BALI…Latest Updates…Om Swastiastu...

Bali remains under a heightened security alert following the Paris terror attacks and while Indonesian police track down the 100 Indonesian nationals suspected of having undergone military-style training in Syria.


As we go to press with this edition several flights from Australia to Bali were canceled or delayed over the weekend due to the ash patterns of Mt. Barujari. If you’re flying between Bali and Australia – stay in touch with your air carrier for the latest developments.

Leading this week’s news is a number of fatalities at local hotels. A Russian man died in his room at an East Bali and a Canadian in his room in Kuta; the cause of both deaths remains under investigation. In Nusa Dua last week, two workers died and a third was injured when they were overcome by poisonous gas while trying to clear a sewage line.

After widely reported statements last week by a Coordinating Minister that executions in Indonesia were on hold until further notice, that same Minister now denies making any comments postponing bringing convicted felons before the firing squad.

Bali, led by its Governor, has made it abundantly clear that concepts of Islamic or Syariah Tourism do not fit with Bali’s ideas on cultural tourism.


The rainy season will descend on Bali in a flash, literally. Lightning last week killed two farmers in West Bali. Worth reading is some practical advice for motorcyclists and others on how to stay safe during a lightning storm. There is also news from the weather office that the current heat wave will only end when the rains start in December.

Immigration teams visited businesses in South Bali that employ foreign workers in the health services sector. Immigration and manpower officials identified 9 foreign workers in those visits as requiring follow-up action.

In economic news: ASITA says there’s little sign of an upsurge in visitors following the liberalization of Indonesia’s visa policy. Bank Indonesia predicts Bali will achieve a growth rate of 6.53% and an inflation rate of 2.98% in 2016. And, the Minister of Tourism predicts tourism will soon become Indonesia’s leading source of badly needed foreign exchange.

As Chinese tourist arrivals continue to grow, Bali seeks ways to add 200 Chinese-speaking tour guides to its ranks of licensed guides.

Aviation News: AirAsia books a US$96 million loss for Q3 of 2015. Garuda Indonesia is facing charges of sex discrimination in a Jakarta Court in a complaint filed by female cabin crew. And, Bali will open a transit hotel at its airport in early 2016.

TripAdvisor reports that most Singaporeans are favoring Bali hotels and attraction in planning the Q1 2016 holiday.

Hotel News: The BTDC is eyeing opening a second tourism complex in North Bali to complement its popular Nusa Dua operation. Delightfully luxurious is how we describe a recent visit to The Lovina Bali on the Island’s northern shore.

There’s also news that the popular day boat and dinner cruise operation Bali Hai Cruises has commissioned the planning of a new luxury cruise vessel for Bali.

Read what people wrote to Balidisocvery.com about in this installment of “We Get Mail.”

Looking Ahead:

• Exquisite White Truffles and Piedmont Wines on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Mozaic in Ubud.
• Bali National Crazy Festive Tournament at Bali National Golf Club on Sunday, December 20, 2015.
• Pearls of North Bali – an exhibition in the Lobby of the Conrad Bali Resort  through January 10, 2016.
• 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