Chat to our customer service using Yahoo Messenger!
Click here to download and install Yahoo Messenger
"Always a pleasure to read the Bali Update. We've referred many friends who are considering a trip to Bali to the newsletter, as well as several considering a permanent move. It's such a simple way for us to stay in touch."
We understand your Dream A trip to Bali is for many of our clients a once in a lifetime adventure. We therefore plan the smallest details ensuring the highest quality experience for each and every one of our clients.
Police, Community Leaders and Accommodation Owners Meet to Improve Security in Ubud Area.
The Bali Post reports that commercial villas in Bali's Ginayar regency will now be required to employ at least one security guard per decision issued during a meeting between hotel, villa and homestay owners with the Regional Security Council (MUSPIDA) held in Ubud on Monday, March 24, 2008.
The meeting was attended by Gianyar's Regent Tjok Ace, the Regency Police Chief Dedy Dhia Dharma, the Chief of Gianyar's tourist office Dewa Nyoman Alit Arinatha, Colonel Adrian Poto of the Gianyar military command, Ubud's Camat Dewa Suardana and numerous tourism accommodation operators
Data provided by Gianyar police shows that 120 commercial villas in the regency are operating without the assistance of security guards.
At the meeting, the Head of the Regencys Tourism office, Dewa Alit Arinatha, admitted that there have been thefts, murders and crimes of fraud that have affected tourist visitors to Gianyar. According to Arinatha: "A sense of security and well-being is the basic need of every person. This is even more the case for tourist vacationing in Gianyar."
A Guard for Every Villa
The Chief of Police for Gianyar, Drs. Dedy Dharma, said the presence of security guards at every villa is now a requirement. This is needed to prevent crime.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Gianyar, Tjok Ace, called for coordinated action between the local community, business people and the government to create genuine safety in the area. In this regard, Tjok said the hoped all accommodation providers will acquire official safety and security certification which includes the employment of trained security guards.
Little Changes in Government's View of Safety and Security Among Indonesian Carriers.
As reported in Kompas, the latest review of national airline safety issued by the Governments has determined not to increase the actual safety category rating of any national airline, despite an admission that actual scores have improved a number of air carriers.
In an announcement made by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Budhi Muliawan Suyitno, the Nation's aviation regulators confirmed that while improvements are being made in the areas of airline safety and security, none of the results warrant a change in category.
The only exception to the status quo in the latest safety review is that Adam Air has been taken off the list for violation of numerous safety regulations. As reported on Balidiscovery.com, the low-cost carrier Adam Air has halted all operations. [See: Adam Air Gets it Wings Clipped]
Category I Operators
At present 7 airlines have earned a "Category I" rating from the government: Garuda Indonesia Merpati Nusantara Airlines Indonesia Air Asia Lion Air Wings Air Mandala Air Batavia Air
Category II Operators
The 12 airlines operating under a cautionary Category II rating are: Sriwijaya Air Pelita Air Service Trigana Air Kartika Air Travel Express Aviation Riau Airlines Trans Wisata Prima Aviation Express Trans Antar Benua Republik Ekspres Air Megantara TriMG Air Manunggal Air Service.
Air Operating Certificates
The Government has issued AOC 135 certification to 6 charter operators: Airfast Travira Air Indonesia Air Transport Pelita Airlines National Utility Helicopter Premi Air.
MRA Bali International Triathlon
MRA Signs Sponsorship Agreement for MRA Bali International Triathlon.
Indonesia's MRA Group has signed on as the main naming sponsors of the Bali International Triathlon set for Sunday, June 29, 2008.
The three-year agreement between Bali International Tirathlon (USA) and MRA (Mugi Rekso Abadi Group) means that the more than 34 companies operated by the Indonesian group have entered into a marketing alliance that will showcase their wide range of products via the popular international sporting competition held on Bali's Jimbaran Bay.
The MRA Group
Among MRA's diversified areas of business are:
Media Division
Cosmopolitan Magazine Spice Magazine Cosmo Girl Magazine Harpers Bazaar Good Housekeeping Auto Car Trax Bali & Beyond Magazine FHM IP Entertainment (Impresarios and Artist Agents) Men's Fitness Magazine (To be Luanched in 2008)
Broadcast Division
Hard Rock FM Trax FM Radio Cosmopolitan FM Radio I-Radio FM Media Network Indonesia
Retail & Lifestyle
Bulgari Jewelry Bang and Olufsen Vision Home Entertainment
Food & Beverage Division
Hard Rock Cafι Haagen Dazs Ice Cream
Automotive Division
Ferrari Maserati Harley Davidson
Hotel & Property Division
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
MRA Bali International Triathlon
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay will serve as "race central" for the MRA Bali International Triathlon on June 29, 2008. The Olympic distance event is the only international-caliber triathlon held in Bali.
Jimbaran lies on the western side of Bali's narrow southern isthmus, located on a sweeping bay that curves from the southern side of the airport to the bushy headland that borders the Four Seasons Resort. The event is comprised of a 1.5-kilometre swim in the warm waters of the bay, a 40-kilometre bike ride from the edge of Jimbaran Bay through hilly paved roads to Nusa Dua looping back to Jimbaran, and a 10-kilometre mostly-flat run on paved roads through Jimbaran and Kedonganan villages ending with a beach finish at the Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran Bay.
In its inaugural year, the event attracted more than 150 athletes from 16 countries. This year, athlete participation is slated to increase significantly with the event also expected to attract a large number of spectators to watch the race and partake in the music and festivities at "race central." On Saturday, June 28th, the day before the race, the Four Seasons Resort will be the meeting venue for the athlete briefings. In the evening, this setting on the Indian Ocean will be the venue for the athletes' high carbohydrate Pre-Race Dinner, designed and prepared exclusively for the occasion by the Four Seasons' world-acclaimed chefs.
To welcome the athletes, The Four Seasons has dedicated all of their 7 elegant Private Estates to providing housing for the participants and their families. Located along the beach and just steps away from the start and finish lines, the Private Estates have been specially priced for race participants.
Official Hotels
The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bali and Intercontinental Bali Resort are serving as the official hotel partners for the MRA Bali International Triathlon.
A Truly Balinese Event
Spiritualism dominates every aspect of daily life on the Hindu island of Bali with the MRA Bali International Triathlon also includes a bike blessing Prayasita ceremony in addition to a Majaya Jaya ceremony to bless and ensure the spiritual protection of all the participants and to neutralize any demonic forces. A Pemangku priest will conduct the ceremonies, using special offerings including fruit, yellow coconut juice, grains of rice, sandalwood powder and young coconut leaves tied with white thread and Chinese coins. Further adding to the special character of the event, Balinese musicians and sarong-clad race marshals will be stationed along the race course to guard and entertain the racers as they pass through traditional villages.
More information about the event is available in Triathlete magazine and via the official website [MRA Bali International Triathlon]
Strong Start to 2008
Bali by the Numbers: Strong Start to 2008 with a Telling Shift in Source Markets
February 2008 arrivals to Bali hit 153,465 a +29.75% increase over February 2007 (118,275).
While 2007 was the the "best year ever" for Bali tourism, 2008 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year as records set in 2007 have fallen with the arrivals reported for January and February 2008.
The graphics presented on balidiscovery.com compare January-February arrivals for 9 years 2000-2008.
Shifting Markets
February also saw a historical shift in main source markets to Bali. For many years, Bali's leading four source markets, in order of importance, have been 1) Japan, 2) Australia, 3) Taiwan and ) South Korea.
In February 2008 these numbers shifted to 1) Japan, 2) Peoples Republic of China , 3) Australia, 4) Taiwan and 5) South Korea.
In addition to the sudden increase in Chinese visitors, also worthy of note is the strong performance from Malaysia now less than 1,000 visitors away from displacing Korea's ranking in the number 5 slot.
Jan-Feb Foreign Tourist Arrivals to Bali (Click to Enlarge)
Playing Hookey in Bali
49,415 Children Lack a Seat in Bali's Junior and High School System.
The Bali Post reports that 49,145 school-aged children in Bali are not being accommodated by the Island's formal school system. As children age, the problem of a lack of schooling opportunities in Bali becomes more acute. While only 584 children between the ages of 13-15 are without seats in Bali's Junior High Schools (SMP), that number increases to 48,561 among the older 16-18 year olds seeking high school educations (SMA/SMK).
According to Drs. IGK Ngurah Widiartha, an official from Bali's Department of Education, the majority of these failing to attend school come from families who are unable to afford the cost connected with obtaining an education.
When viewed in terms of total coverage of the educational needs of Bali's children these figures translate into 99.65% of all children between 13-15 years are obtaining formal schooling, a number that drops to only 70.6% among kids aged 16-18 years.
Widiartha described the current situation as a genuine challenge to Bali and its stated goal to make education mandatory through the high school level.
Current regulations mandate education only through the 9th grade (SMP).
Australian Winemaker Joins Hatten Wines
Don Buchanan Brings Life-Long Wine Making Expertise to Bali.
Australian-born Don Buchanan has been appointed as Managing Director of Hatten Wines based in Sanur, Bali.
Raised in Melbourne, Buchanan has had a life-time affiliation with the wine industry in Australian and abroad. After completing an Agricultural Science degree in Victoria, Buchanan pursued further studies in Oenology at the world-renowned Roseworthy College Campus in South Australia. During school holidays the young, aspiring winemaker worked at many of Lindeman Wines facilities throughout New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
After finishing his degree, Buchanan's first appointment was as assistant winemaker at the Karadoc Winery near Mildura in Victoria. Complteing several years at that facility, he moved on, gaining more practical experience at Lindeman, Leo Buring, Kaiser Stuhl, Krondorf, Buchanan Wines, Arrowfield and Tisdall, & Hopwood.
Among the awards won by Don Buchanan are the Bacchus Trophy; Qantas Trophy; The Red Wine Awards from Jimmy Watson; - and the prestigious "Winemaker of the Year" award.
Most recently, Buchanan established Buchanan Wines Vineyard and Winery in Tasmania specializing in super-premium cool climate wines. He has also created a micro-brewery at Rosevear's Hotel in the Tamar Valley and consulted Boag's Brewery in Tasmania.
With a love for cooking, good food, fine wine, and flying (Buchanan pilots his own 2-seater Ultra Light Plane) - Don and his wife, Judy, are looking forward to using his varied experience to build on the established success of Hatten Wines.
Former Minister of Tourism Ardika Calls for a Stock-Taking Between Business and Tourism Interests to Keep Bali Sustainable.
Indonesia's former Minister of Tourism, Gde Ardika, is quoted by Tempo Interaktif as saying that Bali's tourism product has reached it saturation point due to a lack of variety in tourism objects and the the way in which the island is currently managed.
Speaking as a workshop of tourism attraction management sponsored by the Bali Tourism Authority Ardika said: "Every tourism object has a life cycle. Without creativity, that cycle will quickly come to an end." This condition, he warned, represents a challenge to all members of the island's tourism industry.
The respected expert on tourism issues went on to say the Bali is suffering due to over-development as evidenced in the current building boom, the marginalization of tourist objects, and the all pervasive intrusion of strip malls (ruko). Ardika bemoaned that it is becoming increasingly difficult for tourists to enjoy Bali's beatuy with banners and advertising destroying the natural panoramas along major roads, Because of this, he said it was high time for a serious review of Bali's tourism and commercial interests to be undertaken to find ways to align forces for a sustainable approach to culture and tourism.
The Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority, Gde Nurjaya, responded to Ardika's comments saying that while he understood the concerns being expressed, he felt the negative effects of overdevelopment are not widely felt at the grass root level in Bali.
A Glittering Silver Jubilee Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
Photos from an Elegant Bali Party Hosted by Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa and the MRA Group.
A lavish evening celebration that included champagne, cocktails, fresh oyters and outstanding entertainment was held for leaders of the Bali's travel industry at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa on Friday, March 28, 2008.
Jointly sponsored by the Hotel, and Esquire Indonesia and Harper's Bazaar of the MRA Group, the party began with welcoming comments by Goestamar Ardibrata, the Deputy General Manager of MRA's Bali and Beyond Magazine and Reto V. Torriani the General Manager of the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa.
A fashion show by Bali fashion-icon Oka Diputra, music by Tropical Transit and even a man on a flying trapeze who literally "dropped in" were among some of highlights of a spelndid evening kicking off the the 25th Anniversary celebration for the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa.
To allow you to share in the fun, balidiscovery.com presents pictures from a Sparkling Night Glittering Jubilee at The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa.
click image to enlarge
Batavia Air Passengers Take Bali-Bound Plane Hostage
Delayed, Angry Air Passengers in Jakarta Seize Aircraft to Force Airline to Fly them to Jambi.
According to the National Press Agency ANTARA, between 20 to 30 passengers staged a "sit-in" on a Bali-bound Batavia Air plane parked on the apron of Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Friday, March 28, 2008.
The passengers staging the protest were on board Batavia Air Flight 7P-53 bound for the Sumatran city of Jambi that failed to commence its take-off roll and was brought the aircraft back to its parking space due to a technical fault in the plane's onboard radar.
Frustrated at the delay of their flight and the lack of any clear news from the Airline on when they would fly, a group of angry passengers who had by then been waiting more than four hours somehow made their way at 5:30 p.m. to another waiting Batavia Air Boeing 737-300 which they boarded and commenced a "sit-in" demanding they be flown to Jambi.
The aircraft held hostage by the angry passengers was originally scheduled to fly to Denpasar.
Following negotiations with Airline officials and the provision of compensatory meals, a substitute aircraft was found that allowed the passengers to end their sit-in and board another plane that left for Jambi at 8:15 p.m., 6 hours behind the scheduled departure time.
Bomber's Lawyers Withdraw Ending Latest Appeal in Denpasar Court.
Angered at the refusal of judges to agree to a change of venue and another request to bring the 3 convicted terrorists from death row in Central Java to Bali to personally attend their final appeal, a lawyer for the "Bali Bombers" angrily withdrew his appeal on his clients' behalf and stomped out the Denpasar courtroom on Monday, March 24, 2008.
Showing markedly diminished bravado and a lessened personal urgency to "go to heaven," the three have reportedly quickly signed letters seeking yet another judicial review of their capital conviction for involvement in the death of 202 people in the bombing of a Bali nightspot on October 12, 2002. That letter will effectively delay, once again, the final execution of the three terrorists.
The dramatic withdrawal of the defense team for Amrozi (43), Iman Samudra (37) and Ali Gufron (47) means the three will now handle their own legal defense with self-labeled "Muslim Legal Team" acting only in an advisory capacity.
The Supreme Court is under no obligation to accept another request for an additional judicial review.
Legal observers have speculated that the execution of the three before a firing squad could happen 30-days after the court refuses the appeal request or a final rejection of their appeal by the Court.
A further delay could also take place if any of the three formally seeks a Presidential Pardon.
Government Releases Findings from Flight Data Recorders Recovered from the Ocean Floor.
The long awaited analysis covering the last minutes inside the cockpit of the Adam Air Flight KI-574 as it plunged into the sea off Sulawesi on January 1, 2007, were formally released in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 25, 2008.
The flight data and voice recorders that were recovered some 9 months after the actual crash with the assistance of a special recovery submarine from the U.S. Navy assisting Indonesian air transportations officials. For the past 6 months the "black box" recorders underwent intense analysis by Indonesian officials and representatives of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
The Indonesia National Committee for Transportation Safety (KNKT) concluded that a malfunction in the Inertial Reference System (IRS) that occurred 13 minutes before the plane struck the ocean at a speed of 1,000 km per hour diverted the pilot's and co-pilot's attention, leaving them largely unaware as the aircraft pitched and yawed into a steep dive.
The data recovered showed a plane operating without instrumentation that could show pilots the plane's attitude and operated the auto-pilot system on the ill-fated Boeing 737 as it entered into a right turn of one degree per second. 35 seconds into that turn, three "bank angle" warnings sounded in the cockpit signaling that the plane was flying at a sideway angle exceeding 35 degrees. As the pilots feverously tried to correct the plane's position, data showed that the the plane suffered a structural failure.
In reporting to the press, a KNKT official said the sideway angle of the plane continued to increase to an semi-inverted angle of 100 degree while the nose of the aircraft pitched downward. Experts estimate the aircraft was traveling at 0.926 mach and undergoing a debilitating -2.8 g-force when it struck the ocean surface and disintegrated.
Bali's Tourism Sector Helps Train Aceh Workers to Hasten Economic Development in Post-tsunami North Sumatra.
Tempo Interaktif reports that 70 tourism workers from the Indonesian province of Aceh are undergoing on-the-job practical training in Bali. The group from the North Sumatra region devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 is comprised of 25 tour guides, 20 home-industry souvenir producers, and 25 training staff and tourism stakeholders.
The Communications Deputy Manager for Economics and Commerce of the Agency for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and Nias (BRR NAD-Nias), Badrul Fadhil, said the training was being undertaken in anticipation of the coming growth in tourism to North Sumatra. Fadhil said, "the potential is great because Aceh is now known to the entire world." In the course of rebuilding Aceh, no less than 1,200 non-government organization, both domestic and international, have contributed their efforts all of whom now know the area and are promoting it to the world.
A number of important infrastructure projects have been completed including airports and ports, as well as access roads to tourism areas. There have also been monuments and museums built that are dedicated to the tsunami, an Aceh batik museum, and enhancement of areas used for mass graves following the natural disaster. While Fadhil acknowledged that many of these projects were undertaken as a memorial to those who died, their intrinsic interests as tourist attractions cannot be denied.
In all, the Tourism Department of Aceh estimates that there are 400 tourism objects in Aceh, ranging from beaches to mountain waterfalls.
Fadhil defended efforts to promote tourism to Indonesia's only province in which Islamic law is enforced, claiming the strong Islamic influence of Aceh is not an obstacle to develop tourism and, in fact, has a strong potential for developing the religious tourism niche market.
Aceh's tourism officials believe their stakeholders and tourism workers have much to learn from Balis large tourism industry.
HTML-Archive
The links below provide access to the graphical version of the Bali Update.
