Bali Turns Into Ghost Town as Nyepi Is Observed
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. (more…)
Add comment March 27th, 2009
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali Hosts Hong Kong Media Fam Trip
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?. (more…)
Add comment March 25th, 2009
In the master’s hands
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. (more…)
Add comment March 25th, 2009
Garuda Indonesia opens Lombok tourism with direct flights from Bali
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. (more…)
Add comment March 24th, 2009
Garuda Orient Holidays / Garuda Indonesia Top Achiever’s Weekend – Bali 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.” (more…)
Add comment March 23rd, 2009
Bali event seeks local talents
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. (more…)
Add comment March 23rd, 2009
Tourism spots deserted as Bali celebrates Galungan
DENPASAR: Various tourist spots in Bali were deserted Wednesday as much of the island’s Hindus observed the religious holiday of Galungan, which celebrates the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).
Only a handful of overseas tourists were seen swimming and sunbathing along Kuta Beach in Badung regency, while local tourists milled along the beachfront. (more…)
Add comment March 20th, 2009
Denpasar to be a creative city
Wasti Atmodjo , The Jakarta Post , Denpasar
The Denpasar administration is ready to turn Bali’s provincial capital into a creative city by 2010 in anticipation of population growth and globalization, by planning for sectors such as agriculture, education, tourism, trade and industry.
Denpasar Mayor IB Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra said Tuesday the programs should involve all layers of society and fully benefit the public. (more…)
Add comment March 20th, 2009
Bali tourism buoyant as inbound arrivals soar
Source: PATA; The Moodie Report
By Dermot Davitt
INDONESIA. Direct international tourist arrivals to Bali surged by +17.7% year-on-year in January, to 164,643 visitors, according to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The organisation quoted figures from PATA member Bali Discovery Tours.
Australia is now the top source market, replacing Japan, PATA noted. It said: “Arrivals from Australia (27,873) accounted for some 37.8% of the total for January 2009. Japan is in second spot with 25,324 arrivals while China (PRC) has risen from fifth to third place with 23,115.” (more…)
Add comment March 19th, 2009
Statue Of Sri Chinmoy Erected In Bali
Sri Chinmoy Tribute Songs of the Soul Concert tour coming to Vancouver on April 23.
BALI - Sri Chinmoy’s spirit lives on in Bali through a radiant bronze statue of the world harmony leader which has just been placed permanently in Ubud, the cultural center of Bali, along with an original of his paintings entitled ‘Brotherhood’.
Bali’s spiritual, political and cultural leaders gathered together at the Agung Rai Museum (ARMA) in Ubud, Bali to dedicate a 2.2 metre tall bronze statue of world harmony leader Sri Chinmoy. Leader of the twice-weekly interfaith Peace Meditations at the United Nations for delegates and leaders since 1970, Sri Chinmoy founded a wide range of cultural and humanitarian programmes globally, including the 80-nation World Harmony Run in 1987 and the Sri Chinmoy Peace-Blossoms family, both taking place in Bali. (more…)
Add comment March 18th, 2009