Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika has formally announced his candidacy for reelection in 2013 gubernatorial election.

Hinting at the developing rift within his own People’s Party for Democratic Struggle (PDIP-Bali), Pastika was quoted by NusaBali as saying he had no problem becoming the candidate of another party if he was not to be the candidate put forth by the PDIP-Bali.

Pastika confirmed his intent to stand for reelection at a meeting of academics, and retired military and police personnel held in East Denpasar on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

At that meeting a number of prominent Balinese, members of the Bali Mandara Forum, stated their support for Pastika’s candidacy.

After hearing supporting statements from those in attendance Pastika offered his thanks, saying their support had increased his self confidence to take up the challenge and run for office for a second term.

Pastika told the group that he now had little expectation that the PDIP party would nominate him for a second term, but he did not view himself as a partisan politician and, as such, was prepared to stand as the candidate of any party that chose to draft him.

“I say this, because I know who I am. In other words and as I have said in the past, I normally throw myself into a fray; I am a professional; I am a nationalist; I am a democrat. So, if I am no longer the desired candidate of one party, perhaps there is another party that will draft me. If so, I say ‘thank you,’” explained Pastika.

Taking the vocalized support of the Bali Mandara Forum as a point of inspiration, Pastika added: “If I see the real aspirations just voiced, and even though they (the voices) do not represent all the people of Bali, those in attendance are all community leaders. So, in my opinion, it is fitting if I accept their aspirations. Once again, as long as Sang Hyang Widhi (the Almighty) gives me grace and health, I am prepared to put myself forth again for governor.”

Pastika explained that when he first ran for governor in 2008 he did so because of his frustration with Bali’s condition. Saying he took up the job of Bali’s governor at that time in an effort to help Bali. But now, according to the governor, he feels he is under siege, suffering a number of lopsided personal attacks.

“I have been accused of owning the Krisna souvenir company, that I own a taxi company, that I own the Mai Bus Company. In fact, Mai Bus is owned by Agus Suradyana (the regent of Buleleng),” lamented Pastika.

The governor said the large number of personal attacks has upset his family. Adding: “My wife and children have repeatedly asked me not to run for office in 2013. They are not political people; they do not understand politics. I pity them having to see me (in this circumstance). But I affirm that this is in fact a test. I have said to them, the bigger the test, the bigger the opportunity for us to advance to the next level.”

Referring to his recent hospitalization for a cardiac bypass operation, Pastika accused his critics of wishing him ill and praying for his rapid death. “Perhaps they would have liked it if I had died. The situation helped raise my spirit and it appears that I’m still hear breathing,” triumphed Pastika.

Leading Balinese psychiatrist and children’s rights campaigner Dr. LK Suryani said she was dismayed by the barrage of attacks against Pastika coming primarily from a single media. She said she had heard all the accusations against Pastika, examined them one by one and found them to be baseless.

Just two days after warnings were published by Balidiscovery.com, mini-tornadoes or “puting beliung” storms, as they are locally known, hit Bali’s capital of Denpasar at 4:00 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, damaging at least three homes and partially destroying a temple on Jalan Seroja.

The chief of Denpasar’s Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Made Prapta, told Seputarbali.com that his office had quickly inventoried the damage caused by the storm and have already made their formal report. That report stated that one temple was leveled by the high winds while a number of local residents were preparing a religious ceremony at the site. Of the three residences damaged, the destruction was limited to roof and roofing tiles that flew off during the storm.

Nearby, a junior high school (SMK – PGRI 4) endured roof damage and lost an antenna. School officials closed the school on Wednesday due to the damaged roof.

In the same neighborhood a car owned by a local resident suffered significant property damage due to falling branches and roof tiles.

The entire storm, which caused substantial damage, lasted only five minutes and caused no personal injury.

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The Foundation of Bali Humanitarian Care (YPK Bali) is holding an important fundraising event at the Discovery Mall, Jalan Kartika Plaza, South Kuta on Saturday, November 10, 2012, from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.

YPK Bali works to assist children and adults afflicted with cerebral palsy, strokes and other neurological disorders. Based in Denpasar, YPK has assisted 700 people via special needs classes, life-skill training and rehabilitation programs.

The large Discovery Shopping Mall will be the scene of dancing, music and singing presented by YPK patients performing in collaboration with Dhyana Pura University students and high school children from international schools in Bali.

An exhibition of handicrafts and paintings created by the students and YPK clients will be shown at the atrium on the first floor of Discovery Mall.

Raffle tickets will also be on sale for Rp 10,000 each (US$1.04) will be sold for prizes that will be drawn during the course of the day. Prizes include valuable  restaurant vouchers, free entry to a variety of parks and jewelry pieces.

Funds earned will be used to assist the elderly with special needs and to fund the YPK Mobile Health Clinic.

[YPK Website]

The Bali-based Indonesian wine producer Cape Discovery has just returned from London and the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) with a bronze metal for their Sauvignon Blanc made from Margaret River Valley grapes vinified in Indonesia.

The IWSC traces its roots to the Club Oenologique launched in 1969 by Anton Massel who pioneered the idea of creating a competition that weighed both organoleptic judgment (evaluation by the senses: taste, sight, smell, and touch) together with an exacting chemical analysis of the competing wines.

In 1978 the name of the competition was changed to the International Wine and Spirit Competition but retained the same strict technical controls to ensure quality of production remains central to the IWSC.

All wines and spirits seeking honors in London at IWSC must undergo a two-stage judging involving blind tastings and detailed chemical and microbiological analysis. With the devil in the detail, tastings of all wines is done by the glass (not the bottle) in temperature-controlled cellars and three dedicated tasting rooms.

All products tested and tasted must come from commercial stocks and meet EU legal requirements or risk losing points.

Cape Discovery Sauvignon Blanc
Bronze Medal for Best Dry White Wine


The 2011 vintage of Cape Discovery Sauvignon Blanc earned Bronze in the dry white wine class at IWSC, sharing honors with Penfolds, Jacob Creek and Oyster Bay wines who also secured Bronze medals in the same category.

The award marks the first time that an Indonesian made wine has won honors in this category at IWSC in London.

Cape Discovery’s unique approach to producing wine in Bali sees grapes that are carefully cultivated under the Indonesian wine company’s control in Margaret River, Western Australia. Using an innovative natural technique, the grapes are carefully transported to Indonesia where traditional wine making is undertaken.

A justifiably proud Richard Irving of Cape Discovery Wine said: “Cape Discovery has pioneered a truly novel concept with clearly outstanding results. Cape Discovery has already found many fans in Indonesia and are quickly becoming the wines of choice among locals and tourists due to their outstanding international quality at affordable prices.”

The Cape Discovery Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc has been crafted to pair with Asian cuisine. The color is pale green with lifted aromas of mouth-watering lime and asparagus. Fresh and flavorsome, the palate is bursting with tropical fresh zingy fruit with a fine persistent finish.

[Cape Discovery Wine Website]

A just concluded conference in Bali sought to boost ties and cooperation between the world’s medical practitioners concerned with promoting Christian ethics and values in health care.

The 15th Conference of the Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (AFCMA) was headquartered at the Sanur Paradise Hotel November 18-21, 2012 in Denpasar, Bali and welcomed nearly 400 participants attending from Asian and Europe nations.

Included among those in attendance were Monsignor Jean-Marie Mate Musivi Mupendawatu, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers; Monsignor Martinus Situmorang, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI); and Monsignor Antonio Guido Filippazzi, Apostolic Nuncio.

Among the topics discussed were the implementation of Christian values and ethics in the medical profession, particulrly as it applies to reproductive sex and the use of prophylactics to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Well represented at the conference were Roman Catholic Asian doctors with a strong sampling of doctors from Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta where an estimated  200 Catholic medical practitioners practice.

In Jakarta, the Catholic Church operates clinics operating in large churches with free care extended parishioners unable to pay.

The conference concluded with the establishment of a three-part plan to provide guidance to Catholic doctors in the exercise of their profession. The plan includes a strong commitment to defend human life from conception to natural death; adherence to the Catholic Church's doctrine and moral values especially in the area of medical experimentation; and special care for the vulnerable.

Bali Discovery Events provided professional conference organizing services to the AFCMA Conference.

Conrad Bali has appointed Australian spa and wellness specialist Melanie James to guide the future development of its award-winning 17-room rejuvenation destination, Jiwa Spa.

Australian-born James brings extensive experience and a diverse knowledge base in both spa operations and commercial business management, having held various regional positions across multiple industries.

Melanie’s skill set, is courtesy of having previously worked in a general management position within The Golden Door Group, one of Australia’s leading operators of health retreats and spas. She was also spa operations manager at Gaia Retreat & Spa, the renowned holistic retreat founded by legendary singer and actress Olivia Newton-John.

According to the Conrad Bali Resort, Janmes’ appointment heralds a dynamic shift for Jiwa Spa that now looks to reposition itself as a leading wellness destination spa with a strong focus on product development.

Melanie will be creating a holistic spa and wellness concept for Jiwa Spa through a combination of innovative spa journeys and personalized wellness programs, all designed to attract a wider guest demographic within the emerging wellness tourism market.

“Melanie has a very good understanding of the Hilton Worldwide spa business and specializes in building businesses up to reach their full potential. This is exactly what Jiwa Spa requires as we continue to deliver individualized experiences to guests at Conrad Bali,” said Jean-Sebastien Kling, general manager Conrad Bali.

Melanie James makes the move to Conrad Bali, where she also holds the dual position of Regional Spa Operations Manager – Australasia and Indonesia for Hilton Worldwide.

Prior to her move to Bali, Melanie James has successfully managed the pre-opening and launch of the first purpose-built eforea Spa at Hilton in Australia.

[Book a Stay at Conrad Bali Resort]
 

The State News Agency Antara reports that “Biorock Central” – a project for nurturing and growing new coral reef formations at Pemuteran, North Bali is viewed as having the potential of attracting tourists and providing employment to the local population.

Komang Astika, the operational manager for Biorock at Pemuteran said: “Foreign tourists who stay at resorts in Pemuteran are sure to see the Biorock while snorkeling of diving. This is the largest center for the cultivation of man-made coral reefs in the world.”

Biorock is grown by placing small piece of living coral on underwater racks that are stimulated with low levels of electricity that result in rapid coral growth. Pemuteran is currently home to 72 underwater structures where coral is being grown over a 2-hectare area,

Recently the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) honored the Biorock project at Pemuteran for its pioneering work in environmental conservancy.

The most recent Biorock project at Pemuteran began in 2012 as an effort to restore reefs destroyed by local fishermen using underwater explosives. A declining underwater environment in the North Bali area was made worse by a “whitening” and death of the remaining coral structures due to global warming. As a result, fishermen found it increasingly difficult to obtain fish close to home, compelling them to sail further and further in search of catches.

With the introduction of Biorock, the fish populations are returning to the oceans at Pemuteran living and feeding among the newly established reef. “Fishermen who once obtained 2 kilograms of fish now harvest Rp. 10 kilograms,” explained Komang.

The growing coral reef of Pemuteran is also supporting a network of small resorts used by visiting tourist. Komang said most tourists come from Europe, Japan, South Korean, U.S.A. and Canada.

An estimated 50 tourists travel to Pemuteran each week to swim, snorkel and dive at the Briorock development zone. One tourist from Perth, Western Australia said that she had made two visits to the Biorock project, wants to donate to the project and would like to spend her remaining days after retirement in North Bali.

Bank ANZ had recently donated funds to help grow more Biorock structures at Pemuteran.

Some of the manmade coral structures at Pemuteran have adopted the shape of bicycles, Buddha’s and other shapes to be enjoyed by snorkelers and divers in waters that only average 6-7 meters in depth.

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[Bali's Coral Reefs Under Threat]

[Biorock Workshop in North Bali]

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Telkomsel Mobile Campus 2012 program is providing free WiFi service to 23 institutions of higher education in Bali. A total of 212 hot spots for WiFi access offering high-speed Internet access are now in operation at private and public universities and academies across the island.

According to Kompas.com, included among the schools enjoying the free WiFi services are Udayana University, the Denpasar Tourism Academy, IKIP Saraswati, IHDN and Tabanan University.

Telkomsel’s WiFi Flash Zone service will provide fast, efficient and free Internet service to most places of tertiary education in Bali.

“We are aware that data services represent a basic need of our customers, especially university students. Students represent a market segment that is always hungry for all forms of information. In keeping with the momentum created by the celebration of ‘Youth Pledge Day’ (Sumpah Pemuda), we are consitently trying to meet the information needs of the younger generation in the digital age,” said Hasan Kurdi, head of Sales & Customer Care for Bali and Nusa Raya for Telkomsel.

The provision of WiFi Flash Zone services on Bali campuses was accomplished through the signing of a note of understanding between Telkomsel and STIKOM Bali and Mahasaraswati University at Telkomsel’s Denpasar office on Monday, October 29, 2012.

In addition to free WiFi service, Telkomsel is also preparing efficient communication packets that will enable students to communicate without cost by telephone and SMS with other members of their academic community. SMS broadcast services will also keep students up-to-date on campus activities.

Bali’s southernmost Ungasan peninsula, particularly in the districts surrounding  Pecatu, is in the midst of an acute water crisis that has lasted for a number of months.

As reported by DenPost, local residents at Pencatu and surrounding areas depict the water shortage as an “old problem in urgent need of a solution.”

Pecatu village leader, I Made Sumarta, confirmed his villagers complaint and the long-standing status of his area’s water crisis.

Sumarta is hoping that the regency of Badung’s administration will take definitive steps to solve the lack of water by investing heavily in the water supply infrastructure.

Faced with little or no water, many residents, businesses and hotels near Pecatu are forced to purchase water supplies via tank trucks bringing fresh water into their region.

The Uluwatu temple – one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, needs 15 tanks of fresh water each month. Similarly, citizens living around the temple are also compelled to purchase water from outside sources.

The cost of a single tank truck of fresh water costs Rp. 150,000 – Rp. 250,000 (US$15-26).

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[Liquidity Crisis]

The Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud, Bali have launched an innovative “Eat, Pray, Love” package using bicycles as the mode of transport.

Inspired by the scenes of the Hollywood feature film "Eat, Pray, Love" that saw Julia Roberts pedaling her way through the Bali arts and cultural center of Ubud, the Museum Puri Lukisan have designed a tour of their community by bike covering a distance of 3 kilometers. Along the way, cyclists stop at the home of Mangku Ketut Liyer the soothsayer featured in the film. Tour participants also stop briefly at Ubud’s fabled money forest, ending the tour at the Museum Puri Lukisan.

Those operating the tour claim the idea for the "Eat, Pray, Love Bicycle Tour" of Ubud came from Indonesian marketing guru Herman Kertajaya.

Kertajaya described the product as an ideal community-based tourism product that will bring revenues to the people living in Ubud.

Drawing parallels with the continuing success of James Bond Island in Phuket, Thailand more than 35 years after being featured in the 1974 film “The Man with a Golden Gun,” Kertajaya is confident that, if properly handled, Ubud can reap long term economic benefit by promoting scenes from the Hollywood hit filmed in Ubud.

y was held on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, when children were treated to face painting and costumes in keeping with the “trick-or-treat” tradition of the ancient celebration. A pre-planned route saw the kids explore the Westin property stopping along the way to receive special treats from Halloween well-wishers.

Other highlights included a hidden witch hat and smashing open a piñata filled with ghostly goodies. The screening of a scary movie brought Halloween closed the evening as parents arrived to escort their ghouls and witches back to their rooms, arms laden with goodies and “sweet dreams” on one of the Westin’s fabled signature Heavenly Beds.

Shown on Balidiscovery.com are pictures of Halloween celebrations at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua.

The elevation of Bali’s traditional “subak” irrigation system to the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites has also aroused the interest of tourism practitioners interested in preserving the island’s continuing appeal as a world tourism destination.

Quoted by Bali Post, the chairman of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Conference and Convention Association (INCCA), Ida Bagus Surakusuma (Lolec), said: “The income earned from the tourism sector needs to be shared to ensure the continued existence of the subak that has become one of Bali’s tourism objects. What’s more, the people who care for the subak are of the lower economic class living without sufficient means for their basic needs. At the same time, these people are burdened with the responsibility of preserving and protecting the subak irrigation system.”

Lolec, who comments were made on Monday, October 29, 2012, said the acknowledgement of UNESCO of the subak as a world heritage site must bring practical benefit to the people. Because of this, the income earned by the government from tourism, such as tax revenues, should be shared back to Balinese farmers.

UNESCO’s declaration of the heritage value of Bali’s subak system has had a profound effect on the island’s farmers. With their farmlands now designated for conservation and preservation, the farmers who own these lands should be prevented from selling their farm lands. But, in fact, farmers have often been compelled to sell their lands to meet their costs of living, school fees, ceremonial costs and rising land taxes.

Lolec said that when burdening farmers with preserving the subak system, the government must also help the farmers meet their living costs. The popular leader within Bali’s tourism sector called on the government to prevent future diversion of agricultural lands to other uses by fighting for a share of the airport tax in order that these funds can be shared with farmers.

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The regent of Buleleng in North Bali, Putu Agus Suradnyana, accepted an invitation from PT Hardys Retailindo on Monday, October 29, 2012 to officially open a new complex of shop houses and to lay the cornerstone for a new City Hotel in the Kampung Baru area of Singaraja. While Suradnyana was prepared to officiate at the opening of the shop house complex, he refused to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the nearby Pop Hotel project.

As reported by Bali Post, the regent in his speech at the event told the audience he was unprepared to perform the groundbreaking for the Pop Hotel located adjacent to the shopping complex. He called on the developer to delay the construction of the hotel, which he says is too close to the shoreline.

Although the proposed hotel project holds complete permits, the Regent says there are still matters to be discussed with a number of parties in connection with the Pop Hotel, including its close proximity to the shoreline. Suradnyana said: “This is in our mutual interest. This affects the development of Buleleng and the safety of investments.”

Despite refusing to place the cornerstone for the new Pop Hotel, Suradnyana did officially open the adjacent shop house complex by signing a stone plaque and cutting a ribbon at the shop’s entrance. The regent said the shop complex was in possession of all permits and licenses and promised to bring a positive impact on the economy of Buleleng. Moreover, he said the investor had undertaken to create a clean and green environment around the shopping complex. Adding, “I am also asking that the investor recruit people from the local area as employees, and not bring workers here from other areas.”

Gede Agus Hardiawan of PT Hardys Retailindo was apparently not upset with the stance taken by the regent in refusing to break ground for the new Pop Hotel. Hardiawan thanked the regent for thinking of the common welfare of the community.

The development of the shop house complex and hotel in Kampung Baru, next to the former Port of Buleleng, commenced in August of 2012. The project has 44 shop houses operating under the brand Singaraja Square and an adjacent area for the construction of the Pop Hotel. While the shop houses are completed, plans were to begin building the hotel after the placement of the cornerstone by the regent.

The construction of the shop houses and the hotel has been a matter of contention between the developer and Commission B of the Buleleng House of Representatives (DPRD-Buleleng) who have accused the project of violating setback rules from the ocean’s edge. The hotel’s current plans call for the building to stand only 18.5 meters from the high water mark, while new provincial zoning law (RTRWP) mandates a 100-meter set back.

During the reign of Buleleng’s last regent, Bagiada, the permits were issued and approved for both the Singaraja Square and the Pop Hotel.

The recently installed regent of Buleleng, Agus Suradnyana, was urged by the chairman of Commission B of the Buleleng House of Representatives (DPRD-Buleleng) not to attend the opening ceremony because the project violated set back rules.

The new administration is calling on PT Hardys Retailindo to reconsider the closeness of the hotel project to the water’s edge. The project's developer have used set back rules from the facing roadway instead of considering set back rules from the shoreline.

In December 2012 Mandala Airlines plans to open four new air routes between Padang (West Sumatra) and Singapore and Denpasar (Bali) with Surabaya (East Java) and Singapore.

Mandala’s commercial manager, Brata Rafly, told the press that the new routes would serve both the business and tourism sectors between the cities served.

West Sumatra governor Irwan Prayitno welcomed the new service between Padang and Singapore as he believed the flights would increase international travelers visiting Padang.

Mandala will also operate a new service in December between Bali and Surabaya and Bali and Singapore.

Mandala Airlines have been acquired in part by Singapore-based Tiger Airways.

Internationally, Mandala also flies Medan-Singapore, Jakarta-Bangkok and Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur.

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) quotes a “Bali Property Outlook” study by Knight Frank’s senior research manager Hasan Pamudji predicting that private rented villas in Bali will experience declining occupancies during the first half of 2013.

Predicting occupancies to dip by “around 9%,” Knight Franks cite increasing supply, lower booking levels and an ongoing price war as all contributing to lower revenues in Bali villa sector.

The greatest competition is projected to occur in the three and four-bedroom segment of the market .

Against the background of reduced revenues will be higher costs incurred in villa operations as trained and qualified employees to work in the villa sector are seeking and getting higher wage levels.

“This increasing need for better human resources has caused higher costs,” Pamudji stated. 



Reduced demand from Europe is, to some extent, being redressed by growing demand for villas from the Australian and Asian markets,

The report said the highest demand for villas is occurring in the one-bedroom segment of the market with prices increasing in some instances by 21% for these units.

Seminyak, Canggu, Bukit Jimbaran and some Tabanan are the most popular areas for rented villas with Seminyak and Canggu the hottest areas in the villa rental market.

Governor Made Mangku Pastika is taking pains to clarify that his professional relationship with vice-governor AA Ngurah Puspayoga remains positive and is not having an adverse effect on the synergy of the province's executive branch.

Quoted by Seputar.com, Pastika said told the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali) on Tuesday, October 30, 2012: “Our relationship is good, there’s no need to be worried; the function of government continues as normal, in accordance with the agreed plans of Bali’s legislative and executive branch.”

Pastika’s clarification delivered at the House was interrupted by the chairman of Commission I of DPRD-Bali, Made Arjaya, who mentioned recent press reports depicting the relationship between Pastika and his deputy as not harmonious and public suggestions that Puspayoga has not attended his office for the past year.

Joining the call for the governor to make a public clarification via the DPRD-Bali was legislator Nyoman Sugawa Korry.

In response, governor Pastika said: ‘We (Puspayoga and the Governor) are committed to carrying out our duties until the end of our term of office on August 28, 2013. Because of this, I want to clarify at this time that there is no need to worry about public service and the execution of our duties.”

Separately, deputy governor Puspayoga said that he wishes to create a good relationship with governor Pastika until the end of their term of office and beyond. “We have differences of opinions, but there is no split with the governor. I have great affection of the governor, I love that man,” said Puspayoga.

The deputy governor views any differences he has with Pastika is all for the good and does not signify a split exists. In response to allegations he is seldom in his office, Puspayoga said his trips outside of Denpasar are part of his official job and always undertaken with the permission of the governor.

The relationship between the governor and deputy overnor may undergo a further test if, as many expect, both men will be vying for the post of Bali's governor in early 2013.

Seputarbali.com reports that plans are underway to begin the construction of a new prison in Bali in 2013. The Bangli prison will be established especially to house those apprehended or under sentence in connection with narcotics violations.

The head of the Bali office for the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Budi Harmanto, said, “I hope the narcotics prison in Bangli will be built next year, we’ve already secured the land.” The Ministry asked for Rp. 25 billion (US$2.6 million) to finance the construction of the facility in 2011 and is hoping the funding will be approved in 2013.

The new prison facility will be built in the village of Buungan in the sub district of Susut in Bangli, chosen for its quiet location and cool climate.

The new prison will be built to house between 500-600 prisoners under sentence for drug offenses, meaning that the opening of the Bangli facility would allow a major shift in inmates to alleviate over-crowding at Kerobokan where more than 900 prisoners are currently detained.

Bisnis.com has conducted a survey of a wide range of books on Bali, websites and the social media in compiling a list of the ten most photographed locations on the island.

The ten places selected as Bali’s most photographed locales are:

• Kuta Beach with its long arched sandy beach almost always filled with tourist visitors, both foreign and domestic.
• Kuta Beach at Sunset – Kuta got mentioned twice by the Bisnis.com survey, warranting a second mention as one of the favorite place to photograph a Balinese sunset.
• Tanah Lot, Tabanan – home to Bali’s sacred and iconic Pura Luhur Tanah Lot. The temple is “picture perfect” set a few meters off shore sitting atop a small rock island.
• Garuda Wisnu Kecana Cultural Park – located just south of Bali’s airport, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park (GWK) sits on the highest point of the Ungasan peninsula affording a 360-degree view to two oceans. Under construction on an on and off basis for many years, the plan is for the final erection of a statue of the Lord Wisnu sitting upon the shoulders of a mystical Garuda Bird. When completed, the GWK monument will rival in height landmarks in many of the world’s leading cities.
• Lake Beratan, Bedugul, Tabanan – “Danau Beratan” looks as if it were a floating Balinese temple on its volcanic lake home. 
• Kintamani, Bangli – recently accorded UNESCO Geopark status, the community built on the edge of a caldera at Kintamani offer views of the Batur volcano and Lake Batur.
• Pura Besakih, Karangasem – The undisputed “mother temple” of Bali, Pura Besakih is a large complex of temple buildings sitting on the slopes of sacred Mount Agung. 
• Taman Ayun, Mengwi, Badung – Surrounded by a moat, the Taman Ayung Temple is connected to Bali’s traditional subak irrigation system that feeds its reflecting pools. Set on a large expanse of land the multi-tiered roofs of the temple are a favorite subject for visiting photographers.
• The Rice Terraces of Jatiluwih, Tabanan – Recently names a UNESCO Heritage site, the rice terraces of West Bali are the manifestation of Bali’s ancient Subak irrigation system. The verdant rice terraces have been in place and filling the island’s rice bowl for at least a thousand years.
• Bajra Sandhi, Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Bali, Denpasar – The Monument of the People’s Struggle Park in Bali’s capital of Denpasar was built in the 1990s. The center point of a large park used every day by recreating Denpasar residents, the monument at the center of the Park also houses a museum depicting the Indonesian struggle for independence.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy is urging direct air connections be established between Indonesia and India in order to foster further tourism growth.

Quoted by BisnisBali.com, the director of overseas promotion for the Ministry, Nia Niscaya, said: “With direct flights there will be more Indian tourists who will visit, attracted by the ease of access.”

Niscaya’s comments were made at a recent seminar on ASEAN-India held in Jakarta. She went on the say that the growth has been significant in Indian tourist numbers to Indonesia over the past six years, a number that will only grow further if facilitated with direct flight connections.

The Ministry of Tourism has targeted 180,000 Indian visitors to Indonesia for 2012; representing a 22.5% market share of all Indian’s who will take foreign trips in that year.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Statistic Bureau reports that Indian visitors to Indonesia through the end of August 2012 have increased 7.63% - totaling 115,219 visitors.

India arrivals to Bali paint a somewhat different picture. Indian arrivals to Bali ending September 2012 have declined 12.6% compared to 2011, totaling 32,361 Indian arrivals for the first nine months of 2012 from that market.
 

Radar Bali has coverage that once again shows the disordered state surrounding the issuance and enforcement of zoning rules and building permits in Bali.

Members of the Jembrana House of Representatives (DPRD-Jembrana) are expressing their dismay surrounding the construction of two beachside commercial villas in their district that violate setback rules from the high water mark.

The Provincial zoning law (RTRWP 2009) stipulates a 100-meter setback from the high water mark.

Angered at the violations, local legislator I Nyoman Wartono complained to the press, “if Jembrana wants to become rich it has to be prepared to break the law.”

His bitter proclamation was made during an inspection visit to villas built by investors in Sumbersari Village, Melaya on Tuesday, October 30, 2012.

The official survey discovered two villas standing too close to the high water mark: Villa Ecco and Villa Melaya International Resort.

While the Villa Ecco apparently holds all legal permits and licenses, the Villa Melaya International Resort, built by an English investor, has been in operation since last year but reportedly has no valid building permit.

The manager of the Villa Melaya International Resort, Gede Suwita, told the lawmakers that applications for the necessary permits had been filed from a time when the villa resort was still in the planning phases but, until now, has yet to receive the required licenses. Suwita defended the villa’s operation, underlining the operation was well accepted by local villagers, including those employed at the villa.

Wartono responded to Suwita, calling on the administrators of the Jembrana regency to exhibit more leadership in undertaking their responsibilities. He questioned how two villas can be built in violation of setback rules from the seashore and how one villa can obtain a license while another cannot. Adding: “This is not fair. Both villas violate the law, but why is it only one gets a permit.”

Wartono argued that in order to facilitate investment in Jembrana, the regency should be flexible in granting permits and enforcing the 100-meter setback rules. Under the provincial Zoning Law of 2009 (RTRWP), however, the regencies are required to enforce provincial zoning rules that include the 100-meter setback provision. Regency officials determined to have illegally granted exceptions to the RTRWP face five years possible imprisonment.

Afterhours Books, publishers of the luxurious Walter Spies Collectors Suite published to commemorate the legendary German expatriate painter, photographer, choreographer and anthropologist who lived in Ubud, Bali in the 1930, has won the “Benny Award” in the Best Category for Art Books at the 2012 Premier Print Awards—the world's most prestigious, oldest and largest worldwide graphic arts competition.

Now in its 63rd year, the annual contest recognizes published creations and productions of superior print communications. First-place winners in each category of the competition receive the Benny Award, named after Benjamin Franklin. This year, more than 2,800 entries were received from printing and graphic arts firms from around the world.

The Walter Spies Collectors Suite—the first of its kind art book in Indonesia—was conceptualized and designed in Jakarta, Indonesia, and printed by Artron Enterprise in Shenzhen, China to commemorate the iconic artist who made Bali his home and various celebrities of the 1930s and helped sparked the creative economy of Bali before his premature death in 1942.

The limited edition showcases the best in design, printing and packaging.

The “Benny Award” is the first time an Indonesian book has been so honored.

This special project combined sharp design with challenging finishing and spectacular 6-color printing—implementing fine stochastic screening and full-color thermal transfer process on its silk and leather bookcovering material—with gold foilstamping as well as glossy overprint spot varnishing on Garda Pat 13 Klassika 216gsm paper to protect the artwork plates. Meticulous attention was demanded throughout, and numerous full-bleed pages with cross-gutter elements required the utmost pressmanship and finishing acumen to match the colors and nuance. Careful book stitching and binding was required to finish off this gigantic, 30-kg set. And finally the exclusively designed wooden box was laser engraved and specially treated to pass the FSC and fumigation certifications.

Only 150 sets of the book were produced of the luxurious Walter Spies Collectors Suite making the book a unique piece of art in its own right.

[For More Information on the Walter Spies Collection Suite]


 

Those seeking to celebrate the U.S. Thanksgiving in Bali should consider the sumptuous and very affordable feat on offer at Taksu Restaurant and Spa on Jalan Goutama Selatan
 in Ubud.

Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A. was first officially proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, set to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Honoring that day, Taksu Restaurant will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 22, 2012 from 6-10 pm. The feast will include the house specialty of succulent organic smoked turkey a'la Betutu. Beer and a limited wine selection are available while guests are welcome to bring their own festive drinks.

The Menu

Traditional Buffet or a'la Carte Servings

Organic Roasted and Smoked "Betutu" Turkey
Stuffing and Giblet Gravy
Grilled Fish with Papaya and Mango Salsa
Roasted Cream Pumpkin Ginger Soup
Cranberry, Pineapple & Walnut Salad
Organic Green Salad
Wild Mushroom Ravioli
Grilled Mixed Organic Vegetables
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Apple Cobbler
Raw Cacao Avocado Pudding
Free -Flow Taksu Coffee and Tea

Price

The buffet with all the trimming for Rp 200,000 plus 17% (US$24.40) or Rp 125,000 plus 17% (US$15.25) for a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner.

A'la Carte Options

Organic roasted or smoked turkey served with giblet gravy, cranberry relish, glazed purple potatoes and grilled organic vegetables for Rp 85,000++ (US$10.35). Side dishes start from Rp. 40,000++ (US$4.90).

Reservations are a must with full pre-payment by November 19, 2012 qualifying purchasers for a 10% discount.

Reservations

Telephone ++62-(0)361-971 490 or by [Email] 

Taksu Restaurant and Spa
Jalan Goutama Selatan

Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571

World Travel Awards 2012 (WTA-2012) were held in Singapore on Thursday, October 18, 2012.

Held at InterContinental Singapore the award recognized the travel elite of Asia, Australasia and the Indian Ocean. Established in 1993, the WTA reward and celebrate excellence within the broad travel sector.

In the 2011 awards, nearly 800,000 votes were cast by travel professionals and consumers from 171 countries.

Among the Bali hotel properties recognized in the 2012 award in Singapore were:

[St. Regis Bali Resort – Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort]  

[Pan Pacific Nirwana Resort – Indonesia’s Leading Golf Resort]

Hotel Villa Ombak – Indonesia’s Leading Hotel

[Conrad Bali Resort – Indonesia’s Leading Resort]

[Pan Pacific Nirwana Resort – Indonesia’s Leading Spa Resort]  

WTA’s Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony 2012 marked the final leg of WTA’s Grand Tour, a global search for the world’s leading travel brands, which also included regional heats in Dubai, Portugal and Turks & Caicos. The winners of these legs go head-to-head at WTA’s Grand Final, which takes place at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi, India on 12 December 2012.


[Complete Asia Results from World Travel Awards]
 

The State News Agency Antara quotes the Bali office of the Central Statistic Agency (BPS) who reports that the Island’s travel trade (trade, hotel and restaurants) contributes more than 65% of Bali’s annual gross regional domestic product.

The BPS also cited the transport, communications, finance and rental sectors as making significant contributions to Bali’s economy.

The BPS study also mention Bali’s numerous infrastructure projects in anticipation of the APEC 2013 project, including the upgrading of the Ngurah Rai International Airport, the construction of the Benoa-Ngurah Rai-Nusa Dua toll road and the Simpang Siur underpass.

The BPS warned that Bali’s agricultural sector continues to shrink due to encroaching urbanization of the island. It is estimated that 0.5% (426 hectares) of all farming land in Bali is lost each year to urban development.

The manufacturing sector also continues to grow in Bali.

The Conrad Bali Resort has joined forces with one of Asia’s leading fine wine suppliers – ewineasia.com to host a truly unique wine event on Tuesday, November 27, 2012.

Part of ewineasia.com’s The Vintners’ Wine Tour that swings through Asia during the last week of November 2012, the event features 24 leading Old World Wine producers paired with outstanding cuisine form the Conrad Bali Resort.

Rp. 650,000 (US$68), 120 lucky diners will enjoy a sumptuous buffet featuring dishes from across fusion traditions and European cuisine, plus local delicacies served from different food stations in the resort’s famed SUKU restaurant. A selection of fine cheeses will also be on offer.

While sampling the cuisine copious quantities of wine from the 24 wine makers participating in The Vitners’ Wine Tour 2012 available for tasting at no additional charge.

Conrad Bali General Manager, Jean-Sébastien Kling, announced the event, saying: “It is a great opportunity to experience some classic Old World wines and appreciate the traditions and history that accompanies them.”

The Wine makers presenting their products on November 27th in Bali include:

FRANCE:

• Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss (Alsace)
• Mitjaville Wines (Bordeaux)
• Domaine du Vissoux (Beaujolais)
• Domaine Patrick Piuze (Burgundy -Chablis) 
• Domaine David Duband (Burgundy) 
• Domaine des Roches Neuves (Loire - Saumur Champigny)
• Domaine Catherine et Pierre Breton (Loire- Bourgeuil) 
• Domaine Vacheron (Loire -Sancerre) 
• Chateau de la Roulerie (Loire -Anjou)
• Domaine Alain Cailbourdin (Loire - Pouilly Fume) 
• Domaine Alain Graillot (Rhone Valley - Crozes Hermitage) 
• Domaine Georges Vernay (Rhone Valley -Condrieu) 

ITALY:

• Azienda Agricola C.O.S. (Sicily)
• Lis Neris (Friuli) 
• Albino Rocca ( Piemonte)
• Isole e Olena (Tuscany) 
• Elisabetta Foradori (Trentino) 
• Nino Franco (Veneto) 
• Pieropan (Veneto) 

SPAIN:

• Descendientes de Palacios (Bierzo)
• Alvaro Palacios (Priorat) 
• Palacios Remondo (Rioja) 
• Belondrade Y Lurton (Ribera Del Duero)
•  Bodegas Roda (Rioja) 

AUSTRIA:

• Jurtschitsch ( Kamptal)

For reservations and more information telephone ++62-(0)361-778778 or [Email] .

Arrivals by Major Markets

Australia – after years of month-by-month increases in arrivals, Australia visitors to Bali declined in September 2012, down 1.46% with 73,951 Australian visitors. On a cumulative basis, Australia visitors are up 3.85% through the end of Q3 2012.

Peoples Republic of China – Mainland Chinese arrivals also declined slightly in September by 0.5% with 21,076 arrivals.

For the first nine months of 2012, PRC arrivals stand at 235,089 - an increase of 31.17% from one year before.

Japan –While Japanese arrivals fell month-on-month by 3.3%, there still appears to be a slow recovery underway with the Japanese market as the rapid free-fall of declining Japanese visitors has come to a halt. Within this context, cumulative Japanese arrivals of 140,606 at the end of September that are down only 1.45% represents hopeful news and suggests Japanese arrivals may close "even" by the end of the year.

Malaysia – Malaysian arrivals continue to perform steadily, up 1.17 (13,546) for the month of September and up 6.48% year-to-date at the end of Q3.

South Korean – South Korean travel to Bali was down 6.5% in September (8,678). Similarly, South Korean visitors for the first nine months of 2012 are down 2.31%.

United Kingdom – Despite all the grim economic news fro Europe, the U.K. market is putting in a stellar performance in terms of arrivals to Bali. September U.K. arrivals were up 9.9% month-on-month at 11,293 visitors.

U.K. Visitors at the end of Q3 2012 were up 6.3% from the United Kingdom.

France – France bounced back in September with 9,935 visitors - an increase of 7.19% over September 2011.

On a aggregate basis, French visitors year-on-year are down 4.98% through the end of September 2012.

Taiwan – Taiwan arrivals to Bali are ailing. Month-on-month arrivals from Taiwan for September declined 29.3% at 8,332 visitors.

Year-on-year through the end of September Taiwanese arrivals are down 9.58%.

U.S.A. – Visitors from the U.S. took an unexpected downturn in September 2012 declining 9.58% to 6,533.

Year-to-date through the end of September U.S. arrivals to Bali up 5.43% totaling 67.716.

Germany – Also contradicting the dismal economic news from Europe as a whole, German arrivals to Bali in September totaled 11,247 – an increase of 9.8% when compared to the same month in 2011. On a cumulative basis through the end of Q3, German arrivals are up 1.16%.

Russia – Russian arrivals declined 3.64% in September at 3,648 visitors.

For the year through end of September, Russian visitors to Bali are up 3.18%.

The Netherlands – The Dutch market to Bali is now in a more or less state of constant decline. September arrivals from Holland declined 12.9% at 6,010 visitors. Year to date through the end of September Dutch visitors are down 13.67% at 46,770 visitors.

Asia Pacific Arrivals Continue to Dominate

Geographically, the ASEAN market is up strongly, increasing 10.07% while the Asia-Pacific has increased 4.26% through the end of Q3.
Bali, Indonesia.
 

Ethnic violence against transmigrant Balinese living in the villages of Balinuraga and Sidoreno in South Lampung regency (Sumatra) has caused 1,500 people to flee as their homes came under attack by the endemic population.

The Balinese residents have taken temporary refuge in area halls and building, while police and military are patrolling the areas to prevent further clashes between the ethnic groups.

The Balinese began settling in South Sumatra in 1965 under a government-sponsored transmigration program. By and large, the Balinese have thrived in South Sumatra creating Bali-Hindu enclaves in South Sumatra. According to some reports, the Balinese newcome'rs economic dominance and relative success is one of the root causes of the current unrest.

Ethnic clashes over a three-day period from October 26-28, 2012 between the Hindu Balinese and native Lampung residents have left 14 people dead, 9 of who were Balinese. Hundreds of homes owned by the Balinese have been burned and looted.

Efforts by local officials to mediate a peace between the two groups have thus far come to naught, with some Moslem natives of South Lampung are demanding the Balinese leave their community. Local officials and police have rejected this demand, insisting the ethnic Balinese hold legal title to their homesteads and are fully entitled to live in the area.

Conditions in the temporary refugee camp established for the Balinese are said to be deteriorating.

Prominent Balinese and youth groups on Bali have begun to gather donations for the refugee families in South Lampung, with Bali governor Made Pastika planning to travel to South Sumatra to assess the situation of his fellow Balinese in the coming week.

Police in South Lampung, meanwhile, have yet to make any arrests in connection with the deaths and destruction at the two villages.