Bali Indonesia

ASEAN Green Hotel recognition Award 2012

2012-01-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

ASEAN Green Hotel Award is an appreciation and recognition to tourism players for adopting the ASEAN Green Hotel Standards into their services. ASEAN Green Hotel Award could be a biennial event initial held in Thailand in 2008, and Brunei Darussalam on the subsequent amount. This year, it's held in Manado (South Sulawesi) on January eleven, 2012.

Environment friendly is that the main facet for assessment, as stipulated within the ASEAN Green Hotel commonplace document. The document includes variety of criteria and essential necessities as follows:


• Environmental policy and hotel operation activities

• Utilization and use of green products

• Cooperation with local community and organizations

• Human resources development

• Solid waste management

• Energy efficiency

• Water efficiency

• Water quality management (indoor and outdoor)

• Noise pollution control

• Waste water treatment and management

• Toxic and chemical substance disposal management


Competition in hospitality industry drove the issuance of Green Hotel Standard. Thus, the award aims to:

• Increase the environment awareness among hospitality businesses in the midst of global warming.

• Increase the competitiveness of hospitality businesses in increasing the number of guests.

• Improve the quality of service of all hotels in ASEAN to achieve ASEAN AS A SINGLE TOURISM DESTINATION.

Ten hotels proposed by Indonesia are:
Matahari Beach Resort & Spa Bali, Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Bali, Holiday Inn Resort Batam, Angsana Bintan, Melia Benoa Bali, Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation, The St. Regis Bali Resort, Melia Bali Villa & Spa Resort, The Dharmawangsa Jakarta, Hotel Gran Melia Jakarta

Australian Consulate Bali

2011-12-16T00:09:00.000-08:00

If you are Australian and looking for Australian Consulate In Bali, below are the details :

Adress
Jalan Tantular, No. 32,
Renon,
Denpasar,
Bali 80234
Indonesia

Postal Adress
PO Box 3243
Denpasar Bali

Phone : +62 361 241 118
Fax : +62 361 221 195

The Consulate is open 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, except for public holidays.

Consular & Passport - 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Visas and Migration - 8:30am to 12:00pm (telephone enquiries can be made from 08:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm).

The Australian Consulate-General public holidays for 2012 are:
2 January          (Monday)          In lieu of New Years Day
26 January        (Thursday)       Australia Day
01 February      (Wednesday)   Galungan (Hindu Bali holiday)
23 March           (Friday)            Nyepi Day
6 April                (Friday)           Good Friday
9 April                (Monday)         Easter Monday
17 May               (Thursday)    Ascension Day
11 June              (Monday)      Queen’s Birthday
17 August           (Friday)         Indonesian Independence Day
20 August           (Monday)       Idul Fitri
29 August           (Wednesday) Galungan (Hindu Bali holiday)
24 December      (Monday)      Additional DFAT Holiday
25 December      (Tuesday)      Christmas Day
26 December      (Wednesday) Boxing Day

Kamasan Art Village Will be Opens

2011-12-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia, Mari Elka Pangestu will inaugurate the village of Kamasan, Bali, as a village of art.

"It will be held on Wednesday (14/12)," said Coordinator of Kampung BNI Art, I Gede Eka Wedasmara, while performing arts free treatment to the craftsmen in the village of Kamasan, Monday. He said with the launch of Kamasan village as a village of art, he hoped the village which is famous for its distinctive art of painting Kamasan will be more familiar to many tourists.

The artwork is still enshrined in the historic building Kertagosa within approximately 40 Kilometers from the city of Denpasar. In addition to painting Kamasan, one of the typical souvenirs of the area is “kepeng” (Bali coin with hole inside) and various handicrafts from silver and gold.

"Hopefully it's an art craft activities more excited with the packaging as the village of Kamasan art," he said.

Meanwhile, specific to the activities of free treatment, it involves hundreds of artisans in the tourist areas. According to Eka, the activities assist by BNI Bali and cooperate fully with the Department of Health Klungkung. In addition to free treatment is also conducted on the introduction of accident and health, also “Arja” art performances.

"This activity is done to improve the lives of the craftsmen," she said.

ASEAN Fair 2011 Opening

2011-11-16T07:24:00.001-08:00

Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opens the ASEAN fair within the courtyard of Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, on Monday afternoon. The event can last for one month, at the side of the implementation of the nineteenth ASEAN Summit, twenty four October to twenty three November 2011.

I am happy to ask all the folks of South East Asian to require half within the celebration of the competition, he said.

The president states that the fair is as one of the ways that to implement the determination of ASEAN as a community-based organizations to strengthen the social and cultural pillars among ASEAN countries.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu says that this year the fair is held beneath the theme Hello ASEAN that signifies a heat welcome of Indonesian folks to their fellow ASEAN members.

As Chairman of ASEAN of the year, Indonesia initiated the ASEAN truthful Indonesia 2011 as a venue where cultural and inventive economy in South East Asia is exhibited along, he said.

According to Mari, culture is an integral facet to unify the state and among nations in order that through the universal language of culture Indonesia would love to provide special acknowledgment to the ASEAN identity and therefore the association of the ASEAN community.

ASEAN fair can show the wealthy heritage of cultural diversity, history, and society of the country members that create us one community, he said.

The launching of the ASEAN fair 2011 is conducted at Bali Tourism Development Center (BTDC), Nusa Dua and attended by the Minister for Coordination of the Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Bali Governor I created Mangku Pastika, Regent of Badung Anak Agung Gde Agung and the ambassadors of ASEAN country member and partners.

The inauguration is marked by beating Bali “kentongan” (bali traditional alarm) and followed by a procession of “Bleganjur” (one of Bali’s traditional song by gamelan) and “ogoh-ogoh” (hand made giant figure) carrying the emblem Hello ASEAN furthermore because the parade of ten floats representing ten ASEAN countries. The procession is additionally enlivened by thirty Indonesia percussion and thirty Indonesia dancers and closed by acrobatic air show sponsored by the Ministry of Defense.

Meanwhile in Jakarta, a large flag representing ten country members of ASEAN are going to be marched toward the National Monument on October thirtieth.

Obama's Arrival Give Positive Image For Bali Tourism

2011-11-13T07:28:00.001-08:00

U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Summit in Bali in November 2011. Obama's arrival is believed to bring a positive image for Bali and Indonesia generally.

"The arrival of President Obama is believed to foster the trust of the international community of the security aspects of Indonesia and Bali as a host," said a member of Commission IV DPRD Bali, Tjokorda Raka Kerthyasa, in Denpasar.

According Kerthyasa Cok, this will mean very positive. Not only good for tourism in Bali, but also for Indonesia. That is, Indonesian security is unquestionable and Bali is considered very special.

Therefore, Cok Kerthyasa hope that trust should not be wasted. Therefore, the trust does not come just like that. Bali itself begin the long process that can be trusted internationally. Moreover, the arrival of Obama is certain to further catapulted the name of Bali in the international world.

Cok Kerthyasa said another impact of Obama's arrival is the growth of tourism and the economy of Bali. Both of these aspects will improve the living standard of the people of Bali. "Many of the positive impact brought about by the coming of the president. Examples Julia Robert's time to Bali just getting familiar with the international Bali, especially Ubud. Moreover, President Obama. It must stimulate the economy of Bali," said Puri Ubud this figure.

President Obama has twice scheduled to visit Bali. However, he failed to set foot on the island. This time, the public hope that Obama really come to Bali.

Obama Visit Bali in November 2011

2011-11-12T16:53:00.001-08:00

U.S. President Barack Obama will visit the island of Bali and Australia mid-November, the White House said on Monday (9/12/2011). His visit to Bali would be the second visit to Indonesia, where he spent his childhood. Obama's visit to Indonesia earlier in November last year is a series of trips to Asia.

Meanwhile, a visit to Australia will be the first after twice canceled last year due to problems in the domestic U.S.

Obama will be in Australia from November 16 to 17 after hosting the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in the kelahirnya, Hawaii, and will travel to Bali to attend the East Asia Summit, said the White House.

According to the White House, in Australia which is one of the closest U.S. partners in the Asia-Pacific, Obama will attend the 60th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance and held talks with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on cooperation to promote global economic growth, trade, and employment growth. Obama canceled a visit to Australia in March 2010 in order to remain the U.S. in order to encourage health improvement plan through Congress. Another canceled a planned visit in June last year so he could handle an oil spill that leaked from the BP drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

Suluban Beach

2011-11-05T00:56:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the wonder of the sunset on the beach it might not be bored, particularly accompanied with white sand, towering cliffs and therefore the crashing waves were high. Suluban beach located between Padang-Padang Beach and Pura Ulu Watu. The beach is best referred to as Blue purpose Beach close to this beach as a result of there's a Blue purpose hotel is incredibly acknowledge, the hotel conjointly been used to shooting advertising a complete drinks, starring Miss Universe. To induce to the current beach, initial to pay IDR 3,000 for a motorized vehicle before getting into the parking space. To induce to the beach, we tend to had to descend some stairs in between the stalls and caves. And when arriving at rock bottom, we tend to should experience the halls sort of a cave.

Following up on the beach, the wonder is presented sufficient to pay the struggle down the steps, terraced levels. The beach wasn't too crowded, thus we tend to are additional unengaged to get pleasure from the wonder of this beach. Not occasionally the wonder of this beach is employed because the location of pre wedding photo shoot. On the beach is additionally ready to realize a masseuse services located round the coast. The high rocks surrounding the beach and therefore the notches that protrudes into the within, creating it increasingly enticing beach viewed from any angle. Moreover, if the ocean water is receding, you'll be able to realize a basin like swimming pool, where several native children wish to swim here.

Not abundant totally different from alternative beaches within the island of Bali, the waves is additionally quite difficult for the surfers. However to induce a reasonably smart waves, the surfers got to swim with a surfboard toward the center. They conjointly had to fight against irregular waves on the beach, of course, to induce the waves are high enough. Even typically, they need to surf among a jellyfish that roam in between waves. In fact, a jellyfish’s sting are issued when touched.

If barely to get pleasure from the panoramic great thing about the Blue purpose, there are several places that may be selected, that solely began to supply soft drink, café or bar that's on top of the cliff. This beach may be known as a Caucasian village, nearly each finish of the beach and therefore the café is crammed by those Caucasians. If one needs to remain, within the space round the coast there are many hotels, villas and lodging conjointly with varying costs.

Bali Starling (Jalak Bali)

2011-09-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi) may be a style of warbler-sized, approximately 25cm in length, from the tribe Sturnidae. Bali Starling has special characteristics that have white fur everywhere his body except at the tip of the tail and wings are colored black. The cheeks aren't lined with feathers, bright blue and therefore the feet are grayish. Male and feminine birds are similar.

Endemic to Indonesia, Bali Starling is barely found within the woods west of the island of Bali. This bird is additionally the sole species endemic Bali and in 1991 was named the fauna image of Bali Province. The existences of endemic animals are reserved.

Bali Starling was 1st discovered in 1910. Scientific Names Bali Starling named when the British animal knowledgeable, Walter Rothschild, because the 1st to explain this species into the planet of information in 1912.
Because of the attractive and chic look, Bali starling bird became one in every of the foremost in demand by collectors and bird fancier. Illegal arrest, loss of forest habitat, moreover because the space is found to be terribly restricted bird inflicting the bird population is rapidly shrinking and endangered species in a very short time. To stop this to happen, most zoos round the world run the Bali starling breeding program.

Bali Starling standing as critically assessed within the IUCN Red List and listed in CITES Appendix I.

The characteristic of Bali Starling is stated as follows:
- Most of the Bali starling feathers pure white, except the tip of tail feathers and black wings.
- Dark brown eyes, the world round the eyelids, lint with a dark blue color.
- Bali Starling bird includes a stunning crest, either on the sex of male and females.
- Bali Starling includes a foot grey blue with four fingers (1 and three back to front).
- With an extended pointy beak 2-5 cm, with a particular type that at the highest there's a flattened elevation upright. Beak color blackish grey with a yellow tip brown.
- Troublesome to differentiate the Bali Starling bird body size of males and females, however normally the males slightly larger and includes a longer pigtail.
- Bali Starling has egg-shaped oval bluish-green with the longest average diameter of three cm and therefore the smallest diameter of two cm.

Penglipuran Village

2011-09-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

Penglipuran traditional village located in the Bangli district within 45 miles of the city of Denpasar, the village also very easy to reach. It is situated on Main Street Kintamani - Bangli. This is beautiful village, the beauty can be felt upon entering the village area. In the area of “Catus Pata” that is entering the boundary area of Desa Adat Penglipuran, there are village hall, community facilities and open space for landscaping which is the welcome area.

This village is one of the rural areas in Bali which has a regular arrangement of the traditional village structure, the combination of the traditional order with plenty of open spaces of beautiful landscaping makes this village represent the nuances of Bali in ancient times. Physical arrangement and structure of the village could not be separated from the culture that were held by Indigenous people and culture of its people Penglipuran also applicable to generation.

The advantages of this traditional village Penglipuran compared with other villages in Bali is, the front section houses a similar and uniform from the end of the main village to village downstream. Structured in such a tidy village where the main areas located higher and further decreased to the stricken area downstream. Apart form the same front, there is also uniformity in the form of materials to make the house. As for the soil material for the walls and roof made of bamboo for all the houses.

The village is located a bit high, so that the atmosphere was pretty cool. In addition to beautiful landscaping atmosphere, there also friendly villagers welcome the guests. Many tourists who come to enjoy the atmosphere of the village also see the craft in the houses. The crafts are made by the villagers. So for a long stay here is very enjoyable stay.

Indigenous villages including village Penglipuran perform rituals that many. While you do not have time to come on when the event above, you can enjoy the village atmosphere in the afternoon. Because at the time of the afternoon is generally the villagers out of the house after they finish doing their routine activities. They brand out to gather with each other villagers and the men removing their pet rooster, sometimes they do “Tajen” or chicken fight without the knife at roosters feet.

Family Holidays Abroad

2011-08-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

Bali could be a good place for those that are on vacation with kids. Bring all of your family to explore the island. You all can love the natural surroundings, and it's undoubtedly simple to search out a baby sitter or someone to require care of your youngsters.
Kids club are offered in major hotels. Several hotels provide family area with kids discounts policy that is nice optional for family term. Bali villa is additionally an honest various for accommodation, that is currently becomes vacation trend in Bali. Largely one villa consists of quite one bedroom that caters for family.

Range of attractions which are friendly for kids will be conjointly simply found in Bali.

There are many children's activity in Bali, from surf, sand and beach activities; cultural activities like dancing, temple visits, and ancient Balinese life vogue experiences; journey activities like rafting, cycling, horse ride, dolphin/turtle tour elephant rides; and theme parks like Bali Bird Park, WaterBom Park, Bali Butterfly Park, etc.
Travelling with the family will be hassle- free and loaded with fun. There's no reason you shouldn’t bring the youngsters and also the entire family with you. Here are many tips you'll use for a simple, stress - free travel.

Plan with the whole family

Get every family member’s opinion on the places to travel. Youngsters find it irresistible once they become involved. Create a brief list of the places they need to go to and obtain the majority’s preference. Set up straightforward nevertheless fun activities for the full family to get pleasure from.

Distribute tasks

Help one another particularly when packing. Provide all a responsibility. You'll have your youngsters check on the first- aid kit, your husband to bring all bulky equipments and you are taking charge getting ready the food. This way, your load will be lessened and everybody would feel the importance of every one’s contribution.

Travel lightweight

Since most of the area of your automobile would be for folks, pack solely the essential stuff you want. If potential you'll rent strollers for the youngsters rather than carrying one. Transfer shampoos, mouthwash and also the like in tiny plastic containers rather than bringing the whole factor. Bear in mind that travelling lightweight doesn’t mean travelling incomplete. Carry all necessary stuff you would like to bring.

Secure your house

Since all of your relations are with you on the trip, you'll like better to rent a house sitter. If not, tell your neighbor to look out for the house for you. Unplug all electrical appliances and make sure to secure all door and windows.

Be safe

Always carry with you a medication kit for emergencies. This could embody aspirins, laxative, insect repellant, bandages, ointments and alcohol. a lot of importantly, bring enough pharmaceuticals if any of the relations is on medication. Bring enough to last for the whole length of the trip.

Bring in the fun

Take footage and videos to document your trip. Take turns in using the camera, this manner everybody can get a memorable shot taken. You'll take the photographs and place them in a very nice travel journal once you get home. This manner you'll get pleasure from the fun reminiscences as typically as you would like.

Remember that the whole objective of a family trip is to possess fun. Follow the short tips higher than and you'll head your thanks to an agreeable travel in Bali.

Lovina Beach

2011-08-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Lovina Beach is found about 10 km to the west of Singaraja, right on the most coast road which will take you the manner round the island. It’s a lot of a part than a definite destination, extremely being comprised of the little cities of Pemaron, Temukus, Kalisasem, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, and Tukad Mungga. This can be a far a lot of quiet stretch of coastline, and don’t come back craving for the active clubbing scene or wall-to-wall searching of different components of Bali.

The primary distinction here is one amongst geography. Bali’s north coast is on the Bali Ocean, that is sort of shallow and so usually while not the rough seas and infrequently giant waves like you may notice on the south-facing beaches of Bali. This suggests that hotels and restaurants are situated right on the water and oftentimes you'll be able to eat or have your hotel space simply on the opposite aspect of an occasional seawall. If being right close to the water means that lots to you, then you won’t get a lot of nearer than the Lovina beaches. Not having to fight traffic and cross streets packed with motorcycles and taxis to induce to the beach is additionally a true pleasure, particularly before your initial cup of low within the morning!

The beaches in Lovina tend to be of black volcanic sand, and you won’t notice huge sprawling expanses of sandy beach that you simply have on different components of the island. You furthermore won’t notice monumental waves here on the shore of the Bali Ocean, because it is way shallower than the southern beaches that face the Indian Ocean. What you may notice could be a placid ocean, particularly peaceful within the morning, and trust me, you may end up thinking that this can be specifically why you came to Bali.

A relatively tiny proportion of tourists who visit Bali create it up to the Lovina-Singaraja space. It’s too dangerous as a result of there's lots a lot of to Bali than searching and partying. If some serious relaxation was what you had in mind once you booked your trip, you would possibly notice it a lot of readily obtainable up on the north coast. it's been said that Lovina could be a little of a step back in time for tourists in Bali, before the traffic got dangerous and also the costs began to extremely rise. In some ways that, economically speaking, Bali’s north coast in all probability has the maximum amount in common with neighboring Java because it will the south finish of Bali: the pace is slower, and whereas some tourists may notice that boring, others undoubtedly notice that Lovina beaches are waiting to supply them with exactly the relaxed beach vacation that they have.

Lovina’s beaches have many hotel choices, and you only may notice higher worth for cash than you'd notice down in Kuta, particularly in high season (June-August, and December and January). Another factor that you simply can appreciate is that the shut proximity of your hotel to the water. It’s straightforward to seek out hotels that are between the ocean and also the main road, so you’ll will sit and eat your breakfast right on the ocean. Simply attempt doing that down in Kuta! having said that, you may wish to seek out an area that's set back a trifle from the street– less noise within the morning.

Dolphins are an enormous attraction within the Lovina Beach space. Stand up early in the future and rent a neighborhood guy with a ship to require you out craving for these beautiful creatures. No guarantees, however you have got pretty sensible possibilities of seeing dolphins, and though you don’t you’ll still get pleasure from being out on the water, with an excellent read of the north Bali coastline.
For regarding 400.000 rupiah from places like Sanur or Kuta you'll be able to get a driver to require you up over the beautiful mountains of Bali’s interior, through rice terraces and jungle and all the way down to Lovina Beach. Take an opportunity. You won’t regret it.

The Beauty of Lake Beratan

2011-08-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Beratan Lake is a lake located in the area of Bedugul, Candikuning Village, District Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali. Beratan Lake is a caldera lake with an altitude of 1231 m above sea level, with an area of 3.8 km and maximum depth of 22 m. Volume is 0.049 km3 of lake water and it is a closed lake. Beratan is the easternmost lake between two other lakes namely Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan, which is a cluster of twin lakes inside a huge caldera. Lake Bratan is quite special, located in the highlands, causing the place is very cool and sometimes in the blanket of fog.

In the middle of the lake there is a temple complex called Ulun Danu Temple, which is a shrine to the Goddess Danu as the giver of fertility. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association. The complex in the lake was built in 1633 which spread across several islands. Meru, with eleven roofs dedicated to Shiva and his wife Parvati. Buddha was also a place in the temple of the Hindu god.

The lake is located in Tabanan regency and Denpasar can be reached from the road - Singaraja in the travel time of approximately one and a half hour. Travelers can access the Lake Beratan through dock supplied or stopped around Ulun Danu Beratan. Here, tourists can perform a variety of water recreational activities can also be done here for example a motor boat ride around the lake, parasailing, wooden boat (canoeing), banana boating, and others. Lake Beratan also provides a variety of charm and adequate accommodation.

Apart from tourist boats, you can just sit down to enjoy the beauty of the lake or try fishing from the shore. Sitting on a bamboo deck, you can try your luck fishing or just a joke to get a laugh with friends or family. Do not forget to bring your camera and get many pictures as you want.

Agro Tourism Village in Bali

2011-07-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

There is no less than 10 cultivars of Bali snake fruit (Salak Bali). In general, the excess salak bali that stands out is sweet and small seeds. The fruit is oval, has scaly skin and yellow slightly brown color. It feels special, very sweet and crunchy texture. Seeds are also small and usually numbered 1-2 in each fruit. Bali snake fruit size is relatively small.

If you want to enjoy Salak Bali directly from the tree, you should try to visit the agro-tourism
Sibetan village. This village famous for its snake fruit, located in Karangasem, east Bali, exactly in the District Bebandem-about 83 km from Denpasar or 15 km from Amlapura.

As one tourist destination in Karangasem, Sibetan Village offers a panoramic view of nature (agro tourism). Situated at an altitude of 400-600 m above sea level, with an average temperature of 20 º -30 º C, the average rainfall is 1567 mm-20 000 mm per year. The climate is cool and fresh air makes this plant suitable to grow in this area. The fruits which produced by this village is renowned as the Salak Bali which has its own flavor and different kind of fruit from other regions in Indonesia.

That is why it was developed as an agro tourism village. Here tourists can find a variety of flavors and vegetation of snake fruit. The extent of Salak garden in this area is also interesting to watch.
Approximately 81.12% Sibetan area, which is 1.125 million hectares, is converted into a garden of snake fruit. Thus, about 14 varieties of salak vegetation can be found in this area. Tourists can watch the process of harvesting the fruits, including marketing.

source : berita bali

Bali Rice Terraces : Jatiluwih

2011-07-29T01:51:00.001-07:00

Jati luwih is one of tourist attraction with a fine looking panorama. Variation of panoramic rice terraces, steps against the background of wooded mountains, is categorized as natural attractions are as exciting to Kintamani and Lake Batur.

Jatiluwih have cool air being located at an altitude of 7000 meters on top of ocean level. Additionally to its natural potential, Jatiluwih have the potential cultural story of historical events, particularly the development of a temple that connection with the name of one powerful king Ida Dalem Waturenggong Gelgel (1460-1551).

This tourist attraction is found forty eight km from Denpasar. It is located twenty eight km north of Tabanan city. Also had visited by local and foreign tourist who wants to relish the cool and the beauty expanse of rice terraces.

Jatiluwih is a true nature as a tourist attraction has been known since the Dutch power Bali (1910-1942). However the road that connects to the site is broken, then not all the tourists who visit there relish the attractive panorama. Poorly maintained condition lasted till 1970 and thereafter with the assistance of presidency funds, infrastructure development increasing attention. It seems that asphalt roads are engineered that may elevate the name Jatiluwih to be natural attractions for guests.

The tourist attraction has been equipped with parking facilities, toilets, and gazebos. Around the object has been engineered many restaurant in getting ready food and drink service. Roads are becoming upgraded in order that vehicles will enter from the east path is thru the T-junction of Pacung towards Jatiluwih.

Ecotourism Development Programs in Manado

2011-07-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

Manado local government allocated Rp 98.5 billion to support development programs based ecotourism in the next five years, from 2010.

"The funding of this magnitude we needed to build and develop public facilities based on ecotourism in Manado start from Bunaken District until Malalayang Distric, also the government has already made pre tourism development design the next five years," said Deputy Mayor of Manado, Alfredo Benfica Mangindaan. From this pre-design of tourism the government hoped it would improve the social life based ecotourism Manado, especially to create a green and fun city for everyone who came to this city.

To this Mangindaan say, a number of designs have been prepared, such as: to build the “Raja Laut” Monument, Tongkaina District. Construction of tourist centers in Tuminting and Bunaken to further highlight the coastal areas, and construction of tourist center in Malalayang complete with supporting facilities and the development of religious tourism sites “Bukit Goa” on Mount Tumpa.

"In fact there are still plans to build several other tourist sites which equipped with supporting facilities, to provide convenience to citizens and all visitors to Manado," said Mangindaan.

Other jobs that will be undertaken by the government for Tuminting-Bunaken are concrete construction (north and south side), breaking wave pilings (north and south side), some buildings and dock.

History of Tanah Lot Temples

2011-07-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

According to legend, this temple was designed by a Brahmin who wanders from Java. He is a successful Hindu Priest called Dang Hyang Nirartha. He was strengthened the assumption of the Balinese Hinduism and build six important temples which protected Bali Island on the sixteenth century. At that point the ruler of Tanah Lot, Bendesa Beraben, jealous of him as a result of his followers began to go away and follow Nirartha.

Bendesa Beraben told the priest to go away from Tanah Lot. Nirartha agreed and before leaving Tanah Lot, with his strength he moved huge stones to the center of the beach (not into the sea) and designed temples there.

He also modified her scarf into a snake to be temple’s guard. The snake continues to be there nowadays and scientifically this snake, as well as species of ocean snakes that have a characteristic flat tail sort of a fish, striped yellow and black color has three times tougher venom than cobra. The end of the legend states that Bendesa finally turned to Nirartha’s follower.

North of this site there's a temple situated on a cliff jutting into the ocean. This cliff connect with the land and formed sort of a bridge, arched so. If you go all the way down to the beach between the cliffs and Tanah Lot, then in an exceedingly explicit month you'll see my version of the best sunset. Sun red ball are right within the holed cliff. Looks like an eye that tired observing the globe. Unfortunately this scene only happens in sure months when the sun is sinking inclined to the north.

Want to Shopping? Come to These Places

2011-07-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

Shopping could be a terribly famous activity for tourists. You can find retailers everywhere in Bali within the hope of obtaining numerous tourist guests as customers! I've return up with eight destinations for you to go to. The more important is you can give direct effect for local merchant.

Denpasar

Denpasar being the capital of Bali is that the main "market" for the Balinese. Kumbasari market, that is nearby Badung River, is that the biggest ancient market. It is the right place to induce an insight into the standard Indonesia market where native individuals do their daily searching. Fruit, vegetables and meat is found within the basement; on the second level is that the place for spices and dried goods; whereas household wares, clothing, art and craft is on the third level. Here you'll get a awfully sensible worth if you are sensible in bargaining. To seek out handicrafts, shoe retailers and restaurants, you'll head towards the northern a part of Gajah Mada Street. To the east is Sulawesi Street, where you can get textiles and materials. On either side of Sulawesi Street, you'll notice retailers providing household wares. The realm here is incredibly colorful with every type of fabric from the standard "songket" (cloth woven with strands of gold or silver) to modern-day stretchy and glossy material. Why not get your cloth by the meter and have a suit or dress created up by an area tailor. On the west aspect of the market is that the place for locals to shop for coconut leaf and ceremonial provides. Within the southern half is Hasanudin Street where you can see gold and jewelry retailers, tourists are invariably welcome.

Ubud

Ubud is well-known for fine arts with international commonplace. This can be where you'll get the most effective Balinese culture arts and crafts. Highly-regarded art galleries like Sumertha, Neka, Agung Rai, Rudana and Sika are highly counseled. Massive names like Hans Snel and Antonio Blanco is suggested too but they will be very expensive.

The Kuta space

As a world village most of the retailers and restaurants here are for tourist market. You'll notice handicrafts, clothing, jewelries, CDs, furniture and leather crafts on either side of the road. However you'll conjointly see several street hawkers with their varied offerings along the road. If you are doing not wish to shop for something from them, don't create eye contact and don't ever examine their merchandise, for if you are doing, they'll follow you along the road and pester you to shop for one thing.

Batubulan

This place provides various sculptures made from stone. You'll notice varied quite sculptures here starting from ancient to minimalist, little to massive, low-cost to expensive :) The craftsmen will sculpt random and custom orders and even ship them to your home address back in your country.

Sukawati

This space is in style to buy for Balinese arts. If you raise the locals where to induce the most cost effective Balinese arts and crafts, Sukawati are going to be their answer. Besides arts and crafts, you'll conjointly notice statues, paintings, cloth, Balinese jewelries and conjointly Balinese ceremonial desires,

Tegalalang

Here you can find wood carvings of flowers, objects and additional are displayed gracefully along the road. Various woodcarvings is found during this village and its nearby neighborhoods at low-cost prices! Here's the place to essentially master the art of bargaining.

Bona

The village to buy for something made from Bamboo! Yes practically everything from furniture to mats to window blinds! The villagers are dedicated at creating use of Bamboo for his or her crafts. You will be amazed at their talent and creativity!

Tenganan

This is where the native Balinese are located. The "Bali Aga" village in Karangasem, is that the solely village in Bali that produces the sought-after Balinese ancient textile called Geringsing. The material is all made from the encompassing nature. To method Geringsing cloth, ancient ways rooting back to the previous Balinese times are used. The material is incredibly delicate, sturdy and long-lasting therefore the expensive worth tags! No chemicals are utilized in the method and nice care is taken.

Reasons to Visit Bali

2011-07-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Going on vacation to somewhere exotic can bring many advantages. Everything are along once more, thus will your family, they'll get pleasure from the holiday along. Your mind refreshed and our enthusiasm, our senses to surrounding can increase conjointly. When returning home from your vacation you'll be happier, healthier, and far more practical in addressing stress. Don’t consider your work is that the key component when having an amazing vacation aloof from your home. You'll not be able to have the advantages of vacation time if staying on your house.

Bali can be the excellent selection for your vacation getaways. Your vacation within the paradise island can have you ever free from stress whereas having fun activities together with your family. Below are some reasons why you ought to select Bali as your vacation getaways.

1. Education: Learn the new culture of Bali. If you've got your morning walk or by using bicycle round the village of Bali you will notice additional regarding the culture means of the Balinese and your children will notice it fascinating also.

2. Relaxation: you'll have a relaxed vacation if you decide on to own your family vacation in Bali. simply value more highly to keep in one among the personal villas in Bali and you'll have the privacy and really relaxation you never dream off.

3. Meeting with Balinese individuals and culture: you'll experiences the distinctive culture of Bali Hindu faith with all its ritual and festivals. Get pleasure from the experiences completed with the slower pace of life that quite completely different from where you come back from.

4. Wonderful sight seeing: You and your family can never run out of things to envision and do within the island of Bali. There are sights seeing for everyone.

5. Get along: Bali Island can provide your family the sensation to urge together once more when long hours of works. You'll love the white sandy beach that you just have in Bali for your vacation, the proper destination for family.

6. Memories: when reading the full things what Bali Island should give you, it is really easy to own some fun in Bali and your memory of getting fun in Bali can continually be remembered.

Rafting in Telaga Waja

2011-07-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

The river surrounded by a beautiful landscape of paddy terraces and canyons of tropical jungle, with mystical Mount Agung to the north. The river is very famous for its rapids, which are considered wilder than those in the Ayung River. In summer, the adventure of white water rafting is somewhat safer than in the rainy season, because during the rainy season the water flows is some extremely fast. Also the water level is so high and we can not see the big rocks underneath. If you a pro, go ahead!

There is nothing more enjoyable than padding a rubber raft trough the lush green canyons and being splashed by cool water. Telaga Waja River located in Karangasem Regency, east part of Bali. The river length is about 12 km.

Balinese Food Which I Never Eat More Than 5 Years

2011-07-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, last night I just think about a food that I never eat for more than 5 years. It's a kind of food which woman dislike to cook but like to eat. Yes, It is an eel. Actually it's a common food for Indonesian people.
This animal can cooked in simple way: wash and fried it. Then eat it with rice. I show you the image of eel, before and after cooked.

Interesting to see how these scary animal change into delicious food. So, where we can get this creature? Simple, usually Balinese people walk trough the wet rice field at night to catch this eel by fishing them. While we are sleeping, the eel start their activity and come out from their holes. This is the right time to catch them as many as you like.

Solar Charger For Traveling

2010-12-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

A travel solar charger is a great purchase for anyone who likes to travel. This portable energy device is easy to use and runs off of the sun's energy. A portable charger does not need any international voltage adapters because it never needs to be plugged into electricity. You will not have to worry about what adapter is used in the country you are going to; just bring your solar charger with you.

Portable energy has long been talked about among fanatical energy conservatists. It no longer is only for those people who are against electricity and the overuse of it. Now solar energy is becoming very mainstream and people of all economic levels are using portable solar energy.

You do not have to be extremely concerned about the environment to use solar portable energy. Although it is a great way to use our natural resources, solar power also offers great benefits to those that use it.

A travel charger that operates off of the sun's energy can go anywhere you go. You do not need to have an electrical outlet close by to charge your cellular phone. You can be backpacking in the mountains and have your phone continually charging. If you like to go on road trips you can set your solar charger right on the dashboard and let it charge your batteries or device while you drive to your next location.

The convenience that a solar charge brings to a travelers life is not just in its portability. Solar chargers are also a great way to save money. Instead of buying multiple adapters for international outlets, you can use the same solar charger in any country you travel. You also will not have to own multiple charging devices to power all your different electrical equipment because one solar charger can be used to charge most small electrical devices.

Travelers can use a solar charger to charge their batteries. They can also use this type of travel charger to power other small electrical devices like radios, MP3 players, and even laptop computers. There are many varieties of solar chargers available with numerous accessories you can add on. When purchasing a solar charger, you are only limited by your own imagination.

Many travelers have put off buying a solar charger because they believe these types of chargers will be too technologically difficult to operate. But solar powered chargers are as simple as any other charging device. You do not need a high tech degree to operate them. Most chargers simply have to be set in the sun and plugged into your device.

Solar energy is not a new technology. It has been around for several years. The portability of solar chargers has evolved dramatically in recent years. It used to be that you would have to own a huge solar panel just to draw a little bit of energy from the sun. Today, you can buy a small single solar cell panel that can be used to charge your electrical devices and batteries.

How To Choose A Travel Agent

2010-12-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

With so many destinations to go to, it's important to plan accordingly. A travel agent will be able to acquire your tickets, hotel reservations, car rental, and activities all at once, saving you time, and thus, money. Booking a vacation can be a lot of trouble for just one person, but with a qualified travel agent, it's easy! Of course, like vacations themselves not all travel agents are created equal so you will want to shop around for the best one.

1. The Benefits Of A Travel Agent

Don't miss out on all that a vacation has to offer! A travel agent will be experienced with the top destinations at your travel area and be able to provide you with recommendations for where to go. As an industry insider, they can get special deals that you would not be able to acquire. You might pay a little bit more for this service, but overall you will save.

2. Do Your Research

Doing your homework doesn't have to take a lot of time. The best way to find a good travel agent is to do your research. You can talk to friends and family members who have used travel agents in the past. You can also use the internet to try to find the best agency or agent in your area. In some cases you will be able to read testimonials from other customers who have used a certain agency. Try searching for message boards that might give you some insight to good travel agents in your area. It is important to find a travel agent who understands your personal needs and desires when it comes to the type of vacation you are looking for. There are countless agencies that are available online as well where it is easy to select what kind of ammentities you are looking for.

3. Make Sure They Are Licenced

A licenced travel agent will be a member of the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Membership in the American Society of Travel Agents allows travel agents to work with other members to get the best deals and rates for you. Membership also requires certain qualifications so by finding a travel agency that is part of the Society ensures that you will be getting excellent service. Of course, it is perfectly acceptable to ask questions in order to determine if a travel agent is right for you. Questions such as, How long have you been in the travel business?, can be helpful in giving you a better idea of your travel agents background. You might even want to ask your travel agent for references.

4. Your Vacation Package

Putting together your vacation package just got easier with a travel agent. They will be able to interact with you and help you choose what features of your vacation you want to splurge on and what features you can skimp on. Don't need a luxury car, but want a great hotel? Done and done. Perhaps you want a tour included and thus won't need a car at all. Of course, your travel agent is unlikely to make any final decisions before consulting with you first. It is your vacation and therefore you should have the final say on everything planned. This is why it is important that you make yourself accessible to your travel agent.

How To Choose A Good Hotel

2010-12-02T16:59:00.000-08:00

Whether you're going on a honeymoon, looking for a function venue, or just grabbing a couple of days out from your hectic schedule, choosing a hotel is one of the most important decisions in ensuring you have an enjoyable time. Despite the importance of finding the right hotel, it can often be quite difficult to strike a balance between quality and price, and often those hotels which appear more desirable are less than affordable. So what should you look for in selecting a hotel, and where should you go to try and find that perfect accommodation, whatever your needs?

One of the best ways to determine which hotel is right for you is to consider what you're looking for, and to match your requirements against the star rating assigned by tourist associations. Generally, the star system ranks from 0-5 on an ascending scale
depending on the extent of facilities and luxuries within the hotel. The higher the number, generally, the more expensive the room rate, which can help you gauge value for money. Of course, if you find somewhere with a higher star rating at a lower cost, then you can be sure this is likely to provide better value for money in terms of facilities and the level of service you can expect.

Another way to choose a good hotel is by going on word of mouth. What do your friends think about various hotels in the region? Has anyone you know had a particularly good (or bad) experience of hotels around about the one you are looking for? These can be good ways to ensure you get good value for money out of your hotel, and it can also be a great way to ensure you don't get disappointed. Additionally, the recommendations of people you know aren't tainted with commercial interest, and if someone tells you they had a good experience, they're more likely telling the truth than if you hear it from the hotelier himself.

Finally, a good place to check for hotel reviews and recommendations is the Internet, and there are numerous travel sites which host impartial reviews and write ups of various hotels and hostels. This can be a great, low cost way of ensuring you find a hotel that meets your requirements, and provides you with an enjoyable trip to help you relax and unwind.

Selecting a good hotel is never an easy process, but if you know where to look to find value for money, you might just end up with the right hotel for you. Finding a good hotel is partially down to knowing what you're looking for, and a great deal of it also comes down to experiencing what's available and at what price. However, with realistic expectations and an understanding of where to find good hotel rooms at an affordable price, you should be able to circumvent this traditional process, and end up having a great time, whatever the reason for your break away.

Scuba Diving Locations in Bali

2010-12-01T20:29:00.001-08:00

Despite a series of terrorist bomb attacks in 2002 and 2005 killing hundreds of tourists and locals hitting the tourism industry hard for short periods, the tropical Indonesian island of Bali is still attracting many vacationing tourists.

Tourists are attracted by the island's rustic charms, mystical culture and tradition, spectacular tropical sceneries and beautiful white sandy beaches. Many of these tourists are also scuba divers and are in Bali for scuba diving. After all, Bali was voted by several scuba diving magazines as one of the top ten dive location in the world.

Bali have many scuba diving locations where awesome underwater landscape and marine creatures abound. Let's take a tour of some of Bali's diving destinations.

Sanur and Nusa Dua - These 2 dive spots are located just 5 minutes away from the shore and therefore are very accessible. Beginners and novice divers will enjoy diving here because of the very gentle current. Visibility depending on seasons is low to moderate. Although hard corals are scarce, the many species of colorful fishes made up for the shortfall. Soft corals and sponges can also be found thriving on the reefs.

Nusa Penida and Lembongan Islands - Drop off reef diving is the main attraction on these islands. It is a 45 minute speedboat ride to the islands. Water visibility is rated as good because the islands are further away from the coast and therefore less polluted. The current here is very strong and experienced divers can enjoy drift diving. Sometimes the current may get too strong and dives may be abandoned.

There is a very good variety of hard corals, colorful sea gorgonian fans and many huge pelagic fishes to see. Highlights of diving here are sightings of huge schools of sweet lips fish, huge hawksbill turtles, sharks and giant manta rays.

Amed and Jemeluk Beach - These dive spots are one and half hour from Denpasar, a popular tourist town. Only experienced divers can dive here because of the strong current. The dives here can be very spectacular because of the long coastal reef, reef slopes and wall diving. Water visibility is moderate to good. This diving location is reputed to be the home of the best hard coral community in Bali.

The Padang Bay - This dive scuba diving location in Bali have a flat bottom seabed and is made up mixed reef and sandy bottom. Because of its close proximity to the shore, the water visibility is rated at best to be moderate. The attractions here are frequent sightings of large triggerfish and blue-spotted stingrays.

Tulamben Wreck Dive - For those who enjoy shipwreck diving, then this is the dive site in Bali that you must not missed. Water visibility here is fair to good and the current is generally gentle. Night dive on this wreck is described by many divers as spectacular.

The wreck was the USS Liberty, sunk in World War 2 by Japanese submarine torpedoes 1942. Since the wreck is so near the beach, scuba divers can simply swim to the wreck from the beach.

These are merely some of the many scuba diving destinations in Bali. For more excellent diving sites, you can check out with the many scuba diving operators when you are in Bali.

About International Medical Travel Insurance

2010-11-30T19:19:00.001-08:00

International travel medical insurance is a type of health insurance for international travelers. Most of the time it is used by short-term travelers, mostly on holidays and pleasure cruises. Internationaltravel medical insurance is used to cover medical expenses that are not covered outside of an individuals' home country.

Short term international travel medical insurance typically has a minimum of 5 days and long term international travel medical insurance can last up to 1 year.

When searching for your policy, you need to find one that is custom made for your wants and needs at a reasonable cost. There are so many out there to suit every taste, age group and wallet, you'll be able to pick one that's just right for you.

Travel

Traveling on vacation or business is usually a lot of fun; exploring new places and cultures while enjoying new cuisines adds to the experience and pleasure of visiting new destinations but, at the same time, you must take into consideration the possibility of any sort of accident that may happen at any given moment.

Taking out international health insurance, be it for business or pleasure, while traveling abroad is a good idea, though not compulsory, mosttravel operators do insist on some kind of insurance as part of their holiday product.

Holiday

If you are planning on taking a holiday, or embarking on a business trip, or perhaps a long stay overseas, it is well advised you get some travel insurance to cover your travel losses and more incase something were to happen to them.

International travel medical insurance is a type of health insurance for international travelers. That's why international travel medical insurance is essential every single time you take a trip abroad. A good international travel medical insurance plan can cover all your expenses and make the best of a bad situation.

Responsible Tourism - Unique Experience Better for the Planet

2010-11-29T21:56:00.000-08:00

It is no great secret that globally, many internationally recognized tourist sites are being damaged by the increasing influx of tourists. The Mayan temples of Tulum in Mexico are steadily attracting hotel construction and amusement parks as the once quiet fishing community is transformed into a city. Thousands of miles across the globe, the ancient hilltop fort of Jaisalmer in India is straining to bear the demands of 300,000 tourists annually with an antique sewerage system. Once autonomously living, a third of its population now survives on income based on tourism.

In the advancing age of tourism as some agencies shuttle as many people as possible through their package routes, there has never been a better time to take the initiative and get off the beaten track. Why not consider a tailor made trip rather than a group tour? In case you needed a little motivation, consider the following benefits for being one of the only foreigners in town:

1) Less impact on the country and communities involved

A few visitors will be regarded with curiosity as people go about their daily business. One thousand visitors are daily business. To avoid irreversible change to the ways that people live, we should all be trying to remember that we are visitors to other places, not the reason for those places to exist.

2) More unique experiences

Most people probably dream of the romantic solitude of strolling alone down a palm-fringed beach, or wandering in tranquility amongst ancient ruins. Crowds of tourists pulling up in air conditioned buses in search of the perfect photo and browsing through boutiques filled with identical souvenirs don't figure heavily in ideal scenarios.

3) More chance of resources getting to locals

Many large international tour companies tend to keep much of the money that you spend with them and often little finds its way into the local economy. To genuinely bring the benefits of tourism, you should pick an agency that promises to pay local service providers. Agencies based in the country or region you are to visit will of course funnel much more of your cash into the local economy.

4) Not allowing a place to be defined by a tour company

Some large tour operators market locations as a product, based on a mental image. Drinking tea in the shade of the towering sandstone walls of Jaisalmer fort, skimming across the crystal waters of the Yangshuo lakes in China in a motorboat, overlooking the white sand beaches of Tulum with a cold mojito in-hand. None of these images are a true representation of the place; choose an agent that knows the region and the destinations that you are to visit. A company in New York is never goign to be as informed on archeological and cultural sites in Mexico as one based in the region.

So, where do you start with a unique trip? First of all, do your research. think about where you'd like to travel without concentrating too much on specific sites or attractions. Criteria such as indigenous culture, traditions, and flora and fauna can give you a basis without putting you on same path as thousands of other tourists. Once you've got a country in mind consider working with a smaller agency to design a custom tour for your country of choice. They will be able to research options for you away from the crowds and ensure that the impact of your travels remains positive, paying service providers in communities where appropriate.

The more time you spend researching your trip, the more you'll get out of it. Don't be sold on glossy brochure photos, get online and start hunting!

by : Gary Sargent

Suling - Balinese Bamboo Flute

2010-11-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

When you hear Balinese gamelan and give an attention to the melody you will find the sound of suling (bamboo flute), the only wind instrument in the ensemble.

Suling are made mainly of bamboo, a long tube bamboo which has very thin surface. The head of suling, near a small hole, is circled with a thin band made of rattan or rotan to produce air vibration.

The suling note is scaled in pelog or selendro system, sulings with five finger-holes for pelog system and
four for slendro system.

*image taken from Nyoman Sumertha Fine Art

How To Survive When Lost in Another Country

2010-11-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But especially for trips to another country, where everything is new and strange, traveling can be quite a drag.

And if worse comes to worst, being lost in another country could be the most horrible nightmare of your life. That is when learning the skills to survive when lost in another country helps.

Here are some tips to help you endure the consequences of being lost in a strange place and live through the means of survival until you can go back to your homeland.

1. Presence of mind

Being lost in another country is one thing, but not having presence of mind is another and could be the worst thing that could happen to you.

It is still understandable that you might get lost in another country because the place is totally strange to you. The only way to survive being lost in another country is to have presence of mind so you can think of ways to get a ride back home.

Or if luck permits it, you can possibly discover your way to your exact destination without having to spend more than what you can afford.

2. Stay where you are

If you think you are lost, without the slightest idea where you are, or if you do not have any clue how to head back to where you have come from, stay where you are. Attempting to move further or trying to discover ways to go back will only make matters worse.

Besides being a complete waste of energy, according to statistical reports, nearly 70% of people who are lost cannot find a way to return to where they came from.

3. Learn to provide your basic needs

If you really cannot think of a way to find your way back home, maintain your basic needs by carrying an ample food and water supply as well as clothing before you leave your place.

You never know what will happen next once you have arrived in another country. So it is best to carry your basic needs with you in case something goes wrong, such as getting lost.

Keep in mind that traveling to another country is not all play. You have to keep your senses with you and your mind clear to anticipate the necessary things that you have to do in case something occurs, such as being lost in another country.

Protect Your Jewelry While Traveling

2010-11-28T02:39:00.000-08:00

If you have travel plans in your future, think carefully if you really need to take all your expensive jewelry. The risk of theft, loss and damage increases as soon as you start your trip because you are in new surroundings, doing new activities and often in tourist areas that are the target of pickpockets, thieves and con artists.

If you are traveling out of the country, check to be sure your jewelry insurance covers your property when you are traveling outside the United States. Because the risk of theft is so much higher in foreign countries, some insurance companies only provide domestic coverage.

To avoid inviting crime, plan to dress inconspicuously to blend into the environment, especially when in another country. When traveling internationally, consider taking and wearing no jewelry. Criminals assume all tourists are wealthy so if you choose to wear jewelry, turn rings around so the diamonds are not showing and avoid dangling earrings. Large, expensive-looking jewelry is an attractive target and it is easy to snatch dangling earrings.

It is never wise to put jewelry items in checked baggage, especially with security personnel going through your belongings. The percentage of bags lost by airlines continues to increase and their liability for your lost luggage is very limited. Keep your jewelry and other valuables like money, keys, wallets, tickets, cameras, and medications in your carryon luggage. If airport security requires going through your carryon, request a private place so other travelers will not see your valuables.

Be especially careful with your valuables in hotel rooms because they are open to cleaning personnel several times a day and safes in hotel rooms are not particularly secure. How many times have you walked by hotel rooms with doors wide open and cleaning crews not visible? Professional criminals know the cleaning procedures and can quickly enter your room when cleaning service personnel are not looking.

If you do not put your jewelry in your luggage or leave it in your hotel room, that means you are carrying it with you but that can be a problem at the security checks at airports or when carrying something all day as you travel or are sightseeing. Many valuables disappear after being left for a few moments in a bag at a restaurant, transportation waiting room, restroom, or ticket line. Thieves patiently wait for travelers to let their guard down for just a minute and grab their bag without anyone noticing.

Theft is only one of the risks when traveling. Often a vacation includes some time at the beach, pool or hot tub. The sand and concrete can easily scratch precious metals in jewelry as well as gemstones that are not as hard as diamonds. Chlorine can also weaken and discolor precious metals. Travelers often expose their jewelry to risks they would never think of doing at home.

Carrying jewelry when traveling also needs some special care. Diamonds, gemstones and metal can scratch each other if carried together in a single bag. Place fine jewelry in separate cloth bags or put in separate compartments of a jewelry bag made for travel. Then be sure to carry the jewelry case in a purse or carryon.

The purpose of most vacations is to relax, not to impress the locals, so minimize jewelry when traveling. If you do take jewelry, be aware that you are in new and potentially dangerous surroundings. Take special care of your valuables and enjoy your trip.

Jauk and Telek

2010-01-31T03:34:00.000-08:00

These masked figures which still exist in Bali today. The males are called jauk. They wear special conical, pointed chandelier-like head-dress in the shape of a Buddhist stupa. The masks are similar in form and bright red color. The style of carving and painting resembles the mask of Rawana in Wayang Wong. The face is fierce, with large eyes, shiny visible teeth, and moustache and beard. The dancers wear long artificial finger-nails. The corresponding female characters are called telek. Their refined masks are also uniform; they are white in colour with visible teeth, but the expression is pleasant and smiling; these masks are identical to the Sang Hyang Legong masks preserved in Ketewel. The female dencers also wear the identifying pagoda-shaped crown and carry fans. (in Sanur area these dancers are called sandaran rather than telek).
At the present time the jauk dancers are rarely seen in dance-drama, and the telek dancers are hardly to be found at all. Two style of solo dance for a male dancer clad as jauk, however, are commonly included in concerts presenting a sampling of different kinds of Balinese dance.

From: Balinese Dance in Transition

Dances of the Inner Temple

2010-01-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

The genres considered in this article belong to the most sacred (wali) category of Balinese performing arts. They all appear to be of indigenous origin, although later Hindu-Javanese elements can be seen in them as well as the characteristic poses, gestures, and phrases of movement which make up the fundamental vocabulary of movement of Balinese dance. All of these forms belong to what might be called the communal, village-centred aspect of Balinese culture and involve a strong element of audience participation ; the degree of training and basic talent required of the performers are low by Balinese standards. Aesthetic factors, however, are important in some of them. In Gabor, for example, the skill of dancers is as important as the beauty of the offerings presented.

Trance is often present in these genres, and with it there is presumption of possession by divine. Wali Dances are performed in connection with religious rituals, and they are often given in the context of elaborate schedule of festivals of the Hindu-Balinese religious calendar. Some of them are specifically associated with the old-fashioned Bali Aga villages, in which many in old Balinese traditions and practices have been maintained, while others are found in villages throughout the island. The Wali Dances are customarily performed in or originate from the sacred inner temple courtyard, or Jeroan. This is the most sacred temple space, the inner sanctum.

The Beginnings of Tourism to 1840

2010-01-13T23:18:00.000-08:00

Tourism is a recent phenomenon. Even if business travel is included as tourism, as it is in some definitions, it is still of comparatively recent origin. The word tourism did not appear in the English language until the early nineteenth century, and the word tour was more closely associated with the idea of a voyage or peregrination or a circuit, as in the case of a theatrical tour, than with the idea of an individual being temporarily away from home for pleasure purposes which is such a significant feature of the use of the word tourist today.

Three principal epochs of tourism may be distinguished. The first, which is discussed in this chapter, takes the story to the early days of the railway age, that is, to about 1840 in Britain, a little later elsewhere. The second epoch covers the railway age itself. The years between the two world wars, which witnessed the significant development of the private motor car and of teh bus and coach, and the period after the second world war, when civil aviation came to share with the private car the principal transport role in tourism, form together the third epoch.

Transport is the necessary pre-condition of tourism, and the three epochs are to be identified with particular modes of transport. For tourism is a matter of being elsewhere, and to be elsewhere implies the use of transport. Mechanized transport has made travel possible for a significant part of the population of the developed countries at least, and thus tourism has become a matter of interest and concern to governments and governed alike. Much of the historical study of tourism will be concerned with the development of modern transport, and other aspects of tourism have followed the evolution of a various modes of transport. Tourism is a modern sense has its antecedents historically, but it will be argued that the difference between the world of the eighteenth century and earlier, and more recent times is not merely a matter of degree, but that the world of 1850, for example, differs structurally from the world of 1750 in tourism, as is everything else.

From : Tourism, Past, Present and Future

Pameran The Idealisation of Bali

2009-07-25T07:31:00.001-07:00

Sebuah pameran bertajuk The Idealisation of Bali diadakan pada 24 July 2009 di Damping Gallery, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud, Gianyar. Rencananya pameran yang digelar hingga 7 Agustus 2009 ini melibatkan 31 seniman perupa. Mereka adalah Made Suta, Made Sunarta, Made Madra, Ketut Sumadi, Nyoman Lidrayoga, Wayan Naya, dan masih banyak lagi.
Karya-karya yang ditampilkan menggambarkan Bali secara realis, demikian menurut budayawan Perancis Jean Couteau. Meski dianggap tidak berubah dari gaya keemasan Ubud tahun 70an, tapi terlihat ada suatu perubahan tertentu jika karya tersebut dicermati lebih jauh. Pemilik Damping Gallery Wayan Sutarma pun memiliki pendapat serupa. Ia mengharapkan ada regenerasi seni rupa Bali melalui pameran-pameran yang rutin diselenggarakan.

Mengapa Bunga Penting Bagi Orang Bali ?

2009-06-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Di dalam kehidupan sehari-hari keberadaan bunga-bungaan tak bisa dipisahkan dengan kehidupan manusia di Bali. Hampir dipastikan bunga adalah kebutuhan pokok orang Bali yang religius. Di dalam canang sari untuk persembahan selalu penuh dengan bunga. Pria atau wanita Bali pun suka menyematkan bunga di telinga. Para gadis banyak yang suka mengikat bunga cempaka atau kamboja pada helai rambut mereka. Patung-patung pun terkadang disematkan bunga. Sungguh akrab memang orang Bali dengan bunga.

Bagi manusia Bali mungkin hal ini sudah biasa, tapi bagi orang luar Bali kadang mengundang pertanyaan dalam hati : "mengapa demikian?". Logikanya sederhana saja, ketika seseorang melihat kearah sekeliling mencari simbol keindahan, kesucian, wewangian dan kesegaran yang paling baik, matanya biasanya menuju pada bunga-bunga. Semua manusia normal pasti tersentuh hatinya ketika melihat bunga-bunga yang mekar begitu indahnya. Bagaimana perasaan anda begitu melihat bunga-bunga yang menurut anda begitu indah? Pasti ada perasaan tertentu dalam hati kan? Begitu juga halnya dengan orang Bali, bunga diharapkan dapat memperkuat perasaan cinta kasih yang menjadi menu wajib dalam hidup. Wewangian bunga memancarkan perasaan cinta dan romansa. Bukankah memberikan bunga kepada orang yang terkasih adalah hal yang lumrah di seluruh dunia?
Demikian juga halnya dengan aktivitas spiritual di dalam berhubungan dengan Tuhan. Manusia Bali ingin sekali menyerahkan ketulusan hati sebagai persembahan yang utama. Hal itu berusaha diwujudkan dengan simbol-simbol duniawi berupa hasil pertanian dan tentu saja tidak lupa juga bunga yang telah menjadi simbol cinta yang universal.

Oleh : Penulis

MAU BLOGGING HARUS RAJIN POSTING

2009-06-13T01:01:00.000-07:00

Ahh.. setelah sekian lama ini adalah postingan pertama saya di tahun 2009. Sungguh memalukan sebagai seorang blogger sampai absen sekian bulan. Hehehe... tapi tak apa-apalah habisnya saya sibuk dengan pekerjaan sekalian juga bikin web untuk dagangan saya yang kecil-kecilan. Hehehee... kalo pemirsa mau tau (weleh.. pemirsa..emang kuis *_*) silahkan saja mampir ke toko saya di www.yeshinta.com. Atau coba aja mampir ke blog saya yang satunya lagi. Mudah-mudahan ada dari pemirsa yang tertarik dan beli produk saya. Tapi mohon dimaklumi juga kalo seandainya masih ada perbaikan di sana-sini.
Well, thats all... sampai saat ini hanya ini yang terpikir oleh otak saya. Inilah postingan pertama di tahun 2009, tunggu saja postingan selanjutnya ok...

PAMERAN FOTO "100 X FRANCE"

2008-12-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

Bagi yang suka dengan fotografi sudah selayaknya datang ke Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Bali, Niti Mandala Renon, Denpasar, karena pada tanggal 28 Desember 2008 - 8 Januari 2009 digelar pameran foto berskala internasional bertajuk "100 X France". Pameran ini diselenggarakan oleh Alliance Francaise Denpasar (Lembaga Kebudayaan Indonesia Perancis) yang melibatkan 102 karya foto.

Kejuaraan Dunia Wushu Junior 2008, Event Dunia Yang Minim Promosi

2008-12-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

Terlepas dari prestasi Indonesia yang memuaskan, tampaknya event Internasional yang satu ini kurang mendapatkan perhatian dari pemerintah daerah maupun pelaku pariwisata di Bali. Benar-benar jauh dari hingar bingar Asian Beach Games yang hanya berkutat di level Asia.

Memprihatinkan, itulah yang bisa saya katakan pada pelaksanaan event kali ini. Bagaimana tidak, jangankan mempromosikan keluar negeri, di dalam negeri saja khususnya di Bali gaungnya hampir tidak terdengar. Ini sangat jelas tampak jika kita menuju ke arah Nusa Dua tempat berlangsungnya kejuaraan, tidak satupun spanduk event ini terlihat. Yang tampak justru bendera parpol dan baliho-baliho caleg bermuka "narsis" yang memelas minta dukungan. Tidak diketahui apa penyebab kurangnya greget pemerintah dalam hal ini. Apakah karena level kejuaraannya hanya tingkat junior (di bawah 18 tahun)? atau olahraganya kurang populer? Jika alasannya karena levelnya tentu kurang tepat, karena anak-anak remaja yang datang berlaga mempunyai kemampuan luar biasa. Kalau olahraganya dibilang kurang populer, hampir semua negara di dunia sudah memiliki pengurus besar Wushu. Belum lagi komunitas penggemar seni beladiri tersebar di seluruh Eropa dan Amerika.

Semestinya dalam rangka tahun kunjungan Indonesia di tahun 2008 ini semua potensi harus digarap maksimal untuk mendatangkan wisatawan sesuai target yang diinginkan.

Kejuaraan Dunia Wushu Junior 2008, Indonesia Raih Peringkat Ketiga

2008-12-14T00:59:00.000-08:00

Benar-benar diluar dugaan, kontingen Indonesia yang sebelumnya hanya ditargetkan meraih 3 emas akhirnya mampu menghasilkan 6 emas, 8 perak, dan 8 perunggu serta berada pada peringkat ketiga dibawah China dan Jepang. Prestasi ini dapat dibilang sangat memuaskan, mengingat pada kejuaraan dunia sebelumnya Indonesia hanya mendapatkan 1 emas, 1 perak dan 2 perunggu.
Indonesia tampaknya mampu memanfaatkan momentum sebagai tuan rumah untuk berprestasi semaksimal mungkin. Hujan deras yang mengguyur Nusa Dua sejak awal pertandingan pun tampaknya memberikan berkah tersendiri. Cabang Taolu (peragaan jurus) dan Taichi sudah bisa memberikan emas, hanya saja di nomor Sanshou masih kurang memuaskan karena hanya menghasilkan 3 perunggu. Meskipun hasil pada kejuaraan kali ini menggembirakan, namun untuk kedepannya prestasi ini harus dipertahankan, jangan hanya karena sebagai tuan rumah saja kita ngotot dan bersemangat. Perkerjaan berat masih menanti di depan. Anak-anak remaja seperti Lindswell, Charles, Kelvin, dll. harus dibina sebaik-baiknya sehingga untuk beberapa tahun kedepan mereka bisa berprestasi di level senior.
Khusus untuk pengcab Wushu di Bali, harusnya moment ini bisa dijadikan motivasi agar menghasilkan atlet-atlet baru berkualitas seperti beberapa tahun silam, mengingat tak satupun wakil dari Bali yang dipanggil negara untuk berlaga di Nusa Dua. Regenerasi mutlak dilakukan karena angkatan yang berprestasi sebelumnya sudah banyak yang tidak aktif berlatih.

Nusa Lembongan : Antara Pariwisata dan Rumput Laut

2008-12-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Pulau Nusa Lembongan di sebelah tenggara pulau Bali sudah mulai dilirik investor di bidang pariwisata. Perkembangan berbagai atraksi wisata di pulau berpenghuni 1.119 KK ini juga bermunculan.Namun siapa sangka sebelum pariwisata muncul Nusa Lembongan dikenal sebagai penghasil rumput laut yang berkualitas.Sebanyak 90-04 ton rumput laut dihasilkan per tahun di Nusa Penida, 20-30 persennya merupakan kontribusi dari Nusa lembongan.
Tapi sudah menjadi rahasia umum perkembagan pariwisata di Bali selama ini selalu berbanding terbalik dengan alam khususnya dunia pertanian, dimana denyut pembangunan berbagai sarana wisata selalu mengganggu kegiatan pertanian, bahkan melenyapkan lahan pertanian. Seperti yang terjadi di Bali bagian Selatan. Demikian pula nantinya dengan kegiatan wisata di Nusa Lembongan pada masa yang akan datang, dikhawatirkan akan berdampak buruk bagi kelangsungan pertanian rumput laut yang selama ini dijadikan andalan penduduk setempat. Pembuangan limbah hotel maupun pengalihan lahan merupakan isu isu utama yang patut dipikirkan ke depan.
Oleh karena itu pemerintah daerah Kabupaten Klungkung hendaknya mencari cara bagaimana agar pariwisata tidak salah kelola seperti yang sudah terlanjur terjadi di Bali Selatan. Idealnya perkembangan pariwisata haruslah bersinergi dengan pertanian rumput laut itu sendiri. Semakin maju dunia pariwisata maka semakin maju pula pertanian rumput laut di Nusa Lembongan. Ini bisa dilakukan antara lain dengan memilih lahan akomodasi wisata yang tidak produktif, tidak membuang limbah sembarangan, maupun membuat suatu atraksi wisata minat khusus yang berbasis pengetahuan tentang rumput laut.

Krisis Global, Harga Berbagai Produk Pariwisata Akan Turun

2008-12-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

Kabar gembira bagi wisatawan berkantong pas-pasan, krisis global yang melanda Amerika dan Eropa membuat para penggiat pariwisata di mancanegara berpikir keras untuk menjaga kelangsungan industri pariwisata dunia. Salah satu tindakan yang diambil adalah mendesak berbagai pengusaha akomodasi, restoran, maupun atraksi-atraksi wisata untuk menurunkan harga produknya. Ini dimaksudkan untuk menyesuaikan dengan kondisi keuangan calon-calon wisatawan yang akan berkunjung ke suatu destinasi.
Bali sebagai salah satu destinasi dunia tentu tak bisa tinggal diam mengantisipasi krisis global ini, apalagi sudah ada pembatalan pemesanan kamar hingga mencapai angka 10.735 untuk bulan Januari - februari 2009. Penurunan harga berbagai produk pariwisata sudah pernah dilakukan pada pasca kejadian bom Bali I dan II, dan langkah ini mutlak diperlukan lagi.
Bagi anda wisatawan domestik yang akan berlibur ke Bali, siap-siaplah untuk menikmati berbagai fasilitas hotel, villa, maupun produk wisata dengan harga miring.