Quite a few years ago when I returned to Bali after having spent those previous years in other islands, I woke up one morning to find myself scratching the back of my legs like some maddened Banshee. At first I thought I had contracted some strange tropical disease and henceforth started to write my will. My wife rushed out and obtained some Calamine lotion upon my request and that did little to ease the itchiness or annoyance of the bright red welts that had appeared on the skin surface. Fortunately for me the Balinese lady who owns the homestay in Bali where I reside on my sojourns recognised my painful ailment. It was Bamboo Rash. As it turns out her husband suffered from the same malady on occasions and she promptly returned with Bokashi Oil. So, I applied liberal amounts of this magic oil onto the reddened welts whenever it became itchy and after a couple of days the rash had disappeared.
Bamboo rash is caused by minute bamboo mites that like to bury themselves into rattan cane furniture but you can also get it from bamboo growing naturally in the countryside. Brush past the bamboo and the mites drop onto your skin and ‘dig in’ much the same way as they do off rattan furniture. Bokashi Oil is easily obtained at an apotik and comes in two convenient, pocket-sizes. I suggest you buy the larger bottle as I found that Minyak Oles Bohkashi has a multitude of uses and especially for mosquito bites.
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Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali ... due to the current threat of terrorist attack against Western interests.... Terrorist attacks can occur at any time and in any location, including Bali."
Of all the great vacation destinations in the world, what sane person would even consider Bali after this warning? Bali, however, is where my wife and I and our three-year old daughter took our February vacation. Our destination: a Balinese villa in the Seminyak region.
We left Vancouver in the snow for the long ride across the Pacific. It was a trip we faced with apprehension. How would our three-year-old handle the 16-hour flight?
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A word of advice for travellers to use a recognised travel company - so they do not get caught in dodgy dealing.
The warning follows a police investigation into a New Zealand-based company selling return tickets to Bali online - for flights that do not actually exist.
Orewa Police, who are investigating, say at least ten people have paid a thousand dollars by credit card.
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The Indonesian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA) is complaining about the lack of official action against Bali's huge fleet of illegal "gypsy" taxis operating tours and transfers across the island.
Al Purwa, the Chairman of ASITA-Bali, was quoted by BisnisBali as stating that despite frequent complaints to the Bali Tourism Authority, no official action has been taken to curve illegal transport operators in Bali.
According to Purwa, the Tourism Authority and the Police should take action based on the complaints filed by Bali's licensed tourism operators. Purwa added that the "black number plates" or illegal taxis continue to cause losses to the law-abiding members of ASITA who follow transport rules and pay taxes.
Explained Purwa: "Not only do these illegal taxis operating without licenses cause losses to licensed travel agencies, but also to the tourists who use their services. When there is an accident or some other incident, the tourists who are passengers in these vehicles receive no insurance compensation from the illegal transportation operators."
Purwa said that he hopes the government will soon take appropriate action to close down the illegal transport operators and protect the tax revenues Bali derives from licensed operators.
"If the current situation is allowed to continue," said Purwa, "Bali's image as a tourism destination will be damaged, such as in the past when tourists have been criminally attacked while riding in illegal local transport."
Some local tourism observers have suggested that spontaneous and unscheduled "razia" or "police roadblocks" introduced on main roads in Bali manned by police, tourism officials and volunteers from ASITA would soon put an end to illegal taxi operations. Illegal transport found with tourist passengers on board would be stopped and its passengers required to transfer to waiting metered taxis to either continue their tour or return to their hotels. Such steps, while seen as drastic by some, would almost instantaneously destroy any appeal of using unlicensed vehicles.
source: http://www.balidiscovery.com/
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It’s back again for its third year after two very successful previous years. This fun and cultural events festival highlighting Balinese art and cultural performances will be this year around the area of the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel on Jl Pantai Segara. But, it’s not only art and culture performances that will be the highlight. There will also be a food bazaar, bonsai and orchid exhibition, contemporary music performances and for the fashion aficionado, a delightful fashion show. Of course there are numerous other activities sure to please all during this five day event. As with the same last year, there will be an international cartoon exhibition, and the popular jukung festival of local village boats. Naturally the music festival will no doubt draw big crowds to the beach and all in all, this promises to be the greatest festival up until now. The kids are never left out of the activities and the kite festival will delight them and no doubt all the adults as well. One part of the festival that I am looking forward to seeing is the photo contest. The theme for the photos have to be centred around the Sanur area and prizes are up for grabs.
This is one festival in Bali not to be missed if you are over on the island at the beginning of August. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Sanur Village Festival
Venue: In front of the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel
Jl Pantai Segara
Date: August 6 - 10, 2008
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There is something eye-catching at the solo exhibition of I Ketut Mastrum. He smartly explores the barong through the alluring art of painting. Objects are carefully touched with a myriad of different techniques, ranging from that of Batuan, Ubud (Pita Maha), Pengosekan, and from young artists up to the latest academician. Similarly, he shows off a variety of styles like realism, surrealism, abstract, figurative, impressionism and expressionism.
As a whole the works of Mastrum intensely reveal the theme of Balinese social tradition in relation to the Creator. Indeed, amid the daily painting activities, Mastrum is also a temple priest at Natar Sari Temple, Apuan Baturiti, Tabanan. His priesthood behavior confers a space to implement his inspiration, imagination and intuition as an innovative artist.
Precise details of eyes, teeth, face or tail as well as other parts of the body are made. A wide variety of symbolism encapsulates the surface object of his works. He has also developed the technique of hatching lines when he paints facial parts, the body and the objects requiring accurate details. His brush scratching expressively leaves the image of speed, agility and even rage.
Other than the figure of assorted barongs of his imagination or cultural empiricism, Mastrum also illustrates the energy of brush scratching, decorative details and truly vivid color. In his fourth solo exhibition, he exhibits the arts depicting the human form in a ‘deformative’ style.
Tens of creative barongs by the painter, I Ketut Mastrum are exhibited at Danes Art Veranda, Denpasar from 25 April to 16 May. This exhibition was inaugurated by Dr I Nyoman Catara, lecturer at the Indonesia Institute of Arts (ISI) Denpasar.
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Capital of Indonesia is preparing sandbags on the coast of protection against floods ahead of abnormally high tides which should hit the city early next week, officials. "There will be several areas that could be affected by extreme tides, especially in the north of Jakarta, because some dams are below maximum altitude," said Wishnu Subagio, the head of Jakarta's public works office. He said sandbags were being prepared in vulnerable areas, and tides were likely to begin today and Wednesday peak. An official of the World Bank said in Jakarta this week, it could be 1.2-metre tide rise on Wednesday, although Nugroho Ponco Jakarta meteorology agency said it was perhaps not so high. Flooding has often cut a road leading to Jakarta international airport and an official toll road company PT Jasa Marga said it was taking precautions. "If the water flooding the road toll we will be ready with pumps and sandbags immediately," said Okke Merlina, a Secretary General to Jasa Marga, who added that the company was also the construction of a barrier to prevent future floods. Indonesia capital of approximately 10 million is often flooded in rainy season and it may also be flooded by high tides in areas near the coast and in low-lying countries districts.
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Bali is also blessed with a beautiful nature. Endless sand beaches envelope most of Bali's shores, where silvery waves come home to. Tall cliffs border the eastern shores. Volcanic mountains crown the center of Bali, home to Gunung Agung (Mount Divine), the sacred abode of the gods and the goddesses. Green forests stretch on from east to west of the northern part of Bali, nurturing numerous flora and fauna that can only be found here.
Beaches The beaches of Bali are, in one word, magnificent! From the stretch of sand in Kuta, fenced far in the South by the runway of Denpasar International Airport; the peaceful elegance of Nusa Dua; the mysterious quietness and somberness of Candidasa, as a temple dedicated to the sea goddess submerges; to the spectacular sunsets of Lovina in the North.
The island of Bali is blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it.
- Sanur On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resort developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.
- Kuta and Legian Practically on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Kuta and Legian stretch on the southwestern side of Bali, again only about 5 to 10 minute drive from Denpasar or the airport. Surfing is a major activity in these beaches. Shops, Kecak dance performances, pubs, and other facilities make Kuta a tourist mecca.
- Jimbaran Jimbaran is directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar towards Nusa Dua. The village of Jimbaran is the narrow neck of the island of Bali, and thus it has two remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beach faces the Jimbaran Bay, recently lined by new luxurious resorts. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor.
- Nusa Dua Nusa Dua is a new luxurious resort area where the world's most sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Crystal clear water provides excellent snorkeling and diving site, and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua allow for great surfing opportunity.
- Soka Beach Further northwest from Denpasar, on the way to Gilimanuk, the ferry port town that connects Bali and Java, there is a small quiet beach called Soka Beach.
- Medewi Beach Continuing along the path towards Gilimanuk, near the village of Pulukan, the beach of Medewi is another beautiful beach.
- Lovina Beach Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Night life activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If you like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd, Lovina Beach is for you.
Waves The beaches of Bali readily accept the arrival of the waves, time and time again. And they vary. In the stretch of Nusa Dua alone you can find soft waves for the beginner surfers to the wildest of waves that will challenge even the most experienced of the surfers. Yeh Saneh in the East, Uluwatu in the South, and Medewi slightly to the West, are all excellent site for waves.
Lakes There are four lakes in Bali. Lake Batur, the old crater of Mount Batur, is the largest. Kintamani offers an excellent panoramic view of the lake, and the lake itself effectively fences in the Bali Aga people in Trunyan. Lake Bratan, the second largest, is near the town of Bedugul. Lake Buyan and Lake Temblingan are also near.
- Bedugul When the heat and humidity gets to you, why not escape to Bedugul. Bali's highland retreat tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 metres above sea level. Here three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forests seem to create a freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruit, vegetables and flowers.
- Kintamani The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Lake Batur also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain.
The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap losmens are available here.
Mountains The string of volcanic mountains crown the Northern part of Bali. The tallest is Gunung Agung (or Mount Divine), the abode of the gods and the goddesses.
Forests, Flora, and Fauna The wild forests of Bali can be found mostly in the Bali Barat National Park, dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. And the tropical climate of Bali endows it with a rich flora. In the forests, tall tropical trees reach for the sky, nursing a variety of wild orchids to grow on their branches. Pine trees carpet the mountains. Ever protective, waringin trees faithfully stand at the center of every village. Flowers beautifully punctuate little gardens in every house, and most importantly, spreading their sweet fragrance into the midnight air and completing offerings to the gods and goddesses.
Bali tigers (Panthera tigris balica ) used to roam these forests, but now you can only find deer or wild boars. Bali Barat National Park is also reestablished as the new habitat for Bali Starling (Jalak Bali), a sweet, white bird that has inspired many a painter. Sea turtles, another protected species, can playfully accompany you when you go snorkeling in the the waters of Nusa Dua.
read more...| Hotels Name | Area | Prices |
| Kuta | Rp. 170.000 - Rp. 400.000 | |
| Ubud | US$ 26 - US$ 28
(15% tax & service) | |
| Kuta | Rp. 200,000 - Rp. 250,000 | |
| Kuta | US$ 17 - US$ 25 | |
| Sanur | Rp. 150.000 | |
| Kuta | US$ 27 | |
| Nusa Dua | Rp. 70,000 - Rp. 150,000 | |
| Kuta | US$ 25 - US$ 28 | |
| Sanur | US$ 20 | |
| Ubud | US$ 25 - US$ 28 | |
| Ubud | Rp. 170,000 - Rp. 250,000 | |
| Kuta | Rp. 60,000 - Rp. 120,000 | |
| Kuta | Rp. 350,000 - Rp. 400,000 | |
| Kuta | Rp. 75,000 - Rp. 240,000 | |
| Ubud | Rp. 80,000 - Rp. 100,000 | |
| Kuta | Rp. 50,000 - Rp. 60,000 | |
| Ubud | Rp. 75,000 - Rp. 110,000 | |
| Kuta | US$ 13 - US$ 25 | |
| Sanur | US$ 20 | |
| Ubud | Rp. 30,000 - Rp. 45,000 | |
| Ubud | US$ 18 | |
| Sanur | US$ 15 - US$ 22.5 | |
| Ubud | US$ 28 | |
| Kuta | Rp. 40,000 - Rp. 50,000 | |
| Lovina | Rp. 60,000 - Rp. 70.000 | |
| Sanur | Rp. 59,000 - Rp. 249,000 | |
| Nusa Dua | Rp. 75,000 - Rp. 175,000 | |
| Kuta | US$ 23 - US$ 25 | |
| Kuta | US$ 13.5 - US$ 27.5 | |
| Sanur | US$ 28 | |
| Kuta | US$ 20 - US$ 27 | |
| Ubud | US$ 20 | |
| Ubud | US$ 18 - US$ 27.5 | |
| Ubud | Rp. 165.000 - Rp. 440.000 | |
| Nusa Dua | US$ 10 |
The primary gateway to Indonesia is the Sukarno-Hatta International Airport of Jakarta (also known as Cengkareng CKG), but there are increasingly more international airlines that offer direct flights to Bali. From Jakarta, Garuda Indonesia and Sempati Air have around a dozen departure times to Bali. Internationally, Garuda also has direct flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, and a number of Australian cities; as well as flights from Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and other European cities. Qantas Airlines of Australia provides direct flights from a number of Australian cities as well as a number of European cities (e.g. London). Air New Zealand will also take you from Auckland to Bali. KLM of the Netherlands is one of the first international airlines to have an international flight to Bali, and it will take you from many cities in Europe, notably Amsterdam, to Bali. Lauda Air, Lufthansa Airlines and Air France can also assist you to escape from Europe. From Asia, direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong are readily available from Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines.
read more...Discover the fascinating underwater world among the coral reefs surrounding beautiful Lembongan part of protected Marine Park, these water are home to an abundance of tropical sea life… an endless variety of colorful fish, giant clams, starfish, shells, anemones, eels, turtles, sponges, sea urchins, and many more incredible marine creatures.
LEMBONGAN ISLAND is yours to enjoy with our cruises. Our full day ISLAND tours lets your snorkel, dive or swim in the clear, cool island waters, view the reef from the comfort of our semi submersible coral viewer, under water explorer or just relax on the idyllic sandy beach.
There are five excellent daily trips to choose from. Cruise 1 Sailing Yacht, Cruise 2 Motor Yacht, Fishing Trip, Half-Day Cruise and Over-Night Package Cruise. Whichever one you choose, you're sure to enjoy some of Bali's best times. All in the capable hands of our experienced and hospitable crew. Book now to avoid disappointment.
CRUISE 1 with SAILING YACHT Join us aboard The Island Explorer, a beautiful modern 60-ft. Sailing Yacht. Relax under full sail as we cruise to Paradise. Price includes: Hotel transfers, Morning and afternoon tea or coffee, Game fishing (trolling), Guided island tour in Lembongan, Buffet BBQ lunch with crisp salads and fresh fruit, Hygienically prepared in our own facilities, Snorkeling expedition (all equipment supplied), Water slide, and Insurance cover. Cruise time approx. 2.5 hours.
CRUISE 2 with MOTOR YACHT Adventure awaits you as you board The Island Princess, This fast, modern 65 ft. Motor Yacht has all the latest electronic and safety equipment. Sit back and enjoy our spacious decks as we take you back in time. Price includes: Hotel transfers, Morning and afternoon tea or coffee, Game fishing (trolling), Guided island tour in Lembongan, Buffet BBQ lunch with crisp salads and fresh fruit, Hygienically prepared in our own facilities, Snorkeling expedition (all equipment supplied), Water slide, and Insurance cover. Cruise time approx. 1.5 hours.
FISHING PROGRAM with MOTOR YACHT Game fish to and from the island. Bottom fishing around Lembongan Island on a traditional Balinese fishing boat. All gear and bait supplied. Price includes: Hotel transfers, Morning and afternoon tea or coffee, Trolling game fishing from Benoa to Lembongan and on the way back to Benoa. Bottom fishing in Lembongan. Jukung, crew, lines and bait supplied. Buffet BBQ lunch with crisp salads and fresh fruit, Snorkeling expedition (all equipment supplied), and Insurance cover.
HALF DAY CRUISE with SUPER-FAST Suitable for those who would like to do a fast ocean crossing, avoiding motion sickness. Cruise time on "Quick-Cat" approx. 40 minutes to Lembongan Island. Price includes: Hotel transfers, Lunch (Beach Burger), Afternoon tea/coffee/cake, Snorkeling expedition (all equipment supplied), Guided island tour in Lembongan, and Insurance cover.
OVER-NIGHT PACKAGE with SUPER-FAST This program is made for those who want to enjoy the silence of Lembongan Island and the quite atmosphere surrounding from all of our Ocean View Bungalows and Pool. Also you will see the traditional seaweed farmers working their cultivation everyday. Price includes: Hotel transfers, Cruise transfers, 1 (one) double/twin bungalow, Light breakfast, tax, and service charge.
read more...Ground Transportations
The road network of Sumatera, Java, and Bali is pretty good, allowing you to hop onto a bus from Medan or even further north in Banda Aceh at the tip of Sumatera, travel down 8 provinces south to get to Jakarta, and cross 4 provinces east to get to Bali. It'll take about 3 days from Medan to Jakarta and one full day from Jakarta to Denpasar, including two ferry rides, one from Lampung in Sumatera to Merak in Java, and the other one from Ketapang in East Java to Gilimanuk in Bali.
Bus ride to Bali can be very comfortable in modern luxury buses. Mercedes Benz fleet give you maximum comfort while allowing you to enjoy the scenery of the rural villages of Java.
Once you get to Bali, there are various ways you can explore the island:
Walk. Yes, the old, reliable feet. Recommended for, among other places, along the beaches, along the gardens of Nusa Dua, or along the shops of Legian, Kuta.
Bicycles. There are a lot of places where you can rent bicycles.
Motorcycles. Some hard-to-reach beach corners, hidden surfing sites, may not be reachable by car - motorcycles may be your best bet. Don't forget your international driver's license.
Car Rentals/Hires. You can cover all of Bali comfortably with complete privacy and you set your own schedules. Rates start from around US$ 25 a day. Toyota Rent-A-Car can provide anything from a subcompact car to a luxurious Japanese sedan, with or without a driver. Don't forget your international driver's license if you want to drive.
Public Buses. Public transporation in Bali is provided by bemos (three-wheeled, Vespa-derivative, funny-looking creatures crawling on the roads - you wouldn't miss it) and mini buses. They typically have their set routes, but you can always charter one on the spot, if it's empty, of course, to go wherever you wish. Recommended for mixing with the locals.
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Ramayana Resort and Spa
Boasting a great location in the centre of Kuta, Bali, the Ramayana Resort & Spa 4 star Hotel is the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday in this renowned tourist destination, with its amazing lush tropical gardens and outstanding facilities.
Hotel Kamarandu
The Kamandalu Resort & Spa is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel, nestled between the terraced rice paddies and the lush green mountains of Ubud in the Bali Island. The Kamandalu's spectacular hillside sets above the rushing Petanu River providing a serene
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How to Select and Reserve the Best Villa or Hotel in
Be careful when booking on the Internet. Some web sites promise rates and services they never deliver. Others publish outright lies. Here is what you should look for when selecting your accommodation and the company to deal with.
This is a step-by-step guide to avoid disappointment and a wasted vacation. Applicable to Internet travel bookings anywhere in the world.
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