The Bali Garlic Club is organizing its inaugural Garlic Flea Market on Sunday, April 28, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Bali Deli Park, located behind the Bali Deli on Jalan Kunti in Seminyak.

Intended to raise money for local community projects, the Garlic Flea Market will provide an opportunity for local traders and individuals to sell goods and merchandise

A limited number of booths are available at a cost of only Rp.300,000 with advertising sponsorship and raffle prize sponsorship opportunities available.

Mark Your Calendar Now

For a day of community fun, food, drink and exciting prizes be sure to attend the Garlic Flea Market on Sunday, April 28, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 P.M. at the Bali Deli Park, located behind the Bali Deli on Jalan Kunti in Seminyak.

More About the Bali Garlic Club

Bali Garlic Club (BGC) members are expatriates and Indonesian living in Bali who, besides loving garlic in its various culinary forms - seek to promote friendship and creating a life balance by giving back to the community through projects to clean the environment, recycle, and local educational projects.

Past "garlic themed" dinners have been held at The Samaya, Tugu Hotel and Fresh Restaurant.

Want to Know More?

If you'd like to know more about Bali Garlic Club or the Garlic Flea Market telephone ++62-(0)8123868473 or use the email link provided.

More information: Bali Garlic Club Email

During a late March 2007 formal tour to Asia that included stops in China, Aceh and Jakarta, Norway's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg made a detour with his entourage to Bali to enjoy a few days of relaxation on the world's most popular tropical island.

Traveling with his wife and Norway's Ambassador to Indonesia, Bjorn Blokus, the Head of Norway's Government spent a number of days staying at least 3 hotels in various parts of the Island.

During the Norwegian Prime Minister's holiday stop in Bali he was hosted to a dinner at Jaya Sabha - the official residence of Bali's Governor. During that dinner, the Scandinavian VIPs were treated to a special dance performance by students of Bali's Art's Institute (ISI).

Cockpit voice recordings and technical data recovered from the black box of the ill-fated Garuda B-737-400 that crashed in Yogyakarta on March 7, 2007 are revealing what may have happened in the final moments before 21 people died and many others were injured.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) quoted the Indonesian chief investigator of the crash as saying the aircraft was travelling at 410 kilometres per hour or "almost twice the normal landing speed" when it crashed. The ABC reports also quoted the Fairfax Newspapers as saying initial reports indicate safety run-off areas at the airport were only 25% of the recommended length.

A separate report in the Melbourne Age carried a more extensive analysis of the crash, reporting:

. The plane was travelling at 410 kilometres per hour when slammed into the runways.

. Aviation experts confirmed that both speed and flap warnings would have been sounding in the cockpit, alerting the pilot to "go round" and abort the landing.

. Yogyakarta's runway fails to meet international safety standards with run-off areas only 25% of the recommended length.

. The pilot of the aircraft reported a faulty reverse thrust problem in one of the plane's engines shortly after take-off.

. The cockpit data recordings did not reveal mechanical problems before landing.

. Weather conditions were calm, contradicting pilot's reports of severe downdrafts.

. The cockpit voice recorder did not substantiate other reports of an argument between the pilot and co-pilot prior to the crash.

. Fire trucks and rescue vehicles were improperly equipped and unable to reach the crash site quickly.

According to The Age, their information was drawn from a full copy of the preliminary accident report, a report - according to the newspaper, Indonesian Transport Minister Hatta Rajasa "attempted to block."

A final accident report from Indonesian aviation authorities has yet to be published and is expected to become available sometime in May.

Domestic Passengers Down Nation-wide, But Increase in Bali

As shown on graphics presented on balidiscovery.com, nation-wide domestic airline passengers for the period January-February 2007 totaled 3.794 million, a decrease of -15.20% from the number carried in the same period in January-February 2006 (4.473 million). In terms of domestic arrivals, Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport bucked the downward trend counting 263,200 domestic passengers during the first two months of 2007, an improvement of 8.13% over the 243,300 domestic passengers carried during the same period one year before.

International Passengers Up Nation-wide

During the first two months of 2007 arrivals by foreign nationals totaled 912,400 - improving 14.45% over the 797,200 foreign arrivals in January-February 2006. Foreign arrivals at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport posted even more dramatic improvements - increasing 42.41% over January-February 2006.

The Head of the National Center of Statistics (BPS) blamed the downturn in domestic air passengers on the effects of low season travel in combination with "psychological factors" resulting from a series of recent tragic air mishaps by national air carriers.

The largest drop in domestic air passengers was at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport which experienced a -13.13% decrease in domestic passengers year-on-year for the period January-February 2007.

On March 15, 2007, Accor officially launch its first new-built hotel in Bali, the Novotel Nusa Dua Hotel and Residences with a series of packages specially designed for couples, families and adventure lovers.

Located within the popular Nusa Dua Complex - one of Bali's most popular and well-locates tourism precincts, the Novotel Nusa Dua Hotel and Residences is surrounded by the world-class Nusa Dua Golf and Country Club and just a stone's throw from the Nusa Dua beach area, where the hotel runs a private Beach Club for guests.

The new, purpose built 188-room hotel and apartment development comprises generous sized studios and one, two and three bedroom apartments. All ground-floor apartments offer the added convenience of plunge pools and are fitted-out in a modern Balinese-inspired style. Large, airy living rooms; spacious bathrooms and a wide variety of room configurations have resulted in a resort ideal for families, groups of friends and couples.

The four-storey hotel features rich timber doors that open into well appointed and beautifully furnished retreats. All upper-level rooms and apartments feature private balconies.

My Spa

My Spa - the Hotel's spa and wellness center, offers traditional Balinese massage, body treatments, and a hair salon.

Gardens, Pools and Golf

A centrepiece of Novotel Nusa Dua is its 1500 square meter infinity-edge pool, set in tropical gardens and featuring water walls. Other recreational facilities include an 18-hole golf course, volleyball, children's playground and kids club. Restaurant facilities include a poolside café, patisserie and buffet restaurant.

Novotel Nusa Dua's General Manager, Philippe Battle, said the opening of the hotel reflects the growing confidence in Bali and that he was confident that overseas and domestic travellers increasingly support the destination over the next six months.

"We have already seen a strong resurgence of business from the Asia Pacific region and Europe, particularly in the couples market, but with the opening of hotels such as the Novotel Nusa Dua we are looking to attract families and groups as well," added Battle.

The Novotel Nusa Dua is Accor's sixth hotel in Bali, joining a Sofitel in Seminyak, a Novotel in Benoa, Mercures in Sanur and Kuta and an All Seasons Hotel in Legian.

Special Opening Offers

Nightly rates at the Novotel Nusa Dua start from US$59++ per night (US$71.40). A series of value packages have been designed to attract families, couples and golfers that include:

. FAMILY RETREAT - three night's accommodation in a two-bedroom residence, daily buffet breakfast, one in room dining (set menu) for the family, one relaxing one-hour traditional massage for Mum, and one snack and beer package for Dad. For the kids there's a gift pack and free activities in the Kids Club, plus return airport transfers. This three-night package sells for US$428 - based on 2 adults and maximum 2 children and is inclusive of 21% service charge and tax. Extra nights are available at $US126 per room, per night including breakfast. Price valid until June 30, 2007.

. BALI PARADISE PACKAGE - three night's accommodation in a deluxe room, and includes: daily buffet breakfast, one round of Golf at the Bali Golf and Country Club. Also included in this package - a two hour spa treatment and return airport transfers. The price is US$258 per person twin share and includes 21% service charge and tax. This special opening price valid from March 15 to June 30, 2007.

. SPA SYMPHONY PACKAGE - this relaxation package includes a welcome drink and cold towel on arrival, three nights accommodation in a one-bedroom Residence, with daily breakfast, one in-room dining service (set menu), one two-and-a-half-hour Symphony Spa for 2 people (including healthy foods and drinks), and return airport transfers. Price: US$368 per package. Valid until June 30, 2007- based on 2 adults only per package. Extra nights at US$83 net per room, per night - including breakfast.

. SPA SYMPHONY (2.5 hours) - Complete body treatment that uses a selection of aromatic oils and includes a herbal foot wash, a full body scrub, followed by a body rinse and a body steam/sauna. This is followed by a relaxing body massage and body mask to tighten the skin. An herbal bath or flower bath and refreshing ginger tea complete the treatment, followed by application of a soothing body lotion.

. GOLF NUT GETAWAY - Includes five nights accommodation in a one bedroom Residence, daily buffet breakfast and four rounds of Golf at the famous Bali Golf and Country Club. One night's in room dinner, including a bottle of beer or soft drink, and return airport transfers are also included in the US$718 per person, twin sharing (single supplement at USD 159). All prices inclusive of and 21% service charge and tax.

Special opening price valid from March 15th to June 30th 2007.

More information: Novotel Nusa Dua Hotel and Residences

Celebrating the 10th year of his artistic journey, Ubud-based painter Wayan Sila will be feature in a solo painting exhibition - "Treasure" at the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa from April 27 - May 7, 2007.

In a new departure in style, 30 pieces of his paintings and Giclée will be presented in conjunction with poetry and written verse by Yoko Miyasaki.

Wayan Sila studied Balinese painting using as his early models the motifs of barong and arja dances. The grandson of well known Balinese painter I Wayan Barwa, Wayan Sila's works now draws its inspiration from a magical world of owls, lights and forests.

His decade-long artistic sojourn began in 1997 when visiting Japan for an exhibition of his owl paintings. During that trip he visited elementary schools in Tokyo where he shared the Balinese style of painting with eager students. So enthusiastic was the response in Japan that Wayan Sila now visits Japan twice a year where he exhibits his work and teaches Balinese painting technique while telling children about Balinese culture and his life in the village of Ubud.

His latest exhibition combines his paintings with poetry written by Yoko Miyazaki and translated by Thomas R. Walker.

Treasure

Keep your dreams

And they will live on

As tiny jewels of joy

In the heart.

"Treasures" - an exhibition of paintings by Wayan Sila open daily at the Maya Ubud Resort April 27 - May 7, 2007.

For more information contact Ayu Martiasih, Marketing Communications Manager at telephone ++62-(0)361-977888.

The Indonesian-language Bisnis Indonesia interviewed Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways during his March 28, 2007 visit to Bali to launch the four-times-a-week service to the Island. balidiscovery.com is pleased to provide its translation of that interview conducted by Bisnis Indonesia's John A. Oktaveri.

Bisnis Indonesia: Why has Qatar Airways open a new route to Bali?

Al Baker: As a destination for foreign tourists - primarily from the Middle East, Europe and Africa - we have seen a continual growth in air traffic. This holiday island has also elevated its status as a business center, becoming the second most important business center in Indonesia.

Bisnis Indonesia: What is your future business plan following your entry to Bali in 2007 and after your start of service to Jakarta in 2001?

Al Baker: For the first phase, we plan to fly (to Bali) four times a week. But, Qatar Airways will soon increase this to a daily service.

The third goal we are currently pursuing is Surabaya, as well as looking at other cities which we cannot yet specifically mention. We are also holding discussions with local airlines like Garuda as well as a number of hotels for future cooperation of mutual benefit.

Bisnis Indonesia: What are your targets in Indonesia now that you've opened this new route?

Al Baker: Frankly, I can't explain to you how big the passenger target for passengers on Qatar Airways actually is. What's clear, Qatar Airways will continue to pursue an aggressive expansion in pace with our average growth of 35% per year. In addition to tourist, we will also target Indonesian overseas workers and business people in line with the growing commercial connections between Indonesia and the Middle East. We are also transiting via Kuala Lumpur in order to utilize existing capacity.

Bisnis Indonesia: What makes Qatar Airways different from it competitors also flying to Indonesia?

Al Baker: Qatar Airways is one of four airlines in the world that has earned a five-star rating for service and excellence. This has been awarded by Skytrax - an independent observer of the international airline industry who has rated us as a young airline recording phenomenal growth. This achievement is proof that we are able to sustain five-star service.

Bisnis Indonesia: What are Qatar Airways' plans for global route expansion?

Al Baker: After Bali as our 75th destination, we will also fly to Ho Chi Minh City as part of our plans to add 7 new destinations in the current year. The five other destinations are: Chennai, Geneva, New York, Washington, D.C., and Stockholm. Washington and New York represent our first entry into the U.S. market.

Related Story:

[5 Star Welcome to Bali for 5 Star Qatar Airways]

The Indonesian-language Bisnis Indonesia reports that foreign tourist arrivals via the Nation's 15 main international gateways increased 13.59% totaling 639,900 during the first two months of 2007. Arrivals during the same period in 2006 achieved 563,499.

Meanwhile, as reported on balidiscovery.com, [See: Merrily We Roll Along] Bali's aggregate arrivals for January and February 2007 totaled 227,779 - a 47.73% increase over the same period in 2006(154,151).

National Occupancy Rates for Hotels

Rusman Heriawan, Chief of the National Center for Statistics (BPS), reported that average hotel occupancy rates for Indonesia's 10 leading tourism destinations in January stood at 44.34%, down -4.96% from the average 49.3% occupancy rate reported in December 2006.

According to Heriawan, hotel occupancy rates in Bali for January 2007 hit 50.3%, up from a December 2006 level of 44.69%.

Length of Stay at Star-Rated Hotels

The BPS reported that length of stay (LOS) rates for foreign tourists staying at star-rated hotels nation-wide averaged 2.47 days, slightly more than the 2.12 days recorded just one month before in December.

Length of Stay for Foreign Visitors

The length of stay in hotels contrasts strongly with BPS figures for the overall length of stay by foreign tourists visiting Indonesia, currently estimated at 9.05 days.

Indonesia is currently targeting 6 million foreign visitors for the whole of 2007.

Related Stories:

[Nothing Gets Your Nothing ]

[Indonesia to Open 12 Tourism Promotion Offices in 2007?]

[Interview: Jusuf Kalla on Tourism Targets]

[Give or Take a Million Foreign Tourists]

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has enthusiastically welcomed the selection of Bali as the venue for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change set to be held in December 2007.

Expected to be attended by 189 countries, the Bali conference will be officially opened by President Yudhoyono.

Commenting on the conference and quoted in the Indonesia-language Bali Post, Indonesia's Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar said: "That Indonesia has been chosen to host (this conference) is very special and represents a special mandate for us. Indeed, the latest scientific evidence over the past year shows the world situation to be in a critical state that needs to be discussed globally."

The Minister went on to explain that Indonesia is currently suffering a number of environmental problems affecting every level of society. The Minister cited problem of smoke, landslides and floods affecting the Country and the region which his Department is asked to address.

The Environment Minister said the conference will discuss steps to halt the destruction of the natural environment, depicting the Bali meeting in December 2007 of having the potential of "determining the fate of the world."

Commenting separately, Indonesia's Minister of Forestry, M.S. Ka'Ban said climate change was a direct result of the degradation of the forests and jungle areas with Indonesia's remaining 120.3 million hectares of jungle all that remains following deforestation affecting 59 million hectares.

According to the Minister of Forestry, ongoing efforts by the Government programs dating from 2003 have successfully reforested some 4 million hectares of forest lands.

New Zealand's Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) have formalized an agreement with Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Bali (STP Bali) - Bali's leading hospitality and tourism education college..

The agreement provides for the exchange of teaching staff and students between the two tertiary institutions and includes a provision for students from STP to come to New Zealand to complete WelTec's degree program in Hospitality Management or for international qualifications, such as City and Guilds certificates and diplomas.

"This is an excellent opportunity for STP Bali and for our students," said STP Bali Director, I Made Sudjana. "As well as tutor exchanges, our students will now have the chance to gain a higher-level qualification in New Zealand and be confident that they will receive the best education possible. WelTec has an international reputation for its teaching and the support services available to students."

Kay Nelson, WelTec's International Director and Head of School for Hospitality and Tourism said that the partnership with STP Bali is one of a number that WelTec is developing around the world to offer opportunities for students and staff to gain an international perspective as part their education. "Employers increasingly want people who have an understanding of the wider world," said Nelson. "And those students who don't travel still gain this perspective from visiting students and tutors."

Introductions for the partnership were made through Education Network Indonesia (ENI), an association of several New Zealand universities, institutes of technology, high schools and private training establishments supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. ENI looks for opportunities to attract more international students to New Zealand.

ENI Chairperson Bill Russell said that as WelTec is recognized as a leader in hospitality and tourism education it is an excellent partner for STP Bali, which is a government tertiary institution aimed at meeting education needs of those wanting to be part of the tourism industry in Bali and other parts of Indonesia.

"The Bali government is making a major investment in tourism education with STP Bali but currently it can only take students up to diploma level. The relationship with WelTec will give the students the opportunity to gain a higher-level education," said Russell.

The first tutor exchange will likely take place later this year.

Bali's Governor Dewa Made Beratha has formally written to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urging that the execution of the 3 convicted Bali Bombers be carried out without further delay.

The three convicted terrorists - Amrozi, Imam Samudera and Al Gufron were all sentenced to death in 2003 for their central roles in the bombing of Bali night spots in October 2002 that resulted in the death of 202 people.



The Governor wrote to the President urging that justice not be further delayed in the final disposition of the three men, now sitting on death row in Java's maximum security island-prison of Nusa Kambangan.

Provincial Parliament Joins Call for Justice

Echoing the call of the Island's Governor, members of the Bali Legislature (DPRD) have also launched formal appeals to the National Parliament and Department of Justice in Jakarta seeking explanations as to why the executions have been delayed.

Responding to criticism from some quarters that the calls for an execution of sentence by Bali legislators and the Governor represent an interference in the legal process, the Governor and lawmakers have defended their moves by pointing they are merely reflecting the general aspirations of the people of Bali.

News of the discovery of a presumed extinct species of rare striped rabbit in the Bukit Barisan National Park of West Sumatra surfaced last week, just in time for the Easter Holidays.

Perhaps the world's rarest species of rabbit, the nearly half-meter long Sumatran Striped Rabbit - (Nesolagus netscheri) is considered critically endangered with only 3 sightings of the animal in the past 35 years ago.

Found only in the Bukit Barisan Mountain Range, the most recent photographs of the animal on an automatic remote camera underlines the need for conservation of Sumatra's and Indonesia's diminishing jungle tracts.

"This rabbit is so poorly known that any proof of its continued existence at all is great news, and confirms the conservation importance of Sumatra's forests," Colin Poole, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Program, said in a statement.

The other known specioes of Asian striped rabbit is equally rare and found in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. Although similar in appearance, genetic testing shows that the Sumatran and Annamite striped rabbits diverged nearly 8 million years ago.

Shown on balidiscovery.com, as an Easter offering to our readers, is a picture of the Sumatran Striped Rabbit.

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