Bali Wins Best Leisure Destination and Ritz-Carlton Bali Best Hotel Recognition in Readers' Choice Award.
The Asian luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, DestinAsian has conducted its first "Readers' Choice Awards" in which the the Island of Bali and a Bali hotel gained recognition.
Voting for the first DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards was held in the latter half of last year through a survey which sought readers' opinions on their favorite destinations, hotels, and airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.
Readers were required to nominate a winner in each category and provide a short explanation on the reasons for their choice.
The announcement of the inaugural winners at a special award luncheon today at The Peninsula, Hong Kong.
"These awards are particularly meaningful because they reflect the views of our readers who are seasoned travelers for business and leisure," DestinAsian Founder and Publisher, Ronald Liem said.
Bali gained the following distinctions in the First DestinAsian Readers Choice Awards;
• Best Leisure DestinAsian - The Island of Bali. Cited by readers for its people, food, culture and beaches.
• Best Hotel, Bali - Ritz Carlton, Bali Resorts and Spa. Cited by readers for its villas and wonderful views.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Cry, the Beloved Island
As Bali joins the rest of the world to mark "Earth Day" on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, it is timely to reflect on the quality of the environmental stewardship, or lack thereof, that reigns on the island of Bali.
www.balidiscovery.com routinely carries reports taken directly from the local press of hotels and villas being built illegally in restricted green zones; violations of set-back rules along rivers and seashores; blatant disregard of building height ordinances; overbuilding that seal off mandatory open space open-ground areas needed to permit the rain to replenish a diminishing water table; and even the demolishment of religious temples to make way for a new holiday resort.
These reports sadly remind that gone forever are the days when a strong Bali Governor compelled developers to build their resorts in Balinese-style architecture and even required staff to wear Bali-inspired uniforms. Those Bali-stlye hotels of yesteryear are becoming a rarity in "modern" Bali; lost behind an avalanche of Golden Arches, Seattle coffee shops and nondescript strip malls.
And, while reports of violations of the rules established to protect the Island's heritage appear in the local media on almost a daily basis, the actual instances in which developers are brought into line and made to rebuild or demolish structures to conform to local rules are as rare as a Bali Starling in downtown Denpasar.
Bali's tourism business has been pejoratively likened to a "soccer match conducted without benefit a referee." In Bali, zoning laws and environmental codes are held in deep contempt and rapaciously disobeyed by many. Disingenuous developers know that the key to unrestricted building is to break rules as quickly as possible; once caught, to smile sheepishly while being scolded by posturing officials; and to then wait for the inevitable official exemption to the rules, generally issued with the speed of an opening wallet.
Adding to the turmoil overtaking this once beautiful island are the many local lawyers and colluding notaries only too willing to create complex agreements that assist foreigners wishing to hold permanent claim to Balinese lands; contravening the absolute prohibitions on foreign land ownership that exists under Indonesian law.
Meanwhile, land prices rise and water table drops with no one seemingly overly concerned as to how the next generation of Balinese will be able to afford to live on their increasing crowded and waterless island.
Perhaps the ineffectiveness of local officials and the tragic consequence of such bad governance is no better demonstrated than at the once popular destination of the Kintamani volcano in Central Bali. Local businessmen who have erected illegal commercial building that now almost completely obscure the majestic volcanic-lake panorama have been "reprimanded" and then given a ludicrous "15 years" to remove their offending structures. Nearby, unregulated local vendor harass and, in some instances, even physically attack visitors who refuse to buy their birc-a-brac. Not unexpectedly, the word has spread with an increasingly fewer number of tourist visitors interested in visiting what once had the potential to be a world-class tourist attraction.
Sustainability Takes a Back Seat to Greed
Whether or not these visitors will ever return to Kintamani remains an open question. Perhaps in 15 years or so, after wiser men and women assume positions of power and decide to enforce the rules for the common good, can Kintamani begin the long-delayed job of reviving its endemic natural splendor.
Returning to our earlier soccer analogy, it seems there may be deeper and more profound insights into what ails Bali tourism no further away than the next televised Indonesian soccer match. The uninitiated witness to Indonesian soccer may be shocked by the regularity with which players and spectators brutally attack referees, the reluctance of the abused officials to enforce the rules, and the resulting general state of havoc which prevails at football matches played across the archipelago. On a very real level, the state of play of Indonesian soccer sadly mirrors the current state of tourism development on the island of Bali. Rules do exist. But no one is prepared to enforce them.
In the firm belief that pictures have the power to speak a thousand words, we include some recent images of developments now underway on along the Bukit Peninsula in South Bali.
These pictures were taken at an area once known as "Dreamland," on a an island once called "Paradise."
Listen to the wind, you can sometimes hear the sound of the Island crying.
www.balidiscovery.com routinely carries reports taken directly from the local press of hotels and villas being built illegally in restricted green zones; violations of set-back rules along rivers and seashores; blatant disregard of building height ordinances; overbuilding that seal off mandatory open space open-ground areas needed to permit the rain to replenish a diminishing water table; and even the demolishment of religious temples to make way for a new holiday resort.
These reports sadly remind that gone forever are the days when a strong Bali Governor compelled developers to build their resorts in Balinese-style architecture and even required staff to wear Bali-inspired uniforms. Those Bali-stlye hotels of yesteryear are becoming a rarity in "modern" Bali; lost behind an avalanche of Golden Arches, Seattle coffee shops and nondescript strip malls.
And, while reports of violations of the rules established to protect the Island's heritage appear in the local media on almost a daily basis, the actual instances in which developers are brought into line and made to rebuild or demolish structures to conform to local rules are as rare as a Bali Starling in downtown Denpasar.
Bali's tourism business has been pejoratively likened to a "soccer match conducted without benefit a referee." In Bali, zoning laws and environmental codes are held in deep contempt and rapaciously disobeyed by many. Disingenuous developers know that the key to unrestricted building is to break rules as quickly as possible; once caught, to smile sheepishly while being scolded by posturing officials; and to then wait for the inevitable official exemption to the rules, generally issued with the speed of an opening wallet.
Adding to the turmoil overtaking this once beautiful island are the many local lawyers and colluding notaries only too willing to create complex agreements that assist foreigners wishing to hold permanent claim to Balinese lands; contravening the absolute prohibitions on foreign land ownership that exists under Indonesian law.
Meanwhile, land prices rise and water table drops with no one seemingly overly concerned as to how the next generation of Balinese will be able to afford to live on their increasing crowded and waterless island.
Perhaps the ineffectiveness of local officials and the tragic consequence of such bad governance is no better demonstrated than at the once popular destination of the Kintamani volcano in Central Bali. Local businessmen who have erected illegal commercial building that now almost completely obscure the majestic volcanic-lake panorama have been "reprimanded" and then given a ludicrous "15 years" to remove their offending structures. Nearby, unregulated local vendor harass and, in some instances, even physically attack visitors who refuse to buy their birc-a-brac. Not unexpectedly, the word has spread with an increasingly fewer number of tourist visitors interested in visiting what once had the potential to be a world-class tourist attraction.
Sustainability Takes a Back Seat to Greed
Whether or not these visitors will ever return to Kintamani remains an open question. Perhaps in 15 years or so, after wiser men and women assume positions of power and decide to enforce the rules for the common good, can Kintamani begin the long-delayed job of reviving its endemic natural splendor.
Returning to our earlier soccer analogy, it seems there may be deeper and more profound insights into what ails Bali tourism no further away than the next televised Indonesian soccer match. The uninitiated witness to Indonesian soccer may be shocked by the regularity with which players and spectators brutally attack referees, the reluctance of the abused officials to enforce the rules, and the resulting general state of havoc which prevails at football matches played across the archipelago. On a very real level, the state of play of Indonesian soccer sadly mirrors the current state of tourism development on the island of Bali. Rules do exist. But no one is prepared to enforce them.
In the firm belief that pictures have the power to speak a thousand words, we include some recent images of developments now underway on along the Bukit Peninsula in South Bali.
These pictures were taken at an area once known as "Dreamland," on a an island once called "Paradise."
Listen to the wind, you can sometimes hear the sound of the Island crying.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
US$100 Million Spiritual Resort for West Bali
Republik Online reports that PT Bali Permata Indah will build a Vita Life Spiritual Healing World Centre near Tabanan, 50 kilometers northwest of Bali's capital city of Denpasar.
Ronny Tome, the President Director of PT Bali Permata Indah told the press at a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, April 18, 2008, that the resort covering 18 hectares and representing an US$100 million investment is the first of a planned network of similar resorts in 11 countries.
Tome said the Bali location was chosen as a spiritual healing center because of its rural village setting and its magnificent panoramas. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2008 with commercial operations to commence in 2010. Aimed at the middle and upper markets, developers say the main markets for visitors to the project will be South Asians, Europeans and Americans.
The owners have pledged to maximize employment opportunities at the new resort for villagers from the surrounding communities of Wangaya Betan, Belilang, and Mangesta and to purchase agricultural produce from local farmers.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Regent (Bupati) of Tabanan, Adi Wiryatama, welcomed the new investment in his regency saying he hope the project would be completed as planned and not "sold off" to other investors. Wiryatama also called on all parties to use negotiations and peaceful consensus in settling any problems that may arise during the development and operation of the resort.
Ronny Tome, the President Director of PT Bali Permata Indah told the press at a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, April 18, 2008, that the resort covering 18 hectares and representing an US$100 million investment is the first of a planned network of similar resorts in 11 countries.
Tome said the Bali location was chosen as a spiritual healing center because of its rural village setting and its magnificent panoramas. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2008 with commercial operations to commence in 2010. Aimed at the middle and upper markets, developers say the main markets for visitors to the project will be South Asians, Europeans and Americans.
The owners have pledged to maximize employment opportunities at the new resort for villagers from the surrounding communities of Wangaya Betan, Belilang, and Mangesta and to purchase agricultural produce from local farmers.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Regent (Bupati) of Tabanan, Adi Wiryatama, welcomed the new investment in his regency saying he hope the project would be completed as planned and not "sold off" to other investors. Wiryatama also called on all parties to use negotiations and peaceful consensus in settling any problems that may arise during the development and operation of the resort.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Seeking Bali Meetings Business in Jakarta and Surabaya
Bali's Leading Hotels and resorts are traveling to Jakarta and Surabaya in April 2008
Organized by Bali Discovery on behalf of the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) two meeting and conference showcase and reception will be held in Jakarta and Surabaya in the month of April 2008.
Targeted at top decision-makers from leading corporations and organizations, the showcase and reception will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Jakarta On Tuesday, April 15th and the Shangri-La Hotel in Surabaya on Thursday, April 17th.
Each event gets underway at 4:30 p.m. with a table top exhibition-cum-reception running until 7:30 p.m.. Delicious Balinese food, attractive door prizes from Bali's leading hotels and companies, air tickets to Bali sponsored by Mandala Airlines and a special guest appearance by Balinese music sensation Balawan are just some of the highlights of the event in both cities
Among the Balinese companies visiting Jakarta and Surabaya are:
• Hyatt Resorts Bali
• Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort
• The Ritz-Carlton Bali, Resort & Spa
• The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua
• Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa,
• InterContinental Bali Resort
• Ayodya Resort Bali
• Karma Resorts Bali
• Hard Rock Hotel Bali
• Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
• Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
• Bali Dynasty Resort
• Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel & Suites
• Bali Hai Cruises
• BIMC Hospital
• Mandala Airlines
The MICE Showcase to Jakarta and Surabaya is organized under the auspices of the Bali Hotels Association - a professional group of star-rated hotels and resorts in Bali. Members include general managers from more than 74 hotels and resorts, representing more than 13,887 hotel rooms and nearly 21,998 employees in the Bali hotel sector.
Admission to both events is strictly by invitation. Those wishing more information can email ifah[at]balidiscovery.com
Organized by Bali Discovery on behalf of the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) two meeting and conference showcase and reception will be held in Jakarta and Surabaya in the month of April 2008.
Targeted at top decision-makers from leading corporations and organizations, the showcase and reception will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Jakarta On Tuesday, April 15th and the Shangri-La Hotel in Surabaya on Thursday, April 17th.
Each event gets underway at 4:30 p.m. with a table top exhibition-cum-reception running until 7:30 p.m.. Delicious Balinese food, attractive door prizes from Bali's leading hotels and companies, air tickets to Bali sponsored by Mandala Airlines and a special guest appearance by Balinese music sensation Balawan are just some of the highlights of the event in both cities
Among the Balinese companies visiting Jakarta and Surabaya are:
• Hyatt Resorts Bali
• Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort
• The Ritz-Carlton Bali, Resort & Spa
• The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua
• Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa,
• InterContinental Bali Resort
• Ayodya Resort Bali
• Karma Resorts Bali
• Hard Rock Hotel Bali
• Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
• Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
• Bali Dynasty Resort
• Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel & Suites
• Bali Hai Cruises
• BIMC Hospital
• Mandala Airlines
The MICE Showcase to Jakarta and Surabaya is organized under the auspices of the Bali Hotels Association - a professional group of star-rated hotels and resorts in Bali. Members include general managers from more than 74 hotels and resorts, representing more than 13,887 hotel rooms and nearly 21,998 employees in the Bali hotel sector.
Admission to both events is strictly by invitation. Those wishing more information can email ifah[at]balidiscovery.com
New Chef De Cuisine at The Chedi Club
Bjorn Jozefus van Veggel Aims to Wed the Best of Indonesian and European Cuisines in the Hills of Ubud, Bali.
The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah, Ubud have appointed Dutchman Bjorn Jozefus van Veggel as the Resort's new Chef de Cuisine.
Family folklore says Bjorn already cherished dreams of becoming a chef from the age of 4, Chef Bjorn eventually studied at Baronie College, SVH, Breda. After graduation he worked his way through some of the Michelin starred Gourmet Restaurants, including the well-known Restaurant De Swaen in Oisterwijk. Before moving to Bali, his most recent position was as Chef de Partie at the 1-star Michelin-rated Relais & Chateaux Restaurant De Nederlanden in Vreeland.
Chef Bjorn's culinary journey has now brought him to Bali. Enchanted by the Island's reputation and its beauty, he jumped at the opportunity to work in such a sunny part of the world and is quickly embracing the culture, the landscape, the nature and food of the Balinese people.
Classically trained, Bjorn specializes in bringing together Asian and European cuisines. This is perhaps best exemplified by his new creation of Citrus Duck Breast Salad, with garden fresh leaves and soya citrus dressing.
Another tempting creation - a warm symphony of chocolate cake filled with a sauce made from strawberries harvested from the Chedi Club's organic gardens. "The taste," he said, "is fantastic, and I can handpick them from just outside the kitchen."
The Chedi Club sits at the Tanah Gajah Estate, the Hadiprana family home for over two decades before being entrusted to the care of General Hotel Management (GHM).
To celebrate arrival at his new home, Chef Bjorn is to featuring some of the Hadiprana family recipes. He explains, "these dishes are part of the history of Tanah Gajah as well as being absolutely delicious; I think our guests will really enjoy them." He adds, "it's a great feeling when guests leave the restaurant satisfied and happy."
The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah, Ubud have appointed Dutchman Bjorn Jozefus van Veggel as the Resort's new Chef de Cuisine.
Family folklore says Bjorn already cherished dreams of becoming a chef from the age of 4, Chef Bjorn eventually studied at Baronie College, SVH, Breda. After graduation he worked his way through some of the Michelin starred Gourmet Restaurants, including the well-known Restaurant De Swaen in Oisterwijk. Before moving to Bali, his most recent position was as Chef de Partie at the 1-star Michelin-rated Relais & Chateaux Restaurant De Nederlanden in Vreeland.
Chef Bjorn's culinary journey has now brought him to Bali. Enchanted by the Island's reputation and its beauty, he jumped at the opportunity to work in such a sunny part of the world and is quickly embracing the culture, the landscape, the nature and food of the Balinese people.
Classically trained, Bjorn specializes in bringing together Asian and European cuisines. This is perhaps best exemplified by his new creation of Citrus Duck Breast Salad, with garden fresh leaves and soya citrus dressing.
Another tempting creation - a warm symphony of chocolate cake filled with a sauce made from strawberries harvested from the Chedi Club's organic gardens. "The taste," he said, "is fantastic, and I can handpick them from just outside the kitchen."
The Chedi Club sits at the Tanah Gajah Estate, the Hadiprana family home for over two decades before being entrusted to the care of General Hotel Management (GHM).
To celebrate arrival at his new home, Chef Bjorn is to featuring some of the Hadiprana family recipes. He explains, "these dishes are part of the history of Tanah Gajah as well as being absolutely delicious; I think our guests will really enjoy them." He adds, "it's a great feeling when guests leave the restaurant satisfied and happy."
Seeing Double: Photography By Luca Tettoni
Luca Tettoni was born in Turin, Northern Italy, and worked at an Italian publishing company before coming to Asia. Now at home in his adopted Asian home, he has become a world-renowned photographer whose work has been featured in numerous coffee-table books featuring South East Asia's finest hotels and resorts, spas, homes, tropical gardens, cooking and archeological sites.
Two Exhibitions in Bali
The first of these two exhibitions, Asian Travels – Black and White Images of Asia feature works from Tettoni's travels in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, including Bali. The second exhibition - "Seeking Serenity" showcases the images the Italian he has taken documenting the "Wellness Movement" that is sweeping the world.
Over the years, Luca Tettoni has photographed many of the most exclusive hotels, resorts and spas in the Asia-Pacific region. His keen sense of composition, combined with his technical expertise, captures the desired ambience and brings out the best aspects of interior architecture and design. In his photography of resorts and spas, Luca strives to find imaginative and visually appealing ways to emphasize natural beauty and modern wellness trends.
While residing in Bangkok in the mid-1980s, Luca's interest in architecture led him to begin photographing Thai-style houses. This work was published in a 1989 book "Thai Style" which became the first of a series of books (Rizzoli International Publications) on building exteriors and interiors featuring traditional Asian construction and decorative arts and crafts.
Luca's sensitive approach to recording Asian style opened has influenced numerous architects and interior designers around the world via ideas captured by his camera in hotels, resorts and private homes. "The Tropical Garden" was among the first books produced on tropical gardens.
Seeking Serenity
April 16, 2008 - May 30, 2008
Quidzy at the Fashion Point - Jalan Raya Seminyak 63
Seminyak, Kuta
(In front of the Circle K and Warung Made)
Telephone ++62 – (0)361-738 631
“Asian Travels: Black and White Images of Asia”
April 18, 2008 - May 30, 2008
Quidzy @ Kunti Plaza - Jalan Kunti II No 20 (at junction of Jl Kunti and Sunset Road Seminyak)
Kuta
Telephone ++62-(0)361-738 631
Meeting in Ultimate Style
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay Opens New Multi-Function Meeting Room.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has opened its new, multi-function meeting room, Jepun Sari, boasted by the Resort as "the largest private room in Bali with an ocean view."
Built in a traditional Balinese architectural style that blends seamlessly with the grace and ambience of the Resort, Jepun Sari is characterized by a soaring, alang alang thatched roof, a wrap-around terrace, and an emphasis on space and light. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls maximize spectacular views across Jimbaran Bay. Windows are equipped with specially designed blinds that can be dropped to provide a blackout facility.
Completely air-conditioned to host business incentives, executive gatherings, and social events such as Bali weddings. With a capacity for up to 150 business guests for a corporate meeting or small conference, or up to 90 guests for sit down meals - Jepun Sari is the ideal venue for receptions, reunion celebrations, parties, theme dinners, corporate functions, seminars, conventions, product launches and social events.
Available in a number of layout configurations the Jepun Sari can accommodate classroom, theatre or boardroom layouts. The venue includes a full range of audio-visual, business, presentation and PA equipment, including a hi-tech built-in screen.
The opening of the Jepun Sari reflects the growing importance of meetings, conferences and incentives to all segments of Bali’s tourism industry. The Island’s unequalled collection of top-end boutique properties have become increasingly the preferred choice for small, exclusive business meetings, board meetings, team building trips and ultimate incentives.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has opened its new, multi-function meeting room, Jepun Sari, boasted by the Resort as "the largest private room in Bali with an ocean view."
Built in a traditional Balinese architectural style that blends seamlessly with the grace and ambience of the Resort, Jepun Sari is characterized by a soaring, alang alang thatched roof, a wrap-around terrace, and an emphasis on space and light. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls maximize spectacular views across Jimbaran Bay. Windows are equipped with specially designed blinds that can be dropped to provide a blackout facility.
Completely air-conditioned to host business incentives, executive gatherings, and social events such as Bali weddings. With a capacity for up to 150 business guests for a corporate meeting or small conference, or up to 90 guests for sit down meals - Jepun Sari is the ideal venue for receptions, reunion celebrations, parties, theme dinners, corporate functions, seminars, conventions, product launches and social events.
Available in a number of layout configurations the Jepun Sari can accommodate classroom, theatre or boardroom layouts. The venue includes a full range of audio-visual, business, presentation and PA equipment, including a hi-tech built-in screen.
The opening of the Jepun Sari reflects the growing importance of meetings, conferences and incentives to all segments of Bali’s tourism industry. The Island’s unequalled collection of top-end boutique properties have become increasingly the preferred choice for small, exclusive business meetings, board meetings, team building trips and ultimate incentives.
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