BALI – Latest Updates...Om Swastiastu ...

As this edition goes to press, the execution of Andrew Chan and Myuram Sukumaran of the “Bali Nine” looks increasingly certain to take place sometime tonight, Tuesday (most likely early Wednesday morning) in Central Java.

In other news: A young American couple from Chicago have been sentenced to 10 and 18 years in prison in the murder of a Chicago socialite in South Bali. (Kerry’s comment ‘Why such a light sentence for murder when the Bali 9 Duo are to be shot?)

A Bulgarian man is in police detention for committing international bank fraud from a base in Bali targeting foreign tourists. And, a 51-year-old Australian has died of an apparent heart attack while staying at a Legian, Kuta hotel.

In other tourism news: Bali has stopped issuing tourist guide licenses while the law governing guide licenses is revised. And, 16 areas in Bali have received special designation allowing a liberalized approach to beer sales.

The planned reclamation of Benoa Harbor remains in the news. The DPRD-Bali has given a green light to the reclamation of Benoa Bay. Protests have been staged in support of the “revitalization” of the bay. And an editorial by a Balinese living in West Java raised issues of equitability and water supply that argue strongly against reclaiming Benoa Bay.

The long-delayed Celukan Bawang power plant has finally begun testing prior to full commissioning.

The rabies fight continues. Bali to vaccinate 400,000 dogs in 2015 at a cost of US$692,000

Will Bali hit 4.3 million foreign tourists in 2015? March arrival figures are now in hand. Read the latest installment of “Bali by the Numbers” comparing Q1 tourist arrivals from 2008-2015.

Aviation News: All Indonesian airlines must report their financial condition to Ministry of Transport by April 30, 2015. American Airlines is offering round trip flights from Chicago to Bali for US$950. Bali’s airport is ranked in an international survey as the 7th best airport in a category for airports of its size.

Nepotism, cronyism and wasted public funds; The saga of Tanah Ampo continues as Jakarta surrenders control of the Port to the Karangasem Regency.

Bali Safari and Marine Park celebrate ‘Earth Day.”

The Mozaic Beach Club launches the Mozaic Brasserie – a new approach to beachside dining, opening May 15th.

Stenden University Bali offers scholarships in hotel and business management.

Looking Ahead:

• Conrad Bali Living Lobby Art Exhibition features wayang puppets through June 30, 2015.
• Mother’s Day Brunch at Bridges in Ubud to Help Fund Bumi Sehat Natural Birthing Program for Bali’s Women, May 10, 2015.
• Sail the Seven Seas to Komodo for 16 Days, May 12-28, 2015.
• InterContinental Bali Resorts Welcome Japanese Chef Hal Yamashita for dinners, cooking classes & Sake-Whisky tastings, May 13-17, 2015.
• “Interior Journey” – a Painting Exhibition by I Made Mangku Mahendra at The Pullman Legian Nirwana through, May 17, 2015.
• “Women in Love” Painting Exhibition by Teguh Ritma Iman at Ganesha Gallery through, May 14, 2015.
• Bali and Beyond Travel Fair, June 10-14, 2015.
• 7th International Body Music Festival (IBMF) in Bali, Indonesia, July 3-12, 2015
• Balinale – Bali International Film Festival – the 9th Edition , September 24-30, 2015.
• 4th BII Maybank Bali International Marathon, on Sunday, August 30, 2015.
• Seven Star Global Luxury Awards in Bali on September 19, 2015. Be sure to vote!
• International (ICEVI) Conference on Education for the Visually Impaired in Bali, September 28-October 1, 2015.
• World Congress of Consuls in Bali, October 15-18, 2015.
• 2015 Herbalife Bali International Triathlon on October 25, 2015.

 

 

Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om ...

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