Overall Monthly Arrivals to Bali

Direct foreign arrivals to Bali for July 2006 totaled 121,988 - an +11.25% percent increase over the previous month although lagging a dramatic -23.01% behind July 2005's record setting arrivals (158,453).

As graphically presented on balidiscovery.com, July's 2006 arrivals are following seasonality patterns in foreign arrivals by tracking an upward trend May through July. Also interesting are indications that Bali's recovery following the October 2005 bombing may be flatter and less pronounced than the Islands comeback following the October 2002 terrorist attack.

For picture click here

Japanese Arrivals

Japan continues to be Bali's number one source of foreign visitors with 23,882 Japanese landing in Bali in July 2006, continuing an upward trend supported by Japan Airline's return to full Japan-Bali schedules.

Japanese arrivals at 23,832 in July were down -33.46% from the same month one year before (35,817). Encouraging is the fact that the Japanese recovery following the 2005 bombing appears much more robust than the Japanese return to Bali after the 2002 bombing.

For picture click here

Australian Arrivals

Traditionally the second largest source of Bali foreign arrivals, the Australian slipped into third place for July producing only 12,521 visitors – a figure down a massive -57.19% from the record level of Australians who visited in July 2005 (29,249). No less concerning, Australian arrival actually declined from June to July, underlining the doldrums of Australian visitors during what is traditionally a peak season from that market.

Local observers are predicting a more rapid recovery from Australia with the launch of cheap fares to Bali by JetStar, set to start flying in late 2006, and increases in flight frequencies from Western Australia by Garuda to meet growing demand.

For picture click here

Taiwanese Arrivals

Taiwan moved into the number two slot in the rankings of foreign arrivals to Bali in July, racking up 17,501 visitors for July. This total is a scant -2.59% decline from July 2005 (17,912).

Taiwanese arrivals are expected to continue to improve over the coming months demonstrating a virtual full recovery from that market.

For picture click here

South Korean Arrivals

South Korean arrivals in July tallied 6,166 – a total -28.46% behind the same month in 2005 (8,619).

For picture click here

The Rest of the World

The next installment of Bali by the Numbers will take a closer look at Bali arrivals for July 2006, including some encouraging signs of recovery from the European and American markets.

 

Tsunami Warning Signs Posted on Bali's Beaches

As part of a tsunami awareness program now underway, the government is providing public information pamphlets and erecting large signs on major beaches in Bali, as shown on balidiscovery.com.

Somewhat surprisingly presented only in Indonesian, the signs warn:

• If you feel a strong movement of the earth, please leave the seaside area.

• If the ocean levels suddenly and unusually recede, immediately get far away from the shoreline.

• If you see an unusually strong wave this may foretell of a larger tsunami wave to follow. Seek refuge far from the shoreline.

• If you here a very loud rumbling, bang or explosive sound coming from the direction of the seaside - seek safety far inland away from the beach.

• If a cold and salt-laden breeze suddenly comes from the direction of the ocean, immediately distance yourself from the beach.

Practical Tips

The same warning sign also contains the following handy practical tips:

• Tsunami waves move very quickly. Therefore do not attempt to watch a tsunami in progress.

• Tsunamis are dangerous ocean waves that will often come ashore in a succession of attacks. One tsunami may be followed by another.

• The first tsunami wave is not necessarily the largest or the last wave – beware!

• Successive tsunami waves may be as little as a few minutes or as much as one hour apart.

The warning signs also post a contact telephone/facsimile number for the tsunami command post in Bali which is ++62-(0)361-221533.

Click here for Information of a Personal Tsunami Alarm System.

 

The people of Bali seldom embark or end any major enterprise without seeking the blessing of the Almighty while at the same time seeking to ensure that the delicate balances between mankind, nature and the gods are kept on an even keel.

This was also the case at a special Balinese Hindu ceremony held at The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali – a Starwood Luxury Collection property held on August 1, 2006, to celebrate the completion of an US$ 7.5 million renovation and refurbishment program. Conducted by a Hindu priest at a temple located within the hotel's ground, the Pecaruan and Pemelaspas rituals were attended by management, staff and guests staying at the hotel.

Ceremonies traditionally presented upon the completion of any building or renovation work in Bali. the Pecaruan and Pemelaspas ensure the restoration and continued maintenance of spiritual harmony in the area and its surroundings.

The August 1st ceremonies garnered added importance as it marked not only the completion of a major refurbishment program touching almost every area of the Hotel, but also a change in name for the property bestowed upon its induction into the Starwood Luxury Collection.

Refurbished Guest Rooms and Suites

Guestrooms at the Resort now feature contemporary Balinese decor with polished teakwood flooring, locally carved Palimanan stone walls, burl wood cabinetry and hand-woven carpets. A deluxe bed, made exclusively for the Laguna Resort Nusa Dua, offers what the property's management claim is "the ultimate in luxurious sleeping comfort."

While staying in one of the luxurious rooms guests can keep globally connected via a 42-inch plasma satellite televisions, in-room DVD players, and Broadband and Wi-Fi internet access available in rooms, meeting facilities and even on the beach. All rooms feature a private balcony with views over the landscaped tropical gardens and extensive lagoons. Non-smoking and wheelchair access rooms are also available. While new bathrooms feature wall to floor marble, an oversized corner bathtub and shower, and luxuriant "waffle-knit" bathrobes.

The resort also offers 24-hour butler service to all rooms, providing delivery of complimentary tea and coffee as well as complimentary clothes pressing upon arrival. Daily afternoon tea is served for all guests in the Mayang Sari Lounge and Library.

The 270 luxuriously appointed guestrooms include 48 lagoon access rooms and 20 suites.

The Grand Ballroom

The new Grand Ballroom at the Resort has doubled in overall size but is capable of syndication into smaller soundproof spaces suitable for intimate meetings and events.

The Grand Ballroom, measuring 722 square meters, can be divided into 3 separate meeting spaces, and can accommodate groups of between 12 and 600 guests.

All function rooms feature an independent or coordinated kinetic intelligent lighting system to suit various color themes for events. Swarovski crystal droplets highlight the ceilings with state-of-the-art technical presentation systems and stage configurations available.

Shown on balidiscovery.com are pictures from the Pecaruan and Pemelaspas ceremonies together with pictures of the newly refurbished guest room and ballroom.

More information: Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

 

Determined that foreign tourist arrivals to Bali are certain to increase over time, Cathay Pacific Airways added four flight frequencies per week to its previous daily Bali service, effective July 1, 2006.

The additional flights bring to a total of 11 weekly flights operated to the Island by the Hong Kong based carrier.

Operating Airbus A300-300 aircraft on the route the 4 additional flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in addition to its existing daily service between the two cities.

The high frequency of flight flown by Cathay Pacific represent an important link to the 92 destinations served by the airline worldwide and flown by its fleet of 99 aircraft.

In Indonesia, Cathay flies to Jakarta and Surabaya, in addition to its Bali services.

 

The TAO Beachside Restaurant & Bar - Bali’s latest chic dining venue featuring authentic Asia cuisine has opened its doors on the beach at Tanjung Benoa.

Featuring modern Thai and Asian authentic cuisine prepared by celebrity female chef Vaewta Chookasem and an extensive cocktail menu, the new eatery will bring a much-needed boost to dining and entertainment options available tp Bali visitors on the peninsula just to the East of Nusa Dua.

Chef Chookasem is a well known figure in the Thai culinary world, having over 22 years of experience in top restaurants and hotels in Asia and Europe. She opened Indonesia's first Thai restaurant in 1984 before joining the Hyatt Aryaduta Jakarta and opening the Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua Bali. She also assisted in the opening of The Shangri-La Jakarta before moving five years later to open the Lan Na Thai in Jakarta, The Face in London, and another Lan Na Thai in Bangkok.

The 80-seat TAO overlooks the crystalline waters of Benoa with a lagoon pool feature and a sunken bar. Warm maroon umbrellas are available to shade guests who prefer to enjoy their food on the golden sands. The architecture at TAO is by Hadiprana & Associates inspired by reflective autumn colored oriental schemes, fused with modern motif elements.

TAO, which literally means The Way, is positioning itself as a dining, lounging and lifestyle beach experience for discerning travelers, resident and visitors to the island of Bali.

TAO - Authentic Asian Cuisine

Jalan Pratama No. 96, Tanjung Benoa, Bali

Telephone: ++62-(0)361-773730.

 

The Ubud Readers & Writers Festival returns September 30 – October 3, 2006 promising once again to fill Ubud hillside arts community with the creative vibrations of talented writers and their appreciative audiences.

Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Even Educated Fleas Do it – Who Does it Better?

Join the debate in Ubud on the subject of "Love."

International writers and poets will match words and wits as they attempt to discover "love - who does it better" - poets or novelists? The Dragonfly Restaurant will turn into a boxing-ring of knock-down verbal action between the festival's most serious lust and romance writers and poets, including Tarun Tejpal, Shalini Akhil, Kunal Basu, Albertina Soepboer and others.

Prepare to be seduced.

Raoul Shrott

From European shores, and sponsored by the Goethe-Institut Indonesia, acclaimed poet, novelist, translator and essayist Raoul Shrott will be attending this year's festival. Born on a boat, raised in Tunisia and Germany and now living in Ireland Raoul Schrott is considered unique among contemporary writers as his work brings together verse, history, narration and investigation.

Albertina Soepboer

Through the generous support of the Dutch Embassy Albertina Soepboer will also be on hand in Ubud. A bilingual writer who in both Frisian and Dutch, Albertina's short stories, plays and lyrics delve into issues of female identity, history and language itself, and the influences of music and traveling.

The Alchemy of Love

Also appearing on the festival's "love panel" is Tarun Tejpal, well-known Indian journalist and the author of acclaimed debut novel, The Alchemy of Desire. Tarun will share his thoughts on love and intimacy - guaranteed to make you blush. The Alchemy of Desire has been described as a complex chemistry between sex, ambition and love. Tarun will be joined by Kunal Basu who delivered luscious, unforgettable messages of love and lust in his best-seller The Miniaturists with delicious touches of erotica between the lines.

Even Balinese on Monkey Forest Road Do it!

Among the line-up of Balinese writers appearing at the festival is Ketut Yuliarsa, who recently appeared on the Australian ABC television drama, Answered by Fire. Ketut is a poet, actor and musician who now lives in Sydney. His latest book of poetry, Jatuh Bisu, Falling in Silence, was launched at Indus Restaurant in July of this year.

Ketut will be discussing his part in the production of the internationally acclaimed, Theft of Sita, with shadow-puppet master, Made Sidia.

Festival Highlights

Other highlights from this year’s Ubud Readers & Writers Festival include:

• A Tribute to Pramoedya - In a special event to honor Pramoedya Ananta Toer, the festival will celebrate the life of the most influential Indonesian writer.

Pramoedya's life has all the deeply principled drama of a romance by Hugo or Stendhal. A firebrand propagandist during the revolutionary period, Pramoedya was imprisoned and tortured by both the Dutch colonial administration and the Sukarno government (which he stoutly supported), for criticizing their policies in print.

With the rise of the New Order and at the height of his powers, Pramoedya was sent into internal exile on the hellish prison island of Buru, where he was denied the use of even pen and paper. Undeterred and with the help of his fellow prisoners, he managed to compose some of his best works, including the tetralogy that begins with the novel This Earth of Mankind.

In the post-Suharto era, Pramoedya became internationally known as an icon of bravery and perseverance in the face of tyranny.

This event, the first major assessment of Pramoedya since his death last April, will present the story of his life, accompanied by images from some of Indonesia's leading photographers; a multi-media presentation of key passages from his work, to be read by major contemporary Indonesian writers, and concluding remarks by Joesoef Isak, Pramoedya's editor and publisher and winner of the PEN-Keneally Award for courageous publishing.

A Tribute to Pramoedya promises to be a highlight of this year's Ubud Writers & Readers Festival. This special Tribute will take place on Friday, September 29, 2006, 8:30-10:30pm on the Lotus Stage at Puri Saraswati, Jalan Raya, Ubud. This event is free and open to the public.

Literary Lunches

A highlight of this year's program will be series of Literary Lunches providing the opportunity to savor the best that the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival has to offer: fabulous international writers and delicious food in a dynamic setting. Tickets are now on sale for our four Literary Lunches featuring Anita Desai, Madhur Jaffrey, William Dalrymple, Eric Campbell & Christopher Kremmer.

• Saturday, September 30, 2006 - 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. "Climbing the Mango Tree" Featuring Madhur Jaffrey. Meet Madhur Jaffrey, a leading authority on Indian food, as she takes you on an unforgettable journey through the pages of her new memoir, Climbing the Mango Tree at the stylish Uma Ubud Resort. Cost: Rp. 500,000 (approximately US$55.00).

• Sunday, October 1, 2006 - 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. "White Mughals: Love & Betrayal in 18th Century India" featuring William Dalrymple. Award-winning author, William Dalrymple, will discuss eighteenth century India and tales of love and romance from the pages of his latest book, the White Mughals over a leisurely three-course meal at the elegant Maya Resort. Cost: Rp. 500,000 (approximately US$55.00). Sponsored by American Express.

• Monday, October 2, 2006 - 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. "A Foreign Affair" featuring Christopher Kremmer and Eric Campbel.Join intrepid foreign correspondents Christopher Kremmer and Eric Campbell, as they take you on a three-course magic-carpet ride through Afghanistan, Iraq and other war-torn lands and forbidden cities at the Alila Resort. Cost: Rp. 500,000 (approximately US$55).

• Tuesday, October 3,2006 - 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. "Peacocks and Diamond Dust" featuring Anita Desai.Join the delightful, award-winning writer, Anita Desai, as she shares her seductive stories of India, Mexico and the days of her childhood. Be charmed by Anita against a backdrop of endless rice fields at the beautiful Chedi Club Resort. Cost: Rp. 500,000 (approximately US$55).

• Tuesday, October 3, 20-06 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. "What the Body Remembers" featuring Shaurna Singh Baldwin. Shauna's fascinating first novel What the Body Remembers, the story of two women in a polygamous marriage in Occupied India, received the Commonwealth Prize for Best Book (Canada-Caribbean). Her second novel, The Tiger Claw, is inspired by the life of Noor Inayat Khan (codename: Madeleine). The story of a Sufi Muslim secret agent who searches for her beloved through Occupied France, it was a finalist for the Giller Prize.

More information: Ubud Readers & Writers Festival Website

 

One of Bali's outstanding private museums in Ubud - Museum Rudana will be celebrating its 11th anniversary and the 61st anniversary of Indonesian Independence via an exhibition of 17 of the nation's most important painters, including:
• Affandi

• Antonio Blanco

• Bagong Kussudiardjo

• Basuki Abdullah

• Dullah

• Ida Bagus Made

• Ida Bagus Widja

• I Gusti Nyoman Lempad

• I Gusti Ketut Kobot

• Made Taweng

• O.H. Spepono

• Pn. Wardhana

• Roedyat

• Sudarso

• S. Toyo

• Widaya

Exhibition Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m..

MUSEUM RUDANA

Jl. Cok Rai Pudak no.44 Peliatan Ubud - Bali 80571 – Indonesia

• Telp: ++62-(0)361 975779 •Fax: ++62-(0)361 975 091

More information: Museum Rudana Website

 

The Grup Gedebong Goyang (the Swaying Banana Sisters) was formed in 2003 as a response to the mood of the Balinese post-Bali bombing by four Western women living in Ubud who, arguably, had too much time on their hands.
Bali's Answer to an USO Show?

Armed with unequal amounts of enthusiasm and talent, "the girls" decided to "entertain the locals" by performing a repertoire of songs and comedy in Balinese and Indonesian. Forming an alliance with the Satya Hati - the Bali Hati Band with a very strong anti-drug message, the Swinging Banana Sisters specialize in outlandish renderings of Dangdut, Bali Pop and Bali Rock Alternative music.

Parental Discretion Advised?

The four "stars" of the Swinging Banana Sisters are Rucunia Ballinger, Kerry Pendergrast, Suzan Kohlik and Antonella Disantis. All women of a "certain age," the group's wild gyrations and contortions on stage are regularly monitored on the Island's seismic disturbance systems; giving corset makers both pause and concern.

After a two-year hiatus, organizers promise the Wednesday, August 16th concert will include the Balinese Reggae song "Melalung" (Naked), a musical commentary on the recently proposed Anti-Pornography Law and "Megegenjekan," a Balinese Pop song about silliness.

As a special bonus, a special edition of the TV Biyu Tasak News (Overripe Banana News) together with a gala premiere of the latest new "life-style" foods available at the Ubud market will be presented.

In the words of the group's Diva, Rucina Ballinger, "Be there or be a banana, lassi!"

The Swinging Banana Sisters appearance forms part of the closing ceremonies of the Ubud Arts Festival.

Place: Ubud Soccer Field

Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Time: 7:00 p.m.

 

Visitor to the poolside area of the Contiki Resort Bali on Friday, August 11, 2006 enjoyed the rare musical treat of a one-night-only concert by one of Europe's leading stage bands Spinning Wheel.

A nine-man band hailing from Lucerne, Switzerland, Spinning Wheel displayed tight compositions with a sound driven by its brass and saxophone section that was musicality reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire and Maynard Ferguson.

Staying for a week and playing for one night at Bali Contiki Resort in a visit coordinated by Asian Trails Managing Director in Bali, Renato Domini, the enthusiastic crowd got an unexpected treat when Renato, a former member of the band, was called on stage to perform one number with his former musical colleagues.

As shown on balidiscovery.com, Renato (seen second from left, playing the saxophone) has not lost his flair for stage performance in his latest incarnation as a travel professional.

Bill Clinton, eat your heart out!

 

The enduring quality of its unique culture makes Bali an ideal destination for the spiritually oriented traveler. Karen Kingston, an internationally famous author and teacher, will lead a special four-day course at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay in early November 2006.

A resident of Bali, when not globe trotting on her latest speaking tour, and a leading world authority on the science of "Space Clearing" or "Feng Shui," Karen Kingston is the author of a number of books on her favorite subject. Karen's Creating Sacred Space (1996) and Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui (1998) are international best sellers that have been translated into 21 languages. Born in England, Karen has appeared on TV and radio around the world and her workshops in the U.K., U.S.A., Australia, Singapore and Bali draw packed audiences.

Karen uses Space Clearing as a vital tool for creating a spiritual way of life, one that has meaning and purpose. During her November 1-5, 2006 workshops at the Four Seasons she will show you how to conduct the highly effective ceremony she pioneered and has developed over the last 25 years. You will learn how to clear stagnant energies from your home or workplace and consecrate the space to higher frequencies, opening up wonderful new possibilities in your life.

Included in the four-night package are:

• Luxurious villa accommodations

• A four-day course with Karen Kingston

• Daily meditations

• A trip to one of the island's most powerful temples

• One deeply relaxing Balinese massage per stay

• Daily group breakfast and lunch

• A welcome group dinner

Costs

Based on single occupancy, prices subject to 21% tax and service, are:

• Ocean Front one-bedroom villa US$1,065

• Deluxe Ocean View One Bedroom Villa US$ 990

• One Bedroom Villa US$915

A second occupant of the villa may participate in the course for an additional US$470 per night.

More information: Email for more information or to book

 

Among the 11,467 officers active duty police officers assigned to serve and protect the people of Bali number 695 members of the special community liaison officers in the Community Safety and Public Order Development Force (Babinkamtibmas).

Assigned to posts across Bali stretching to include even the smallest village Banjars, the Babinkamtibmas officers were recently tasked by Bali's Chief of Police, Inspector General Drs. Soenarko Danu Ardanto, to "be shoulder to shoulder with the people and not to caught sleeping in their offices."

The Chief's comments, reported in the Indonesian language Bali Post, were made at a ceremony to hand over 60 new Yamaha motorcycles to be used by the Babinkamtibmas officers who were similarly cautioned not to use the motorbikes for non-official travel and do all within their powers to earn the respect of the local communities they serve.

The motor bikes to be used by the community liaison officers will be allocated to Buleleng (20), Tabanan (15), Badung (5), Poltabes (5) and Bangli (5).

General Soenarko said that 687 of the total 695 Babinkamtibmas officers have now been issued two-wheeled vehicles.

 

Three major changes in senior management were recently announced at the Bali Intercontinental, Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay and Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort.

Amadeo Zarzosa Leaves InterContinental Indonesia

Veteran Spanish Hotelier, Amadeo Zarzosa, has resigned his post as General Manager of the InterContinental Resort Bali and as Regional General Manager InterContinental Resorts Southern Asia, effective August 1, 2006, in order to assume a new role at the helm of the Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.

Zarzosa's twin-portfolio in Indonesia will be assumed by Kamal Chaoui, a French national and seasoned hotelier with more than 20 years of experience in Asia Pacific, French Polynesia, United States, South America and North Africa.

Reluctant to leave his adopted home in Bali, Zarzosa cited the exciting career opportunity in Dubai and the opportunities for higher education available for his daughter there as motivating his decision to depart at this time.

Four Season's Christina Purba to Koh Samui, Thailand

Christina Miram Purba, the popular Director of Sales at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, has been promoted to head the Sales & Marketing Department at the Four Seasons Koh Samui in Thailand.

Christina has relocated to Thailand together with her husband, Gideon, and son, Sebastion, to assume her new post effective August 19, 2006.

Christina's replacement in Bali has yet to be announced by Four Seasons Resorts.

Audra Arul Heads Sales & Marketing at Le Meridien Nirwana

Malaysian native, Audra Rohini Arul has joined Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort Bali as its Director of Sales and Marketing, replacing Narelle McDougall who recently resigned from the Resort to pursue other career interests in Thailand.

Arul joins Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort Bali from Nexus Resort, Malaysia, where she was Director of Sales and Marketing. Her hospitality management career in Malaysia spans more than a decade in resort sales, beginning with Hyatt and continuing to the start-up team at Sutra Harbour Resort & Spa as Sales Manager. There, she rose to Senior Sales Manager before joining the Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel pre-opening team as Director of Sales for two years before returning to Sutera Harbour as Director of Sales.

Arul is a hospitality administration graduate of Centre International de Glion, Switzerland. She is also a graduate of the Oxford Business School and attended the University of Buckingham, England, after completing her A Levels in Canterbury, England.

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