BALI…Latest Updates…Om Swastiastu ...

Following the Friday, November 13th Paris terror attacks, Bali has put in place a high-security-alert status. Meanwhile, tourism leaders are concerned that Bali will suffer a downturn in business following the Paris incident and recent airport closures caused by volcanic ash.

In lead news stories this week: An Australian expatriate is electrocuted at his residence in Sanur. A well-known guitarist from the Indonesian band “Geisha” has been arrested with marijuana in his possession at a Denpasar hotel. Taxis without passengers are now banned from Jalan Legian in Kuta each night from 11:00 pm until 2:00 am. And, Indonesia decides to put a “stay” on more executions while the Nation’s leadership deals with an economic slowdown.

Somewhat bizarre is our report of plans afoot to build prisons for drug offenders surrounded by crocodiles and flesh-eating piranhas as a means of stopping corrupt prisons guards from taking bribes from inmates.

Denpasar and Bandung have set official minimum wage levels for 2016.

Jakarta praises Bali’s success in creating clean governance and reforming the bureaucracy.

A further sign of improving bi-lateral relations is a decision to make it easier for Indonesians to obtain visas for an Australian holiday.

Aviation News: Virgin Australia and Jetstar have resumed full flight schedules to Bali following a series of volcanic ash–related flight cancellations. Garuda Indonesia has commenced thrice-weekly flights from Bali to Guangzhou, China. The Australian Government is urging Garuda to increase the destinations it flies to in Australia. Garuda cancels its flights between Bali and Banyuwangi, East Java.

Lion Air continues to be in the news for the wrong reasons: A Lion Air pilot has been grounded after offering an attractive widow stewardess as compensation to passengers for a delayed flight. And, very angry Lion Air passengers take to the tarmac and block a Lion Air flight from taking off in Jakarta.

Hotel News: ‘Cok Ace’ has been elected to a 3rd term as the chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association. The Denpasar government announces it will not impose a moratorium on new hotel projects in the Island’s capital. The PHRI says most starred hotels are falling short on security and safety standards set by the Provincial Police. Seller Discounts are available for Bali & Beyond Travel Fair 2016 for confirmed bookings made before November 30, 2016. And, UNIQUE Rooftops Bar & Restaurant at RIMBA Jimbaran offers authentic Mexican cuisine.

New research shows that Bali’s southern seas are rich in large sea mammals.

Finally, read of the plight of an aging "dokar" driver barely able to keep himself and his horse alive working in downtown Denpasar.

Looking Ahead:

• Joint exhibition of 10 Artists at The Griya Santrian Gallery in Sanur through November 30, 2015.
• Pearls of North Bali – an exhibition in the Lobby of the Conrad Bali Resort  through January 10, 2016.
• Indonesian Culinary Legend William Wongso – Two Nights only at Petani Restaurant in Ubud, November 27 & 28, 2015.
• Save the Balinese Language! Join a World-Wide Simulcast on Saraswati Day, November 27, 2015
• International Federation of Bodybuilders and Fitness Competition at Trans Resort Bali Sunday, January 17, 2016.
• “Lifetime” – an Exhibition of Wood Carvings made from the Roots of Frangipani Trees by Mickael Obrenovitch at Pullman Bali December 8, 2015 until March 6, 2015.
• Asian Heritage Network to Meet in Denpasar and Yogyakarta January 8-12, 2016.
• 2016 Interhash Run in Bali May 19-22, 2016
• Registration ope for the 2016 Bali & Beyond Travel Fair June 23-26, 2016. 

 

 

Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om ...

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