BALI Latest Updates

Om Swastiastu ...read the full report at http://www.balidiscovery.com/update/update770.asp
News items leading off this week's Bali Update include a 12-year prison sentence for a Bali narcotics policeman discovered with a large stash of ecstasy pills; complaints from Philippine women tourists that they are victims of profiling by immigration and custom officials at Bali's airport; a lack of official funding my see "Sail Indonesia" run aground in North Bal this September; and news of the death of a beloved music educator in Bali.

The 33rd Bali Arts Festival Opened last week in Bali. We've got coverage of the opening parade, criticism from Bali's governor on the opening night's event and an editorial on why the Festival gets less than enthusiastic support from the island's tourism industry

There's a long-overdue focus on better service for visitors now afoot in Bali. ASITA want visitor satisfaction to be addressed via written surveys; the governor wants illegal travel agents closed down, and teams are being formed to “sweep" those suspected of running illegal travel agents of travel websites.

The St Regis Bali Resort has won honors as the “Best Hotel Asia Pacific." Meanwhile, just down the road at Nusa Dua, The Westin Bali hosted visits last week from Miss World 2010 and Miss Indonesia 2011.

In development news: the Bali environmental watchdog group WALHI says enforcement is lacking from the government of rules related to development and zoning, prompting WALHI to renew its call for a development moratorium in Bali. Admission prices for tourist attractions in Tabanan may soon increase by 200%. The President calls on Bali to foster ecology-based tourism or risk losing its essential attractiveness to visitors. Bali gets top rankings in a 2010 national environmental quality assessment. And, a fisherman from Serangan island, Wayan Patut, wins national honors for his efforts to rebuild coral reefs in Bali.

An aviation expert shares his thoughts on why Lion Air is getting a reputation for being a airline that operates without reference to published schedule.

We also look at Tumpek Uduh – a day on the Bali religious calendar dedicated to plants. And, we also share the history of Bali's beach lifeguard service.

Looking ahead:
• The BIZNET Bali International Triathlon is happening on June 26th. Join the Full Triathlon or Half Triathlon as an individual or as a team. Feeling less energetic? Join the 5 Km Fun run and have a chance to win a lucky draw for a free round-trip ticket to Australia from Virgin Australia. Visit www.balitriathlon.com
• "Rock the Race" with a special post race cocktail party at The AYANA Bali Resort and Spa on June 26. Click here
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Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om ...

J.M. Daniels - Bali Update
Bali Discovery Tours