PATA 2007 will see HotelsAvenue launch

Avenues is set to launch its HotelsAvenue tool at PATA 2007 in Bali, an online industry tool that it touts as the ‘world’s best’ travel affiliate solution.

Avenues, South-Asia’s largest integrated eCommerce Company, claims that this new software tool is suitable for many in the industry, from hoteliers to travel agents, and even wholesalers.

The two main software solutions in the Avenues Travel Industry Services consist of HotelsAvenue and ResAvenue, with one geared at portals and the other a fully hosted booking engine.

HotelsAvenue.com boasts that it consists of the ‘world’s biggest commission’, ‘the world’s greatest rates’, and ‘the world’s biggest inventory feed’. It eventually hopes to have live feeds of over a hundred thousand hotels on their own websites.

ResAvenue is the plug-and-play booking engine which can be integrated straight into a hotel’s current branded websites. The solution allows hoteliers to accept bookings and payments in real time, with 15 available language filters, as well as multiple currencies.

ResAvenue.com, launched in 2005 and currently incorporating 600 users, addresses the hotelier’s need to build their hotel brand through direct online sales through a ‘Single Window’ interface. The utility allows for branded websites to distribute their room inventory globally, in a partnership with Pegasus.

The Avenues Travel Industry Services Stall will be situated at GO 20 at the Bali Convention Centre, Bali, Indonesia. PATA this year will be held between the 25th of September and the 28th.

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Bird Flu Lands on Bali

The island of Bali has always been a separate part of Indonesia. A Hindu province inside the biggest Muslim country in the world, a jet-setting resort inside a poor, rural nation — and a zone free of human cases of avian influenza in the nation that has recorded the most bird flu infections in the world. But Bali is bird flu free no longer. Today the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the death of a young Balinese woman from H5N1 avian flu, the second case on the island in less than a month. Although Indonesian and WHO officials were quick to note that there was nothing clinically unusual about the Bali deaths — both victims apparently contracted the virus from infected poultry — the presence of human bird flu cases on a small island that hosts well over a million foreign tourists a year only adds to fears that H5N1 could eventually trigger a deadly flu pandemic that could spread around the world.

It's also a reminder that Indonesia — a vast nation of 18,000 islands and 235 million people — is quietly losing its battle against bird flu. Three years after the disease was first detected among the nation's poultry, the virus has spread to virtually every province in Indonesia. So far, 26 Indonesians have died of the disease this year alone. The deaths have become so common that they now rarely catch the world's attention — but the Bali cases are different, especially for the Indonesian government. Tourist arrivals to Bali's beaches are just now recovering from a pair of deadly terror bombings in 2002 and 2005, and the perceived risk of bird flu — though the chances of contracting the disease remain minuscule — could stymie that revival.

The Indonesian government was worried enough about the Bali cases to do something it hasn't done in months: share H5N1 virus samples with the WHO. Under new international health regulations that went into effect in June, all countries are supposed to share virus samples of dangerous diseases like bird flu with the WHO, to help international scientists track contagion — and in the case of the flu, formulate possible vaccines. Since the end of last year, however, Indonesia has refused to share samples, claiming that international drug companies were using Indonesian H5N1 strains to produce vaccines, which they would then sell at prices developing countries couldn't afford. Though Jakarta sent samples from one of the new cases to a WHO-affiliated lab at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta — a move some experts say was done to send the signal that nothing was being hidden on Bali — the larger dispute has yet to be settled. "I think there's progress on this, but we'd suggest a greater urgency," says John Rainford, a WHO spokesperson in Geneva.

Such foot-dragging is dangerous for Indonesia and the rest of the world. As the WHO outlined in its annual World Health Report, released Thursday, the globe has grown so interconnected that open international cooperation is the only way to respond to infectious disease threats like avian flu. Diseases don't respect boundaries — from Bali, bird flu could hop a direct international flight to almost any country in Asia, and then the world. Avian flu has fallen out of the headlines, but that doesn't mean the disease has been eliminated, or the threat of a pandemic has disappeared. "We as humans do very well in responding to a crisis or disaster," says Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. "But fatigue starts in quickly, and on this issue, we've hit the fatigue factor." Bird flu in paradise might be a needed wake-up call.

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Bali flights stretched

THE number of Australians holidaying in Bali is gradually improving.But a lack of flights is hampering a full recovery.

Hoteliers and tourists say a lack of seat availability on flights, particularly between Bali and the east coast of Australia, is hurting them.

It appears that Qantas is gradually bowing out of the holiday destination and allowing its budget arm Jetstar to take over routes.

Qantas flies twice a week to Bali from Perth and Darwin, but it is understood the airline plans to drop its Darwin flights from October.

However it has added a flight to the Perth-Denpasar route between August 5 and October 21.

A spokeswoman said there were no plans at this stage to expand services from any other cities.

"Qantas will continue to monitor the route and make changes as demand increases,'' she said.
Jetstar, which launched services to Bali in early December last year, has already announced it will double its direct services between Sydney and Bali to four times weekly from October 28. This is in addition to twice weekly flights from Melbourne to Bali.

It says this is in response to the bounce back in Australian "traveller demand and the ongoing recovery of the island's tourism industry''.

It will mean six Jetstar flights a week between the Australian east coast and Bali. It doesn't yet fly from Perth.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce says the carrier's additional Bali flights were a direct response to the island's existing performance as one of Jetstar's strongest international markets.
Garuda Indonesia cut its Adelaide services to Bali last November followed by Brisbane in January this year.

A spokeswoman says the cut was part of a global rationalisation of routes which "required the deployment of available aircraft according to route profitability''.

"There is no doubt that the Australian market to Bali is returning with a vengeance and we will continue to monitor this and, subject to available aircraft, would certainly not discount a return to either of these routes in the future,'' she says.

The airline is operating 20 flights a week direct to Bali from Australia (five ex Sydney, three ex Melbourne, two ex Darwin and 10 ex Perth) in addition to four direct flights a week from Perth to Jakarta, with connections to Bali.

Customers have also noted a rise in the number of delays and postponements with flights.

"As for the delays and postponements, occasionally flights must be delayed due to operational or technical reasons,'' she says. ``This happens with all airlines and is nothing out of the ordinary.

The safety of our passengers will always be our highest priority.''

The Indonesian national carrier reported a profit of around $A19 million in the half year to June, which includes the low season and is usually its weaker half.

It says consolidation measures recently undertaken have improved revenue, passenger volumes, load factor and yield.

Garuda Indonesia's Regional Manager, Southwest Pacific Suranto Yitnopawiro says Garuda Indonesia's traffic from Australia to Bali has more than doubled that of the first half of 2006, reflecting an increasingly strong surge in the overall numbers of Australians visiting Bali for holidays.

Bali is now Australia's fourth most popular holiday destination, behind New Zealand, Thailand and the US. Its share of the total Australian holiday market has grown by 44.5 per cent over the most recent half year, he says.

Garuda says the 85,860 Australians visiting Bali during the first half of this year was around 30,000 more than for the same time last year. WA remains Bali's biggest Australian market, followed by NSW and Victoria.

Meanwhile, collapsed Bali airline Air Paradise is often reported to be looking at a comeback, depending on finance, while Singapore-based low-budget carrier Tiger Airways has also hinted at possible flights between Bali and Australia.

The Little Bali Hotel and Resort Company co-founder Brett Morgan says although Australian numbers have improved they are still a long way from where they should be.

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the 12th Anniversary of Ubud's Museum Rudana

Modern Indonesian Masters
8 Senior Indonesian Artists Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of Ubud's Museum Rudana in a Joint Exhibition.


(8/10/2007) The role of a Museum of Art is to inform and educate! This is a common enough objective and one that could be expected of any museum. But Nyoman Rudana, the owner of the eponymous Museum Rudana, has purposely given this objective a supplementary function: his museum aims to be at the service of the image of the nation. And indeed, all the main exhibitions at the museum, have had, as their subject, Indonesian modern art – the sole purpose of which has been to establish the place it occupies, in the larger framework of international art – and, by so doing, to promote its international recognition. This attention, given to modernity in art in the national and international context, needs to be seen within the context of what is presently the museum owner's principal occupation: politics. As one of the four senators representing Bali in the Regional Representatives Council(DPD, Nyoman Rudana wishes to promote an image of Indonesia, and of Bali, that goes beyond tradition. He wants to affirm that his country is a contender on the scene of both cultural modernity and post-modernity.

Much has been written about modernism in art. Its presence in the international landscape has often been seen as a mere phenomenon of diffusion, as if the brands of modern art that now exist throughout the world were mere offshoots of a single Western trunk and, as such, were of little interest. What this viewpoint overlooks is that modernism sprang up under different circumstances in the West from in the rest of the world. In the West, it was self-generated, issuing from a questioning of form in relation to subjectivity that was closely related to the great socio-economic and cultural transformations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the rest of the world, however, it was exogenous. It was imposed top-down by colonization. Borrowed "modernist" form was never an issue per se. It became a simple garb in which artists expressed their local cultural concerns. The result can now be seen: as modernity is firmly establishing itself throughout the world, non-Western modernism, sometimes ambiguously called post-modernism, is coming back to haunt the Western world, its matrix: the modernist revolution is now dead in the West, and it is now from the non-Western world with its strongly localized art that the most original expressions of contemporary art are coming.

The exhibitions, held since its creation at the Museum Rudana, have been concrete illustrations of this phenomenon of plural modernism. This current exhibition does not simply aim at "comparing" Indonesian and foreign artists, as with previous events at the museum. The current event goes further and aims at illustrating what is Indonesia's specific contribution to international modernism in art: the insertion of an Indonesian ethnic symbolism within a modernist system of form. The logic of form espoused by the various artists in the show is undoubtedly that of modern art: exploration of color and form appears as a goal in itself, and does not seem to obey to any figurative constraints; yet, at the same time, carefully selected and often subtly connotative elements of figuration are present, in an obvious enough way to suggest spirituality-related forms of symbolism.

Eight artists are exhibiting at the present show "Modern Indonesian Masters." Among them are the greatest names of Indonesian and Balinese modern art. These eight selected artists represent the two modernist traditions of Hindu Bali and Islamized Java as well as the two schools of Bandung and Yogyakarta. These two schools are differentiated by the way modernism was introduced: it was taught as such in Bandung, but it infiltrated itself more spontaneously into Yogya, thus leading, in the latter case, to a larger share being given over to the ethnic component. All the Balinese artists included in the show were educated in Yogya, thus adding a supplementary layer to their adoption of the modernist principles of art. As the exhibition hopes to make clear, it is by its modern symbolic expression, derived from the traditional local cultures, that Indonesian modern art makes a significant contribution to international art.

Among the selected artists, two are from Bandung, Srihadi Sudarsono and Sunaryo, while the rest consists of Yogya-educated Balinese, Nyoman Gunarsa and Made Wianta, as well as the younger Nyoman Erawan, Made Jirna, Made Budiana and Darmika, all of whom, with the exception of Darmika, are well-established names in the Indonesian art world. The only newcomer is Darmika, whose star has risen only in recent years.

Srihadi Sudarsono

Of the eight artists participating in the exhibition, the name of Srihadi Sudarsono comes first. At 76, ever-productive, he is an important name in Indonesian art history. He began his career in the late forties as an illustrator of the national liberation struggle. In the early 1950s, while still a student in Bandung, it was his cubistic works that brought the accusation that the Bandung School was a laboratory of the West. After a short stint in the United States, where he studied on a scholarship, he settled into a long period of symbolic "color fields": in the most typical of these works - most of which were "horizons" - the layers of color, classical tools of minimalist abstraction, were enriched by barely visible figurative elements (offering, temple etc), so as to convey an impression of cosmic fusion between Man, Nature and the Cosmos. While working on this series, Srihadi became his country's most prominent colorist to the point where he could as in his "social" and "political" series from the 1970s, purposely "uglify" colors in order to convey a strong protest. Today, his concern is meditative, as illustrated by the extraordinary subtlety of his colors: his "Borobudur" series are studies in often barely perceptible color nuances; so that it is through the small white spot of light he puts at the very top of the great temple's highest stupa that the monument comes visually to life, poetically bringing down to us, to earth, the idea of godly transcendence. In his works shown at the museum, the accent is on ethereality, that of dancers between the real and the unreal, moving into the sublime.

Sunaryo

Sunaryo (66) is another star from the Bandung school. His work is characterized by a stunning breadth of skill. A painter, he also has a reputation as a sculptor as well as an installation and performance artist. His painting style, always highly artistic, is no less eclectic than his medium, sometimes abstract, at other times symbolically figurative in a poetic or social way – an illustration, if need be, of the fact that the "style" factor is always secondary to the artist's creative power. If Sunaryo's endeavor is often purely aesthetic, via abstraction, he is no stranger to making social statements through his works. One of his favorite themes is the encounter of "tradition over against modernity." He sometimes represents this in a symbolic way as the fight between a red barong mask and the forces of darkness, but in the present exhibition, the point is made bluntly by dancers holding a hand phone - modern reality and its related threat of the loss of cultural memory. Here the accomplished master casts aside, for a while, his aesthetic concerns and has us ponder on Indonesia's cultural future. He leaves the answer open. Another interesting facet of Sunaryo is his role as a cultural activist. His Selasar Sunaryo is one of the most active venues of modern art in Bandung.

Nyoman Gunarsa

The most senior Balinese artist at the exhibition is Nyoman Gunarsa. He was also the first Balinese to study at Yogyakarta's ASRI art school, where he was later appointed as lecturer. ASRI's lecturers all insisted on the need to "indigenize" Western influence and therefore refused to practice pure aesthetic research, as done in Bandung. In Yogya, Gunarsa was also influenced by Indonesia's great expressionist painter Affandi. His art is the result of these influences, skillfully combining Balinese subjects such as dancers and wayang puppets with the "expressionistic", almost "action painting" manner of modern art. His works typically consist of a softly hued background on which his brush draws in swift color swabs the canvas-size figures of Balinese dancers or wayang characters. Such a conjunction of softness of color, etherealness of form and dynamism renders his paintings magically appealing. By shrouding the expression of Bali in modern garb, Gunarsa succeeds, the first among Balinese artists to do so, to make Balinese art accessible to a wider national and international public. But Nyoman Gunarsa is not "simply" a painter. He is also a cultural activist. He owns Bali's most complete collection of Balinese classical paintings, which are on show for the public at his museum in Klungkung.

Made Wianta

No less important than Gunarsa is Made Wianta. Made Wianta, who first came to attention of Indonesians with his black and white works, after a stay with Balinese traditional artists. Shapeless monsters, nameless forms, the subconscious side of Balinese psyche suddenly spurted out as the obsessive expression of this strongly individualized artist. In the middle 80s, Wianta's attention shifted from black and white to color, from graphic lines to color dots, and from the figuration of the subconscious to the representation of pure formal archetypes: he thus became an abstract painter. His works have since been combinations of archetypal studies in geometry, calligraphy and color compositions - often in the form of colored dots. They combine elements of informal abstraction, op art and geometric abstraction. Many are based on dialectic of micro and macro elements, a reminder of Hindu concepts. Since the 1990s, Made Wianta has also come to our attention through his installations. His recent installation masterpiece was dreamland: an exhibition in a totally dark space of photographs of the "Bali Bombing" painted with cow blood. A strong statement on violence and universal call for peace.

Nyoman Erawan

Nyoman Erawan (55) is the master of what can be called Balinese abstract symbolism. His paintings look outwardly abstract but reveal themselves, on closer inspection, to be laden with typical Balinese symbols. Interestingly, these symbols are not, for him, merely instrumental or intellectual references; they come from the core of his personality. Besides being a modern painter, he is also a traditional sculptor and architect (undagi), for whom the symbols he uses have a living religious meaning: colors of the cardinal directions, Chinese kepeng coins, checkered black and white cloth, cosmic mountains etc. What he, thus, expresses in modern aesthetic language, and are accessible to anyone, are the Hindu concepts of eternal movement, of the life force surging and waning away, and of Man engulfed in this great cosmic whirling. Erawan's ideas are still better expressed under the form of 'installations' and performances with similar, but this time three-dimensional symbols. A whole school of Balinese artists is following in Erawan's path of abstract symbolism.

Made Djirna

Among Balinese artists, the collectors' favorite is probably low profile Made Djirna. Djirna's key to success lies in an uncanny mix of technical sophistication and thematic simplicity: the skills of the painter are put at the service of a simple vision of the world in which everyone can recognize some of his dreams - and nightmares. Djirna's favorite theme is that of Woman. Yet, Djirna's typical Woman embodies men's ambiguities toward their lifelong partner. A symbolic archetype, this Woman is either depicted as a mother or, on the contrary, as a witch. In the first case, her shape, rounded, conjures up the image of the egg and, ipso-facto, of fertility, found also in the way she sometimes wraps her children in an oval composition. The atmosphere is that of an idyllic, universal motherhood. But this positive image is reversed as soon as the Woman gives up her function as Mother, then, the state of balance, symbolized by motherhood and fertility, moves into a state of disorder and evil, in which the Woman is either victim or perpetrator of evil. Controlled horror prevails – and artistic mastery. This same mastery is also at work in the artist's abstract series – works of color dominated by a dialectic of green and red, the product of the emotional flux of this interesting master.

Made Budiana

Less easily accessible is Made Budiana. A master of pastels, as much as painting proper, his starting point is not so much color as "line". Figurative representation in his work is never purposely accidental. It occurs, but less as the result of intent than as an accidental consequence of a "scrabbling frenzy" to which a few additional touches give a figurative content. The purpose of this spontaneous technique is to allow for the subconscious to come up to the surface. It does so, in images usually at the border of figuration and abstraction. Indeed, here and there, there appear in his works shapes vaguely reminiscent of cultural images through which the Balinese usually express and codify their anxieties. With Djirna, above, Budiana is one of the few Balinese artists who gives room in his works to a "modernized" version of Balinese cultural archetype.

Darmika

The last artist of the show is Darmika. Darmika is part of those FEW artist who come to maturity late on, once they have undergone a sort of catharsis through which their expression, until then impeded, finds a sudden outlet. Like the painters above, Darmika belongs to the modernist Balinese tradition, that of artists hovering between figuration and abstraction, and who usually end up subtly connoting Balinese symbols through an abstract-looking color composition. All is indeed subtlety in Darmika's works. The contrasted colors, which seem to melt into one another, like opposed cosmic forces, eventually combine and blend in the great whirling of things.

These eight painters, who are among Indonesia's most famous, illustrate the encounter of modernity and tradition. Yet, all are aloof from reality. Their world is that of symbols, dreams or ethereality. The real world is absent. There lies for artists, and for the museum, the challenge of the future. (Jean Couteau)

Museum Rudana is located on Jalan Cok Rai Pudak No. 44 in Peliatan, Ubud. (Telephone ++62-(0)361-975779).

The current exhibition runs from August 16, 2007 until October 1, 2007. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m..


© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected

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Sanur leads the way in Bali

By Adrian Batten
Advertisement

What is the most expensive piece of real estate in Bali? The answer may surprise. It’s Sanur. Despite all the promotional hoopla for villa developments in Seminyak and Canggu, and even swankier ones on the cliffs of Bukit and Jimbaran, Sanur is and will remain, for the foreseeable future, the bluest of blue-chip Bali.

Known affectionately, or dismissively according to taste, as ‘Snoring-on-Sea’, the sobriquet is understandable if mistaken. A better analogy might be Belgravia-by-the -Sea, or just think of Santa Barbara in California.

“Not many people are aware of it, but every year 40 to 50 expat families from Kalimantan and elsewhere in Indonesia buy or build villas in Sanur,” says Roger Kalhoefer, a principal of BaliPropertyInfo.com. “They come because Sanur is a pleasant place to live and because it has three of Bali’s top schools, including Bali International School (BIS), the only institution in Bali offering the International Baccalaureate.”

“Sanur is known as a bit sleepy, and we hope it remains so,” adds British businessman Ian Spence , who has had a house for over 30 years in the renowned Batujimbar Estate gated community and who was heavily involved in the establishment and growth of BIS.

Evidence that Sanur is quietly absorbing the influx and reinventing itself is seen everywhere you look. Several major clearings of large beach properties from six to 20 hectares have been made toward the western end of Sanur’s beach, all but one scheduled for villa development. Informed sources say the Bali Hyatt in Sanur, the island’s first truly luxury resort, will be completely re-developed, with the long-empty property across the road to become an exclusive, upmarket estate.

Today, new fashion shops in Jalan Tamblingan add a more stylish look to the main shopping street, while pleasant high-quality, low-key restaurants and cafés have sprung up. Everywhere you look, whole neighbourhoods have taken on a solid and prosperous look as new villas are completed by independent owners.

Community appeal
The appeal isn’t just to foreigners. Wealthy Jakartans have long wanted a piece of Sanur, too, yet other than schooling, what’s the appeal? Unlike so much of southern central Bali today, Sanur is quiet, traditionally accepting of foreigners, has a sense of community, is well run and plans to stay that way.

The restored beach, a broad swathe of white sand, is safely protected from the surf by a reef and is readily accessible. Sanur has proper infrastructure. Getting around is easy, walking a pleasure and cycling’s not the life-threatening exercise it can be elsewhere. It has proper pavements, so you won’t break a leg falling into a nullah or electrocute yourself on a tangle of naked cables.

Above all, Sanur is a known quantity. What you see is what you get. In Kerobokan, Canggu and other ‘hot’ areas, traffic is already a problem and in two years current views of the rice fields could change to those of a modern concrete village, or at best another villa development. Observes Kalhoefer: “In Canggu typically, you have no easy beach access, no direct highway from the airport, no good restaurants within a 10-minute drive and your only view is the construction of other villas.”

Price ranges
Land prices in Sanur range from about US$10,000 per are (100sqm) across the bypass to double that as you near the beach. A property in Batujimbar, when they come on to the market, is expected to set you back about US$1.1 million for a four-bedroom villa, set in half an acre of mature garden several properties in from the beach. Beachfront properties in Batujimbar almost never come onto the open market.

“The proximity to specific views, like ocean surf, or the sacred River Ayung, adds a multiple of two or three times to the typical price of land that doesn’t have views, but the biggest multiple in Sanur, roughly four times, comes from being inside the security perimeter of the Batujimbar Estate,” says Kalhoefer.

Sanur’s attractions are summed up by 39-year-old Denise Baron, a business owner and author from Philadelphia, who has been coming to Bali regularly since 1991 and recently bought a property.

“I’ve fallen in love with Sanur and the surrounding area,” she says. “It provides me with the lifestyle I have back home, with a sense of community and great places to dine, socialise and shop. I feel safe swimming in the ocean with my family and I enjoy beachside strolls. The combination of cultural events, customs and friendly people make it a wonderful place to live.”

In time the new residential estates being built on Bukit may come to be the investment of choice, eclipsing Batujimbar. As for the social or ‘happening’ scene, Sanur’s already done that far more stylishly decades ago. Sanur is a benign and mature seaside village, redolent of wealth and serenity, with a history and a culture to match. It doesn’t take much imagination to see Jalan Tamblingan becoming the Bali version of Rodeo Drive. In the view of some of Southeast Asia’s most wealthy men who have homes there, if you can afford the ante, Sanur will long be one of Bali’s safest and surest investments.

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Arts forum to promote young choreographers, composers

I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar

Two things that could fire up Bali's senior choreographer I Wayan Dibia early in the morning are contemporary dance and young choreographers.

He spoke so passionately about these subjects on a cool Wednesday morning that he kept forgetting to sip his favorite tea. The untouched tea got cooler and cooler as Dibia warmed to his topic.

"There hasn't been enough space, metaphorically and literally, for our young choreographers to feature their works and to share their esthetic explorations with their peers and seniors," Dibia lamented.


"Similar things could also be said of our contemporary dance. The fact that Indonesia, particularly Bali, has a strong tradition of traditional performing arts has only made it more difficult for contemporary dance to gain a significant foundation," he said.

The 59-year-old choreographer has experienced this difficulty firsthand. In 1978, the young Dibia, newly graduated from Yogyakarta's Indonesian Dance Academy (ASTI), stirred up a heated controversy in Bali with his creation Setan Bercanda/Playful Demons.

The dancers' "primitive" costume of dried leaves, the rudimentary musical accompaniment of stone and bamboo instruments, and the dance's indifference towards established conventions in Balinese traditional dance regarding impolite gestures and movements immediately made many call the dance "un-Balinese". Naturally, Dibia became a regular punching bag for the island's numerous cultural pundits for weeks afterwards.

"Little did they know that every aspect of (Setan Bercanda) could be traced back to elements of ancient Balinese dances," he said.

Soon Dibia had earned a reputation as the island's daring new contemporary choreographer. His years at the University of California in Los Angeles, where he received his Master and Doctorate degrees, had further inflamed his passion for contemporary art.

His recent works include Kali Yuga, a repertoire inspired by the Bali bombings, and Adhipusengara, a Balinese interpretation of the Greek tragedy of Oedipus. Kali Yuga has been performed already in several cities in the United States.

"That difficult experience inspired me to provide our young choreographers and composers with a forum through which they can share their creative process, discuss their ideas and refine their works," Dibia said.

The forum, The International Forum for Young Choreographers and Composers (IFYCC), will take place from Aug. 10-13 at GEOKS, Dibia's modest performing arts facility in Singapadu village, some 15 kilometers northeast of Denpasar. The gathering will be attended by three foreign artists and 15 Indonesian artists and composers.

"The foreign participants come from Taiwan, Cambodia and Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Indonesian participants include talented young artists from Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Surabaya, Mataram and Kalimantan. It will be a celebration of cultural diversity," he said.

The IFYCC is sponsored by Arts Networks Asia (ANA), a network of independent artists and cultural workers aimed at promoting collaborative cultural projects among and with Asian artists, along with New York-based Asian Cultural Council (ACC), which supports cultural exchange between Asia and the United States in the performing and visual arts, and Yayasan Wayan Geria, a foundation dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of performing arts in Bali.

The participants' dance and music presentations will be performed on the evenings of Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, while discussions and select performances will be held in the mornings of Aug. 12 and Aug. 13.

The IFYCC will close on the night of Aug. 13 with a cultural evening featuring the world-renowned Legong Saba troupe and a collaborative work created by the forum's participants.

International Forum for Young Choreographers and Composers Aug. 10-13
GEOKS Performing Arts Center
(500 meters north of Bali Bird Park)
Jl. Raya Singapadu
Banjar Sengguan, Gianyar
Phone: (0361) 298846

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Cry wolf? Travel advisories raise tourism, business concerns

Trisha Sertori, Contributor, Melbourne

A recent Australian advisory warning against travel to Indonesia has concerned the Indonesian Consul General to Victoria and Tasmania, Budiarman Bahar, who said repeated travel advisories could lead businesses to question the closeness of the two countries' relationship.

Stressing his understanding of the Australian government's "constitutional responsibility" to protect its citizens, Budiarman said the renewal of high-level security warnings in its travel advisory were a concern -- given the relative safety of Indonesia compared to countries that were more frequent victims of terrorism, such as the United Kingdom.

The Australian travel advisory on the U.K. was downgraded last month to "exercise caution", whereas the advisory on Indonesia directs citizens to "reconsider your need to travel". The downgrade came despite the recent failed bomb attacks in England and a foiled airport attack in Glasgow late June.


"People are traveling to Bali again, but unfortunately the Australian government has renewed travel advisories (to Bali), while England has actually had an attack, but the level of travel advice on Indonesia is much higher, so it is unfair," said Budiarman, who was appointed Indonesian Consul General to Victoria and Tasmania four months ago.

The Australian government's travel advisory for Indonesia and the United Kingdom, posted on July 9, presents disparities that may be confusing to travelers.

The downgraded advice of "exercise caution" to the United Kingdom came just days after two car bombs were discovered and defused in Central London, and a burning vehicle was driven into Glasgow's main airport terminal.

At the same time, the travel advisory on Indonesia was upgraded to "reconsider your need to travel" following the arrests and deaths of "high-level terrorist operatives in Indonesia".

The continuing and upgraded travel advisories to Bali and other parts of Indonesia not only have an impact on the tourism industry, but also on trade and business, according to the Consul General. He added that he believed many within the Indonesian and Australian business and academic spheres felt the upgraded travel advice to be exaggerated.

"I find it strange that when I speak with many Australians from business, academia and even some parliamentarians, they say the level of travel advice is not needed," he said. "Some suggest the travel advice warnings need to be downgraded, but unfortunately the federal government is maintaining (them)."

He continued: "This is a concern, as these travel advisories will give the wrong signal to other Indonesians. I am afraid those in favor of strong relations with Australia may rethink their opinions, as it may be read that Australia is not sincere in its relationship with Indonesia."

Budiarman stressed that Australia was Indonesia's closest neighbor, and that the joint relationship was important, "not just politically, but (also) in organizations and business".

Vice Consul Ratna Harjana agreed, adding that she feared repeated travel advisories could cause people to drop their guard when traveling -- a level of caution required when traveling anywhere in the world.

"People can become immune to calls for personal security -- a 'Peter cried wolf' scenario," said Ratna. "I certainly hope nothing ever happens, but when people are seeing repeated warnings with nothing happening, as in this most recent travel advice, I feel there is a risk they will not heed advice when it is actually needed."

According to Denny Kusuma of the Victorian Mahindra Bali organization, travel advisories should be seen as a catalyst for Indonesia to get its security act together.

"I think as Indonesians, we need to take heed of these advisories and really upgrade our security, not just at the government level, but at the banjar, or community, level," he said.

"As Indonesians it is our responsibility to ensure our nation is not only safe, but is seen to be safe and that needs to come from our communities. We can no longer be complacent, expecting others to take on the role of keeping our communities, and our guests, safe," said Deny, stressing that he believed Bali and most of Indonesia was safe.

"I only recommend that people stay away from places like large shopping malls, because I have found they are no longer listening to, or believing, the government travel warnings."

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St. Regis to open its first Asian resort property in Bali next year

St. Regis to open its first Asian resort property in Bali next year
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Major international hotel chain St. Regis is hoping that its first resort and residences in Asia, which is currently being built in Bali, will be able to open in July next year.

Located in Nusa Dua, Bali, on a site of 8.8 hectares belonging to the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), the luxurious St. Regis Resort and Residences will have 81 hotel suites, 41 resort villas and 14 residences, with the villas and residences available for purchase.

Erhard Hotter, the hotel operations CEO of PT Rajawali Corpora, the developer of the resort, said that the strong points of the Bali resort included its proximity to the beach, and outstanding architecture and interior design in keeping with St. Regis' standards.

"For example, a hotel suite measures nearly 100 square meters. We offer the most space compared to the others," he said at the launch of the resort property sales Tuesday in Jakarta.

The resort will also be equipped with swimming pools, spa, restaurants and bars, and business center, and will have the Bali Golf and Country Club as its immediate neighbor.

Hotel room rates will range from US$400 to $3,000, while the prices of villas will start at US$700,000, and those of residences at $1.27 million.

Rajawali general manager for sales and marketing Aswin Widjanarko said that a number of villas and two of the most expensive residences, priced at $2.2 million each, were sold during the launch of the sales in Hong Kong and Singapore earlier this year.

He added that resort villa owners would enjoy a guaranteed 7 percent annual return on their investment for the first three years and 40 percent of aggregate annual gross room rental revenue thereafter.

"We've seen that people are very interested in buying our products, although many still prefer to wait and see," said Aswin, adding that St. Regis would hold an exhibition for the still under-construction Bali resort and residences in the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Jakarta, this weekend.

"Construction will be completed by March 2008," said Hotter.

St. Regis is a subsidiary of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., which is also the holding company for other well-known hotel brands, including Sheraton, Westin and LeMeridien.

St. Regis, which opened its first hotel in New York in 1904, currently operates 12 hotels, resorts and residences, including ones in Aspen, Beijing, London, Rome and San Fransisco. It is also developing nine others, including ones in Bali, Singapore, and Mexico City.

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COMMONWEALTH BANK TENNIS CLASSIC 2007

South East Asia 's largest women's tennis tournament and part of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, held annually for the past 12 years has had a major change in its sponsorship title. Since its debut in 1994 the title has remained as Wismilak International Bali, under its major sponsorship Wismilak International. And this year in 2007 for its 13 th consecutive year, the sponsorship title has been changed to Commonwealth Bank, changing the title to become COMMONWEALTH BANK TENNIS CLASSIC.

The commitment from Commonwealth Bank to maintain the
international standard of quality performance in the best of women's tennis from the island of Bali ensure yet another great year for this international caliber tennis, held in Bali from 9-16 th September 2007 at the Grand Hyatt Bali in Nusa Dua, Bali. The Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic for what it is known this year is still the largest tennis tournament in all of South East Asia .

A list of professional tennis players including defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova (singles title winner in 2006), Patty Schynder, Daniella Hantuchova, Nadia Petrova, Flavia Pennetta, and Jie Zheng are just to name a few of the international caliber players who have confirmed to compete for the 2007 Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic title.

Tickets are available for purchase on the hotline : 0800-1-099-099 or browse the official website on : www.bali-wtatour.com and make sure you book your seats this year!




For media relations and promotional activities please contact :

Travel Works Communications International
Tel: +62.361.284095
ANT Communications
Tel: +62.361.732545

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More tourists head to Bali

By Foreign affairs editor Peter Cave

Posted Thu Aug 2, 2007 11:36am AEST

New figures released by Indonesia's Statistics Bureau show that a big jump in the number of tourists visiting the resort island of Bali is leading a revival in tourism for the whole country.

The bureau says Bali saw an increase of more than a third during the first six months of the year with almost 800,000 tourists entering Bali by air.

Tourism numbers for Jakarta fell slightly but overall the country saw an increase of more than 12 per cent.


Anecdotally, many tourism operators in Bali say that much of the increase has come from new business from Korea, Europe and the former Soviet bloc rather than from traditional areas like Australia and Japan.

Tags: business-economics-and-finance , industry, tourism, indonesia, bali

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Hatten Wines – Cellardoor SEEKING QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Hatten Wines – Cellardoor
SEEKING QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL STAFF

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO GENERAL MANAGER

Candidates should have relevant educational background with at least two years work experience in a similar position. Secretarial duties, good typing and computer skills, including a good command of English for translation and correspondence is necessary.

RETAIL WINE STAFF

Candidates should have relevant work experience in retail sales, willing to work shift time. A good command of English both written & spoken is necessary. Experience in the wine industry an advantage.

For further information, please send your application with an updated resume, recent photograph and references to the address below:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Director of Sales & Marketing

Hatten Wines – Cellardoor

Komp. Dewa Ruci #3, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Simpang Siur, Kuta – Bali

Email : office@hattenwines.com



Only short list candidates shall be contacted for interviews.

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World travel authority finds bustling Bali a magnet to Asians while Aussies miss out

One of the world’s leading travel writers has emerged from trips to Australia and Bali bemused at the huge difference between the fears about Bali often generated in this country and the exquisitely rich and tranquil experiences of those who actually visit there.

Pico Iyer – author of eight books whose articles are published worldwide in magazines such as Time, the New York Times and the Financial Times – says he encountered superb security, among the best in Asia, and “Aussies who couldn't believe that so many of their friends and neighbors were staying at home”.


He also found the island was bustling and crowded with visitors from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and other parts of Asia while many Australians missed out on the attractions of one of the top destinations in the world. Asian millionaires were flying in hundreds of guests for weddings while the Japanese (among the world’s most security conscious people) were coming in record numbers because it is one of the places where they feel most able to relax, he says.

“The island struck me as far safer than Los Angeles, where I maintain a home, or Delhi, which I visited soon afterwards, or New York, or carjack-filled London, or most of the places I visit. The murder rate in American cities has long been higher than even in cities in the midst of civil war, and since the September 11 attacks it is even more the case that places like New York, Paris, Madrid or London are less safe than less high-profile places. Certainly, I felt much safer in Ubud, say, or Nusa Dua, in Bali, where I was staying to promote the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival in September than I do in Southern California or in London.

“I met many Australians in Bali who couldn't believe that their friends and neighbors back home asked about danger in Bali when, statistically, it remains one of the safer places in Asia.

“Indeed, I found myself in my hotel talking every day to an 80 year-old gentleman from Perth who had come to spend four months on the island, even though he was wheelchair-bound. After a lifetime in the hotel industry, living everywhere and grateful to be based in Perth since 1946, he couldn't stop telling me how HAPPY and well taken care of he felt in Bali, to the point where he was taking the first extended vacation of his life there.”

While arrivals to Bali from Australia have increased by up to 50 per cent in recent months, overall international arrivals have risen by a similar proportion, THOUGH IN far larger numbers, with tens of thousands more non-Australian visitors than the same time last year. But Mr Iyer says the backing of Australian visitors and writers for Indonesia, at this time in its history, is important to build human bridges between cultures and to reinforce the fact that we live in a global village and can only gain from meeting our neighbours.

Described by magazines such as the New Yorker as one of the best travel writers at work in the English Language, Mr Iyer participated in the Sydney Writers Festival from May 28 to June 3 before traveling to Bali as a guest of Garuda Indonesia to report on his experiences as someone who has been traveling there since 1984 and writing about it since his first book 19 years ago.

“It was exhilarating to see Bali again after being away since 2003, and I felt well and truly spoiled to be walking along its tropical streets, hearing the gamelan at night from my room, seeing ladies in their finest silks walking, with straight-backed dignity, from their temples back to their villages, as if it were still four centuries ago, and sitting on a sun-sparkled terrace just looking out at the many shades of blue along the beach.

“After twenty-five years of traveling the world, I think I can echo almost every seasoned traveler I know and say that Bali is among the top destinations in the world, maybe the best of all, for sumptuous accommodations, exquisite food and cultural richness. The island has always attracted visitors by offering a rare blend of Nature and Culture--both palm-fringed beaches (emerald rice-terraces, unchanged villages) and a whole complex society that has sustained its ceremonies and beliefs, intact, as very few places on earth have.

“But what has happened in the twenty-three years since my first visit is that the Balinese, often with the help of foreigners, have set up cutting edge restaurants that would be the toast of London or New York, hotels and spas that for service, location and lavishness exceed anything you will find elsewhere and a standard of efficiency, ease and, yes, security that I don't think many places in Asia can exceed.

“Where else can you sip cocktails with black pepper and mascarpone cheese in them, while watching some of the choicest surf in the world? Where else can you enjoy your own private pool, as I did during my week there, while still being surrounded by the sound of dances and chants and a vibrant village life? Where else can you find two swimming-pools and an entire lagoon around your suite, as I also experienced, while also looking out upon a perfect, white-sand horizon?

“What struck me on this trip was how much of the island is filled with visitors from Japan, Korea, India, Russia, Taiwan. I heard of millionaires who flew in 800 or 900 guests for large weddings in the world's most beautiful tropical island, and in the hotel where I stayed there was an "Infinity Chapel" set against the beach that far exceeded any wedding destination I've ever seen.

“In Kuta, the streets on a Saturday night were so crowded that I could hardly walk--and when I offered a workshop on Travel Writing in Amandari, the whole LECURE HALL was full, with more people than I would ever see in California or Britain, and I got to revel in some terrific conversations with travelers and residents from Australia, America, even Korea and Guam.


“Certainly the security in Bali is stronger and tighter than any I have encountered anywhere else: every time my car came into even the smallest or plushest hotel, it was checked at the entrance to the driveway, the hood was opened and a security guard ran a device around the car to make sure that it was safe--security measures that I have never run into even in Beirut or Washington or San Salvador. And I felt the presence of watchful protectors (and even sniffing dogs) everywhere, confirming my sense that Bali has introduced state-of-the-art security in the face of visitor concerns.

“But beyond that, the island struck me as far safer than the other places that don’t get the headlines Bali does…. To those who think Bali hasn’t got a brilliant future I would say go and have a look – a minute’s experience is worth a lifetime of prejudgement.

“To me it's always been a grand privilege to visit Bali--in 1984 and 1985, when I made my first trips there, and much of the island seemed undeveloped, making me feel I'd stumbled upon a largely undiscovered paradise; and also in 2003, when I returned, just after the unrest of a few months before, as well as this week. Bali has always had natural graces that almost anywhere would envy; but now it has the resorts, the chic fusion restaurants, the fashion shows and glossy magazines and world-class facilities that complement those natural blessings and make it among the most desirable places on earth.

“ Indeed, as one who lives in Japan, in part because it is the safest and most convenient, trouble-free place I know, I wasn't surprised at all to find that the island was packed with Japanese (to such an extent that I ran into Japanese-run cafes, Japanese-language magazines, stores on every side owned by Japanese and with signs in Japanese). The Japanese, in my experience, are more demanding when it comes to quality, safety and ease than any people on earth, in part because their home is so well-run; and so it makes absolute sense that they're coming in in almost record numbers to Bali for honeymoons, family vacations and surfing trips. It's one of the places where they feel most able to relax.

“It's no surprise, in fact, that I've taken my 76 year-old mother to Bali, and my wife from Japan; when I was visiting, I was so inspired that I actually wrote two articles about the island, and my sense that whatever is magical and unique about it remains as present and vivid as ever before, even in the midst of modern conveniences.

“And the Ubud Festival, I know, has worked heroically, and reached and moved many people, by building bridges between Indonesia and the world and reminding the rest of us that a trip to Indonesia is as magical and transporting as it ever was.”

Special holiday packages for the Ubud Festival are being offered by Garuda Indonesia, featuring beautiful accommodation and sensuous relaxation in one of the world’s most graceful and attractive settings in the cultural capital of the “Island of the Gods”.

The packages – from $1275* a person ex Sydney and Melbourne, $980* ex Perth and $885* ex Darwin – all include return airfares, transfers, four nights accommodation, free extras (www.balionanybubget.com.au) and registration for the Festival, which was named last year as ‘one of the world’s great book events’ by Conde Nast Traveler and ‘among the top six literary Festivals in the world’ by Harper’s Bazaar.

Read More......

EVENTS IN BALI 07

AUGUST 1 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Luhur Pucak Padangdawa, Bangli, Baturiti, Tabnan regency

Pura Silayukti, Padang Bai, Manggis, Karangasem regency

Pura Air Jeruk, Sukawati, Gianyar

Pura Dangin Pasar, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Desa, Lembeng, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Puseh, Bebandem, Karangasem regency

Pura Buda Kliwon, Penatih, East of Denpasar


9 International Bali Kite Festival 9-12 August 2007 Sanur Beach
11 "Isra'Mi'raj Prophet Muhammad—national holiday"

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Dalem Pemuteran, Jelantik, Klungkung regency

Pura Taman Sari, Gunung Sari, Penebel, Tabanan regency

Pura Dalem Tarukan, Bebalang, Bangli

Pura Banua Kangin, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem regency


15 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Puseh, Pura Desa, Silakarang, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Dalem Petitenget, Krobokan, Kuta, Badung regency

Pura Dalem Pulasari, Samplangan, Gianyar regency


17 "Indonesia Independence Day"

21 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Dalem Puri, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Dalem Kediri, Silakarang, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Dalem, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Dalem, Singakerta, Ubud, Gianyar regency

Pura Dalem, Lembeng, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Desa, Denpasar

Pura Pucak Payogan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar regency

Pura Tanah Kilap, Suwung, Denpasar

Pura Dalem Tampuagan, Peninjoan, Tembuku, Bangli regency


27 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Gelap, Besakih, Karangasem regency

Pura Dang Kahyangan Pengukur - ukur, Pejeng, Tampaksiring, Gianyar regency

Pura Ponjok Batu, Tejakula, Buleleng regency


[TOP]
SEPTEMBER 1 Kuta Karnival 1-9 September 2007
Kuta Beach, offers many kinds of performances, shoppings, food festival, games, sports, and many more.

9th ASPAC 2007 Bonsai and Suiseki Convention and Exhibition 1-4 September 2007 Inna Grand Bali Beach, Sanur.

5 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Maspahit, Sesetan, Denpasar

Pura Pasek Kubayan, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Tabanan regency


9 Wismilak International Tennis Tournament WTA Tour 2007 9-17 September
15 "Tumpek Kandang day", when blessing ceremony is given to cattle and livestock for good growth and product in Bali (farms and nurseries).

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Gianyar

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Tegal Gede, Abiansemal, Badung regency


19 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Dalem Tarukan, Cemenggaon, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Penataran Dalem Ketut, Pejeng Kaja, Tampaksiring, Gianyar regency

Pura Paseh Manikaji, Peninjoan, Tembuku, Bangli regency

Pura Mrajan Agung, Blangsinga, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency


25 PATA Travel Mart 25-28 September Bali International Convention Centre, Nusa Dua

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Bukit Buluh, Gunaksa, Dawan, Klungkung regency.

Pura Tirta Sudamala, Bebalang, Bangli

Pura Dalem Benawah, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency

Pura Dalem Bitra, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency

Pura Kawitan Tangkas Kori Agung, Pagan, Denpasar

Pura Tengkulak, Tulikup, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency


26 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Bukit Mentik, Gunung Lebah, Batur, Kintamani, Bangli regency


[TOP]
OCTOBER 10 Temple anniversary celebration at : Pura Dalem Tarukan, Peninjoan, Tembuku, Bangli regency

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Boading Kaba-kaba, Kediri, Tabanan regency

Pura Kahyangan Tiga, Bubunan, Seririt, Buleleng regency

Pura Agung Gunung Raung, Tarokaja, Tegallalang, Gianyar regency


13 "Idul Fitri Festival 1 Syawal 1428 H—Ending the fasting month period "

14 "Idul Fitri Festival "

20 "Tumpek Kandang day", blessing ceremony is held for shadow puppet play set or art and music instruments in general for magic power and good function.

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Majapahit, Banyubiru, Jembrana regency.

Pura Bhatara Ratu Gede, Celuk, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Bhatara Ratu Widyadari, Cemenggaon, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Pedharman, Besakih, Karangasem regency

Pura Pemrajan Agung, Sulang, Dawan, Klungkung regency


24 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Dalem Tarukan, Peninjoan, Tembuku, Bangli regency

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Boading Kaba-kaba, Kediri, Tabanan regency

Pura Kahyangan Tiga, Bubunan, Seririt, Buleleng regency

Pura Agung Gunung Raung, Tarokaja, Tegallalang, Gianyar regency


25 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Tiga Sakti, Penataran Agung, Besakih, Karangasem regency

Pura Lempuyang Madya, Purwakerti, Abang, Karangasem regency

Pura Panerejon, Kintamani village, Bangli regency

Pura Desa, Pura Penataran and Pura Luhuring Akasa, Cemenggaon, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Tirta, Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Penataran Agung, Tegallalang, Gianyar regency

Pura Puseh, Singakerta, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Desa, Denjalan, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Ulun Danu, Songan, Kintamani, Bangli regency

Pura Agung Pulaki, Banyupoh, Grokgak, Buleleng regency


30 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Dalem, Batuyang, Sukawati, Gianyar regency

Pura Pasek Gelgel Mengening, Kediri, Tabanan regency

Pura Desa and Pura Pucak, Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency


31 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Agung Pasek Gelgel, Sibang Kaja, Abiansemal, Badung regency

Pura Dalem Samprangan, Samprangan, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency

Pura Paibon Dukuh Segening, Serongga Kelod, Gianyar


[TOP]
NOVEMBER 10 "Saraswati Holiday", devoted to Shanghyang Aji Saraswati, ceremony is held for Holy Vedas, books of knowledge's and sciences praying for wisdom and wits.

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Dadya Agung Bendesa Tangkas Kori Agun, Gerih, Abiansemal, Badung

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Bongkasa, Abiansemal, Badung


14 "Pagerwesi", the word literally means "Iron fence" when people pray for strong mental defense to "Shanghyang Pramesti Guru" the Lord of universe.

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Kaban Sindujiwa, Kedewatan ,Ubud, Gianyar regency.

Pura Kehen,Bangli.

Pura Padang Sakti, Tangtu, Denpasar.

Pura Jogan Agung, Ketewel, Sukawati, Gianyar regency.

Pura Masceti, Sanding, Tampaksiring, Gianyar regency.

Pura Pasek Ketewel, Sempidi, Mengwi, Badung regency.


24 "Tumpek Landep Day", the day devoted to Sanghyang Pasupati when blessing ceremony is given to herlooms, weapons and all tools and implements made of metal, for magic power and proper function.

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Mutering Jagat, Sidakarya, Denpasar.

Pura Kertha, Banyuning, Singaraja.

Pura Dalem Tenggaling, Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar regency.

Pura Taman, Bubunan, Seririt, Buleleng regency.

Pura Terate Bang, Candi Kuning, Baturiti, Tabanan regency.

Pura Penataran Pande, Kusamba, Klungkung regency.


28 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Pasar Agung, Sebudi, Rendang, Karangasem regency.

Pura Pasek Bendesa Pasar Badung, Legian Kaja, Kuta, Badung regency.

Pura Gede Gunung Agung, Munggu, Mengwi, Badung regency.

Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Bebalang, Bangli.

Pura Dalem Purancak, Canggu, Kuta, Badung regency.

Pura Kereban Langit, Sading, Mengwi, Badung regency.


[TOP]
DECEMBER 1 "Idul Adha—Sacrifice Day and Pilgrim Haj day"

4 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Penataran Tangkas, Sukawati, Gianyar regency.

Pura Dalem Lagan, Bebalang, Bangli.

Pura Puseh Lembeng, Ketewel, Sukawati, Gianyar regency.

Pura Gaduh, Sanding, Tampaksiring, Gianyar regency.

Pura Dalem Gandamayu, Klungkung.

Pura Sanghyang Tegal, Tarokaja, Tegallalang, Gianyar regency.


5 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Batu Madeg, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem regency.


10 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Puseh Bale Agung, Ubudng Kupang, Penebel, Tabanan regency.

Pura Bujangga Rsi, Tumbak Bayuh, Mengwi, Badung regency.

Pura Penataran Agung Penatih, Penatih, Denpasar


24 Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Kedulung Kreteg, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem regency.

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Kekeran, Mengwi, Badung regency.

Pura Dalem Pura Balungking, Benawah, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency.


25 "Christmas—Birth of Jesus Christ"

21 "Tumpek Uduh/ Pengatag day", When blessing ceremony is given to food plants and vegetation for good growth and crop, All plantations and rice fields.

Temple anniversary celebration at :

Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar regency.

Pura Manik Mas, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem regency.

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David Beckham in Bali

Real Madrid’s right midfielder; David Beckham has been reported seen in Bali since couple nights ago. The Englishman has been spotted around Jogjakarta and Bali to spend the summer with his family. Along with the spouse, famous Spice Girls singer Victoria Beckham, David was seen at the Mega Familiarization Tour from Australia’s gala dinner in Novotel Nusa Dua, previous Friday night.

At the eastern Bali, some witnesses also claimed catch a glimpse of the superstar couples strolling around on Saturday morning. There were also reports from Bali discovery, the family was staying at super luxurious Amankilla in Manggis area of Bali.

Rumors spread fast ever since Tuesday June 19th concerning information about 2 charter jet was reported seen on Adi Sucipto Airport, Jogjakarta. Apparently Beckham, Victoria and their 3 boys were staying on Amankilla’s sister resort, Amanjiwo, Magelang estimated from Tuesday night.

After several hot pursuits from both international and Indonesian paparazzi, the family unit then moved to a remote location somewhere in eastern Bali to continue the rest of their holiday.

Singaraja, Lovina and the rest of the eastern Bali’s area, was known for its exclusivity and tight secure region for the famous celebrity or any ultra legendary people who wants to spend their time alone in the Island of Gods.

Source: Kapanlagi.com

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Visa on Arrival Favors Added to 11 Countries

Effective 28 May 2007, Indonesia adds its visa on arrival (VOA) favors to more 11 countries joined with previous 52 other favored countries according to the Directorate General of Immigration recent released paper.

The 11 countries are Algeria, the Czech Republic, Fiji, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Panama, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Tunisia.

Tourists from those selected countries will not be obliged to apply abroad for a visa but can purchase a visa on arrival at 15 gates of Indonesia's international airports and seaports. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa.

It is expected the more favored countries into the visa on arrival lists will lure more visitors to Indonesia and boost the tourism industry.

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Healing arts link Bali, W. Africa

The ancient art of voodoo was born in Dotu village, West Africa, spreading throughout the world with the slave trade of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Perhaps it was this culture of enslavement that first gave voodoo its black magic reputation, as desperate slaves turned to the black arts as their only hope of rescue.

According to Balinese healer and voodoo practitioner I Made Mastresna, however, voodoo is predominantly a healing art with similar rituals and forms as Balinese healing and magic.


Voodoo falls under the French organization, Prometra International -- promotion of traditional medicine -- of which Made is the Indonesian Chief in Charge.

So respected is voodoo's healing reputation that representatives of UNESCO and the World Health Organisation attended last year's World Congress of Voodoo in West Africa.

Made also made the trip, funded by The Ford Foundation.

As in many Balinese healing rituals, incense, alcohol and sacrificial chickens are used in the West African art, and it was this similarity that drew the devoutly Hindu Made to voodoo.

"I found these two arts to be so similar, but I feel that the Balinese techniques are stronger," said Made.

"That, I feel, because people here are making sacrifices in ceremonies every day. All over Bali, people are putting down offerings and I think that keeps a very harmonious energy in Bali, starting in every home," he said of what he believes to be the backbone of both the Balinese and voodoo healing magic.

Whether a believer or not in spiritual forms of healing, the power of mind over body has been proven scientifically countless times in drug testing and trials using placebos.

In such cases, surprising numbers of control group patients frequently make the same recovery from disease as the group given the real drugs, particularly with arthritic and diseases related to depression.

Made agrees that the power of positive thinking can make the difference between success and failure, stressing that for his voodoo healing to work, people must believe.

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Australian prime minister says he will meet Indonesian president in Bali

CANBERRA, Australia: Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Tuesday he will travel to Indonesia this week to meet President Susilo Bambag Yudhoyono and open a hospital dedicated to victims of terrorism.

Howard praised the Indonesian leader whom he plans to have a luncheon meeting with on the tourist island of Bali on Thursday.

"It will be an opportunity of catching up with a man whom I admire a lot," Howard told Radio 6PR in the west coast city of Perth.

"His success as a moderate Islamic leader in the largest Islamic country in the world is very important to the ongoing relations between the great religions in the world and the different societies of the world," Howard added.

Howard will also use the visit on his 68th birthday to open an eye hospital built at the Australian government's expense in memory of the Balinese victims among the 202 killed by terrorists bombs on Bali on Oct. 12, 2002.

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PT. PACTO Ltd is one of the biggest Travel Agent in Indonesia

PT. PACTO Ltd is one of the biggest Travel Agent in Indonesia, is looking for dynamic, young, and self-motivated person.



Attractive packages available for the following positions:



1. OPERATION SUPERVISOR (OPRT SUPV)

1. RESERVATION STAFF (RESV)

2. OPERATION STAFF (OPRT)



Requirements:



1. Operation Supervisor (OPRT SUPV):

a. Male

b. Experience 2 – 3 years at the same position

c. Tourism School Diploma

d. Age 22 – 25 years old

e. Good looking, pleasant & outgoing personality, service oriented

f. Able to communicate and able to work as a team

g. Able to operate computer and internet

h. Experience in handling MICE preferred



2. Reservation Staff (RESV):

a. Male / Female

b. Experience 1 year at the same position in travel agent

c. Tourism School Diploma

d. Age 22 – 25 years old

e. Good looking, pleasant & outgoing personality, service oriented

f. Able to communicate and able to work as a team

g. Able to operate computer and internet



3. Operation Staff (OPRT):

a. Male / Female

b. Experience 1 – 2 years at the same position in travel agent

c. Tourism School Diploma

d. Age 22 – 25 years old

e. Able to communicate and able to work as a team

f. Able to operate computer and internet



Please send your complete resume with photograph and expected salary to:



HRD PT. PACTO Ltd BALI Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 378, Sanur – Bali 80228

Or Email to: pga@pactobali.com

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Bali hits a six as it tops world rankings for quality and value

As Bali continues to top world rankings for quality and value, Australia’s strong dollar is making holidays there more affordable than ever.

The bargains in Bali on www.balionanybudget.com come as the world’s leading travel magazine has voted “The Island of the Gods” as the World’s Best Island destination for 2007.

The international Travel and Leisure magazine – with a circulation of one million and readership of more than four million – placed Bali first - again - in its 2007 annual readership survey, ranking Bali as the ‘World’s Best Island’ for the sixth consecutive year.

The US-based publication, which is now published in Australia*, voted Bali a clear winner on a score of 86.30, ahead of Maui and Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands, the Galapagos Islands and Santorini (respectively second to fifth). It also beat Thailand’s Phuket (eighth) and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Islands (tenth).



“With the Australian exchange rate recently approaching 8,000 rupiah to the dollar, visitors are getting five times what they did 20 years ago,” said Garuda Indonesia’s Regional Manager, South West Pacific, Mr Suranto Yitnopawiro.

“The value and diversity of Bali have consistently been identified in Travel and Leisure surveys as factors contributing to the awards, including natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people and value for money,”

The new purchasing power translates into outstanding bargains throughout the spectrum of accommodation, with Garuda Indonesia offering astonishingly inexpensive packages under its Bali on ANY budget programme (www.balionanybudget.com.au)

Australians can stay in hotels, villas and resorts across all price ranges – right up to the properties voted among the best in the world in packages available under Bali on ANY budget

To top off the luxury experience, Garuda Indonesia’s award-winning and extremely affordable Executive Class is available with Bali on ANY budget packages from all Australian ports including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin.

The airline operates Airbus A330s ex Sydney and Melbourne, modern Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft ex Perth and Boeing 737-400 series from Darwin. Garuda Indonesia has served the Australian market for 38 years with a proud record of quality, safety and reliability.

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Tourists flock to Bali despite new travel warnings

By Sambit Mohanty
Reuters
Wednesday, July 18, 2007; 3:29 AM

JIMBARAN, Indonesia (Reuters) -- Bali, the lush Indonesian island famous for its sun-kissed beaches, is drawing tourists in droves, and travel warnings that Islamic militants might strike again has done little to dampen the spirit.
Almost five years after 202 people were killed in the bombing of a Bali nightclub, tourists are back enjoying the island's nightlife and soaking up the sun on Bali's palm-fringed beaches.



"That was a sad event but Bali is too beautiful to resist. The place is bouncing back," said 23-year-old Australian Josh Donnelly as he walked past the now razed Sari Club, which was blown up in the 2002 bombing.
After the attack, Bali suffered a dramatic slump in tourism and locals such as taxi driver Gede Widiada found they could barely make ends meet.
"I have been selling my wife's jewellery in the past four years to run my family. But my income now is much better," said the taxi driver as he waited for tourists outside a resort.
Like Widiada, many shops, restaurants, and hotels on this island are finally seeing their fortunes revived.
Dubbed the "Island of Gods" for its myriad Hindu temples and religious rituals, Bali suffered another blow in 2005 when suicide bombers blew themselves up at three restaurants, killing 20 people.
The attacks in 2002 and 2005, aimed at Western targets, killed a total of 92 Australians.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued an upgraded travel advisory on July 8, warning Australians that terrorists were actively planning attacks, including on Bali.
But despite these warnings, Australians who make up more than 15 percent of the total foreign tourist arrivals in Bali, are flocking to one of their favorite destinations.
"I am not afraid of coming back to Bali. You could die in a road accident tomorrow," said Donnelly.
Indonesian police say the security situation in the country at the moment is favorable.

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Nyepi – the Balinese Day of Silence

Published 6 months, 3 weeks ago in Bali News & Events, Religion by ablteam | 1,055 Views

Anyone considering travelling to Bali in the month of March should be aware that a major religious holiday will take place that could impact on scheduled itineraries. On 19th March 2007 the Balinese will celebrate Nyepi and for a period of 24-hours all activity throughout the entire island literally comes to a standstill. Out of respect for this cultural tradition visitors are obliged to remain within the confines of their hotel until the occasion passes. For some holidaymakers the peaceful ambience comes as a welcome relief, but others may feel disadvantaged at losing a day of shopping or sightseeing.


In accordance to the ancient lunar calendar Nyepi is the symbolic Balinese New Year which is marked by a day and night of quiet solitude and contemplation. Any form of activity is strictly prohibited and even the airport is closed. The underlying philosophy of Nyepi is to appease evil spirits and cleanse the island and its inhabitants from all impurities or disturbing influences that may have accumulated.

It is locally believed that once a year all the evil spirits of the unseen world roam the skies searching for a place to descend and wreak havoc. With the island shrouded in silence and noise and light kept to a bare minimum, Bali holds little interest and the negative forces pass it by for another year.

Traditionally on the evening prior to Nyepi the local communities carry giant monster effigies around the streets in a noisy parade with gongs and flaming torches. The purpose of this is to frighten away the negative forces of the underworld that are an intrinsic element in Balinese Hinduism.

Whist remaining within the hotel grounds guests’ are free to swim, partake in regular in-house activities and enjoy buffet dining. However, the Balinese in their own homes often fast during Nyepi and take the opportunity to meditate and reflect on the coming year.

Keeping an island the size of Bali free from daily activity is truly a unique phenomenon. This ‘sense of silence’ on such a grand scale can only be experienced in Bali and as things return back to normal there is a general feeling of renewal.

During this annual event, please keep the following things in your mind:

The silence begins at 5 a.m. of March 19 and the next 24 hours.

The airport will be totally closed on March 19, so there will be neither arrival nor departure in the airport on that day. All connecting airports around the globe have been informed about it in advance.

If you take surface trip, you should not plan your arrival in Bali on March 19, there is no activity in the bus terminal and most importantly there will be no traffic on that day in the whole Bali island.

You should stay inside the hotel. Do not go out of the hotel. Should you need food or anything to buy, do it on the previous day because on Nyepi Day all shops do not open.

Since all activities throughout the island are held, put your plan before or ahead of Nyepi Day.

Should you want to make a light or play the music, keep it minimum, no light and sounds are allowed.

Don’t make any over-noise sound while you are at hotel.

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Japanese Food

Benkay
Authentic Japanese cuisine set in the stunning 5 star Nikko Bali Resort & Spa. Specialities include live lobster, sushi and sashimi. The kitchen of this Japanese restaurant is famous for its modern fusion style
Nikko Bali Resort & Spa, Ph. 0361-773 377

Bluefin
Funky design, fusion Japanese with sushi rolls, sashimi and some western favourites
Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban (opposite Kuta Paradiso Hotel), Ph. 0361-764 100

Genji
The sushi bar in the Bali Hilton offers the freshest seafood in elegant but relaxing surroundings
Bali Hilton, Nusa Dua, Ph. 0361-771 102

Hamabe
The Westin Resort provides quality produce in their first class sushi bar
The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua, Ph. 0361-771 906

KO Japanese Restaurant
It oozes class and slick zen-sophistication. Corridors lead you into different areas: a lounge with piano and singer, sushi and sashimi bar, teppanyaki room for up to 40 and intimate private dining rooms. The manicured gardens and courtyard are stunning. KO is every versatile; offering several different experiences. Top class - as you'd expect from the Intercontinental
Bali InterContinental Resort, Jl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran, Ph. 0361-701 888

Matsuri
This restaurant in the Galeria Nusa Dua shopping centre offers high class Japanese fare including succulent fresh tuna, delectable Ramen broths and tender Kobe beef
Nusa Dua, Ph. 0361-772 267

Nampu Japanese Restaurant
Located at the Grand Hyatt, directly off the lobby, in a rustic Japanese country sytle setting. Nampu features the largest Sake and SoChu selection on the island, and an exciting array of Japanese specialities by Chef Shinji Sudo
Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua, Ph. 0361-771 234

Ryoshi
For authentic sushi and sashimi along with other Japanese delicacies, this restaurant cannot be surpassed in terms of value. Their four outlets are located all over South Bali
Jl. Raya Seminyak, Seminyak, Ph. 0361-731 152
Jl. Kartika Plaza, next to Discovery Mall,
Jl. Melasti, Legian , Ph. 0361-761 852
Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Sanur, Ph. 0361-288 473
Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Ph. 0361-976 362

Tenkai
Excellent buffet every Tuesday & Saturday, and all the Japanese favourites all week long
Hotel Padma, Jl. Padma, Ph. 0361-752 111

Tenku
At the recently refurbished Patra Bali near the airport. Excellent teppanyaki. Also has a sushi bar, and private dining rooms
The Patra Bali Resort & Villas, Tuban, Ph. 0361-751 161

Wasabi
A top quality sushi bar in Seminyak, Ice Cold Sapporo beer, lots of sake and some great 'fusion' rolls
Jl. Raya Seminyak, Seminyak, Ph. 0361-732 300

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Italian Food

Bella Rosa
Contemporary design, by the sea, with wood fired pizzas, pastas and great appetizers and desserts. 'Pizza of the god' is a speciality
Beachside in Padma Hotel, Legian, Ph. 0361-752 111

Fabio's
Fine Italian dining at this popular modern restaurant in Jl. Raya Seminyak. Recently renovated. All your Italian favourites including excellent coffees and desserts
Jl. Raya Seminyak, Ph. 0361-730 562

La Taverna
Bali's first ever Italian Restaurant has been well known for pizzas, Italian & Asian food since 1971. This unique bungalow-style hotel has a great location with beach-front dining
Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 29, Sanur, Ph. 0361-288 497

Maccaroni Club
The form: Bali. The concept: Milan. The style: contemporary. The food: Italian. A Kuta institution, Maccaroni has managed to achieve what other restaurants dream about - the magic formula of location, food, interior, sytle and reputation. With an Italian chef and manager the food is superb and for added value, any customer can surf the internet for 25 minutes
Jl. Legian 52, Kuta, Ph. 0361-754 662

Massimo Il Ristorante
Delicious Italian home cooking in a warm friendly atmoshpere. Good selection of wines and Gelati Ice Cream
Jl. Danau Tamblingan 209, Sanur, Ph. 0361-288 942

Papa's Café
Authentic Italian cuisine, a pristine kitchen and a lively atmosphere. Papa's is excellent for steaks, seafood and great pizzas
Jl. Pantai Kuta, Ph. 0361-755 055

Punto & Basta
Contemporary Italian flavours in a contemporary setting. The creation of Swiss Italian chef/manager Tosca, there are some absolute highlights to be had here such as the crispy salmon - the chocolate delight dessert with lime truffle is to-die-for. Tosca assures us it has no calories!
Jl. Laksmana, Ph. 0361-730 287

Salsa Verde
The Grand Hyatt's casual beachfront restaurant offers delectable Italian fare and great service, including a wide selection of quality wines to accompany your meal in this relaxing setting
Nusa Dua, Ph. 0361-771 234

Sami Sami
A casual, Cliffside restaurant and barat the Ritz-Carlton offers innovative authentic Italian cuisine in three separate outdoor dinig pavilions
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Ph. 0361-702 222

Spaghetti Jazz Galeria
A new concept space with Jazzy atmosphere and an Italian/ethnic design homestyle like-mama-used-to-make Italian food at moderate prices. Gallery with antique Indonesian furniture and a pleasant place to eat at any time of day, open from 10am to 2am
Jl. Raya Seminyak 16A (Near Bintang Supermarket), Ph. 0361-730 810

Teras
The large dining area on this top floor restaurant and bar gives the patron a huge selection of tantalizing Italian food options. Including fresh pastas and change-20 different types of pizzas to go with grilled imported meats
Jl. Raya Legian, Kuta, Ph. 0361-730 492, 763 086

The Village
Sanur is livening up and this restaurant is exceptionally good. The design of the building and the quality of food has to be tried and you will be amazed at how inexpensive it its. At last, someone has dared to present high quality food at affordable prices in Sanur. Highly recommended
Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 47, Sanur, Ph. 0361-285 025

Trattoria
Good homestay Italian cooking at very reasonable prices and always busy
Jl. Laksmana, Kerobokan,

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Fine Dining

Ary's Warung
Modern Restaurant serving Contemporary Asian Cuisine. This is one of Bali's more creative restaurants. It is worth the visit to sample the fine food and excellent service. Featuring wine & cigar lounge, plus tasting menus
Jl. Raya Ubud, Ph. 0361-975 053

Axiom
Small but perfectly formed, this restaurant is the baby of Chris Patzold, formerly Chef at Ku De Ta. The food is modern Australian and Axiom has become renowned for its tasting menu. Book early as seating is limited and popularity increasing!
Jl. Raya Seminyak 18A, Seminyak, Ph. 0361-738 820


Ayung Terrace
At the Four Season on Ayung Terrace in Sayan, Ubud. This menu has high quality cuisine on offer with magnificent views over the Ayung River valley. With impeccable service and comfortable surroundings to create a great dining experience
Ubud, Ph. 0361-977 577

Di Mare Restaurant & Lounge
Adding to the impressive list of existing restaurants on Jalan Four Seasons, this is a compelling alternative to Seminyak! New York chef Raymond Saja servers a vibrant modern Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes such as herb-crusted lamb loin with spinach and feta pie and caramelized foie gras with lentils de puy are expertly served in an eclectic, comfortably chic atmosphere
Jl. Four Season, Ph. 0361-708 848

Gado - Gado
Excellent renovation of this ex-club now provides stylish beachside eating. Well recommended
Jl. Dyana Pura, Seminyak, Ph. 0361-736 966

Glow Restaurant
Serving modern cuisine from all over the world, this restaurant is a must for any food lover
Located in Begawan Giri Estate, Payangan, Ubud, Ph. 0361-978 888

Hu'u
A large purpose-built restaurant, lounge, bar and club, with a 14-metre chill out pool, lounges to luxuriate in as well as a capacious garden and lawn for 'al fresco' eating and drinking. Menu comprises western and Asian dishes. Favourites are the Lychee Martinis
Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak, Ph. 0361-736 443

Ibah
This resort restaurant in Ubud offers a tranquil setting and fine food. Relax to the sounds of the forest as you enjoy a modern international menu from one of Bali's more exclusive boutique resorts
Jl. Sanggingan, Ubud, Ph. 0361-974 466

Kafe Warisan
Modern French Mediterranean cuisine in a classic rice-field setting in Jl. Kerobokan. The Foie Gras is amazing! A well deserved reputation as one of Bali's best. Booking is essential
Jl. Kerobokan, Kuta, Ph. 0361-731 175

Kura Kura at The Oberoi Hotel
Elegant surroundings, excellent food and impeccable service: one of the top end dining choices in southern Bali and no additions for tax or service
The Oberoi Hotel, Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak, Ph. 0361-730 361

Ku De Ta
Modern Australian cuisine; including succulent fresh oysters, in a stylish, large open plan restaurant, where people go to see and be seen. Open all day and a great place for breakfast. Bookings advisable
Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak, Ph. 0361-736 969

La Lucciola
This classic beachfront eatery serves modern Italian food in the Seminyak district. Great for those who like to soak up the beach atmosphere whilst enjoying a great meal and fine wine. Open all day
Jl. Kayu Ayu, Petitenget, Ph. 0361-730 838

Lamak
Designer flair takes centre stage at this wonderful Ubud restaurant which serves up excellent food in real style. The two storey restaurant features a number of casual corners to enjoy a drink or a meal, and Ubud's only air-conditioned lounge. A wonderful walk-in wine room, creative cocktails and some very funky touches make this a memorable restaurant at any time of the day or night
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Ph. 0361-974 668

Mozaic
Chef Owner Chris Salan's Modern a la minute cuisine, excellently presented and served, attracts dinners from all parts of Bali and further afield. Open and Outdoor dining set in a beautiful Balinese garden
Ph. 0361-975 768

Paul's Place
Eclectic Pan Asian and fusion cuisine with everything from steaks to Pad Thai. Good quality, with tasteful Asian theme décor and many nooks and crannies including a romantic roof-top dining area
Jl. Laksmana (Oberoi) No. 4A, Ph. 0361-736 715

Pala
Built around a courtyard, Pala includes a wine bar and a beauty salon. The beautiful black and red restaurant serves 'Retro European' cuisine in modern, elegant surroundings
Jl. By-Pass Ngurah Rai 121XX, Sanur, Ph. 0361-283 835

Pergola
Elegant interior, funky bar, Western and Eastern menu, with delicacies such as Tasmanian smoked salmon with prawns and Mary Rose sauce, and Mussels Provencale. Salsa nights on Thursdays, roast lunch Sundays. Look out for the flambe items! Excellent value
Jl. Danau Toba 2, Sanur, Ph. 0361-288 462

Portraits Modern Dining
A tastefully appointed evening setting with a contemporary twist, to relax and savour pre-dinner drinks, World cuisine and live music. Open daily from 6pm - 1am
Westin Resort, Nusa Dua, Ph. 0361-771 906

Seasalt at Alila Manggis
A great restaurant in an elegant hotel with a concept to match: lots of fresh, healthy items with local Karangasem seafood prominently featured. Balinese Chef, Wayan Subrata, is to be commended on his skills
Manggis, Karangasem, Ph. 0363-41011

Spice
This is The Conrad's most exclusive and up-market restaurant, which is proving to be one of the best locations in Bali for fine dining. Gary Rosen has to be one of-if not the most innovative Chefs on this island and there seems to be end to what he can invent
Conrad Bali Resort & Spa, Jl. Pratama 168, Tanjung Benoa, Ph. 0361-778 788

The Alang - Alang
The only restaurant serving all American cuisine in an eclectic style. Cajun, Mexican and even New England recipes come together and make this meal like no other you have tried in Bali - totally delicious
Beachfront at the Samaya in Seminyak, Ph. 0361-731 149

The Legian
Leading the way in the city new dining district on Jl. Laksmana is The Legian. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the supremely comfortably dining area offers high standards of contemporary cuisine and service. Well worth a visit
Jl. Kerobokan, Kuta, Ph. 0361-730 622

The Living Room
The re-location is a beautiful improvement on the original building across the street. A private dining room, garden setting, and seductive bar area coupled with a delicious menu of Eurasin fare make this a night to remember
Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan, Ph. 0361-735 735

The Restaurant at Alila Ubud
This is another classic restaurant along the Ayung River; serving fresh clean cuisine from Chef Stuart Blair to match the stunning setting. The views here are unbelievable and worth the experience alone although the local and world cuisine only add to this superb venue
Alila Ubud, Ph. 0361-975 963

Tugu Bali (Relais & Chateaux)
Offers 'A unique setting for a memorable romantic tete-a-tete', by the pool, in the gardens or over a lotus pond…wherever your heart feels. Indonesian gourment cuisine or fusion style to be enjoyed in a unique ambience
Ph. 0361-731 701

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A five star hotel in Legian-Bali is urgently seeking:

Asst. F & B Manager

With qualifications:
Working experience at 4 – 5 star hotels
At least 1 – 2 years experience in similar position
Minimum Diploma 3 graduated
Has experienced in handling wedding
Hard worker, and team player.
Male / Female
Max 27 years old
Good looking, pleasant
Salary range 2 to 3 mil per-month.
Closing date : July 15, 2007

Your details will be held in the strictest of confidence and used for the purpose of this recruitment process only.

Pls send CV to; Mayke Boestami
email: mrs-gurkha@indo.net.id

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ICAO : EU Misleaded information regarding Indonesian flight Carrier

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) suggested Indonesia to make a negotiation with EU due to the Air Ban of All Indonesian Air Carrier.

President of Council of ICAO Roberto Kobeh Gonzales said yesterday the negotiation is expected to solve this problem due to misinformation which causing unsure to use domestic flights in Indonesia.

“We do hope that Indonesia will gain the successful, not only in term of safety regulation but also in negotiation with other countries” he said after visiting Garuda Maintenance Facility (GMF) yesterday.



He added, nothing mistake with the system of Flight Safety Management on Indonesian Air Carrier even though EU released the Air Ban Recommendation for 51 Air Transport company in Indonesia.



He said “this is only misleaded information”



According to him, Indonesia Government should clarify the condition of Flight transparently to avoid any misinformation news.

He trusted with the commitment of Indonesia to make up Nation’s Air Transportation as they have had taken the correct system.



Operation Director of PT Garuda Indonesia, Mr. Ari Sapari told Japan Government would not follow the EU Commission’s statement to stop Indonesian’s Air carrier to enter Japan territory nor to stop Japanese citizens to use Indonesian’s Air carrier.

Report from Branch Office of Garuda Indonesia in Tokyo, the statement of Japan Government is supported by Japan’s Transportation Department after the meeting with Garuda in 4th of July 2007.



Japan has their own characteristic. As the member of ICAO, they trusted to ICAO which never released travel ban. Added Ari.



The same attitude also shown by Australia Government. According to Ari, Australian’s Prime Minister, John Howard supported Garuda to keep flying to Australia after they received the audit report from garuda.



Dutch Government Support

Meanwhile, Dutch Government will help Indonesia to convince EU member to cancel Air ban of Indonesian Air transport to fly to Europe.

Dutch Ambassador for Indonesia, Nicolas Van Dam said the ban would surely have an impact on Indonesia's tourism sector.

He told this statement to the Minister of transportation, Jusman Syafii Djamal after visiting him yesterday.



*) Translated from Bisnis Indonesia 06th July 2007

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Job Vacancies at Swiss-Grand Bali

Swiss Grand Bali, A Four Star Boutique Resort located in the most prestigious resort complex Nusa Dua, is urgently need qualified professionals for the following positions:




1. CHEF

- Male

- Fluent in English (both spoken & written)

- Computer literate

- 4 years experience in a Four or Five Star Hotel and Managerial position with strong leadership

- Responsible for maintaining food sale, cost and department profits

- Good knowledge in food and beverage policies and procedure and job description



2. SALES MANAGER

- Male/Female

- 3 years working experience in a similar or the same position in a Four or Five Star

- hotel

- Fluent in English (both spoken & written)

- Takes initiative, dynamic, intelligent and strong leadership



3. SALES EXECUTIVE

- Male/Female

- 2 years working experience in a similar or the same position in a Four or Five Star

- hotel

- Fluent in English (both spoken & written)

- Takes initiative, dynamic and intelligent



4. NIGHT MANAGER

- Male

- 2 years working experience in Front Office and Operational or the same position in

- a Four or Five Star hotel

- Fluent in English (both spoken & written)

- Takes initiative, dynamic, intelligent and strong leadership

- Fluent in German, Japanese, Mandarin or Korean ( both spoken & written ) would

- be an advantage



5. ASST. HOUSEKEEPER

- Female

- Strong commitment, integrity, good team player, work well under pressure

- 3 years experience in some position in a Four or Five Star Hotel

- Competent to train, motivate and evaluate staff accordingly

- Computer literate



6. ASST. CHIEF SECURITY

- Male

- Fluent in English (both spoken & written)

- 3 years experience with strong leadership

- Good knowledge in SOP for Security

- Computer literate



7. GUEST RELATION OFFICER

- Female

- Pleasant appearance and personality

- Minimum 1 year experience in the some position

- Fluent in Japanese or Korean (both spoken & written) would be an advantage



8. FO RECEPTIONIST



9. WAITER/S



10. SPA THERAPIST



Specification and Qualifications:

- Male /female max. 25 years age (8,9,10)

- Has minimum 6 months On the Job Training at the some position

- Excellent English (verbal and written)

- Good Communication skills



If you are interested in joining our team, Please send your application with an updated resume, a recent photograph and references no later than Saturday, July 14, 2007 to the emails below:

hr.nusadua@gmail.com or hrd@swissgrandbali.com

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