Bali Latest Updates

Om Swastiastu ...Read the full report at http://www.balidiscovery.com/update/update747.asp



Welcome to the first edition of Bali Update for 2011.Bali ushered in the New Year peacefully, that is, of course, if you ignore the horrendous bombardment of fireworks that literally went on for days and nights. Read our wrap on New Years festivities in Bali and how those fireworks affected the island.

We got news on continuing delays at Lombok's new airport; a clear-headed assessment on Bali's tourism industry from a leading businessman; the violent robbery at a Gianyar villa over Christmas; a threat by lawmakers to close down the Best Western Kuta for operating without a license; news that 97% of hotels, inns and restaurants in Gianyar are operating illegally; and an impasse on the road to building Bali's new highway underpass.

There's a reports suggesting Bali's domestic market may be softening. Information that the long-awaited Bali bus system will begin operating in the first quarter of 2011. How Bali's soon-to-be-renovated airport is seeking an intermodal approach with the proposed new rail system for Bali. And, we have an update on the financial performance of Merapti Nusatara Airline for 2010.

In hotel news: the announcement of a new hotel - "The Grand Whiz" being built in Tuban; how the Bali InterContinental made this a very special Christmas for a group of local orphans; new water features at the huge and hugely popular pool at the Hard Rock Hotel Bali; and the Bali Hotel Public Relation Association's successful efforts to raise a funds for disaster relief in Central Java.

After a most successful 2009, Indonesia has sets an ambitious target of 7.7 million foreign visitors for 2011.

We also have an editorial questioning the pros and cons of a proposed cruise pier at the Komodo National Park.

Are you feeling romantic? Read how U.K. celebrity Lilly Allen just got engaged to Sam Cooper at the Amankila Resort in Bali.

Finally, one of Bali's most unusual shopping venues - "Joger" has won an important award. Find out why this is a shop you simply must visit on your next visit to Bali.

There's also news on two important art exhibitions - one in Ubud and another in Jumbaran.

Follow me, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BaliUpdateEd

Thanks to Gending Kedis and Bali Theatre at the Bali Safari and Marine Park for helping to make this edition of Bali Update possible.

Best wishes for health, success and security in the year ahead.


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