BALI UPDATES

BALI UPDATES

Om Swastiastu ...

Daily life and thoughts in Bali continue to be clouded by the looming execution of 2 members of the “Bali Nine” and 9 others. In a snub connected with the executions, Indonesia has recalled its Ambassador-designate from Brazil. We have extensive coverage of a threatened boycott of Bali tourism by Australian tourists.

We also have coverage of a German facing 17 years in prison for smuggling cocaine and a New Zealander sentenced to 5 months jail for assaulting his girlfriend.

Torrential rains and gusty winds hit Bali over the past weekend. At least 2 deaths were recorded, cars were destroyed and property damaged that included the roof of the KuDeTa Restaurant in Petitenget. Two young Indonesia men, chasing a snake near a riverbank in downtown Denpasar, were swept to their death in the rain-fed flow.

Welcome the year of the goat. Chinese New Year celebrations commenced last week in Bali. Bali’s airport adorned itself in traditional Chinese decorations and welcoming dances, while 34 additional international flights and charters are operating to handle peak travel flows. On a more sober note, Chamber of Commerce (KADIN) officials complain of predatory behavior by Airport Custom and Immigration Officials against visiting Chinese tourists.

Bali’s Governor met last week with the Minister of State-owned Enterprises to discuss a new toll road and rail system for Bali. Meanwhile, PLN warns Bali is experiencing a power shortage that will cause rotating blackouts until at least March 1, 2015.

Citing a lack of reciprocity to visiting Indonesians, the government has decided not to move ahead with plans to extend a visa-free facility to Australian tourists.

We also have coverage of a civil suit filed by a local company against the famous brand Quicksilver and plans by Indonesia to simplify the processing of sailing permits for visiting yachts.

Aviation News: Lion Air threw National Aviation into chaos last week as their route network went into a mysterious meltdown. Garuda Indonesia’s CEO calls for Bali to expand the size and handling capabilities of its recently renovated airport.

There’s also news of a clean up of downtown Denpasar undertaken by bicycling enthusiasts.

Bali Tourism Down? Not according to this week’s installment of “Bali by the Numbers” reviewing foreign arrivals to Bali for January 2015.

Trans Resort Bali to Host Gala Seven Star Global Luxury Award Ceremony On September 19, 2015

We’re one week away from the 17th anniversary of Bali Update journey. We hope you continue to enjoy the ride.

Looking Ahead:

• Festival of India, through March 2015.
• Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Ciervo Cooks at InterContinental Bali Resort, March 4-8, 2015.
• Exhibition of Paintings by Nyoman Sujana Kenyam in North Bali, through March 29, 2015.
• Bali Culinary Professionals Monthly Luncheon at Ginger Moon on Saturday, February 28, 2015.
• “Bali for Hope” Fun Race Sponsored by Four Seasons Resort in their Battle Against Cancer on Sunday, March 1, 2015.
• “Journey Through Asia” – Photos by Jean-Paul Navicet at Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, through March 8, 2015.
• Solo Exhibition of Paintings by Mochammad Toha Hasan, through March 12,2015 at Ganesha Gallery.
• Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI) to Meet in Nusa Dua, Bali, March 26-29, 2015.
• Bali and Beyond Travel Fair, June 10-14, 2015.
• Seven Star Global Luxury Awards on September 19, 2015 in Bali. Be sure to vote!
• International (ICEVI) Conference on Education for the Visually Impaired in Bali, September 28-October 1, 2015.

 

 

Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om ...

J.M. Daniels,
Editor Bali Update
Bali Discovery Tours