Bali Updates

Om Swastiastu ...


Since the last issue, I squeezed in a cruise from Singapore to Bali with stops in Cirebon, Semarang, Madura and Mt. Bromo along the way before sailing into Bali last Saturday. Clearly, Indonesia is a destination that never fails to amaze - no matter how often you visit!

Read our recap with a link to an important article in THE AUSTRALIAN regarding uncontrolled development in Bali and where it may all be heading.

There's two articles on Bali's transition to the New Year which, despite mysterious warnings issued by the Bali Tourist Board, went peacefully.

Rains in the first week of 2010 flooded large sections of Singaraja in Bali's north. A Jakarta tourism official calls for greater involvement of Indonesia's travel associations in training programs. PLN proclaims that the rolling blackouts in Bali have now come to an end. Dams are being built on Bali's Penet River to help solve Badung's growing water crisis. And more details emerge on the murder of a Japanese resident of Bali that occurred in late December.

Governor Pastika's free health plan for all Balinese was launched on January 1, 2010. Not surprisingly, there are some early hiccups that need sorting out in the system. Details in this week's Bali Update.

The bridge in the village of Begawan, north of Ubud, has re-opened providing relief to numerous businesses and residents who have been inconvenienced since the original bridge collapsed almost one year ago.

Economist see a strong year ahead for Bali. A new bus way is set to be opened in November 2007 to help ease traffic congestion. And, an exciting exhibition of sculpture opens in Ubud.

Let's get ready to rumble! World champion featherweight boxer Chris John is planning a title defense in Bali this April.

For the full report go to: http://www.balidiscovery.com/update/update696.asp


Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om ...
J.M. Daniels - Bali Update
Bali Discovery Tours