A leading Bali night spot for the past 18 years, Double Six will enter into a new era with its grand re-opening on July 10 following an extensive refurbishment program. Architect Fredo Taffin of Escpace Consepts of KuDeTa and Gado-Gado fame has designed a venue that is modern in its approach, yet the new Double Six will still be recognizable to old patrons of the popular evening venue. State-of-the-art audio visual systems have been incorporated into the dance club while a sophisticated 24 hour security surveillance system will ensure party-goers remain safe and sound.

Owned by I Made 'Kadek' Wiranatha, Bali entrepreneur extraordinaire, who owns and operates Air Paradise International, Gado-Gado, and Bounty Cruises, Double Six had humble beginnings in the mid-1980s when it first opened amidst paddy fields and music was provided by a simple cassette player driven by a generator set. Over the years, the Double Six became the preferred place to dance until the early hours for Kuta's night owls and international jet-set.

The "new look" Double Six already went through its "soft opening" last month gaining rave reviews for its more up market and secure pesona. Included in the new Double Six is a sophisticated bar - The Paparazzi Lounge replacing the former Italian Restaurant. The lounge takes advantage of the ocean view with a patio deck for those seeking the breeze and a moment's escape from the intense party atmosphere just a few steps away inside Double Six.

New Management Team

Mr. Shaharin Abas Koh has been brought in to head the management team at the new Double Six. He is a Singapore national with nearly two decades of experience earned with Hard Rock Café, Hard Rock Hotels and, most recently, Rumours in the Kerobokan.

Koh is assisted by Justin Alexandra as Events and Promotions Manager and Max Maccini as PR Manager of Papazzi.

The new team has announced its intention to show the world what Bali is capable of presenting via the July 10 re-launch. An entire week of international acts and top DJs are scheduled to add to the excitement of Bali's newest "old" nightspot.

French citizens and Francophiles are invited to join a celebration of French National Day in Bali.

Although officially celebrated every February 14, the commemoration of the storming of the Paris Bastille in 1789 and the commencement of the French Revolution in Bali will take place on Saturday, July 10 with a buffet campagnard at Kafe Warisan in Kerobokan, north of Kuta.

The public is welcome to join the celebrations starting at 8:00 p.m.. Rp. 180,000 (approximately US$ 19) will cover the cost of the evening's entertainments, food and taxes.

For more information contact the French Consulate in Bali at telephone ++62-(0)361-285485 or via e-mail [French Consulate E-mail].

Millions of Indonesians went to neighborhood polling places on Monday, July 5, 2004, to participate in their first direct election of a President and Vice-President. A field of candidates representing 5 parties are vying for the right to lead the Republic for the next 5 years.

Contest rules stipulate that should any candidate fail to garner at least 51% of the votes cast, a second and final run-off election will be held between the top two sets of candidates on September 20, 2005.

Take the Day Off and Vote

In order to facilitate and encourage Indonesians to get out and vote, election day has been declared an official public holiday.

Bad behavior, possibly triggered by alcohol consumption, landed an Amsterdam-bound passenger on board Garuda Flight GA 7272 on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 in trouble with the law.

The unnamed passenger reportedly did not show signs of inebriation when he boarded the 7:00 a.m. morning flight in Perth, Western Australia. However, according to a statement issued by the airline, the male passenger was observed drinking from a vodka bottle stored in his hand luggage. As the flight covered the distance between Perth and its first stop in Bali en route to a final destination of Amsterdam, the passenger was seen to become increasingly agitated, eventually forcing his way past the crew members to the forward Business Class section of the aircraft.

Implementing training and emergency procedures in place to handle such a situation, the crew, with the help of at least one passenger, subdued the man and placed him in handcuffs before securing him in the rear section of the plane. Meanwhile, the flight deck was informed of the incident who, in turn, contacted air traffic controllers in Bali.

Upon landing at the airport, the man was handed over to waiting Denpasar police officers.

According to the airline, there are no reports of the man making "threats of a terrorist-related nature" prior to the altercation, which caused physical damage to interior elements of the passenger cabin.

It is unclear what, if any charges will be filed against the man by the police or if Garuda Indonesia will be instigate a civil action against the man.

Making it clear they view the matter "extremely seriously," Garuda has made it clear that they are refusing carry the passenger on any flight departing Bali and are considering a variety of legal moves against the individual.

David Booth, acknowledged around the world for his contributions in sustainable community development, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for "Services to sustainable development in rural East Bali, Indonesia" in The Queen's 2004 Birthday Honors List.

Born in humble circumstances in Morecambe in the North West of England, David had to work in order to support his own education and obtain a hard fought university degree. Trained as a civil engineer, he worked on major construction projects in the UK and around for nearly two decades before adopting Indonesia as his home.

In his personal quest to assist the world community, David initially settled in Jakarta, where he also put his civil engineering skills to work on a humanitarian relief project on one of the most easterly islands in Indonesia. His growing Indonesian experience and keen desire to make a difference eventually led David to a forgotten Balinese village, only three hour's drive from Bali's luxury tourist resorts but decades away in terms of access to the health and economic benefits of modern development. Lost on the steep slopes of Bali's Mt. Agung, almost overlooked by their own government, and virtually unknown to the villagers just a few kilometers away - the small East Balinese community suffered from endemic iodine deficiencies – a problem exacerbated by lack of education, clean water, balanced diet and hygiene.

Determined to work with the local community on projects identified and embraced first and foremost by the community itself, David assisted as key elements needed to build a self-sustaining systematic solution to community's problems were put in place. By prioritizing goals – such as children's education, public health deficiencies and food security real changes have been introduced that have touched the lives of every member of that community.

According to David, no victory is small and some of the most rewarding have come as a complete surprise. For instance, there are the children who have turned established practices upside down by teaching their parents to read, about hygiene and how to practice crop rotation. Then there's the villager who, after discovering toilets on his first trip outside his village, installed one in his home and now proudly invites his neighbors to inspect his indoor plumbing.

Buoyed and inspired by the honor bestowed by Her Royal Highness, David and his hard working team at the East Bali Poverty Project continue to work toward their next major goal: a guarantee the villagers will enjoy food security by the year 2012.

More information: Visit the East Bali Poverty Project Web Site

The Central Balinese Kingdom of Ubud is awash with activities in preparation for the large-scale Royal Cremation ceremony scheduled to be held there on Saturday, July 24, 2004.

The Plebon or cremation of the last of the 11 children of Ubud's King Tjokorda Gde Sukawati, automatically mandated that elaborate preparations have been underway since May 6 when the 94-year-old Ibu Tjokorda Istri Niyang Muter passed away, leaving behind 2 children, 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The twin-sister of Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati who assumed the head of the royal household when the old King died, Ibu Muter, who was born in 1910, saw Ubud transform from a sleepy hillside village into a Mecca of art and culture, the adopted second-home of artists from across Indonesia and around the world.

Touted by many as likely to be the largest cremation ceremony on the island in 25 years, this will be likely be one of the last genuinely royal cremations. Seen as an auspicious day for a rite of passage - the cremation of Ibu Muter will also be the occasion for the mass-cremation of the disinterred remains of at least 52 other people who have recently died in the 5 banjars or communities that surround the Royal Palace.

A giant, intricately carved bull or lembu is being lovingly prepared to be set alight holding Ibu Muter's remains on its heavenly flight. The Bull and a giant tower, or bade, will be paraded through the village streets to the place selected for cremation - all led by a rarely-seen model of a dragon or naga banda, an honor reserved for a direct descendent of the Royal Household.

Elaborate ceremonies mark the days leading up to the cremation and for several weeks after the event. The public is generally welcome to attend many of these events and observe one of Bali's most revered religious rituals.

While rules of respectful reverence and decorum are de rigueur at every Balinese ceremony, specific rules of dress and behavior are even more emphatic at a ceremony with Royal trappings.

Foreign visitors wishing to view the Royal Cremation are strongly urged to contact Bali Discovery Tours or one of Bali's other leading local tour operators who can advise and assist those wishing to respectfully attend this important event.

BMG 2004 – Bali MICE Guide - the Island's only comprehensive guide to Meetings, Incentives, conferences and Exhibitions is available without charge to qualified members of the meeting and conference Industry.

Now in its third edition, BMG 2004 is an attractively presented 164-page guide full of practical tips and information of value to corporations, and incentive and event organizers contemplating group movements to Bali. Detailed schematics of venues and their carrying capacity in various meeting configurations are coupled with insights of the unrivalled range of cultural and arts programs which can be organized during a Bali event.

Supported by advertising from Bali's leading hotels, Destination Management Companies, and tourist attractions, copies of the BMG 2004 can be requested from leading hotel and tourism operators on the island or by following the link and completing the on-line form provided. Distribution is limited to qualified members of the international meeting and conference industry.

More information: Qualify for a Copy of BMG 2004

Australian artist Deborah Williams will be exhibiting a series of etchings and linocuts focusing entirely on the position occupied by dogs in the daily life of Bali. "Bali Dogs as Art" - an art exhibition, traces its roots to Williams' first visit to Bali in 2002 and her decision to volunteer with the Yudisthira Bali Street Dog Foundation. During her one-month stay in Bali, she undertook a project photographing the life of Bali's dogs on the island's streets, beaches and in local villages.

As many artists have discovered over the years, a visit to Bali can have profound influence on your future body of work. Thus, when Deborah returned to her native Australia she began creating etchings and linocuts all loosely organized around the theme "Bali's Dogs as Art." Proving true the old adage that "every dog must have its day," Deborah's work has acquired a cult-following in Sydney and Melbourne, prompting her to make a return visit to Bali where, once again, she's volunteering to help the Bali Street Dog Foundation while also squeezing in time to teach the art of print-making to local teenagers.

Apparently Deborah's students have absorbed her interest in Bali's canines, producing pictures of hairless dogs, homeless puppies and – their favorite "Tripod" the three-legged dog.

Some of the children's wood cut prints will displayed alongside Deborah William's at a two-day exhibition of "Bali Dogs as Art" at Grant's Gallery House on July 10 and 11, 2004. The exhibition opens July 10 with a reception from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Jalan Sekawaru No. 18 in Sanur. Proceeds will benefit the Yudisthira Bali Street Dog Foundation.

"Every time I look at Deb's work I am moved by the way she captures the essence of a day-in-the-life of the Bali dogs," saaid Sherry Grant. As a co-founder of the Yudisthira – Bali Street Dog Foundation, she should know. The Foundation treats thousands of Bali dogs annually. Last year 13,000 of Bali's street, beach and village dogs were treated, neutered and/or spayed by the organization.

More information: Yudisthira - Bali Street Dog Web Site

After all, the woman who fashioned the style and taste for an entire generation can't be seen to take her holiday just anywhere.

It's therefore not surprising then that world-renowned designer and fashion mogul Donna Karan took her June 2004 holiday in Bali.

The native New Yorker who headed the Anne Klein design-team before founding her own company in 1985, Donna Karan has become a fashion icon through her trademark DKNY Line and affiliated product lines of perfumes, coffees, men's and women's wear, and children's appearal.

Interested in yoga, eastern philosophy and meditation, Donna Karan chose the serenly peacefull hill-top resort of Begawan Giri for a stay that included a daily session of yoga training.

During her stay in Bali, Donna Karan visited the KuDeTa Restaurant on Bali's Kerobokan Beach where, as seen on balidiscovery.com, the staff insisted on a chance for a group photograph with the visiting celebrity.

The month of May foreign direct arrival figures for Bali reported one week ago in Bali Update and on balidiscovery.com have now been supplemented with preliminary totals for June – offering further proof of a rapid and very strong revival in visitor numbers.

Bali foreign arrival numbers for June hit 131,544 – an increase of 61.89% from June arrivals just one year before.

Most noteworthy, if June's preliminary figures are confirmed they will represent the best June arrival totals on record, surpassing the record-braking June 2002's performance of 130,563.

Numbers May be Deceiving

Arrival figure although impressive do not reveal the approximate 50% downturn in tourism business for Bali resulting from the fundamental remix of nationalities that comprise these totals when compared to only a few short years ago. The downward economic impact of the supplanting of long-haul, long-staying and high-spending Western Europeans and North Americans by regional visitors on brief, low-spending visits is not reflected in the aggregate totals for arrivals.

Various reports suggest the Average Spend Per day and Average Length of Stay for Bali's foreign visitors is down between 40-50% from only 3-4 years ago.

More information: Download Arrivals January to June 1999 to 2004

Chef Heinz von Holzen's unending love affair with Balinese food and the story of its preparation has entered a "new chapter" – in fact, eleven new chapters with the publication of his gorgeously presented latest cookery book "Bali Unveiled: The Secrets of the Balinese Kitchen."

Published by Times Edition – Marshall Cavendash Ltd Singapore (ISBN: 981-232-697-9), the book represents the definitive compendium of the whys and wherefores of the Balinese kitchen. Prepared with assistance from well known Balinese cultural authority Fred B. Eisman, von Holzen presents a valuable foundation understanding of the role that food plays in daily Balinese life and the Island's endless cycle of ceremonies and decoratively presented dishes known as banten joten - quite literally offerings to God.

Against this background of Balinese society's relationship to the bounty of its Edenic fields and pastures, the book provides recipes and preparation techniques for an exhaustive list of local recipes divided by major food groups.

A man with a long-standing love affair with Bali and its people expressed through his study and admiration of the Island's culinary traditions, Heinz von Holzen first came to Bali two decades ago from his native Switzerland. After stints heading the Food and Beverage departments of Bali's Grand Hyatt Hotel and Ritz Carlton, he embarked on a bold enterprise to establish the first internationally renowned Balinese restaurant. That restaurant - Bumbu Bali has flourished and became one of the most popular dining spots, winning awards from the local government for the unrivaled quality of Balinese cuisine.

A man who is as at home in the Balinese kitchen as he now is in the Balinese family room, Heinz's roots are now run deep in his adopted home via his marriage to his Balinese wife Puji, who partners Heinz in the restaurant and cooking school and is Mother to their teen-age son and chief food-tester, Fabian.

Heinz's artistic gifts are not limited to only the kitchen. A talented photographer whose pictures have graced a number of books and publications, his pictures of beautifully presented Balinese food and the people of Bali punctuate the pages of "Bali Unveiled: The Secrets of the Balinese Kitchen.".

More information: Join A Bumbu Bali Cooking Class

Within the already luxurious confines of The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua sits a small oasis of prestige and privilege reserved only for the guests staying in 28 special rooms and 20 suites which comprise The Royal Beach Club®.

Offering an extraordinary level of personal service – the Royal Beach Club Experience begins with complimentary transfers between airport and hotel; registration and reception services in a exclusive lounge, a welcome beverage, and a 20-minute revitalizing massage at the Resort's Spa. While guests' tired muscles are being pampered, butlers set themselves to unpacking luggage and seeing to any laundry or pressing requirements. Other benefits include daily selection of fresh fruits, turndown services, tempting chocolates, and distinctive Moulton & Brown toiletry amenities.

The Royal Beach Club Lounge

The focal point of The Royal Beach Club® is the lounge located on the lobby level of The Resort. Only available to guests of the Club, the lounge offers 24 hour service in the form of gourmet breakfasts, light luncheons, pre-dinner cocktails and canapés, and cocktails throughout the day. The lounge is also equipped with a plasma screen television, a collection of CD's, a library and a high speed Internet connection.

With only 48 rooms provided access to The Royal Beach Club® - early reservations are recommended.

More information: Book a Stay at The Westin Resort

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