BALI UPDATE #272 - 03 December 2001

Is Bali Safe? Bank on It

National Public Radio (USA) Explores Why Bali Thinks Current U.S. Travel Advisories are Both Unfair & Inappropriate.

Rob Gilford of National Public Radio (NPR) was in Bali on November 20, meeting local members of the tourism industry and discoverying why people in Bali think the current blanket U.S. travel advisory for Bali is both unfair and completely inappropriate.

A long list of other European and Asian countries have taken special pains to specifically advise their travelers that while some parts of Indonesia may from time to time be unsettled, Bali has a spotless security record maintaining a continually conducive atmosphere for international tourism. Nonethless, exhibiting both a lack of creativity and local insight, the U.S. Government continues to punish the people of Bali by suggesting that U.S. visitors to the island may be somehow unsafe.

NPR's Rob Gilford spoke with the Bali Discovery Tours' J.M. Daniels, himself an American working and living in Bali, on his company’s "Money-Back-No-Demonstration" guarantee to foreign visitors to Bali.

In the words of Daniels, "there's no place in today's world where this American could travel where he would not feel himself at substantially higher risk than living in the very peaceful and secure environment that Bali has to offer."

If you have Real Time Audio © installed on your computer, you can listen to the NPR Morning Edition Bali segment (aired on Friday, November 30, 2001) via the link below.

More information: Real Audio Link to National Public Radio Bali Seg

Ritz Carlton - A Sweet & Sassy 5

Bali's Ritz Carlton Celebrates its 5th Anniversary in Style. See Bali Discovery's Exclusive Photos of the Gala Event.

The Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort and Spa has just turned five and to celebrate the birthday of the 5 star, 287 room property at Jimbaran Bay a weekend of gourmet dining and top fashion was held November 30 - December 2 at the resort.

The highlight event was a champagne cocktail reception and dinner held on Saturday, December 1, followed by a fashion show. Guests arrived at the anteroom of the Hotel's Main Ballroom where they were serenaded by a classical string quartet while be treated to liberal quantities of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and fine canapés.

Following welcoming comments by Mr. Marc Dardenne, General Manager of the Resort; Mrs. Pia Alisjahbana, the acknowledge mentor of Indonesian young fashion designers and owner of the Femina Publishing Group; and a congratulatory address by Mr. I Gde Ardika, Minister of Culture and Tourism for the Republic - a 5 course gala dinner was served.

Following dinner, Asia's top jewelry and fashion designers joined forces to mesmerize the celebrants. On display were the fashions of Hong Kong based Kevin Yeung; Central Java jewelry creator Runi Palar; the silk batik fashions of Apip’s Batik's by Afif Syakur; and the silk and hand embroidered lace fashion creations of Musa Widayat Modjo.

Bali Discovery Tours has prepared a photographic record of the fashion show available through the link below.

More information: Ritz Carlton Bali Fashion Fusion

Four Seasons Opens The Jimbaran Estates

Acknowledged as Operating Two of the Best Resorts in the World, The Four Seasons in Bali Outdoes Itself Again with the Opening of The Jimbaran Estates.

Four Seasons Resorts in Bali, the operators of the award-winning Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay and the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan have again redefined the very essence of gracious living with the opening of 9 private estates at Jimbaran Bay, near the current Jimbaran resort.

The Four Seasons Jimbaran Estates are aimed at visitors to Bali seeking understated elegance and the heightened sense of space and tranquility only afforded by accommodation in a fully-staffed private residence.

The Jimbaran Estates architect, Mr. Cheong Yew Kuan of Area Architects of Singapore has successfully married the traditional Balinese walled compound concept of the Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay with the post-modern design features championed at the Four Seasons at Sayan. Each of the Estates is palatial, ranging from 11,582 to over 24,187 square feet. The interiors were designed by Indonesia's renowned Mr. Jaya Ibrahim, providing oversized, comfortable and elegant furnishings with beautiful indigenous fabrics -- an idyllic ambiance for anyone who seeks the best of Bali.

Suitable for use as both a private island get-away or a venue for entertaining larger parties, each Estate contains a two-story thatched roof pavilion with soaring ceilings in an open-air living and dining area on the first level. The second-floor, air-conditioned master suite contains a romantic canopied bed, an oversized indoor soaking tub, separate shower as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi. Adjacent to the living area is an air-conditioned library and den with a complete audio/visual system containing a CD player, DVD and Video players, radio, and satellite television. Additional bedrooms overlook a large pool and manicured gardens with their own bathroom and an outdoor shower.

Kitchens in each Estate are large and easily serviced by Four Seasons staff. Guests can ask for the services of a cook or butler to meet their needs or they can opt to have their meals delivered by villa service to their Estate. Alternatively, they have the choice of four restaurants at the adjacent Resort.

Tropical landscaping from Mr. Trevor Hillier prominently features the iconic fragrant frangipani and other stunning plants. The Estates are surrounded by Balinese stonewalls, have private parking and 24-hour security.

Guests will also enjoy all the amenities of the 35-acre Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay including access to The Spa and gym, tennis courts, library, and other guest services, all from a separate, adjacent private location.

Special introductory rates are available from Bali Discovery Tours during the initial through March 21, 2001 with special rates ranging from US$ 850.00 to US$ 1,750 per night. Additional discounts will be extended to long staying guests.

More information: Four Seasons Estates Enquiry

ATF In Yogyakarta on Track

A Determined and Dedicated Tourism Industry Vows to Make Yogya Travel Show A Success.

Now officially tagged as the "Royal ATF," the ASEAN Tourism Forum scheduled for January 21-28 in the Central Java Capital of Yogyakarta is promising to be a memorable event of "majestic" proportions.

Officially adopted by Yogyakarta's Governor and reigning Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the Sultan has given his personal guarantee of a successful event, opening his royal household and dedicating substantial resources to put his kingdom back on the tourism map.

A 10,000 square meter Yogyakarta Exhibition and Convention Center (YECC) is now getting the final finishing touches as the official venue for the event. Just 15 minutes from the town center, the YECC will eventually house a hotel and shopping complex in addiiton to it's state-of-the-art convention facilities.

1,500 delegates comprised of buyers of travel from around the world and travel sellers from the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to visit Central Java over the course of the ATF.

The Royal Household of of the Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat will open its doors for this important event, hosting the opening ceremony on January 25.

Buyers and seller still have the opportunity to register for the ATF by using the e-mail link below.

More information: E-mail ATF 2002

WARNING: Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson is Back

Australian Funnyman Returns for 'Yet Another Night in Bali' December 7.

He's sold over 2 million comedy albums. He's filled the Sydney Opera House and the London Paladium. He insulted and abused ten's of thousands of people along the way!

And, he's back in Bali!

Australian comedian and songster, Kevin "Bloody" Willson is back for a one night "stand" in Bali on Friday, December 7, aptly dubbed: "Yet Another Night in Bali."

The show starts at 8 p.m. at Dee Jay’s Café on Jalan Kartika Plaza in Kuta ( Kuta Center behind the All Star's Surf Café).

Kevin "Bloody" Wilson's appearance in Bali is sponsored by Bali FM.Net and Bali Adventure Tours.

Tickets cost Rp. 100,000 and include the first soft drink or beer.

For more information, telephone ++62-(0)361-721480 - extension 261.

More information: The Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson Website

Island Life: The Search for 'Bomber'

A Shaggy Dog Story: The Ransom of a Red-Haired 'Bomber'. Bali Update Editor's Saga of a Reunion With His Best Friend.

The Balinese policeman, vexed at the idea of having to deal with another emotional foreigner, was relieved to discover I spoke "passable" Bahasa Indonesia. He listened intently as, between gasps and sobs, I explained that I had lost someone who I was frantic to have returned to me. In the time-honored traditions of Sgt. Joe Friday, the hard-working officer scribbled in his note pad detail after detail: Last seen jumping over the back wall . . . red hair that was both curly and long . . . heavy breather . . . bathes only once week . . . pronounced nose . . . known to frequent the homes of unattached females in the neighborhood . . . and marked by a distinguishing tattoo on his left ear.

"Yes officer, that's right, I know I said he tends to drool," I confirmed, amazed that the policeman found that fact noteworthy.

It was not until the officer asked the name and occupation of the "missing party" that the prevailing calm at the local police station suddenly came badly apart.

Profession?

The question hardly seem relevant, given the circumstances. Making my annoyance obvious to the overworked policeman who gave allowance for my highly emotional state, he moved on to the next question: "The missing party’s name?" To ensure accuracy and emphasis, I spelled out his name, " B-O-M-B-E-R : Bomber von Haus Ton."

The shocked policeman checked his facts by asking, ”BOMBER?” My pointed affirmation caused the cop to hurriedly excuse himself, eager to confer with his superior in the adjoining office.

Now, that's more like it, I thought. At last a little action, assuring myself that a little self-assertion in a time of crisis universally gets the public sector back up and moving.

My momentary élan, however, quickly evaporated as a group of officers wearing flack jackets descended, demanding more information on my report of a red-haired mad bomber, last seen jumping the fence at my house the previous night.

Make a mental note: Do not delay further those plans for an advanced course in Indonesian language. There are times, such as these, which demonstrate my command on the language needs some work.

Fortunately, a modicum of normality returned, when my shaking hands produced the official canine registration for my missing 40 kilogram red dog, also known as - Bomber von Haus Ton.

The Police Bomb Squad's relief at discovering Bali's peaceful situation remained intact, quickly changed to indignation as they unceremoniously deposited me on the front steps reminding me that lost dogs - even those with the name of "Bomber" - don’t qualify for all-points bulletins on the island of Bali.

Undeterred and determined to find my missing dog, I embarked on other tacks to ensure his return.

In addition to advertisements in the local press, we placed posters at street side stalls within a 4 mile radius, including pictures of Bomber and offering a generous reward for information leading to his return.

The local Banjar Pacalang or community vigilante corps were also advised of Bomber's disappearance and their assistance enlisted.

Disguised as a unrepentant carnivore, I visited the several RW (pronounced ‘air-way’) stalls hidden on Denpasar’s back streets where dog meat is discreetly served to home-sick migrants from North Sumatra and North Sulawesi who consider dog meat a local delicacy. Wearing a fedora and, to complete my disguise as a member of the dog-devouring fraternity, manipulating a tooth-pick as I spoke, I showed the proprietors of the RW Shop a picture of Bomber. Stealing myself for the grim possibility that they would confirm the photo's subject as today’s blue-plate special, they assured that there was a stated preference for black dogs and, anyway, the dog in my picture looked the size of a small pony.

Definitely not their plate of pooch.

Heartened that no news was good news, I made a full moon visit to a small village near Goa Gajah to consult with a well-respected Balinese Balian or holy-man. A waiting room full of supplicants supported his reputation of a man of visions - literally able to suggest cures for illness and help find lost items. Eventually, I was received into his prayer room where he accepted my offerings and placed them on the altar. After reverently listening to my dog gone story, he chanted, burned incense and prayed before,quite amazingly, drawing a precise map of my neighborhood, suggesting Bomber's route of escape and how he had adopted an unsuspecting diner at a local road side food stand. Best of all, the Balian confirmed this particular man's best friend continued to live.

On the fourth day, with hope almost at an end, I received a call that a man had seen Bomber earlier that day when a man had tried to sell him the dog. Exactly as described by the Balian, the man had been "selected" by Bomber as he sat having a meal of rice and vegetable on the side of a local road. Without invitation, Bomber occupied the bench next to the man and finished the unsuspecting man's meal. Determined to be compensated, he literally took the dog in tow, attempting to sell it at various homes and business places in the area.

The man said he also knew where Bomber was eventually sold: a large handicraft shop not more than 2 kilometers from home.

Already after sunset, we rushed to the address to discover Bomber firmly in charge of his new residence. Dinner had been good, both his and his new family's which he devoured without much adieu. Amazed at the speed at which his dinner had disappeared and concerned that the animal may still be hungry, the shopkeeper hid his children in their locked bedrooms on the second floor and sought his own protection behind a tall gate with the dog chained in the driveway.

Would he sell me back my dog? Certainly, at a loss, if need be.

Would I, in turn, guarantee his family's safety in the event the dog became hungry and went looking for another meal? Yes, Sir, I'd do my best.

Money was exchanged through the gate as the man pointed to the dog, urging me to keep his chain for added security and lose no time in taking "Bomber" home with me.

Four days after his initial disappearance, Bomber was back home with those who, despite his many shortcomings, loved him dearly. The next day, following a bath and a good meal, his triumphant return was marked with tradiitonal prayers and offerings of hand made palm leaf canangsari's, mountains of colorful cakes, satays and carved fruits prepared by neighbor ladies who insisted on offering traditional Balinese thanksgiving prayers to mark Bomber's safe return.

Yes, thank God, our friend was back home.

More information: Visit the Bali Street Dog Foundation Website!