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.

read more...

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?

read more...

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.

read more...

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/

read more...

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

read more...