Bali Tour Guide

Indonesian Heritage Sites to Visit

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:59:00 +0000

World Cultural Heritage Sites in Indonesia:

1. Borobudur Temple

Location: Magelang (around 40km northwest of Yogyakarta), Central Java

Brief description: Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple with fabulous architecture and construction, Buddha statues and reliefs, built at 8th-9th century.

2. Sangiran Early Man Site

Location: Central Java, 15 km north of Surakarta (Surakarta is about 65km northeast of Yogyakarta)

Brief description: an archaeological excavation site where Pithecanthropus Erectus/ Home Erectus and Meganthropus Palaeo were discovered. The prehistorical fossils are to be seen in Sangiran Museum

3. Prambanan Temple Compounds

Location: Central Java, 18km east of Yogyakarta

Brief description: is the biggest Hinduist temple in Indonesia built in ca. 850 AD.

World Nature Heritage Sites in Indonesia:

4. Komodo National Park

Location: 1.5 hour by plane from Bali; between island Sumbawa and Flores.

Brief description: it includes 3 major islands namely Komodo, Rinca and Padar. It is the wild habitat of Komodo dragons, one of the oldest endangered species. There are approximately 1700 komodo dragons on the islan. The National Park also provides also marine beauty such as coral reefs and mangroves.

5. Ujung Kulon National Park

Location: southwest tip of Java. You can reach it by boat (5-6hours) from Labuan. Labuan is about 3-4hours from Jakarta.

Brief description: Ujung Kulon is Indonesia’s first national park with the largest lowland forest. It is also a home for endangered one-horned Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) which are estimated only 50 species left.

6. Lorentz National Park

Location: Papua (also known as Irian Jaya)

Brief description: the largest protected area in Southeast Asia with around 2.5 million hectares. It is one of the ecologically richest natural parks in the world with. It is the only nature reserve in Asia which covers a complete range of different ecosystems spanning from marine, mangrove, swamp forest, lowland, mountain rainforest, alpine areas and glaciers.

7. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

Location: middle of Sumatra

Description: This site is a huge 2,5 million hectare area consists of three widely separated national parks named Gunung Leusur National Park, Kerinci Sablat National Park, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. It is famous for its outstanding beautiful scenery, great biodiversity in flora and sauna, and its habitat diversity. It is a home for the Sumatran well-known endangered orang utans, tigers, (smallest living) rhinoceros, and elephants.

Tari Pendet a Traditional Dance from Bali

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:50:00 +0000

Tari Pendet or Pendet Dance is a traditional dance from Bali Indonesia that was originally a dance of religious worship. Tari Pendet is used to play in a Hindu's Temple in Bali. This dance symbolizes the reception on the descent of gods into the earth. Lately, over the development period, the Bali artists change this dance to be a welcome dance although it still contains of sacred-religious symbols.

Unlike another performing dance that require intensive training, Tari Pendet could be danced by everybody, man and woman, children and adult people. This dance is taught simply by following the move from the leader usually is an elder or senior woman.

Tari Pendet is performed in groups or pairs. This dance is used to play after the Tari Rejang in a Pura's (Hindu Temple in Bali) yard and generally facing the direction of the sacred (Pelinggih) with ceremonial dress and each dancer brings sangku (Balinese traditional religious equipment), jars, bowls and another equipment of offerings.

Another varian of Tari Pendet is Tari Baris Pendet. If Tari Pendet usually performed by woman dancer, the Tari Baris Pendet is performed by man dancer that dances while carrying offerings (gifts to the gods). Tari Pendet is not just a traditional dance but more than that it is a Balinese life style. It's a part of Balinese cultural and religious life.

Balinese people used to learn Tari Pendet since young and wherever they are in the world, they could dance the Tari Pendet.

ASTA offers tips for using a travel agent

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:38:00 +0000

With money increasingly tight these days, it’s imperative that when looking to take a much-needed vacation, consumers avail themselves of the services of a professional travel agent who is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents.

“Being a travel agent is more than just selling travel. It takes training, attention to detail and expertise to keep clients happy and coming back,” ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo said. “Travel agents are there for their clients before, during and after the trip and when the unexpected happens. We provide value, expertise, convenience and personal service to our customers and understand that travel planning isn’t just about places, it’s about people

.

“There is no doubt that today’s travelers have more options than ever before, from destinations, packages and pricing to booking methods and itineraries. But the most important decision a traveler can make is selecting the right travel agent, such as a professional travel agent who is a member of ASTA,” added Russo.
Here are just a few reasons to use a professional travel agent:

* Customer advocacy: If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made. ASTA, for example, is the only travel industry association aggressively fighting to improve the travel experience, and air transportation in particular, for all consumers, not just those with access to the Internet.
* Expert guidance: Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad travel information and codes out there. It's what they've been trained to do and they do it every day.
* Personalized service: Instead of an impersonal voice thousands of miles away, travel agents are your neighbors. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience.
* Professional advice: Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price.
* Time: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.
* Unbiased information: Agents work for their clients, not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.

Every travel agency is different and accordingly, some are better suited to a given consumer than others. Here are some tips provided by ASTA on choosing a travel agent who is right for you:
- Go with the Pros: Look for the ASTA label. Through its continuing education and training programs, ASTA prepares its members to operate high-caliber, competitive businesses.
- Ask Around: Tap friends, neighbors and relatives who use an agent they trust. You may want to visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions. The best agents want to establish a long-term relationship with a client, not just make one sale.
- Ask about Fees: Good agents will notify their clients of any additional fees, including service fees, up front. Doing otherwise is pointless, as the fee will appear as a separate charge on the client's credit card bill.
- Check Credentials: Many agents have been trained in business management, travel and tourism or geography. Others have supplemented their agency experience with extensive education and training courses. Some travel agents are Certified Travel Counselors (CTC) through the Travel Institute or Master Cruise Counselors (MCC) through the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
- Find out an Agency's Track Record: Visit ASTA.org to see whether a member agency has had a complaint against it in the prior six months. Check with the local Better Business Bureau, while keeping in mind they will only have records of agencies that have had reports filed against them.

N-Viro Renewable Biofuel Technology

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:10:00 +0000

N-Viro International offer a renewable biofuel technology. Their biofuel technology has received alternative energy status from the US Environmental Protection Agency, which qualifies the technology for renewable energy incentives. N-Viro operates processing facilities independently as well as in partnership with municipalities.

This company owns patented technologies to convert various types of waste into beneficial alternative fuel products. This alternative energy will be the next major growth sector and it is very economical and fits perfectly into this growth sector.

N-Viro convert various types of waste into beneficial alternative fuel products. Their clean coal fuel product of course will help us to save our green environment.

Waste-to-energy is the process of creating energy in the form of electricity or heat from the incineration of waste source. waste to energy is a form of energy recovery. Most WtE processes produce electricity directly through combustion, or produce a combustible fuel commodity, such as methane, methanol, ethanol or synthetic fuels.

The other good news, they also offer us an opportunity fuels. This is any type of fuel that is not widely used, but has the potential to be an economically viable source of power generation. Opportunity fuels are typically unconventional, and usually derived from some sort of waste or byproduct.

Visit N-Viro website at www.nviro.com, where interested parties can follow the progress of the Company. N-Viro will continue to routinely post press releases on the site and encourages stockholders and interested parties to monitor this web site on a regular basis.

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Indonesia launches biometric verification for border control

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:05:00 +0000

The Directorate General of Immigration at the Department of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia, locally known as Imigrasi, announced the rollout by SITA of a border control system that includes biometrics capture at 27 of the nation’s air and sea ports.

The system, SITA iBorders, will significantly improve Indonesia’s control of its borders through additional checking of watch lists, verification of passports, visas and permits, and integration of visa issue.

Most importantly, the capture of biometrics from travellers, specifically facial images and fingerprints, will now give the added security that the person at the border is the one who has been checked against all the databases.

Erwin Azis, Director of Immigration Information Systems, Imigrasi, said: “This new primary line clearance system from SITA significantly raises the level of security at Indonesia’s international borders. The use of biometrics adds an extra element to the identification and verification of arrivals. We can now be confident that people match passports.

“The unrivalled experience SITA has in both border management and the air transport industry, has ensured that we now have border control that is fast and convenient for passengers and most importantly is highly secure.”

The first airport, Adisucipto International Airport serving Yogyakarta in Java, has just gone live with the system and the remaining ports will be up and running by June. When the roll out is complete more than 300 workstations across 27 air and sea ports will be live and will process the vast majority of Indonesia’s approximately 20 million passenger movements across its international borders.

Dan Ebbinghaus, SITA Vice President, Government and Security Solutions, said: “Our relationship with Imigrasi continues to strengthen since 2007 when we first introduced a system to manage watch lists and carry out name searches. We have now extended this with our biometric solution which will help the Indonesian authorities verify that the person who is before them, and who was checked against the watch lists and various document databases, truly is who they say they are.”

The Imigrasi solution uses components of the new iBorders BioThenticate product suite, which was launched today at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Brussels. This new platform is designed specifically for the airport environment. It seamlessly integrates biometric identity management into all aspects of passenger processing at airports, including secure self-service check-in, bag drop and boarding. It also integrates with airport security, terminal access control, immigration and other border management functions. The result is that a passenger using a single biometric credential, such as a smartcard or ePassport, can check-in, pass through security, pass through immigration, and board the aircraft, verifying their identity at each step of the journey.

In addition, governments can use iBorders BioThenticate to combine real-time capture of biometric identity with intelligent analysis of airline passenger data. This presentation of meaningful data from multiple sources to immigration officers enables rapid and accurate decision making at the border.

Indonesia is one of a growing number of countries that use SITA's advanced border management systems including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Kuwait, Mongolia, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the United States of America.

Looking for Better Bathroom

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:17:00 +0000

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Neuro Linguistic Programming

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:41:00 +0000

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a way of better understanding how people think and how you can persuade or influence them to think differently. It's a set of ideas and techniques that can help people to make many changed in their own life, or to help others to change.

NLP Connections is a free forum and community resource for anyone interested in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). It is a social and professional network with over 8,500 members worldwide.

Recent speakers at NLP Connections events have included Richard Bandler, the co-creator of NLP, John La Valle, president of the Society of NLP, Gabe Guerrero, Eric Robbie, Jonathan Altfeld and Drs Ron and Edie Perry.

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Explore more to find NLP Trainings and NLP Training Reviews. Also, download the great MP3 interview with Richard Bandler and interviews with other NLP trainers.

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Greenpeace continues its protest in Dumai

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:18:00 +0000

Environmental activists from Greenpeace continued their campaign in Riau Province on Thursday by hanging on the anchor chain of a crude palm oil tanker MT Iso Corallo at Dumai port.

Southeast Asian Greenpeace Campaigner for Forest Bustar Maitar said here on Thursday the ship was carrying the CPO of PT. Sinar Mas to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

"This action is a protest against Sinar Mas's continued damaging of peat land in Papua, Kalimantan and Sumatra," Maitar said.

Previously, the Greenpeace activists also launched such protest by tying them up to the anchor chain of another CPO tanker, the Gran Couva, on Monday (Nov 10).

The action was stopped by the police. [ant]

BI assures public banking industry still strong

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:15:00 +0000

Bank Indonesia (BI), the central bank, has assured the public that the national banking industry is currently in a strong and stable condition, and that rumors to the contrary were baseless.

"I can assure the public that the Indonesian banking industry is still in a strong and stable condition and that banks are still able to provide the best possible services to the public," BI Governor Boediono said at a press conference here on Friday.

Boediono called the press conference following the failure of PT Bank Century Tbk to make interbank payments due to technical problems. Rumors around the glitch prompted Bank Century clients to withdraw their money from the bank while trading in the bank's shares at the Jakarta bourse was suspended.

"Herewith, we assure the public that the rumors are not true and baseless," Boediono said, adding that Bank Century was now taking part again in the bank clearing system and the suspension order on its shares in the Indonesian Stock Exchange had been lifted.

Meanwhile, BI Deputy Governor Budi Rochadi said Bank Century could not participate in the bank clearing system because it was late in providing pre-funds.

"The funds were supposed to have been handed in at 8 am but they were received only at 8.15. So, it was just a technical problem," he said. [ant]

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Carlsberg web-tv

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:07:00 +0000

This is a nice info for you especially football lovers around the world. Carlsberg web-tv? Have you know about this? Carlsberg has just launcheed Web-TV channel about football and fan life. Look at Partofthegame.tv. There are 5 channels showing all aspects about football from the classic football matches to life as a fan.

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Mily commander to continue tightening security in Bali

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:30:00 +0000

Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Hotmangaradja Panjaitan said the military in cooperation with police will continue to tighten security in Bali after the execution of Amrozi, Ali Gufron and Imam Samudra, death-row convicts in Bali bombing in 2002.

"Military and police personnel will continue to be alerted in order to maintain security in Bali," the military chief overseeing Bali, which was scene of the bombing which killed 202 people, said here on Sunday.

The regional military chief made the statement after opening a bird singing contest.

He said that security might be tightened in Bali, which was a tourist resort province, a destination for world tourists and the scene of the 2002 bombing, so that foreign tourist visitors would feel secured and comfortable.
Panjaitan expressed hope that the execution of the Bali bombers would not create hatred among the bombers` supporters because the execution was carried out based on legal procedures.

Bali bombers, Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra, who had been death-row convicts since 2003, were executed by a firing squad in Cilacap district, Central Java, at the wee hours on Sunday.

Attorney General`s Office (AGO)Spokesman Jasman Pandjaitan said earlier that the execution of three Bali bombers was carried out at 0.15 a.m. Sunday (Nov.9).

"At 0.15 (local time) Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra were executed by a firing squad," Jasman said at a press conference in Jakarta early on Sunday, adding that autopsy had been carried out to confirm their death.

Their bodies were sent to their respective villages on Sunday, namely Amrozi and Mukhlas to Lamongan district, East Java province, while Imam Samudra to Serang, Banten province.

Amrozi, Mukhlas and Iman Samudra were on death row for their roles in the bombings in Bali in October 2002 that left more than 200 people dead including 88 Australian tourists. [Ant/Indonesian News Agency]

Amrozi execution likely on early Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:24:00 +0000

Execution of three Bali bombers on death row - Amrozi (47), Mukhlas (48) and Imam Samudra (38) likely to be committed early Sunday (Nov.9) based on consideration that Attorney General Office (AGO) had invited print and electronic media personnel.

Antara learned here on Saturday (Nov.8) that domestic and foreign journalists have been waiting at the AGO after having information that AGO will issue press release regarding execution of the three Bali bombers.

It was informed that announcement of the execution will be released half an hour before its implementation. They are currently waiting to be executed at Nusakambangan.

The Attorney General`s Office had recently said the execution would be carried out early November, 2008.

Amrozi, Mukhlas and Iman Samudra are on death row for their roles in the bombings in Bali in October 2002 that left more than 200 people dead including many Australian tourists.

Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:34:00 +0000

A flat island about 15 km from Manado, with a friendly people. The coral reefs off Bunaken island shouldn't be missed while you are in Manado. These magnificent virgin reefs are still relatively unspoiled. The drop-off walls at Liang cove is not only rare in the world, with caves, gullies and caverns, harboring an immense wealth of marine life. Spectacular formation of reefs begin with flat at about 5 m depth. These plunge downward to form underwater vertical crevices with often reach depth on several hundred meters. On these beautiful reefs, a wonderful collection of marine life thrives.

The Bunaken reef is a chain of over 40 five star dive spots. The Marine Park is spectacular with the greatest concentration of tropical fish, coral species and world famous wall diving.

Clear, warm waters (sea temperatures usually range between 27-30 degrees C), light currents and calm seas allow easy access to the underwater attraction awaiting visitors to the five-islands of the Bunaken-Manado Tua National Marine Park which sits directly offshore of Manado. Bunaken is the standout favorite, with the highest density of schooling fish and the greatest probability to see larger species such as turtles, sharks, and napoleon wrasse. There are enough sites here to keep any diver happy for over a week without going elsewhere.

The Dive Sites :
Most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many excellent sites. The following is representative of the diving in the area.

* Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)
This long wall on Bunaken is divided into three sites: Lekuan I, II and III. Together they represent the park's best. Steep walls are marked with deep crevices, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallows are filled with fishes. The wall, often protected from stronger currents, is frequented by bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasses.
*
Mandolin
Mandolin has a knockout reef crest and a wall that attracts thousands of fishes like schooling fusiliers, surgeonfish, unicornfish, and bannerfish. They are acclimated to divers and are easily approachable.
*
Bunaken Timor
There are strong currents and lots of fishes on this long wall. The shallow reef isn't as spectacular as some but there are turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and other big fishes in the blue. Overhangs and small caves mark the wall.
*
Tanjung Kopi
Tanjung Kopi is a nice wall with a small school of barracuda and lots of sweetlips. Visibility in the shallows is not terrific but the numbers of fishes make up for it. Nudibranches and fire gobies are easy to spot here.
*
Siladen Island
Siladen has a beautiful wall of soft corals that bloom when the current is running. The shallows are nice with lots of fishes and schooling snappers.
*
Muka Gereja
Muka Gereja is a pretty site with thousands of fishes in the shallows and deeper canyons that lead to the wall.
*
Barracuda Point
Barracuda Point, on northwest Montehage, is one of the furthest sites. A school of giant barracuda are regulars along with jacks and tuna.
*
Manado Wreck
This 60m (200ft) long German merchant ship sank near Molas Beach in 1942. It sits upright with the bow at 23m (78ft). The ship is split near amidships back to the stern, exposing the wheelhouse and cargo holds. Dives finish up on a nearby shallow reef. Expect 10-15m (30-50ft) visibility.

Getting There

Bunaken Island is easily reached from Manado by motorized outrigger boat start from Manado harbor, Molas, Kalasey and Tasik Ria beaches. The public boats from Manado to Bunaken are leaving daily around 2 p.m (depending on tide), except Sundays, from Pasar Jengki near Manado harbor. Back from Bunaken to Manado usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m

Where to Stay

On the island you have the choice amongst a number of homestays, with rates starting at
Rp. 40 000 per day and person including full board. Some of the dive operations on Bunaken are offering more up-market accommodation, and even running water.

Moving Around

You can explore the land on foot. And you can use a boat to move from one dive sites to another sites.

Dining Guide

There are several of restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try their specialties: seafood, bubur manado and food made of coconuts!

Souvenir Tips

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc

Other Things to See or Do

*
Diving, swimming, and snorkeling.
*
Walking around on the beach.
*
Sampling the tempting seafood cuisine.
*
Ornithologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.

Travel Tips

*
Entrance tags and tickets can be purchased through marine tourism operators based in Manado and in the Bunaken National Park, or can be purchased from one of three ticket counters in Bunaken and Liang villages on Bunaken Island and on Siladen Island;
*
You should be aware that during the absolute peak season months July and August it usually gets VERY busy. Many of the better resorts and dive operators will not be able to accept walk-ins during that time since they are fully booked. Better make a reservation before;
*
Try to hire equipment from larger firms as these tend to be more reliable, but remember the responsibility of checking the equipment is ultimately yours.

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Climate change could force millions from homes

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:51:00 +0000

Environmental damage such as desertification or flooding caused by climate change could force millions of peoples from their homes in the next few decades, experts said on Wednesday.

"All indicators show we are dealing with a major emerging global problem," said Janos Bogardi, director of the U.N. University`s Institute on the Environment and Human Security in Bonn, Germany.

"Experts estimate that by 2050 some 200 million people will be displaced by environmental problems, a number of people roughly equal to two-thirds of the United States today," the University said in a statement.

Bogardi said present the number of environmental migrants could be between 25 million and 27 million. Unlike political refugees fleeing their country, many seek a new home in their own country.

He said it was important to work out ways of tracking the numbers of people forced to leave their homes for reasons such as repeated crop failures caused by global warming, so that governments and aid groups could work out how to help.

"The main step towards helping is recognition," Bogardi told Reuters.

In the past, many such people would be listed as economic migrants. However economic migrants, for example, were often young men looking for work.

"Environmentally-motivated migration is expected to feature poorer people, more women, children and elderly, from more desperate environmental situations," it said.

Experts from almost 80 countries will meet in Bonn from Oct. 9 to 11 to discuss how to help environmental migrants.

A study of 22 developing countries by Bogardi`s institute and several other European research institutes into reasons for migration showed worries that human trafficking networks could gain from damage to the environment.

In Bangladesh, "women with children, whose husbands either died at sea during cyclone Sidr or are away as temporary labour migrants, are easy prey for traffickers and end up in prostitution networks or in forced labour in India", it said.

Similar patterns were found in at least one more national study. "Exploitation of people on the move by smugglers is reported more and more as the flow of informal or illegal migrants swells," it added. (ant)

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noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:58:00 +0000

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Indonesian Trade ministry to take firm measures against illegal batik imports

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:06:00 +0000

Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said the government would take firm action against illegal batik imports and suspected dumping of batik which was threatening local industries.

"I would say if we have to compete with batik from China, we should just make better designs but if Chinese products enter Indonesia illegally or by dumping, we will certainly take firm measures (against the Chinese products)," the minister said here on Wednesday.

Pangestu said if foreign-made garments with batik motifs enter Indonesia legally but are sold at lower prices than in their country of origin (China), that was dumping, and then an investigation was in order.

"We must conduct an investigation if the products are sold in Indonesia at lower prices than in China. But if the products entered Indonesia illegally, then we have to deal with smuggling," she said.

Her ministry was currently also following up a request for trade safeguards (applying a quota system to imports or raising import duties) from the Indonesian Textile Industries Association (API).

"There was a request from API which we are following up continuously," she said.

Another effort that needed to be made in the face of the flood of garments with batik motifs in the market in Indonesia, was for local batik industries to create new patterns that were unique, she said.

Earlier, the Industry Ministry had reported that illegally imported textiles with batik motifs worth a total of 290 million US dollars were in the Indonesian market and posing a threat to local batik industries.

The value of the illegal imports was 10 percent of the value of national batik products which stood at 2.9 trillion rupiah. (ant)

Indonesia to extend US$100,000 in aid to Laos

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:26:00 +0000

Indonesian government is to extend US$100,000 worth of aid to Laos which was recently hit by the largest flood in the last 100 years.

"President Yudhoyono has agreed to give US$100,000 worth of assistance to Laos," presidential spokesman Dino Pati Djalal said here on Tuesday.

Earlier, Dino said the Lao government had asked for help from the international community to overcome the disaster.

He said South Korea had sent US$30,000 while Japan 12 million yen.

Laos was hit by floods since August 15 and conditions in the country had been worsened by a tropical storm in the past three days causing the water level in the Mekong River to rise up to 13 meters.

The damage caused the disaster has been estimated at US$80 million. Six people had died while 200,000 others were displaced.

Thailand hosts the 6th ASEAN Lecture

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:24:00 +0000

The 6th ASEAN Lecture was held in Bangkok on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand.

Mr Samak Sundaravej, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivered the Lecture on the theme "ASEAN: A New Era with a People Agenda", a press release from the ASEAN Secretariat made available to ANTARA here on Tuesday.

This year marks the sixth year of the ASEAN Lecture. Each year, an eminent person from an ASEAN Member State would be invited to deliver the lecture. The purpose is to provide a key platform to bring wider attention to strategic issues of vital importance to ASEAN.

Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, who gave the introductory remarks said, "It is most timely for Thailand to host the ASEAN Lecture 2008, given that Thailand now holds the Chairmanship of ASEAN."

He expressed confidence that ASEAN will become more people-oriented under Thailand?s leadership.

Mr Samak Sundaravej adds to the list of eminent speakers of the ASEAN Lecture. Past speakers were: then President of Indonesia, Her Excellency Megawati Soekarnoputri in 2003; then Prime Minister of Viet Nam His Excellency Phan Van Khai in 2004; the President of Indonesia His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2005; Prime Minister of Malaysia His Excellency Dato? Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2006; and, Prime Minister of Singapore His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong in 2007. [Ant]

Seminyak Styling

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:08:00 +0000

Just around the corner from Kuta, Seminyak is the epicenter of jet set cool for the urban tropical elite. With a concentration of some of the best restaurants, bars, spas and boutiques on Bali, not to mention a high percentage of some outrageously cool villas, Seminyak has developed into being leader of the island scene over the last few years. Some consider the place snobby, while others come to see and be seen. In the middle of the mix lives a thriving expatriate community of fashion designers, architects, restaurateurs and even the odd magazine editor. Bali suburbia it is, in all its chic glory.

When it comes to accommodation the choice is as endless as the overdraft facility on your credit card. Visitors pay big bucks to setup shop in Seminyak: although there are still some good deals to be found, but you have to book well in advance and be prepared to bargain hard - at this time of year mark ups for villa dwellers are the norm.

Worth checking out are Heliconia Villas (Jl Laksmana, T: 0361 730 563) for their Balinese style villas with open living in a private tropical garden scene, funky swimming pools and only a five minute walk to the restaurant and bar scene on Seminyak's infamous 'Eat Street'. Slightly more up market is The Samaya (Jl Laksmana, T: 0361 731 149). With twenty four idyllic villas all facing the ocean it is one of the coolest places to soak up the Seminyak sunset and soak in a wide variety of whiskies on the wooden decking. The Elysian (Jl Sari Dewi, T: 0361 730 999) is a boutique style villa resort tucked away behind The Oberoi Resort in the back streets that join Laksmana to Dhyana Pura. It has a cosy selection of twenty six small villas perfectly suited to the weekend party crowd, but is also a good option for couples seeking some privacy in an otherwise very busy part of Bali.

Unlike Kuta or Legian, Seminyak is actually rather easy to navigate on foot. Away from the traffic jams of Laksmana most of the boutique shops and galleries are central enough to be within walking distance of where you are staying. There's less 'hassle factor' evident in this part of town too, so ditch the taxi (save that for the ride home) and explore one of the funkiest parts of Bali for some very cool retail therapy.

Biasa (Jl Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 730 308) is a long established classy boutique stocking a beautiful range of soft cotton, Indian silks and top-quality linen and rayon clothing, for women and men, with the emphasis on cool comfort. The collections are ideally suited for Bali's hot climate, late night parties, or a walk on the beach. Magali Pascal (Jl. Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 732 132) designs a range of silk, chiffon, glamour and luxury for the new generation of sophisticated, fashionable, sexy women who love balmy Bali nights. French-born fashion designer Magali Pascal's clothing is beautifully embellished. Dresses, tops, skirts, trousers and jackets glitter with a youthful radiance. This season's collection moves into brighter colours with some very cool shades also available. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, so if a proposal is on the cards, Jemme's (Jl Petitenget, T: 0361 733 508) diamond collection is guaranteed to delight. This sophisticated jewellery shop presents brilliantly crafted adornments for a discerning clientele. Clusters of crystals, diamonds, zircons and precious metals, including platinum and white gold, are combined in innovative contemporary designs.

seminyak Sabbatha (Jl Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 734 877) continues to astound with his highly original and uber glamourous bags for him and her. His range of accessories is equally as desirable as the bags with some incredible gemstone studded bracelets that are hard to put back on the shelf. Prasada (Jl Kunti, T: 0361 735 805) is an exclusive boutique and a fashionable alternative for anyone seeking exquisite yet contemporary style. Prasada brings forth a style focusing on fashion, resort wear, jewellry and accessories. Specializing in luxury silks, and fine cottons incorporating hand beading and sequins to elaborate on the already prominent high quality merchandise offered in the store. Traditional materials or motifs are often incorporated in the form of printed batik style silks or natural woven baskets. The unique collection of quality, original jewellry available compliments the wide selection of exclusive accessories and clothing throughout the store.

Predominantly women's wear, but a range of children's wear and men's shirts are available.

Dinda Rella (Jl Laksmana, T: 0361 736 953 & Jl Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 734 228) stocks a range of cool cocktail dresses, flowing frocks and glamorous gowns fashioned in richly coloured satin and crinkle silk, and finished with a whole host of highly decorative applications including Swarovski crystals, stones, diamante jewels, beads, sequins and embroidery. Beautifully integrated accessories include flirty fans and party bags embellished with feathers and beads.

Nilou (Jl Raya Kerobokan, T: 0361 744 6068) has been in the business of selling high quality, handmade high-heeled shoes, boots, sandals, bags and belts for some years now and has a well-established and loyal fan base including Uma Thurman and Gisele who shop here when in town. Nilou combines style with comfort; shoes are custom made to fit and come with a 100% guarantee, even if the sole is worn out after three years of wear. From chic and sexy camisoles, chemises, bustiers, bras, panties and thongs, fashioned from the finest Italian fabrics and lace, to classic, practical, combed cotton briefs, Niconico Intima (Jl Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 731 172) presents a powerful combination of romantic, sensual, glamorous and feminine designs. Niconico Blue for men offers a stylish collection of boxers and briefs.

Bridging the gap between shopping and a sundown cocktail spree the Seminyak spa scene is worth checking out. Guys head to Prana (Jl Kunti, T: 0361 730 840) for the Turkish Delight Hamman treatment or the recommended Prana Male Facial that shaves years off even the youngest of complexions. Ladies are also catered to at Prana but many opt for the male masseuse treatments next door at Chill (Jl Kunti, T: 0361 733 751). New on the menu is a therapy designed to combat the stresses of jet lag. Deeply therapeutic and healing, the therapists target the acupressure points in the whole body using signature lotions made from essential oils, paying particular attention to tension points in the head, ears and neck to balance the energies in the body, particularly those in the three chakras located above your shoulder girdle. The treatment relieves negative energy, aches and migraines, and boosts sluggish blood circulation – all common symptoms of travelling 30,000 feet above the Earth in a pressurized cabin, or more commonly after a serious night out on the town.

seminyak

If you're worried about getting too much sun on your skin (or haven't seen the sun owing to nocturnal tendencies) check out Glo (Jl Kunti, T: 0361 738 689) for a professional spray tan in a choice of three healthy glowing shades. What's more, it only takes a few minutes to achieve. Glo also delivers some of the best manicures and pedicures on the island. Gay friendly and essentially, but not exclusively, a spa for men, M Spa (Jl Laksmana, T: 0361 736 715) boasts a staff of all male therapists. The menu presents a wide choice of massage including the Meng Massage administered by two boys using four hands. Also recommended are the body masks, scrubs, facials, and the traditional Balinese Boreh, a great treatment for sore muscles.

'Cocktails first, questions later…' uttered Vince Vaughan's immortal character in Swingers and not a truer word can be spoken about this Bali rite of passage into the Seminyak night. The sunsets over the beach in Seminyak can be truly astonishing and the crowds still flock like well lubricated lemmings to the one place on the coast that needs no real introduction. The suave and sexy can now level up at Ku De Ta (Jl Laksmana, T: 0361 736 969) with the imminent opening of their VVIP upper decking area, affording those with squillions of disposable Rupiah an elevated vantage point over the setting sun. A super exclusive menu, private lounge area and service bordering on that of a five star resort are what paying punters can expect when ascending to the dizzying heights of the second floor. The rest of us can expect to slog it out over the sun loungers downstairs (get here around three in the afternoon to snag one of these, and guard it with military prowess), throw back the martinis and sample some truly atomic creations from the ambassadors of booze – Bar Solutions.

If 'busy' isn't your scene then wander up the beach to either The Samaya or next door to La Lucciola (Jl Kayu Ayu, Petitenget, T: 0361 730 838) for a more relaxed sunset session. The chocolate martinis have to be ordered off the menu but are the best we've come across in Bali in two years of searching, and we've hunted high and low. Upstairs has the best views over the ocean but is non smoking, the downstairs bar is tucked away at the back of the dining area so take a table and consider staying for dinner as the New Australian cuisine is worth sampling.

Dinner is an event in itself in Seminyak and, outside of Ubud, has some of the best restaurants on the island in her radius. Current pick of the bunch is Sarong (Jl Petitenget, T: 0361 737 809) a restaurant, lounge and tapas bar oozing with visual texture and lush fabrics. At Sarong, street hawker food is raised to fine dining levels, and the result is divine. The menu features the great cuisines of Southeast Asia with dishes—and chefs—from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. The prices at Sarong don't reflect the quality of the cuisine or the setting, a resounding success after only a couple of months of being open. The Living Room (Jl Petitenget, T: 0361 735 735) is a stalwart on the dining scene - a beautiful colonial style pavilion in a romantic garden setting encompassed by lacy white wrought iron railings. The extensive menu presents modern Asian fusion with a French twist. Dishes include frog legs with green papaya salad; Vietnamese spring rolls; honey wasabi beef; Thai seafood curry, and desserts such as dark and light chocolate mousse duo.

Mannekepis (Jl Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 847 5784) is a new Belgian restaurant in Seminyak (right next door to Made's Warung) reminiscent of a European bistro with a beautifully-styled interior featuring a long bar. The menu presents some authentic Belgian specialties, along with a good choice of global eclectics. A friendly place to socialise and enjoy the sounds of live jazz and blues music on Thursday & Saturday nights from 8.30 pm. Gado Gado (Jl Dhyana Pura, T : 0361 736 966) is a beachfront favourite offering seriously fine dining in a stunning and very romantic location, overlooking the ocean. The spacious lounge bar area with soft comfortable sofas extends outside onto a wide, open-air terrace shaded by leafy trees. International cuisine with enticing lunch and dinner menus offering beautifully presented, exotic dishes and plenty of seafood and luscious desserts.

Just up the road from The Living Room, hu'u (Jl Petitenget, T: 0361 736 443) remains extremely popular with the Jakarta crowd. Dinner here is always a treat as are the lychee martinis on the oversized garden cushions. The music policy tends to let the place down a bit (operatic house music anyone?) so the post midnight crowd tends to gravitate back towards the direction of The Living Room or up into Legian and F-Lounge (Jl Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 730 562) for some abstract beats. It's down to the rooftop floor of Anantara (Jl Abimanyu, T: 0361 737 773) to SOS for something a little funkier: currently the trendiest spot on the block this place is a lot of fun but also one of the most expensive places to knock back the drinks on the island.

Love the place or hate it, Seminyak cannot be ignored. It's a fun place to dive in and out of and the only part of the island to really party with the up market crowd. If Kuta is too kitsch (actually there's no 'if' in the equation) for your tastes then head uptown this August. Just don't expect to walk away from a big night out with much change left in your pocket.

Part-time jobs offer great perks for students

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:18:00 +0000

From classes and studying to sports and social activities, students have a lot on their plates. That’s why it’s important to have a job that works with your busy schedule and allows you to work when it’s most convenient for you. Many part-time jobs offer flexible schedules that allow students to work on nights and weekends and still have time for school and other responsibilities.

SnagAJob.com makes it easy to search for teen jobs and student jobs in your area so that you don’t have to spend a fortune on gas to get to work. There are also jobs with benefits such as employee discounts on merchandise that will help you get those back-to-school essentials at the right price.

Pastika inagurated as Bali governor

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:26:00 +0000

Internal Affairs Minister H Mardiyanto inagurated the Bali Governor and his deputy for the 2008-2013 term at the Bali provincial legislative assembly (DPRD), here Thursday.

During the inaguration for Made Mangku Pastika and AAN Puspayoga as the elected Bali governor and deputy in Bali election July 9 2008, the Minister attached the position pin.

The Australian Ambassador for Indonesia, Bill Farmer, former Tourism Post and Telecommunication Minister, Joop Ave, and a number of fucntionaries in KODAM IX/Udayana and Bali police department attended the high level security session.

The Bali DPRD Secretary, AA Made Sunendra adimted that high security level held on the council`s building surrounding during the inaguration.

"This level of security was intended to anticipate any unwanted possibility might occur," he said.

The parking lot in the council`s building is limited for 200 cars only, the rest are placed at Renon office area, Denpasar," Sunendra said.

Due to the distance from the parking lot to the council`s "house", few invitees had to get there on foot.

Meanwhile, the situation outside the building was steadly in control and the weather in Bali was bright and clear.

Mangku Pastika/Puspayoga which suppprted by the Strugling Indonesian Democracy Party (PDIP) elected as Bali Govenernor and deputy after defeating their two pairs of rival candidates strugled in the election.

Tjokorda Budi Suryawan-Nyoman Gede Suweta (Golongan Karya Party/Golkar)and Prof Dr Gede Winasa-I Gusti Bagus Alit Putra (Bali resurrection coalition-KKB) were their rivals candidates.

In the DPRD special session led by the House chairman, the elected Ida Bagus Putu Wesnawa Mangku Pastika/Puspayoga took over from Drs Dewa Beratha/I GN Kesuma Kelakan which led Bali in the last five years.

Stylish Prescription Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (hans) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:07:00 +0000

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Choose a size and shape that is suitable to your liking and particular facial size and features from the various categories on the home page of the website. Frames are available in Monel steel alloy, stainless steel, memory titanium, pure titanium, plastic (acetate), aluminum and memory plastic. To help you with frame fit, many times you'll find a series of numbers on the inside of the frame, something similar to 50.18.140, for example. Those numbers represent, respectively, lens width, bridge width and temple arm length.