Refurbished and Renamed – Umah Anyar Resort Opens with Outstanding Introductory Price Offer. 3 Bedroom Villas from Just $215 per night!
Closed for much of 2004 while it underwent a major refurbishing, Umah Anyar Resort has now reopened with a totally new luxurious look and a new name - Anahata Villa & Spa.
Positioning itself as a sanctuary for families on the banks of Bali's Petanu River near Tampak Siring – the resort offers 12 elegant and extremely spacious 3-bedroom villas elegantly perched in the jungle over a 1.5 hectare site, all within hearing distance of the gentle swirl of the nearby river. Each of the three-storey villas boasts three bedrooms each with ensuite bathroom facilities, a separate living and dining area, a pantry, and a private plunge pool.
Entrance to the Resort is through a main receptive center which also houses a tree-top bar and restaurant, a small gym, a yoga room where regular courses are conducted, and a large multi-purpose room. An excellent menu offers a wide range of western and Balinese dishes with the Resort's special Balinese Rijsttafel rapily winning plaudits island-wide and well worth the advance 24-hour reservation required.
Other facilities include a hill side swimming pool; the fully equipped stand-alone Giri Loka Spa offering dynamic river views; a children's play area built around a traditional tree-house; mountain-bike, horse-riding; and a private riverside alcove and pontoon.
Special Introductory Offer
To celebrate the re-opening and launching of the Anahata Villas & Spa Resort a special opening offer of only US$215 per night is available through balidiscovery.com through January 31, 2005.
This exceptional price offer – representing a discount of more than 55% - includes:
• A complete 3 bedroom villa with living room and dining room, pantry and private plunge pool.
• Accommodation for up to 6 people including daily breakfast.
• Complimentary welcome massage for all adult guests at the Giri Loka Spa.
• Complimentary 15 minute horse ride for any child guest.
• Complimentary Airport Transfers.
Holiday Space Still Available
A limited number of villas were reported as still available over the 2004-2005 Christmas New Year Holidays.
But, at these prices these luxurious and extremelt spacious villas won't last long.
An Exhibition of Watercolor Paintings by Sasya Tranggono
Her powerfully rendered paintings of Indonesian wooden puppets or Wayan Golek took Jakarta's art community by storm in 2003. Later, a solo exhibition at the Alila Ubud Gallery in May of this year - Painting my Soul left Bali-based collectors calling for "more."
Gifted Indonesian artists Sasya Tranggono is back for another triumphant one-woman show -"Precious Moments" at Jenggala Keramik Bali running from Friday, November 26, 2004 through January 6, 2005.
Unlike Sasya's previous exhibitions, the Jenggala Keramik show is a presentation of paintings from her entire art career. She will be exhibiting a variety of subjects and themes, including wooden puppets, flowers and butterflies.
A portion of the proceeds of the sales from the current exhibition will be donated to the Jakarta Breast Cancer Foundation.
The exhibition is open daily (excluding holidays) at Jenggala Keramik in Jimbaran.
For more information call ++62-(0361-703310.
From Tension to Oneness
An Exhibition by Antonius Kho at Ganesha Gallery Four Seasons Resort Bali.
Ganesha Gallery at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay will present a solo exhibition by the Ubud-based artist Antonius Kho, November 23 – December 17, 2004.
Born in Java, Antonius began studying art in 1977 under the guidance of the famous Indonesian artist Barli. In 1978 he studied batik design in Yogyakarta before continuing his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bandung. Leaving for Germany in 1985, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts FH Cologne. In 1998, Antonius Kho returned to his native Indonesia and settled in Ubud, Bali.
The recipient of many awards including a first-prize for "Mulen auf Liegestuhlen" from the FH Art Design Olivadenhof, Cologne in 1989. In 1998 he also received a first-prize honor for "Mask in Venice" at Art Addiction Annual in Venice, Italy.
Born of a Javanese Mother and a Chinese Father and educated both in Indonesia and Europe, Antonius Kho's life is a study in contrast and contradiction. At home with the juxtaposition of contrasting values and outlooks, Antonius uses materials such as paper, rags, and jute in creating his art. His techniques are a combination of sculpture, painting, batik, and collage - all converging in a single presentation.
Similarly, his exhibition "From Tension to Oneness" uses diverse media – sculpture, painting and collage to express his own mixed heritage and the diversified component parts of his own personal complexity.
"From Tension to Oneness" and exhibition by Antonius Kho runs from November 23, 2004 through December 17, 2004 at the Ganesha Gallery at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.
The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m..
Waterbom Park to Hold Traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony December 17th .
South Kuta's sidewalks will come alive with the spirit of Christmas on Friday, December 17, 2004, with a traditional Christmas Tree lighting ceremony to be held at the entrance to Waterbom Park at 6:30 p.m..
The ceremony, led by members of Waterbom Park's Management, will include cocktails and refreshments for invited guests and a performance by a choir from a local Christian orphanage.
Commenting on Waterbom Park decision to add a traditional Christmas tree to decorate the local scene, D. Riana Bismark, Director of Sales and Marketing, said:"This holiday season is filled with exciting activites and time-honored traditions, and the lighting of the Christmas tree at Waterbom Park is one of them. This year there is a renewed energy for Waterbom as we continue to rebuild our beautiful park and to refresh its spirit."
"Against All Odds - The Strange Destiny of a Balinese Prince." An Illustrated Biography of the Life of Dr. A.A. Made Djelantik Just Launched by Saritaksu Editions, Bali.
The life story of Dr. A.A. Made Djelantik spans most of the year of the last century; touches a professional career lived in Europe, Africa and Indonesia; and spans a time that bridges the transition from when Kings still ruled Bali to the more pluralistic traditions of modern day.
One of Bali's most-loved personalities, Dr. A.A. Made Djelantik was born the son of the Raja of Karangasem – a feudal lord who nurtured his Son's active intellect and insatiable desire for education. Schooled in Java as a child before leaving for Holland as a young man to pursue a course in medical studies, he left an Indonesia "occupied" by Colonial overlords from who he sought a medical education in Amsterdam. Ironically, he quickly found himself struggling to survive and continue his studies in a Holland occupied itself by invading German troops.
Graduating as a Doctor in 1946 and specializing in tropical medicine, Dr. Djelantik eventually returned to an independent Indonesia where he served as Bali's Chief Medical Officer from 1957-1969, before again traveling abroad to work for ten years with the World Health Organization. Dr. Djelantik is credited with pioneering the Faculty of Medicine at Bali's Udayana University. He served as the director of the Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar from 1959-1969.
Deeply interested in Bali's culture, he served as chairman of Bali's Council for Cultural Affairs from 1960-1969 and founded ASTI - the internationally famous Dance Academy of Bali. He also served as Chairman of the Walter Spies Foundation from 1981-1999.
A prolific author on a wide range of subjects, he is the author of "Balinese Painting"(Oxford University Press: 1968); "The Birthmark: Memoirs of a Balinese Prince" (Periplus Press: 1997).
Against All Odds – The Strange Destiny of a Balinese Prince
Dr. Djelantik's latest book was started in 2001 while he was recuperating from a debilitating stroke that saw him begin painting again after a break of nearly 50 years. Drawing from memories, he created a remarkable sequence of watercolors depicting scenes for his rich life's story.
Italian born author, Idanna Pucci, provide a written narrative to accompany Dr. Djelantik's pictures, relating his stories with gentle respect and inspiration. In retelling his life she has managed to catch Dr. Djealntik's innate sensitivity, innocence, wide-eyed wonder and fearless curiosity in exploring new worlds - both on a personal and external basis.
Idanna Pucci, a graduate of Columbia University's School of Comparative Literature, has traveled extensively throughout Asia while writing several books and producing documentary films.
In reviewing the book, Indonesia's highly respected essayist, poet and journalist - Goenawan Mohamad had the following to say about "Against all Odds":
"The temptation of this epic is irresistible. In the case of Madé Djelantik's life and works, as told by Idanna Pucci, the learning begins and ends with a note that it may be a good idea, even in our violent time, to recreate the possibility of joy."
Exciting New Book Launched by The Sumba Foundation.
The Sumba Foundation - a charitable organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of the people on the remote island of Sumba – has just launched a book of breathtakingly beautiful photos and accompanying essays on the rich history and culture of the island of Sumba.
Home to ancient Neolithic monuments, hand-woven Sumba textiles resplendent in their symbolism and prized by museums the world over, and deeply ingrained tribal traditions – Sumba is also home to an arid climate which, combined with the island's remote location, has resulted in widespread economic privation.
The 176-page full color book contains outstanding photos by some of the world's leading photographers. Together they have recorded one of the world's most picturesque and culturally interesting places where little more than two generations ago headhunting and tribal wars were still commonplace.
Produced with major sponsorship by Quiksilver, all proceeds from the book's sales go directly to support the Sumba Foundation's field projects in health, education, clean water and economic development to help the impoverished people of Sumba.
Authored and coordinated by long time Sumba resident Claude Graves with foreword written by Dr. Lawrence Blair, "Sumba" also contains a preface written by Jann Wenner, publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine and a first time visitor to Sumba. Chief Photography was by Jason Childs, Indonesia's premier surf photographer. Art Direction, editing and photography was done by Leonard Leuras with additional photography by Georges Breguet, Dan Brooks, Jay Gerson, Claude Graves, Jeff Hornbaker, and Jean Howe.
To lean how to order this important limited edition book and assist The Sumba Foundation follow the link provided.
Major Physical Changes Planned for Grand Hyatt Bali in 2005.
Grand Hyatt Bali has announced a two-phased major renovation program that will start in January 2005 and is scheduled for final completion in March of 2006.
Phase One
Commencing on January 9, 2005, all guest room in the Resort's South and West Villages will under go a total makeover; a new function area will be built in the area of the current car park; and 25 Spa Villas will be added to the property.
Completion of phase one is targeted for August 2005.
Phase Two
Phase two of renovations will address the renovation of all remaining guestrooms and suites in the North and East Villages of the Resort. Set to begin in September 2005, work is expected to be completed by March 2006.
Minimum Inconvenience to Guests Anticipated
Because the resort sits on a massive lot of 17 hectares – the largest resort site within the Nusa Dua Complex – guests staying at the Grand Hyatt will likely be unaware of the extensive renovation program underway. Each phase separately address the villages to either side of the central guest amenity core of the Resort guaranteeing a minimum of 240 meters distance between the any area under renovation and rooms occupied by guests. Contractors and materials will access the project area through dedicated entrances, fare removed from any guest traffic areas.
The central amenities core, including the Hotel's Main Restaurant, Bars, Lobby, Meeting rooms, and Pool areas have recently undergone renovation and will therefore be available for unimpeded guest enjoyment throughout the renovation period.
Kuta Karnival III Set for June 25- July 3, 2005
Change of Date for Kuta Festival To Accommodate Local Religious Celebrations.
The Kuta Small Business Association (KSBA) have announced that the third running of the week-long celebration of food, music, night-life and shopping will be held from June 25 through July 3, 2005.
According to the Organizers, the change in dates from the October slot was made to avoid potential conflicts with Galungan and Kuningan celebrations in 2005.
Recap of Kuta Karnival II
The 2004 Kuta Karnival held September 23 – October 3, 2004, has now been formally wrapped up with a formal report from the Chairman of the KSBA, I Made Suparta. In that report it was revealed that Rp. 800,890,150 (approximately US$ 88,000) was spent in organizing this year's event. A budget surplus of Rp. 6,466,850 (approximately US$710) was donated by the Association to local schools and a fund for the widows of the Bali Bombing.
Supartha called for more input from the community on how the Kuta Karnival III should be organized, saying he hoped the 2005 staging of the event will manage to attract even more participation from both the local community and abroad.
See Indonesia First
President Yudhoyono Calls on Countrymen to Prioritize Domestic Tourism Before Traveling Overseas.
During a surprise visit on Tuesday November 16, 2004, to a Jakarta amusement park during the Idul Fitri Holidays, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono used the occasion to urge his fellow countrymen to see their own country first and avoid traveling abroad on holiday.
The President told visitors to the Dunia Fantasi Park in Jakarta's Ancol sub-district, "Don't go abroad. Our country is beautiful with many domestic tourist attractions that need to be visited."
The President's unannounced visit to the popular tourist park caused near hysteria as several thousand park visitors were amazed to find the Nation's Chief Executive moving freely in the park engaged in dialogue with Indonesian holiday makers.
In discussions with the management of Dunia Fantasi the President set forth three main criteria for successful tourism attraction management: namely, security, beauty and educational benefit.
Joining the President on his walk-about were members of his family, the Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik, Presidential Spokesman Andi Mallarangeng, and Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi.
New Address for Australian Consulate in Bali
Closed for More than Two Months, Bali's Australian Consulate Opens in New, More Secure Location.
The Australian Consulate General in Bali opens its doors at its new location on Monday, November 22, 2004, following its closure shortly after the Jakarta bombing outside the Australian Embassy on September 9, 2004.
The move, from the old location on Jalan Professor Yamin No. 4 to its new location, was made to enhance security for the Consulate and its staff.
The new contact information:
The Australian Consulate-General in Bali
Jalan Hayum Wuruk No. 88 B – Tanjung Bungak – Denpasar, Bali 80324
Office hours are Monday – Friday from 08:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon and from 12:45 p.m. until 4:00 p.m..
More Emphasis on Theatre and the Performing Arts
Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik Calls for More Support of Theatre.
Quoted in the Indonesian-language Bisnis.com, Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, is calling for more attention to be paid to stage and theatre presentations in Indonesia.
"In the future, I, in my capacity as Minister of Culture and Tourism, and members of my staff will be paying greater attention to both modern and traditional theatre performances by attending such events, and, if necessary, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will also attend," said the Minister.
Minister Jero Wacik also expressed his admiration for the many theatre groups that still manage to continue to exist and perform despite poor attendance and the lack of financial sponsorship. The Minister pledged that in the future money would be made available to assist the development of theatrical projects.
At the same time the Minister called on theatre groups to enhance the entrepreneurship and professional management of theatre projects to increase attendance and make corporate sponsorship a more attractive proposition to Indonesian businesses.
Kameron Kamdani Missing at Sea
Local Business and Tourism Figure Goes Missing While Diving Near Komodo.
Popular and well-known business and tourism figure, Kameron Kamdani disappeared while diving near Batu Bolong in the Flores Sea on Sunday, November 14, 2004.
According to reports, Mr. Kamdani was diving with his Son, Karesna, and a guest from the Puri Komodo Resort, when the incident occurred. Strong, colds currents caused Karesna and the guest to abort their morning dive after only 20 minutes, returning to the surface to await the elder Mr. Kamdani who failed to resurface. Extensive searches of the sea and surrounding islands have failed to yield any trace of the missing diver.
Mr. Kamdani is the founder and owner of P.T. Rotaryana Prima, a company with offices in Jakarta and Bali and a leading supplier of consumables and equipment to the hotel and restaurant industry. The Company also operates the Puri Komodo Resort - a dive resort located near Labuan Bajo in Flores on the borders of the Komodo National Park.
While searches continued to locate the missing diver, his two Sons, Karisma and Karesna, and his brother businessman Joe Kamdani led a large group of concerned friends and family members in prayer service for Kameron Kamdani's safety held at Jakarta's Catholic Cathedral on Friday, November 19, 2004.
HTML-Archive
The links below provide access to the graphical version of the Bali Update.
