday as all activities were put on hold for the Hindu Day of Silence, ushering in the Saka New Year.
For 24 hours, the popular resort island observed Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu ritual that proscribes complete silence and puts prohibitions on worldly distractions such as work, travel, entertainment — and even tourism.
In Kuta, for instance, not a single visitor, local or foreign, was seen bathing or sunning on the beach, and all restaurants, bars and shops shut their doors for the day. Only groups of pecalang, or traditional security guards, were seen roaming Bali’s neighborhoods, ensuring public observance of the prohibitions.
“In addition to keeping security, the purpose of the patrol is to warn visitors who stray into the streets,” said Balinese customary law authority secretary Kuta Made Gunawan.
All entry points to the island were also closed, including Ngurah Rai International Airport and the Gilimanuk and Padang Bai ports.
Hotels and inns though, for the most part, were full of guests — especially bored locals tired of staying at home while Nyepi was in effect. Most arrived on Wednesday night and checked out on Friday, as most hotels offered special packages for the holiday.
Putu Hartawan Kusuma, executive assistant manager at Hotel Adi Jaya in Kuta, said occupancy rates were about 90 percent.
While Nyepi was in effect, guests were advised not to leave the hotel’s yard and were only allowed to use minimal lighting, and listen to music and watch TV at the lowest volume.
Nevertheless, Ari Dewi, a tourist from Malang, East Java Province, said she enjoyed the experience. “At first I felt that I was unprepared for it, but then I thought there’s no harm in trying not to go out, not taking any transportation or not enjoying entertainment for a day,” she said. “In the end it turned out to be fun.”
As many as 5,700 police officers were on standby to safeguard Nyepi, but did not have a chance to go out of their base.
“We only go out if there’s an emergency,” Denpasar Police Chief Sr. Comr. Gede Alit Widana said.
In the lead up to the Nyepi celebration, Hindus flocked to the beaches on Monday for the Melasti cleansing ritual before the Malam Pengerupukan was supposed to be held on Wednesday, marked with a procession of ogoh-ogoh, or ogre effigies.
This year, the official ogoh-ogoh procession was not held as agreed upon by Hindu leaders following security concerns ahead of the April 9 polls, but a number of groups still held variations of the procession in some places.
The Nyepi celebration officially started at sunrise on Thursday, and finished at 6 a.m. today.
Source: www.thejakartaglobe.com
March 27th, 2009
Following the re-commencement of Garuda Indonesia’s Denpasar-Hong Kong flight service on 2nd February 2009, the airline recently invited 6 major publications to visit and experience the island of Bali.
This visit included a journey of renewal with The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali whereby the delegation of media participants had the opportunity to discover the Nusa Dua enclave with a refreshing cycling tour to watch the beautiful sunrise followed by a healthy SuperfoodRx breakfast. After a full day of activities the group was encouraged to unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment before turning in for good night’s sleep on the renowned Westin Heavenly Bed?.
Apart from enjoying Nusa Dua, the journalists were also introduced to Bali’s unique culture and watched a performance of the Fire Kecak Dance against a breathtaking sunset backdrop at Uluwatu Temple. The group also went on a snorkeling excursion for a glimpse of Lembongan Island’s rich marine life and experienced the tranquil ambience of rural Ubud. The journalists, who were mostly first time visitors, were exposed to different culinary experiences and really got a taste for Bali and all that the island has to offer.
Garuda Indonesia’s Denpasar - Hong Kong route is served by 4 flights a week using Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) with a seating capacity for 156 passengers (12 seats in business class and 144 seats in economy class).
From Denpasar, GA-856 departs for Hong Kong at 09.50 local time and arrives at its destination at 14.35 local time. Meanwhile on the return service, GA-857 leaves Hong Kong for Surabaya at 15.35 local time and finally arriving in Denpasar at 20.20 local time.
Garuda Indonesia’s inaugural flight from Denpasar to Hong Kong was symbolically launched at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali by Garuda Indonesia’s EVP Finance, Eddy Porwanto, on Monday, 2nd February 2009.
Being the only Westin branded property in Indonesia since December 2003, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali enjoys a prime beachfront location in the exclusive Nusa Dua enclave on Bali’s southern tip with 346 cozy rooms complete with the re-known Heavenly? bed; a place where you can be at your best and experience total renewal.
With a combination of the convention centre and The Westin Resort facilities make a successful mix of business and leisure possible.
Source: www.etravelblackboardasia.com
March 25th, 2009
Trisha Sertori , CONTRIBUTOR , KARANGASEM
A goldsmith family from Budakeling in Karangasem, Bali, may be further evidence of the existence of genetic memory.
New scientific research suggests events of the past can be locked into DNA; for this family, history may be handed down in their fingertips.
For centuries, the family has crafted the gold relics used in Hindu religious practices, and while they have tried to teach outsiders the skills, “the hands of the smith are different because we learn in the womb — it’s in our genes,” says Made Lestu.
Since his birth, Made has heard the rhythmic tok-tok of his father’s goldsmith hammer beating into silver and gold the filigree flowers symbolic of his religion. He watched in awe as his father prayed and sought auspicious days to begin making the golden crowns of priests, while nearby his mother magically formed golden flowers used in temple dances and cremations.
Made’s parents, 76-year-old Wayan Renbyok and 65-year-old Ni Ketut Asti, are master goldsmiths, who, like their son, learned at the knees of their fathers and grandfathers.
In Wayan’s hands are the delicate goldsmith tools of a master, crafted last century by his grandfather and passed down generation to generation. One day they will come to Made.
For the past 46 years Wayan and Ni Ketut have, seated side by side in their family workshop, maintained the goldsmithing traditions needed by the Bali Aga of nearby Tenganan village.
Ketut had met her husband in their village and set up home. His family were comparatively new to the area, arriving in Budakeling little more than a century ago.
According to cultural law, Bali’s ancient Bali Aga communities must use solid gold jewelry in their religious practices, and each design follows a form that dates back more than 700 years to the Majapahit empire.
The goldsmith families of Budakeling have been crafting these religious relics for hundreds of years, explains Ni Ketut.
“My mother sold the jewelry in the market and I learned from my father. Our family was sent by the King of Kamasan centuries ago here to Budakeling to make the religious jewelry. The people here did not have goldsmiths and every area needs us,” says Ni Ketut, whose family was one of the earliest to leave goldsmith center Kamasan for Budakeling.
Working with solid gold, rolled out almost pastry-thin, Ni Ketut forms the flowers and butterflies worn in headdresses, each flower atop a tiny handmade spring that allows it to dance with every movement.
“I like making the flowers — that’s my specialty. In the past, I have made rings and necklaces, but only sample pieces. My husband, Wayan, does the fine detailed work. Mine are the flowers, traditional bangles and headdresses for the Bali Aga in Tenganan,” says Ni Ketut.
Beside her is her workbox, an Aladdin’s cave in miniature, filled with shimmering gold flowers and precious stone-laden headdresses worn in Bali Aga ceremonies and handed down generation to generation.
However, all that glisters in her workbox is not gold. A thin layer of gold foil is rolled and pressed onto the headdress and bangle brass backings, inlaid with flower motifs. “This is to keep the price down. Because these are for religious use, the gold must be pure — we can’t use gold plating for these pieces —but we can layer solid gold foil over brass. We do that for the bracelets and headwear,” says Ni Ketut of the weighty bracelets that if solid gold would cost a king’s ransom.
The crowns or mahkota of priests are another matter entirely; these are pure gold cast into the shape of wings that fly from crowns that stand almost half a meter tall and weigh more than half a kilogram.
“I have to pray for the difficult or holy work before I begin. If the praying is good and the aura is good the result will be perfect,” says Wayan of the crowns that can take two months or more to craft.
It seems strange that even after centuries the Bali Aga are dependent on outsiders to craft their precious jewelry used in weddings, religious practices and ceremonies.
“The people of Tenganan never learned to make the gold jewelry. In Bali, we have villages of specialists to make this called Pande Mas — or goldsmith village. People here are the masters.
Other people don’t have the skill,” says Wayan, who, despite being almost blinded by cataracts, can still feel his way around a delicate silver bowl, tapping out in intaglio the symbols of Hinduism.
“In the past we took people to Tengenan to make the jewelry, but no one wanted to learn. Our village is close enough that it’s not needed and they don’t have the hands for this work.”
The evidence of his former sighted skill is in the jewelry worn by Ni Ketut. On her fingers are the rings made by Wayan; his earrings adorn her ears and she wears one of her favorite pieces, a ruby necklace, with pride. “Yes, I have made her surprise gifts of jewelry over the years,” smiles Wayan, the romance of their half-century together still twinkling in his eyes.
Ironically, Ni Ketut and Wayan rarely wear gold, “because we see it all the time — it’s work,” says Wayan, who is currently waiting for cataract surgery so he can again take up the goldsmith tools his family’s genetic code taught him to use long before he was born.
Source: The Jakarta Post
March 25th, 2009
On 1st April Garuda Indonesia will commence operation of a daily service between Bali and Lombok.
The flight, GA436 will depart Denpasar, Bali at 1835hrs local time and arrive in Lombok at 1915hrs allowing a same day transfer from most Australian services. The return flight, GA437, will depart Ampenan (Lombok) at 1950hrs and arrive in Bali at 2025hrs, again with ample time to connect to international flights to Australia.
The flight will operate with a Boeing 737-300series aircraft with 16 Executive Class and 94 Economy Class seats, while a return fare from Bali to Lombok will cost a mere USD50.
Long considered Bali’s “sister” island, Lombok has been slowly growing in popularity with Australian holiday makers seeking a beyond Bali option with a slower pace and a cultural difference. Until now, the lack of convenient and reliable access to Lombok from nearby Bali has inhibited this growth.
With the new service addressing these issues and Garuda Orient Holiday’s new “Bali on ANY budget” brochure providing a broad range of accommodation options, from first class to five star luxury, this “alternative Bali” is set to reach new tourism heights.
ď‚· Senggigi:
A coastal strip of hotels ranging from budget to boutique. There is some nightlife and good food can be had.
ď‚· The Gili Islands:
These three white-sand islands range from very quiet to somewhat developed. A great place to relax with excellent diving especially at Gili Trawangan. The Gili Islands are accessed by small local ferries from the port of Bangsal (30-45 minutes)
ď‚· Gunung Rinjani:
The massive volcano located in the north of the island. A three day trek will take you to the summit via picturesque villages including Tetebatu and Sapit.
ď‚· South coast:
Sparsely populated coast with empty white sand beaches.
ď‚· Sembulan valley:
Located in the NE corner of Lombok this offers picturesque  villages and views of surrounding volcanoes.
ď‚· Desert Point:
Located on the SW tip of Lombok, this point-break has been rated by Tracks magazine as the best wave in the world.
To view the brochure on line or download your own copy visit www.balionanybudget.com.au or contact 1300 657 747
Source: www.etravelblackboard.com
March 24th, 2009
Over 20 of Garuda Orient Holidays’ highest selling Agents from across Australia and New Zealand recently returned from our annual “Top Achiever’s” reward weekend of indulgence and pampering in beautiful Bali. Rather than beat our own drum about the weekend we thought we’d let our Top Achievers speak for themselves.  Here’s what a few of them had to say…
“First class treatment all the way, we were  made to feel the TAG weekend was all about us and that’s  what is was from check-in for our Garuda Indonesia Executive Class flight, the 5 Star Conrad Suites, to 5 Star treatment all weekend,  we were made to feel extremely special.”
“The setting for the Awards night at Karma Kandara was unbelievable, the sunset was amazing, the service was nothing but 5 Star,  standing on the beach at Uluwatu, barefoot, cocktail dresses, sand in our toes and fine wine and food, the experience was one that we would never forget! Thank you GOH and Garuda Indonesia!”
Tracey – Travel Managers, QLD
What a lovely “Thank You” from GOH - business class lounges, business class flights, and then to arrive at the beautiful Conrad Suites that had been already personalised for my arrival. It was wonderful to have my efforts appreciated so much after what has been a hectic year sending our valued clients to Bali - THANK YOU!
Kate - Travelworld, Coffs Harbour
“What a perfect atmosphere on the beach at Uluwatu for the awards ceremony, a truly memorable experience, hope to be back again next year!!”       Â
Adriana – Tewantin Travel, QLD
“I don’t believe we deserved such great treatment but thank you all the same!
It’s really a great feeling to know that all our hard work is appreciated. Having the ceremony down on the beach was a bit different and fantastic, and the dinner was superb. Karma Kandara is an excellent place to spend a special evening“                   Â
Ambrey – Jetset Hay Street WA
“Fantastic weekend – will definitely push me to sell more GOH product!“Â
Andrew – Asia Holidays NZ
It is very hard to pick a special moment as everything we were treated to was special.
It is so wonderful to be appreciated for the hard work we all do everyday in our offices.
To be rewarded with such an amazing experience will stay in my memory forever.
You are all very special people and do such amazing jobs. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this very special experience.                                      Â
Jen - Harvey World Travel, Bateau Bay
“I found heaven on earth”
Thank you so much for everything                                    Â
Sonia, Travel Direct - Kingscliff
Had a great flight with Garuda Indonesia (I would recommend them anytime) on the ground and in the air, they were efficient and very courteous
It got even better when we put our feet on land arriving at the Conrad Hotel - just divine
Claudia, Figtree Travel
Special thanks must go to our fabulous sponsors without whom TAG 2009 would not have been so successful or memorable.
The Conrad Suites for hosting us in such lavish accommodation, Karma Kandara for providing such a perfect venue and magical setting for our Gala Awards and Dinner evening and The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua – the front cover star of BOAB09 - for hosting our breakfast brochure launch!
Be sure to ask your GOH/GA Sales Exec how you can gain a place on next year’s Top Achiever’s weekend
Source: www.etravelblackboard.com
March 23rd, 2009
Niken Prathivi , The Jakarta Post , Jimbaran, Bali
Organizers of the MRA Bali International Triathlon are calling on young local athletes to join a three-event sporting competition scheduled for June.
“This year we are expecting more than 350 participants to join,” triathlon director Andreas Charisma Kansil told a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jimbaran, Bali - the starting point for the competition. “Hopefully, more local athletes from Jakarta, Bali and other parts of Indonesia will get involved in the Bali triathlon,” Andreas said.
The competition features three categories including an Olympic-standard individual triathlon, a three-in-a-team relay triathlon as well as a 5 kilometer fun run.
The Olympic-standard race incorporates a 1.5 km swim around Jimbaran Bay; a 40 km ride encompassing the Jimbaran Bypass road, Nusa Dua, Ungasan and Pecatu; and a 10 km run along the Uluwatu Raya road.
“We realize that the Olympic standard may be difficult for local participants, but we encourage them to join either in a relay team or in the fun run,” Andreas said, adding that the organizers had registered 35 participants for the individual triathlon category.
“This amount is an increase from the same period last year,” Andreas said. “Based on last year’s experience, there will be last-minute registrations.”
Saturday’s press program was highlighted by a warm-up session of swimming and cycling events. Former national swimmer Richard Sam Bera was among the five-strong exhibitors.
Thanks to his experience, Richard easily led the pack, which included Philippa Goldie, John Blyther, Agnes Safford and I Wayan Arsana.
The group swam a 500-meter course - reduced from the normal 1.5 kilometers - before embarking on a bike ride along the competition route. “The route is challenging, but it still needs to be upgraded,” Richard told The Jakarta Post.
After retiring from the national swimming team, Richard has taken up triathlon, and says that it is like deja vu.
Ahead of the Bali event, 37-year-old Richard plans to try out in Singapore in April and in Bintan in May.
Source: The Jakarta Post
March 23rd, 2009
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