Tuesday, October 13, 2015

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


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

Be sure to read this week’s Bali Update for the complete list of 90 countries now eligible for a visa on arrival.

Leading the news this week: As the rabies epidemic shows no sign of relenting, the Island has been declared a “red zone” for that disease. A Chinese woman is sentenced to 5 years in prison for trying to bring 0.88 gram of methamphetamine into Bali. The former Regent of Klungkung has had his 12-year prison sentence for corruption increased to 15 years on appeal. And, immigration officials at Bali’s airport report that 492 foreigners have been refused entry to Indonesian between January-September 2015.

Does Bali need a new Master Plan and Zoning Rules? Lines of opposition are forming over plans to revise the RTRWP 2009.

The nation’s largest operator of toll roads discloses plans for a 125-kilomteer long highway to connect Bali’s north and south.

Statistically speaking: It is now clear that ambitious national plans to achieve 12 million visitors will end the year short by some 2 million. Meanwhile, the Tanah Lot Temple in West Bali sees record number of visitors, despite a drop in domestic tourists visiting the site.

In North Bali, complaints over the prolonged construction of new drains and sidewalks and the hazard posed to tourists at Lovina.

President Widodo has signed a decree to ease visits by private yachts to Indonesia.

In environmental news: Plans are afoot to bring captive Bali Starlings from foreign breeding stock to Bali to diversify the gene pool of the highly endangered bird. An agreement has been signed with the Asian Development Bank to establish Bali as a Clean Energy Center. And, Bali’s provincial leadership pledges to create more parks and public spaces.

Bali tour guides undergo Mandarin language training to meet the rising tide of Chinese visitors.

Hotel News: The Lovina Bali celebrates turning 3 years old by embracing the surrounding community. Grand Nikko Bali Resort has unveiled two new family room categories configured to appeal to both parents and their children. And, the Badung Regency is estimated to lose at least US$229 million each year due to underreporting of Hotel and Restaurants taxes.

Aviation News: The Garuda subsidiary Citilink Indonesia now flies twice daily between Bali and Jakarta’s Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. And, Garuda is eyeing starting direct flights between Bali and Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Looking Ahead:


 

 

Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om ...

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

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