NELBali Property News

Bumpy Road Ahead

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:17:05 +0400

Shoddy Roadwork Work Cited at Bali’s New Dewa Ruci Simpang Siur Underpass

(6/9/2013)

Complaints are raining in regarding the poor quality of cement paving done by PT Adhi Karya and others in the construction of the new underpass project at the Dewa Ruci Monument at Simpang Siur.

As reported by Beritabali.com, the cement finish on the roadway through the underpass is uneven and wavy, providing a less-than-smooth ride for passing motorists.

The chairman of the Bali Chapter of the National Association of Contractors, Wayan Adnyana, says, “In my opinion the uneven quality of the cement in underpass is due to one of two possible causes. It was either not built in accordance the original design plans (bestek) or the workmanship is of inferior quality."

Saying he had read complaints about the quality of work on the new road in the local press, Adnyana who also serves as a member of the Bali Provincial House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali), added: “The people have every right to voice their opinion on a project that consumed billions of rupiah from both national and regional budgets. The people will also the ones to use the new road together with the millions of tourists who holiday in Bali.”

Adnyana said he would soon visit the project site to review the overall quality of work performed by the contractor. Such a review, he insisted, must be done before the formal handover of the project from the contractors - PT Adhi Karya to the government.

Adnyana told the press that the land occupied by the new underpass is labile, due to its close location to the mangrove forests. Nonetheless, if the road is “rolling” he insisted there remains little choice but to tear up the road and redo the cement paving.

“The purpose of the underpass is to reduce traffic congestion in South Bali. Because of this the work must be of a high quality, because tens of thousand of vehicles will use the road every day,” sad Adnyana.

The project manager for the new underpass, Hendro Satrio, confirmed to reporters on May 28, 2013, that the roadway was indeed “wavy” and that the road is currently undergoing trial operations. “We are testing the road. In connection with complaints received from the public, we will review the project. We are now correcting deficiencies,” he said.

According to Satrio, a formal review of the project by the contractors would be delivered in June.

The Dewa Ruci Underpass Project was built by PT Adhi Karya and associates at a total cost of Rp. 136.19 billion (US$13.6 million) covering an area of 0.744 hectares.

The project is part of several major infrastructure projects funded by the government in anticipation of the APEC International Summit to take placein October 2013.

Asphalt is not the Answer

There is concern in some circles that the contractors, under pressure by deadlines to complete and handover the project, will offer to reseal the road with asphalt - a step that would quickly improve the “ride” and remove the current unevenness of the underpass’ road bed.

Critics, however, cite the environmental concerns of using a petroleum-based seal on the road and the fear that resurfacing with asphalt will only incur additional cost for Bali in the future necesitated by having to reseal the highway every 4 to 5 years.

Although certain to cause a delay in the handover, critics argue that PT Adhi Karya must be compelled by the government to rebuild the road bed by replacing the cement so inexpertly installed initially.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Bali Tourism Promotion Board Established

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 03:51:48 +0400

Governor Names Nine to Head Bali Tourism Promotion Board

(6/7/2013)

The Jakarta Post reports that Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika will “immediately inaugurate" the Bali Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD) comprised of local tourism leaders and academics charged with promoting Bali tourism overseas.

Said Pastika on Wednesday, June 5, 2013: “I am eager to inaugurate the board as soon as possible, so that the board could work soon. I strongly support the board to identify and answer the many challenges in Bali’s tourism.”

An official decree issued in December 2012 called for the creation of the BPPD led by nine members drawn from tourism, academia and government circles.

Appointed to head the BPPD are:

Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati (Cok Ace) the former regent of Gianyar and chairman of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI).
Bagus Sudibya, a hotel and travel company owner in Bali and also a member of the Association of Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA).
Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya, a hotel owner and a member of the Indonesian Tourism Association (GIPI).
Yos WK Amerta, a marine tourism operator and a member of the Indonesian Marine Tourism Association (Gahawisri).
Sang Putu Subaya from the Association of Tour Guides Association (HPI).
Putu Juarez Robin Putra, owner of a professional conference organizer and a member of the Society of Indonesian Professional Convention Organizers (SIPCO).
Professor Dr. Komang Bendesa, an Assistant Rector at Bali’s Udayana University.
Putu Saroyoni Piartini, a lecturer in management studies at Udayana University.
Taufik Hidayat, general manager for Garuda Indonesia in Bali.

Explaining the delays in the launch of the BPPD, Pastika blamed his preoccupation with poverty eradication, saying: “Previously, I was more focused on poverty eradication. However, through the board, I hope we could re-organize our tourism that has been developed without an adequate plan.”

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Kimonos Included

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 03:43:44 +0400

Luxury Traditional Japanese-Style Resort to Open Near Ubud in 2014

(6/7/2013)

Hoshino Resort Company has announced that they will open a luxury Japanese-style luxury resort in a community north of Ubud in 2014.

The Hoshinoya Bali will offer 30 villas at Banjar Pangembungan at Desa Pejeng Kangin in Tampaksiring.

Hoshino Resort’s president Yoshiharu Hoshino promises that the new Bali hotel will promote “Omotenashi” – the trademark Japanese style of hospitality.

This will be the first overseas property for the traditional Japanese hotel operator.

Daily rates are expected to cost around US$$700 per night.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Licensed to Thrill

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:06:26 +0400

639 Guides Licensed to Serve Bali Visitors

(6/2/2013)

639 tour guides in Bali holding expired licenses have passed recertification tests allowing them to once again work as legal guides.

The State News Agency Antara quotes the head of the Provincial Tourism Office for Bali (Kadisparda), Ida Bagus Kade Subhisku, who announced “the results of the training course and certification process run by the Indonesian Guide Association (HPI) has satisfactorily fulfilled our aims and wishes.”

The 639 certified guides can now receive a recommendation from the governor of Bali that will put an operational permit in their hands allowing to officially work as guides. Official identity cards issued by the government are being prepared to permit the public to recognize them as eligible to lead guided tours.

“From all those following the recertification process only eight people failed to pass the examination. Looking at these satisfying results, we will discuss repeating a similar course soon,” said Subhisku.

The head of Bali’s chapter of HPI, Putu Subaya, said the certification process represents a combined effort by his association and the provincial government to reduce the presence of illegal guides on Bali.

Subaya said there are still travel agencies in Bali who use unlicensed guides to lead their tours.

The certification course covered a curriculum of 23 different study modules and was taught by senior tourism practitioners and academics.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Educating the Public on Tourism

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:09:41 +0400

Leading Indonesian Educator Claims Indonesian Tourism is Uncoordinated due to a General Lack of Understanding of How the Tourism Industry Works

(3/22/2013)

Tourism in Indonesia was likened to a “sound system without a operator” by the chairman of the Ambarrukmo Tourism Academy (Stipram), Suhendroyono, during commencement exercises held in Yogyakarta, Central Java, on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

Quoted by Kompas.com, Suhendroyono said that tourism in Indonesia has a huge potential to provide a benefit to the people.

The failure of tourism to improve the welfare of the people, according to Suhendroyono, is because the industry leaders do not understand the tourism marketplace; have failed to analyze tourism’s potential; and, in the end, failed to coordinate efforts between different sectors.

“Indonesia tourism has great potential, but because there is little understanding on how to develop that potential, we continue to fail. By thoroughly understanding tourism- the government, investors, business people and the public can then analyze the true potential of tourism and package tourism products to their best potential.” Suhendroyono explained.

To enhance the public’s understanding of tourism, Suhendroyono suggests that tourism studies should form part of the academic curriculum starting from grade school.

If the science of tourism is taught from the earliest levels, he argues, people will understand how tourism works and all parties will be able to work together to explore the industries potential and make Indonesian internationally competitive with other destinations.

“What’s more,” he said, “the science of tourism always present positive aspects of society such as culture, tradition, peace, morality and environmentalism. Because of this, its not only a raised understanding of tourism that will result through education, but also character building.”

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Cebu Pacific Commences Bali Service

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:05:49 +0400

Twice Weekly Service by Cebu Pacific Creates Direct Flight Connection Between Philippines and Bali

(3/22/2013)

Philippine low-cost airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) commenced service between Manila on Bali on Saturday, March 16, 2013.

Flights between the two cities will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays leaving Manila at 4:00 am and landing in Bali at 7:50 am to return by leaving Bali at 8:35 am on the same days to land in Manila at 12:25 pm.

Cebu Airline currently flies between Manila and Jakarta 4 times a week.

The airline operates to 20 international destinations including Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 25 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 43 aircraft is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world.

Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 17 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Bali Ability to Feed Itself in Doubt

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:26:21 +0400

Rapid Loss of Farming Lands in Bali Threatens Agricultural Self-sufficiency

(3/17/2013)

The rapid loss of agricultural lands in Bali to tourist accommodation, residential housing and commercial uses is threatening government goals to make the Island self-sufficient in rice.

As reported by The Bali Post, data on the amount of productive agricultural land remaining in Bali at the end of 2011 was 39,033 hectares. One year earlier the amount of agricultural land was put at 47,934 hectares representing a decline of 17.7%, in a single year.

The head of Bali’s Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Gde Suarsa, warns that if this trend if not urgently addressed it will mean agricultural production in Bali will experience a significant decline, threatening Bali’s food security.

Accordingly, rice production in Bali for the period January-April 2012 declined 9.9% - a reduction of 31.374 tons when compared to the same period in 2011.

Warned Suarsa: “This has to be addressed seriously so production will not decline further. Even though we are maximizing production from Bali land under cultivation, the owners of agricultural land must stop selling their lands.”

A Bali-based economist, Professor Dr. Gede Sri Darma, also warns that self-sufficiency in rice will be difficult to achieve if the government and the public do not work together to preserve agricultural land and maximize the use of existing agricultural lands through technology.

Professor Nyoman Suparta of Bali’s Udayana University added that Bali can still achieve agricultural self-sufficiency if farmers and other parties share a commitment to work hard to achieve that goal.

Suparta said that the necessary measures to preserve productive agricultural lands were already contemplated in the 2009 Zoning Regulation (RTRWP). Unfortunately, he added, the implementation of those policies continues to be hotly debated between provincial and regional authorities.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Bars to Freedom That Will not Bend

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:20:20 +0400

Bali’s Kerobokan Prison Warden Doubts Schapelle Corby will be Granted Parole without First Demonstrating Remorse for her Crimes

(3/17/2013)

The Jakarta Globe reports that the chief warden at Bali’s Kerobokan Prison has publicly cast doubts of any possibility that Schapelle Corby, the 36-year-old Australian marijuana smuggler, will walk out of his prison on parole, despite guarantees being made on her behalf by the Australian government.

Corby is currently scheduled to end her 20-year sentence, less remissions and time served, on September 27, 2017, after then spending nearly 12 years behind bars.

In recent weeks, the Australian government has made special written entreaties to the Indonesian Ministry of Justice seeking that Corby be allowed to spend the remainder of her sentence in Bali, living in a private residence under regular monitoring and control by law enforcement officials.

Gusti Ngurah Wiratna, the chief warden at Bali’s Kerobokan prison, has warned that the Australian woman’s uncooperative demeanor, a refusal to admit and take responsibility for her crimes, and failure to adopt the role of a “justice collaborator” by providing full details behind her criminal activity – all weigh against any granting of parole.

Said Wiratna:   “She should have admitted where the drugs came from on an official statement and then the statement would be sent to the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). Corby can choose not to be one (a justice collaborator) she has the immunity, but the consequence is that she can't be released on parole.”

Wiratna also told the press that in addition to letters sent by the Australian government and Corby’s family in support of her parole application, further clarifications on where she would live in Bali are needed together with a frank and full admission of wrongdoing by the prisoner.

Iskandar Nawing, the Indonesian lawyer representing Corby, said he would discuss the possibility of becoming a “justice collaborator” with his client.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Here Comes the Sun

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:12:26 +0400

Indonesian Minister of Energy Jero Wacik Inaugurates Indonesia’s First Solar Power Plant in East Bali

(3/3/2013)

A solar-energy generation project worth Rp. 26 billion (US$2.6 million) was inaugurated in Kubu, Karangasem, Bali on Monday, February 25, 2013

The Solar Energy Generation Project (PLTS) able to produce substantial power for Bali’s power grid was officiated over by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Jero Wacik, Bali’s governor Made Mangku Pastika, the director general of New Energy Sources and Power Conservation (EBTKE), the director general of electrification, the CEO of the State Power Board (PT PLN) and the regent of Karangasem.

The Karangasem Solar Energy project is the first of its kind in Bali. Rated at 1 Mega-watt, the center is expected to produce 2.88 million-kilowatts over a project lifetime of 20 years. The PLTS in Karangasem is also calculated to reduce the carbon footprint of producing such a quantity of power by 2.566 tons of CO2.

Quoted by Beritabali.com, Jero Wacik said at the inauguration ceremony: “This represents the first PLTS and, for the moment, the largest in Indonesia. Next year we will build another PLTS with even more electrical capacity.”

Wacik added that the solar energy generation center in Karangasem covers a land area of 1.7 hectares and is expected to become a model program for the use of solar energy as a source of electrical power in Indonesia in the future. Adding, “There is no limit to the amount of solar energy available for our use.”

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

The Link Between Land and Culture in Bali

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:04:18 +0400

Former Gianyar Regent and Current PHRI Chairman Calls on Government to Stop Issuing Permits for New Hotel Projects

(3/3/2013)

The government must take steps to protect land holdings in Bali.

This is the warning given by the chairman of the Bali Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace), who formerly held the office of regent of Gianyar, in comments made to the press on Friday, March 1, 2013.

Emphasizing that Bali’s land belongs to the people of Bali, Cok Ace said land is the asset that will allow the Balinese people to preserve and protect the Island’s tradition and culture.

Quoted by Bisnis Bali, Cok Ace said that large amounts of agricultural land have been diverted for use by villas. The increase in accommodation in Bali has resulted in the loss of land once owned by the Balinese once used for cultural practice.

Cok Ace said that tourism operators who are members of PHRI are sad to see the diminishing amount of agricultural lands in Bali. He contends that his fellow PHRI members never imagined Bali’s current situation and the sacrifices being made for tourist accommodation.

He said now is the time for the government to reduce permits approvals for new accommodation and housing estates, especially on land that is still agriculturally productive. He warned that the loss of quality farming land will eventually reduce the earning capacity of the people of Bali, while the boom in new accommodation will result in less income from tourism resulting from unhealthy price competition and discounting.

He went on to warn that tourist accommodation in Bali has now turned into a business of property speculation with little regard for the island’s future or its tourism reputation.

In closing, Cok Ace said it is time for the people of Bali to be fully involved in developing the Island’s tourism. “The people of Bali must not become mere spectators, but must also become tourism practitioners,” said the PHRI chairman for Bali.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Empowering Small Hotel and Villa Operators

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 03:34:34 +0400

Chandra Himawan Heads Hotel Link Solutions - Bali Offering Digital Marketing Solutions to Small and Medium-Sized Hotels and Villas

(2/23/2013)

As part of its expansion across Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, Hotel Link Solutions have appointed Bali Discovery Tours – Bali’s leading destination management company as the exclusive sales agent of its digital solutions to local businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The new division of the Bali-based company, operating as Hotel Link Solutions – Bali is licensed to use an advanced software system that provides digital marketing solutions primarily for small to medium sized hotels, guest houses, condotels and villas. By providing fully-functional websites incorporating a state-of-the-art booking engine, accommodation providers obtain a level of control over their pricing and inventory, previously only available to branded hotels. Hotel Link Solutions also provides hotels and villas with travel channel management featuring real-time instant access to leading On-Line-Travel-Agents (OTAs) ensuring the widest distribution of their room inventories.

Hotel Link Solutions-Bali now has in place a dedicated team of professionals able to quickly and efficiently enhance the online presence of local accommodation providers. Options offered to by Hotel Link Solutions-Bali include booking widgets for established websites, template-driven websites and channel management.

Chandra Himawan

Heading Hotel Link Solutions-Bali is Chandra Himawan, a Jakarta native, and a multi-degree holder with degrees in hotel management from Trisakti University and the University of Salamanca in Spain.

Prior to heading Hotel Link Solutions-Bali, Chandra worked for several years as a broadcaster with TV One in Jakarta, undertaking a number of overseas broadcast assignments.

“We understand that e-enabling small accommodations providers is the next step in Bali and the rest of Indonesia to improving the service quality and increasing revenue in the tourism industry,” stated André Franchini, CEO of Hotel Link Solutions. “Also, by providing the right solutions to hoteliers, they will have more control of their online presence, which is key in any successful marketing strategy.”

Joining the Bali-based project in December 2012 and undergoing a period of training at an international gathering of Hotel Link Solutions professionals in Vietnam, Chandra Himawan is now busily signing up hotel and villas in Bali and other parts of Indonesia.

Said Chandra: “It is particularly rewarding to be able to offer a low-cost digital marketing solution to Indonesia accommodation providers that virtually eliminates the cost of maintaining an in-house IT department, empowers owners and operators with new real time flexibility in pricing and inventory control, and has a proven ability to increase on-line bookings through on-line linkages we facilitate with major OTAs.”

About Hotel Link Solutions

Hotel Link Solutions is a first-generation digital-marketing services provider for the accommodation industry. As a WHL Group and ResOnline joint venture, Hotel Link Solutions has tapped deep resources and wide industry reach to develop a world-class and competitive range of products. Hotel Link Solutions is committed to building a sustainable future for travel and to ensuring that all relationships with clients, staff, business partners and host communities are win-win.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Keeping On-Line Travel Legal

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 03:24:02 +0400

Bali Hotel and Restaurant Association Want Hotels to Cooperate in Regulating Unlicensed On-Line Travel Agents

(2/22/2013)

As part of ongoing efforts to regulate illegal travel agents in Bali, the vice-chairman of the Bali Chapter of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI-Bali), Nyoman Suwidjana, says complete data from hotels in Bali is needed to catalog all the online travel agents (OTAs) currently working with Bali hotels.

Suwidjana insists that the member hotels of PHRI should readily and happily provide this information when asked by the government or associations.

Quoted by Bisnis Bali, Suwidjana said on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, that in principle all travel agents cooperating with hotels in Bali must be licensed. The holding of the valid licenses by travel agents, he said, means the subject travel agent is acting responsibly, including their on-line sales practices.

According to Suwidjana, on-line travel agency transactions have their own share of strengths and weaknesses. The hotels generally receive orders for rooms from on-line travel agents with, in many cases, the customer paying directly to the hotel. This removes the need for hotels to collect money from travel agents.

Among the weaknesses, the on-line travel agent are often unable to guarantee their bookings, while hotels have difficulties charging “no-show” fees when guest fail to materialize. He also contends that on-line travel agents can be guilty of “double booking” as a means to block rooms for sale to their clients.

Nyoman Suwidjana said on-line travel agents in Bali must become member of the Indonesian Association of Travel Agents (ASITA), urging, in turn, that ASITA consider opening a special on-line division.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Don't Fence Me In

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:37:35 +0400

Bali Foundation Seeks to Make Religious Site Accessible to Handicapped People

(1/14/2013)

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) reports that Bunga Jepun Bali Foundation is working to make Balinese religious sites fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Kadek Karya Dewi (33), a woman who been disabled by polio since the age of seven, has been assisted in performing religious obligations by family members who have carried her up stairs to allow access to Balinese temples. Unable or embarrassed to ask for assistance as she grew older, the construction of Balinese temples has oftentimes represented an insurmountable obstacles to her full participation in the religious life of the community.

Living in a village near Bali’s most-sacred Puri Besakih, Dewi is wheelchair-bound, and like other members of her community is obliged to participate in communal works (ngayah) in support of the shared religious life of the Balinese. These tasks are extremely problematic for the handicapped.

The Bunga Jepun Foundation is one of several orgaizations in Bali seeking to assist people with handicaps. I Nyoman Dana, the Foundation’s founder, argues on behalf of making Balinese temples user-friendlier for the disabled.

Says Dana:   “It does not require massive renovation of a temple to give easier access. We can provide a new entrance for them,”
Dana traces his desire to make religious temples more accessible to the handicapped to his experience in 1995 handling a group of Balinese visiting a Hindu temple in Yogyakarta. “Sometime in 1995, we received a group of disabled people from Bali. Despite their physical handicaps, they were trying, hand-in-hand, to enter the temple to pray there. It was such a touching sight," he explained.

Today he lobbies various government departments and agencies to make all public facilities accessible to people with disabilities. He also sees the lack of accessibility in much wider terms, saying, “That lack of consideration can also be extended to the ways people with disabilities can be treated when they seek employment, education or services.”

Bali currently estimates 25,329 people are living on the island with some degree of physical disability.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Park and Stop on New Years Eve

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:00:17 +0400

Central Kuta to Be Closed to All Vehicle Traffic on New Years Eve 2012-2013

(12/27/2012)

After initially announcing that three different areas in South Bali would be closed to all vehicular traffic on New Years Eve, the Bali police have relented and decided that, as in years past, a “car free zone” will apply only on Jalan Legian and Jalan Pantai Kuta in the Kuta Beach area of Bali.

Those two busy roads in Kuta will be closed to all traffic from 4:00 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012 and reopen to traffic on the morning of January 1, 2013.

As reported by Kompas.com, cars with passengers wishing to access the center of Kuta will be diverted to the “Central Parkir” area on Jalan Iman Bonjol and other satellite parking areas on the periphery of Kuta. From these parking areas, New Years revelers will then have to make their way to Kuta on foot.

After reconsidering the matter, police have decided not to introduce “car free area” in Nusa Dua and Renon, limiting the “car free” zone to Kuta alone.
Police have also set up supplemental security posts at 73 locations in South Bali that will be staffed by 212 police officers.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

A Darwinian Evolution

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:56:00 +0400

Garuda Examining Resumption of Bali to Darwin, Australia Flights in 2013

(12/24/2012)

Garuda Indonesia Airline is reported to be exploring a resumption of service between Bali and Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

The announcement comes after discussions in Jakarta between Northern Territory Chief Minister Terry Mills and Garuda CEO Emirsyah Satar.

Garuda will be sending a delegation to Darwin early in 2013 to explore the resumption of air service.

Terry Mills has publicly expressed his desire to persuade Garuda Indonesia to once again fly to his Darwin after terminating its thrice-weekly services between Bali and Darwin in 2009.

Garuda currently operates 35 weekly flights between Bali and Australia with flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Garuda has also announced plans to start flying again to Brisbane, Queensland.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Match Your 10 and Raise you 5!

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:52:54 +0400

Bali Officials Predicting 15% increase in foreign arrivals in 2013

(12/24/2012)

The total number of foreign tourists “officially” expected by the province of Bali is officially predicted to increase 15% - despite more modest predictions of only 10% being put forth by members of the private sector.

The 15% increase is argued as achievable by its proponents because of a number of important international meetings scheduled to be held on the Island next year, including the APEC Summit of Asian-Pacific leaders that will converge on Bali in October 2013.

As reported by Beritabali.com, the chairman of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI-Bali), Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace), said other factors supporting the 15% rate of growth were improvements in Bali’s infrastructure that will become operational in 2013.

At the same time, Cok Ace cautioned against unbridled optimism on tourism arrivals saying that the experience of the past ten years has shown that larger visitor totals does not automatically translate into higher income, as visitors now stay in Bali for less than 4 days.

“Tourist visitors to Bali before 2002 stayed for longer than 14 days, but now stay for between 5 and 4 days. So, if you look only at arrivals, that is no guarantee that more foreign exchange revenues will grow because of large arrival numbers. People who stay for a short time have fewer transactions of a lesser value (than those who stay longer),” explained the PHRI-Bali chairman.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

We Think We Can, We Think We Can

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:49:59 +0400

While National Experts Say Bali Rail System is Not Economically Viable, Governor Pastika Remain Adamant on the Benefits of a Round Bali Rail System

(12/8/2012)

The provincial government of Bali remains committed in its desire to build a rail system as a means of spreading the benefits of tourism development more evenly to all corners of the island.

Moreover, Bali’s leaders see a rail system as a means of overcoming the growing problem of traffic congestion on the provinces’ roadways.
But, despite the popularity of the idea of a Bali Rail System, a feasibility study conducted by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (the State-owned Railway) doubts the viability of the project.

As quoted by the State New Agency Antara, Governor Made Mangku Pastika, said: “I have heard that the results of the feasibility study concluded the cost (of the Bali rail project) is too high in comparison with the revenues the rail system will generate. Because of that, for the immediate future the plan for a rail system in postponed. But, if that’s the case, we’ll look for an investor.”

One of the factors that reportedly sunk the Bali rail project was the current high cost of land in Bali.

The governor explained that the initial plan was for the development of the rail project to involve State-owned Companies with the provincial and regional governments in a manner similar to that used in building the new toll road connecting Benoa-Ngurah Rai Airport-Nusa Dua.

The governor said that any evaluation of the viability of the rail project should also consider the social, cultural and social justice potential of undertaking the construction of a round island railway.

The governor used the occasion to describe how the proposed railway would serve as a motor for the economies of all areas the system visited, and remove the concentration of development in Bali away from the crowded south.

“In the future, feasibility studies must be more details and include the provincial government. If the system remains non-viable, then we need to use funds from outside. If we can, we should try it ourselves; don't let the system by owned by outsiders,” said Pastika.

The governor also suggested that in order to save money the rail system might be built on one side of existing highways around the island.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Sheraton Kuta Resort Now Open

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:44:44 +0400

203-room Sheraton Kuta Resort Forms Part of Modern Beachwalk Complex Gentrifying Kuta Ocean Front

(12/8/2012)

The Sheraton Kuta Resort on Kuta Beach in Bali was formally opened on Friday, December 7, 2012, with a cocktail reception and ceremony held in the five-star property attended by hundreds of officials and members of the public.

The 203-room resort sits on Bali made surf beach and comprises part of a massive “Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort” that has significantly contributed to the ongoing gentrification of the stretch of hotels, shopping areas and entertainment venues facing the beachside boulevard.

The hotel is located within the newly opened Beachwalk Complex that occupies a 5.2-hectare site

Owned by PT. Indonesian Paradise Island, the Sheraton in Bali is part of Beachwalk – a luxurious shopping and accommodation destination covering a 5.2 hectare site and home to over 200 retail outlets in an open-air complex inspired by Bali’s terraced rice fields.

“For 75 years, Sheraton has become a gathering place for our guests and locals alike around exciting destinations across the globe,” said Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “Bali is a perfect fit for the Sheraton Brand, being an international holiday destination that is well known globally – Bali is one of the world’s gathering places.”

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort marks Starwood’s fifth hotel on the Island of Gods. Currently, Starwood manages The St. Regis Bali Resort, W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. By 2014, Starwood will debut three new hotels in Bali, marking a total of eight hotels representing six of Starwood’s lifestyle hotel brands. .

“We are delighted to welcome our iconic Sheraton brand to Bali. The opening of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort sets Starwood on track to become the hotel management company with the largest number of brands represented in Bali,’ said Chuck Abbott, Regional Vice President, Southeast Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort together with the new development of Beachwalk offer guests an all-around experience – whether it is for business or leisure, for a family holiday or a honeymoon getaway.”

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort features 203 guest rooms and suites ranging from 46 to 265 square meters, each fitted with Sheraton Sweet Sleeper®Bed and feature either a spacious private balcony with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean or the resort’s courtyard. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort also features a two-story ocean-view Presidential Suite.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort features three dining venues – the all-day dining:

Feast® with an open-kitchen, located alongside beachwalk patio overlooking the Kuta Beach.
Bene - an Italian trattoria with ocean views.
The Lounge that features a locally inspired cocktail menu in an open-air setting and ocean panoramas.

The Resort also features a fully equipped fitness center and a spa offering traditional pampering services.

With a total of over 1,600 square meters all located on one level,Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers 9 flexible event spaces - including a 700 square meters partitionable ballroom backed up with an underground secure parking facility suitable for 2,000 vehicles. Meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including broadband or wireless high-speed Internet access. Travelers can stay connected with an exclusive connectivity hub, with complimentary Wi-Fi and personal computer stations.

In celebration of its opening, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is offering an‘Experience Sheraton’ package. Starting from USD225++ per night, the package includes accommodation in a deluxe guestroom, breakfast for two, one-way airport transfer from or to Bali International Ngurah Rai Airport, daily resort credit of USD25 to indulge in various food and beverage offerings or spa treatments. Terms and conditions apply.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Selective Development

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 04:13:20 +0400

Indonesian Tourism Ministry Marks Three Areas of Bali for Tourism Destination Development

(11/30/2012)

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) quotes theTourism and Creative Economy Ministry as announcing their intent to undertake elaborate studies on the future development of the Sanur Village area of Bali, Batur at Kintamani (Bangli regency) and Menjangan Island in North Bali as part of a nation-wide strategic plan for tourism development.

The three areas in Bali are included in a list of 16 tourism destinations nationwide targeted by the Ministry for special developmental assistance through 2014.

Speaking of the 88 tourism destination currently being fostered for more visitors nationwide, the director of destination planning for the Ministry, Lokot Ahmad Enda said: “Despite possessing huge potential, some of these destinations have weak planning, infrastructure, facilities and promotional packaging. So, we need to encourage their development.”
The three destinations in Bali will eventually be included in a blueprint for development, touching on both physical improvements and manpower training issues.

The studies, preparatory to the subject blueprints for development, will commence in 2013 and are expected to take one year to complete. The Blueprint for tourism development will outline plans and programs for the next 15 to 20 years.

In Bali, the three areas designated for attention:

Batur – Lokot highlighted bad sanitation, beggars and aggressive souvenir sales people. Batur’s recent elevation to UNESCO Geopark status underlines an urgent need to have a 20-year tourism development plan in place for this destination.
Menjangan Island – An island in northern Bali well positioned for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Natural setting still teems with wildlife. Infrastructure issues affecting access are seen as holding this area back from rapid development.
Sanur – a once quiet fishing village has become an international tourism destination. Efforts will b made to accommodate the wishes and tourism aspirations of the Sanur village community, and control some of the negative results of its recent increase in popularity.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com

Pausing the Pump

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 03:41:43 +0400

No Subsidized Premium of Solar to Be Sold at Bali Gas Stations on December 2, 2012

(11/25/2012)

Detik.com reports that the Gas and Oil Distribution Agency (BPH-MiGas) has decided to set Sunday, December 2, 2012 as a day “without subsidized fuel.”

On that day all gas stations in Java, Bali and five other large cities in Indonesia will refuse to sell premium and diesel (solar) fuel.

The five cities joining the one-day ban on subsidized fuel are Medan, Batam, Palembang, Balikpapan and Makassar.

The senior vice-president for fuel marketing and distribution for PT Pertamina, Sukartoko, BPH has isolated December 2 as the day in which gas stations will not sell fuel product subsidized by the government.

The purpose to the day is to remind the public to eliminate or reduce the used of fuels subsidized by the government.

On that date attendants will only be allowed to sell non-subsidized fuels, such as Pertamax.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com