A series of three strong earthquakes struck off the southwest coast of Bali during the night of Monday, September 3, 2102.

As reported by the National Meteorology, Climate and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), two initial quakes hit at around 11:30 pm on Monday night, with one measuring 5.4 on the Richter. This was followed by a strong, third quake measuring 6.4 at 1:23 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

The quakes occurred at a depth of 18 kilometers with the epicenters scattered in a general area some 285 southwest of Denpasar, Bali.

No tsunamis were generated by the seismic events. And, while some in Bali were roused from their sleep by the earth’s shaking, no property damage or injuries were reported.

The weeklong BALINALE International Film Festival returns to Bali October 22-28, 2012, coinciding with the launching of the new digital Cinema XXI at Beachwalk, Kuta.

The event celebrates the art of film via the special selection of feature length and short films.

BALINALE 2012 has received a record number of submissions from 24 countries in response to official invitations extended to filmmakers around the world.

As in years past, many of the films shown in Bali will have had their international and Asian premieres at BALINALE before going on to earn recognition and awards. Past film premièred in Bali and then going on to receive awards include: Exit Through the Gift Shop, The Social Network, Still Bill, A Good Day to Die, Island of the Dogs, Hidup Untuk Mati and Billy T: The Movie.

In keeping with a long history of supporting established and aspiring local filmmakers, the festival aims to provide a platform for Indonesians to show their films to an international audience, network with industry professionals and discover new talent. The 6th annual festival program this October in Bali will include: Film Industry Forums, Gourmet Cinema, Daily Seminars, Free Children’s Film Program and a series of educational workshops that this year will see the launch of a VSS (Very Small Screen) Film Competition.

Industry Alliances include Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet) and the Motion Picture Association (MPA).

BALINALE is appointed as Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) Consulting Organization in Indonesia, recognizing the festival’s specialized knowledge and importance in promoting films from the country.

The festival will also invite foreign filmmakers to explore Indonesia's accommodating culture and diverse locations as possible film locales or story ideas. Eat Pray Love (Ryan Murphy), Born to Be Wild (David Lickley), Savages (Oliver Stone) and Alex Cross (Rob Cohen) - just some of the recent examples of films successfully shot in Indonesian incorporating local talent, facilities and locations

At the BALINALE Festival some thirty alternative main- stream, independent, documentary and short films will be judged in the Audience Choice Award competition.

Key inidividuals involved in BALINALE 2012 include:

• Festival Co-founder Christine Hakim, 2002 Cannes Film Festival Jury, APSA Academy member, FIAPF recipient and current UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Teacher Education in Southeast Asia.
• Educational Program Coordinators Inneke Indriyani
• Award-winning Indonesian actor Jajang C Noer 
• Award-winning actor and Institut Kesenian lecturer Didi Petet.
• Festival Co-founder and Director Deborah Gabinetti, Bali Film Center and Asian Film Commissioners Network Director, Submissions Committee Advisor
• Author, presenter and Emmy award-winner Lawrence Blair
• Honorary Chairperson Indonesia's Screen Legend and Acting Vice chairperson of Indonesia's Breast Cancer Foundation Rima Melati

This year’s festival will once again enjoy the support of numerous visiting international, regional film figures including Oscar, Emmy, BAFTA and Cannes award winning filmmakers supporting the event’s goal of ‘bringing together films and their makers as a gathering of global creativity.”

BALINALE

Established in 2007, BALINALE is an avenue for Indonesian filmmakers to present their work to a global audience while networking with international filmmakers. The festival also invites foreign filmmakers to screen their films while experiencing Indonesia's accommodating culture and diverse locations for possible film projects and co-productions.

BALINALE presents fiction, documentary, feature, animation and shorts from around the world. Programming comes from global submissions, nominees and award winners from international film festivals and associations.

Officially endorsed by the Indonesian government, the event is sponsored by Bank Central Asia, W Retreat and Spa Bali, Garuda Indonesia, Cinema XXI, Max3 by Biznet, Embassy of USA, Jakarta, Bali Film Center and Beachwalk Kuta - Bali.

For more information telephone +62 (361) 270 908 or [Email] 

[BALINALE Website]

Call them thongs, flip-flops, zōri, thongs or jandals – but we prefer you called them only Havaianas now through the end of October 2012.

The world famous rubber flip-flop manufacturer Havianas is working together with Taman Bacaan Pelangi to donate books and sandals to the children in remote Eastern Indonesia.

Now until October 30, 2012, for every customer who buys a pair of baby or kids sandals Havaianas will automatically donate one more pair of sandals to a child in remote Eastern Indonesia. Customers who buy their kids a colourful pair of Havaianas will also be sending a matching pair to a remote and impoverished Indonesian village.

The program “Happy Mind, Happy Feet” will run through October 30, 2012. In Bali customers can participate at Universo Store in Legian and Oberoi.

Havaianas is also collecting children’s storybooks, preferably written in Indonesian, for distribution to remote hamlets in eastern Indonesia. People who bring five or more books can have their picture taken and posted on a “Wall of Fame” in the participating store as well as their name published in Facebook and Twitter by Havaianas & Taman Bacaan Pelangi.

About Havaianas

Havaianas are a premier brand of flip flops, made from a secret rubber formula, created in Brazil and now sold exclusively from their distinctive retail outlets.

First conceived in 1962 in Sao Paulo Brazil, Havaianas are inspired by the Zori, traditional Japanese sandals with fabric straps and rice straw soles. The brand began to make its mark right away with its highly durable and comfortable product, and now Havaianas now can be found in over 85 countries including Indonesia. 

[Havaianas Website] 

[Twitter] 

About Taman Bacaan Pelangi -- Rainbow Reading Gardens

Taman Bacaan Pelangi is a non-profit organization that establishes libraries in remote areas of Eastern Indonesia. Aiming to nurture children’s minds, broadening horizons, increasing opportunities and stimulating ambitions through the provision of good books and thereby breaking a cycle of poverty.

[Taman Bacaan Pelangi Website] 

[Twitter] 
 

Bali Post reports that in the midst of growing concerns the rapid building of new tourist accommodation in Bali’s southern regency of Badung is outstripping the carrying capacity of the infrastructure in that region.

The regent of Badung, A.A. Gde Agung, has stipulated that he will implement a temporary halt to new tourism accommodation in his regency. Accompanied by the head of the Regency’s planning agency (Bappeda) and Research and Development agency (Litbang), I Wayan Suambara, the regent said on Thursday, September 6, 2012, that an academic study was needed reviewing the carrying capacity of Badung for commercial accommodation.

One of the hoped for outcomes from the proposed academic review will be a reduction in the use of limited land resources, a reduction in the rate of land-use-diversion and a harmonizing of the carrying capacity of a specific region. An important aspect of the review is a temporary halt to the building of new tourism accommodation to permit a careful review and reassessment to take place.

Those hoping for an end to the rapid-fire building of new accommodation to take place may be disappointed. Badung authorities have cryptically said any moratorium would only apply for “certain areas” and “certain types” of accommodation. Officials say the decision to allow any new project to go ahead will be tied to carrying capacity, type of accommodation and the proposed tariff to be charged for the rooms.

It is also unclear if the Regent's announcement will now fuel a rash of applications for new hotels seeking to beat any formal implemntation of a hotel moratorium.

Gde Agung explained: “It’s not a moratorium, but more of a temporary halt tied to three aspects. From the aspect of carrying capacity of an area, it could be that new accommodation in a certain area is absolutely stopped or, perhaps, remain a small opportunity that new accommodation could still be built. What’s clear, there will be map created. Then, based on the type of accommodation, for instance hotels, the type of hotel still allowed to be built will be set forth – all this will be studied. Then the third aspect of price will be examined. The price competition for room, especially hotels, is worrying and must be dealt with.”

Gde Agung admitted that there are long-standing demands for a moratorium on the issuance of new permits for accommodation. He claimed that the lack of a formal academic study prevented the moratorium from being implemented in the past.

Agung has called on his staff to work with the academic community in preparing the study and eventually translating that study into a regency regulation. He is targeting for the new regulation to be in place by 2013 or sooner.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua has commenced the next phase of a multi-million dollar revitalization program of that includes a new wing of accommodation. The new section of rooms will occupy an area once occupied by the resort’s tennis courts.

The new wing incorporated 96 guest rooms featuring ergonomic furnishings and the Westin’s signature contemporary feel. The area will also have its own swimming pool, a signature Westin themed concept restaurant Prego and Westin’s signature Spa.

The Westin Heavenly Spa will offer extensive water treatment facilities and signature spa treatments.

Construction begins on September 15, 2012 in an area that is removed from the mainstream activities of the resort. Most guests will be unaware of the construction underway with the resort operating as usual with management assuring in-house guests will not be inconvenienced in any way.

Two of the resort’s floodlit tennis courts have been relocated to the front of the Bali International Convention Center to accommodate the development.

“Over the past two years the Resort has started to transform before our eyes and this change is continuing with the creation of a stylish new wing. The ultimate aim is to take the Westin brand experience to the next level by offering innovative and healthy lifestyle facilities to complement our concept of preserving wellness through travel. The room extension project is expected to be finalized by mid of July 2013 and ready to welcome discerning guests in the lead up to APEC 2013,” said Bipan Kapur, Managing Director of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.

[Book a Stay at the Westin Nusa Dua Bali]  

Fourteen underprivileged Indonesian women are now completing three months of on-the-job training at AYANA Resort and Spa - Bali  in partnership with R.O.L.E. Foundation. This program gives women lacking a formal education or training, the experience and opportunity to find sustainable employment in Bali’s growing hospitality industry.

The trainees have worked assignments in the food and beverage department and in the hotel’s spa during which they learned important job skills while raising money for the R.O.L.E. Foundation.

The training at AYANA culminates in the R.O.L.E. Models Charity Dinner on Saturday, October 6th when they will help Dava Chef de Cuisine Jusman So prepares and serve a menu to a privileged number of guests.

All proceeds from the dinner, silent auction and wine sales will go to R.O.L.E Foundation’s vocational and education program, Bali WISE.

Massages given by the trainees over the past month at Thermes Marin Bali Spa have been offered at a discount with all proceeds donated to the ROLE Foundation.

Make a booking today and help the women of the R.O.L.E. Foundation to a better life:

ROLE Foundation Dinner
Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Dava Restaurant – AYANA Resort and Spa, Bali
4-Course Degustation Menu
Rp750, 000 net per person (US$81)

Featuring A Silent Auction For
Accommodation Vouchers In Bali And Singapore,
Dining Vouchers, Photography and Artwork

For enquiries about the dinner and spa program, contact [Email] 

[R.O.L.E. Foundation Wesbite]

[Book a Stay at the AYANA Resort and Spa]

Related Article

[Training with Bali's Best]

The theme of this year’s Sanur Village Festival is “Salampah Laku” and will include various activities and tourism promotional activities aimed at providing a boost to the local economy.

The theme of Salampah Laku is taken from the title of an epic poetic work by one of Bali’s greatest writers of the 20th century, Ida Pedanda Made Sidemen, from Geriya Taman Intaran, Sanur. This local wisdom was chosen to revitalise tourism and its sustaining role in many of the daily activities of the community, ranging from the spiritual to the economic.


According to Gus De, who is helping to organize the Festival and also serves as the chairman of the Denpasar Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Salampah Laku contains life lessons via the teachings of Ida Pedanda Made Sidemen, a multi-talented “pandita” or guru, architect and master sculptor. The poem illustrates the odyssey of Ida Pedanda Made Sidemen as he undertakes a pilgrimage (dharma yatra) in search of knowledge to Griya Mandara in Sidemen, Karangasem, Bali.

In the modern context, it is hoped that Salampah Laku will become a inspiration for community members to strive for perfection and purity by achieving a unity of thoughts, words and actions.

The value of education is a central theme of the Sanur Village Festival, inspiring members of the community to always seek education and knowledge.

“This festival will display the very best of the many endeavours and activities of the Sanur community, to hopefully motivate and inspire the next generation to achieve their best,” said Gusde.

The Chairperson of the Sanur Development Foundation, Ida Bagus Sidharta Putra, said that the festival would be held during the low season to draw tourist to Sanur. The location for this year’s event will be the grounds of the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur.

As in years past, the festival will include a food festival, environmental activities, bazaar, golf tournament, photo exhibition, “jukung” (outrigger boats) parade, fun games, body painting, face painting, yoga, live entertainment and a range of other activities which involve visitors and tourists alike.

Activities aimed at caring for the environment will also be conducted including a beach clean up, reef conservation, environmental education, turtle hatchling release and the planting of rare trees. “The tree planting this year will focus on planting rare varieties which are usually used in religious ceremonies,” explained Gusde.

There will also be a discussion on the concepts and thoughts of Ida Pedanda Made Sidemen in order to explore the various dimensions of Ida Pedanda Made Sidemen teachings. A number of prominent individuals have been invited to present papers at a forum discussion on the topic, which will eventually be rendered into a book.

[Sanur Village Festival Website]

 

Following a barrage of criticism by the Bali Friends of the Earth (WALHI) alleging violations of the initial environmental impact study done by PT Jasa Marga Toll (JDP) for the Benoa to Nusa Dua elevated highway, the roadway’s developers have finally responded via press comments by the developer’s spokesman.

As reported by Radar Bali, PT Jasa Marga's  spokesman Drajad H. Suseno said complaints made against his employers by Suryanta Putra of the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali) and WALHI-Bali were largely all noise, signifying little.

Drajad said that the work on the elevated highway project is not violating any regulations or contracting the original environmental impact study performed before construction was commenced.

The Jasa Marga Toll spokesman accused those protesting the way the project is being constructed as failing to carefully read the environmental impact study prepared by academics from Bali's Udayana University appointed by Bali’s governor Made Pastika. Continuing, Drajad said that the excavation of the mangrove cited by protestors was contemplated in the original plans for the highway, a fact, he says, protestors refuse to acknowledge.

Drajad went on to explain that the original plans for the highway provided for excavation along 23% of the total 10 kilometers covered by the highway. Excavation would take place in areas too shallow for use of a floating construction pontoon.

Continuing, Drajad said not only would the excavation of access roads across the mangrove be limited, but also once the construction is completed the excavated roadways would be removed and the mangrove basin returned to its original state.

Obviously frustrated by the numerous criticisms of the project’s environmental record in the local press, Drajad said: “It’s not that we’re opposed to criticism, but we want accurate comments. Don’t play politics using ulterior motives to achieve ‘certain’ results. Politics only interferes in out work.”

Separately, the deputy director of WALHI, Suryadi, confirmed that he had the complete environmental studies for the roadway project. That study, he said, provided for "minimum excavation" of the mangrove forest.

Suryadi denies that the 23% excavation ratio was listed in the original plan. DPRD member Suryatna Putra also claimed that the original plans provided for excavation at access points. Suryatna also pointed to the Bali Environmental Agency (BLH) who are also contending that the environmental impact study for the road is being ignored.
 

Radar Bali reports that an inter-island ferry operating between Lombok and Padang Bai in Bali ran aground near the landing dock in Bali at 4:45 pm on Friday, September 7, 2012.

The incident, raising concerns on the overall safety of the inter-island ferry service between Bali and Lombok, is another in a series of groundings, with another incident occurring as recently as August 30, 2012.

The Rafelia II, with 187 passengers aboard, was unable to hold its course in strong winds, running aground during a low tide.

All passengers were safely evacuated to shore using local small boats while a tugboat was summoned to help bring the ferry to port where the vehicles and personal belonging of the passengers could then be landed.

The Rafelia II, captained by Herwansyah, had been in operation for approximately one month and is owned by PT Dharma Bahari Utama

Port authorities no injuries resulted from the ship running aground and that the personal property and vehicles on the ship were eventually safely brought ashore.

Related Article

[Mercy at the Ferry]

Domestic tourist visiting attractions across the country during the just completed Idul Fitri holiday grew dramatically, providing much needed income to the local economies during the traditional downturn in foreign visitors of the fasting month.

Bisnis.com reports that tourism objects across the nation experienced a minimal 25% increase in visitors over the holiday while foreign visitors to these locales decreased in the month of June and June.

According to the Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, her office noted increases in visitor numbers from mid-July until mid-August at main tourist attractions, primarily in Jakarta, West Java and Central Java.

“Beginning from the Ragunan Zoo (Jakarta) to Mini-Indonesia (TMII), Jaya Ancol Dreamland, Taman Safari, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan and Candi Ratubuko – all recorded increases in visitors,” Minister Pangestu explained.

This year’s growth in domestic tourist numbers was further boosted by the coincidence of National Independence Day on August 17th with Lebaran on August 19th.

Pangestu added: “The increase is good news and reflects that the domestic market is developing nicely although there is a slowdown in the world economy. It also demonstrates increased purchasing power of the general public able to enjoy their holidays at tourist attractions signifies greater happiness among the Indonesian people during their Lebaran holidays.”

The Minister described the positive impact of domestic tourism, citing the purchase of locally made souvenirs, food and beverage, attendance at local cultural presentations by visitors to local tourist attractions.

The Minister estimates that 245 million domestic tourism trips will be taken in 2012 spending some Rp. 171.5 trillion (US$18.4 billion) in the tourism economy.
 

The Bali police have ordered their officers to increase their preparedness following a terrorist attack on police in Solo, Central Java that left several dead.

The State News Agency Antara quotes Hariadi, spokesman for the Bali Police Headquarters, saying on Monday, September 3, 2012: “The ranks of Bali police have been instructed to increase their level of preparedness; all our officers cannot be less than vigilant and steadfast in safeguarding the public, their police stations and themselves.”

Field officers in Bali were also issued arms to be used as needed.

Increases states of alert were also marked with tighter controls at all access points to Bali. Security was tightened at the seaports of Gilimanuk and Padang Bai and the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Likewise, main tourist attractions and public places have received extra police personnel.

Hariadi added, “We also invite all members of the public to synergize their efforts with the police to fight terrorism.”

NOTE: The Director of Studies at Taman Rama School (Mahatma Gandhi Foundation) has issued a clarification in the arrest of Ryisei Yohioka. [See: Academic Detachment] 

+ + + +

A 17-year-old Japanese student, Yoshioka Ryusei, is now standing trial in the Denpasar District Court following his arrest on August 8, 2012 with 2.61 grams of marijuana discovered in his pants pocket.

Police arrested the then-16-year-old in front of a gas station on Jalan Teuku Umar Barat in downtown Depnasap.

The boy is a student at the Taman Rama Gandhi International School in Denpasar.

Beritabali.com reports the student is being charged under a section of the 2009 anti-narcotics laws carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison. He is alo being charged under another section of the same law for possession of narcotics for personal use.

The Japanese teen earlier admitted to police that he had paid Rp. 300,000 (US$32) to a man named Putu for the drugs intended for personal use. Police, however,  have been unable to locate Putu, the man who dealt the drugs to the student.

The chairman of the Bali Chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI-Bali), Cokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati (Cok Ace), has warned that the uncontrolled building of new hotels is certain to lead to oversupply, and aggressive and unhealthy price competition.

Quoted in Radar Bali, Cok Ace said, “I am certain that the increase in rooms will eventually ruin Bali’s reputation as a tourism destination.” He complained that the PHRI has not been involved in supervision of the application process for news hotel when, in fact, the organization is charged with ensuring that the quality and sustainability of Indonesia’s accommodation industry."

He also insists that it is the responsibility of regional governments and municipal governments to work together with the PHRI in moderating the granting of new hotel permits.

Addressing widespread calls for a moratorium on new hotels in Bali, Cok Ace said any moratorium must be selective in its application. He said some hotel projects being built only serve to siphon off Bali’s energy by despoiling culture and agricultural lands, with, in some instances, new accommodation projects serving as fronts for money laundering activities.

Because of this, officials need to scrutinize each new hotel project, logically evaluating the actual size of an investment, the proposed rate to be charged for rooms and projected returns on investment. Hotels that are not viable economically should not be given permits.

Cok Ace said he hoped the government would follow the example of Gianyar, where the PHRI is involved in new hotel investment decisions.

The U.S.-based Wine Spectator Magazine has published its 2012 list of restaurants worldwide recognized for offering excellent ranges of wine complimented by fine cuisine. A number of Bali restaurants were named in the latest rankings.

In making their selection, Wine Spectator evaluates the quality and range of each establishment’s wine list, the wine information shared with diners and options available for wine by the glass. Underlying these criteria is an insistence on comprehensive wine knowledge.

Following this evaluation, those selected for recognition are divided into three categories:

• Grand Award - Only 75 winners awarded globally, this is given to restaurants with an “uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs.” Winners typically offer at least 1,500 selections of wine representing a comprehensive range of producers and vintages. Wines are presented with superior organization and flawless wine service.
• Best of Award of Excellence - Limited to a list of 878 winners, this category bestows special recognition to restaurants that offer 400 or more wine selections in combination with superior presentation.
• Award of Excellence – The basic award totaling 2,842 winners, recognizes restaurants with a well-chosen selection of wine producers that match the menu and style of the restaurant. Those named to this category offer at least 100 selections.

Bali restaurants earning recognition in the 2012 round of Wine Spectator awards:

Best Award of Excellence:

• Kayuputih at the St Regis Bali Resort

Award of Excellence

• Arwana at The Laguna, Luxury Collection Resort and Spa
• Hu’u Bar and Grill
• Ku De Ta
• Metis Restaurant and Gallery
• Mozaic Bali
• SOS Supper Club at the Anantara Resort Seminyak
• The Restaurant at the Legian

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Kayuputi has been recognized by Wine Spectator and the second consecutive year it has qualified for the Best of Award of Excellence.

Related Article

[Wine Drinking as a Spectator Sport]

The head of the provincial Public Works Department (PU) in Bali, Ketut Artika, has underlined the serious problem posed by beach erosion to major stretches of beaches around Bali.

As reported by Beritabali.com, Artika said that while the lead responsibility for coastal erosion lies with the Department of Riverways for Bali and Nusa Penida (Balai Wilayah Sungai Bali Nusa Penida), his office is also involved in trying to control the erosion of the island’s coastlines.

Describing what has, to some extent, been a losing effort, Artika said,
“Our simultaneous efforts have failed to cover all the affected areas, but we continue to work to keep the problem under control.”

Efforts to curtail erosion are being done by provincial authorities, and hotels with technical permission granted by the Department of Public Works.

The Department of Waterways for Bali-Nusa Penida of the Directorate General of Water Resources at the Department of Public Works records that in 2009 erosion affected 181.7 kilometers (41%) of Bali’s total shoreline of 437.7 kilometers. 22 years earlier, in 1987 erosion in Bali touched on only 49.95 km (11.4%) of the island’s coastline. Extrapolated, this means Bali is suffering erosion on an additional 5.98 kilometers of coastline each year.

Coastal erosion in Bali destroys existing infrastructure, and depletes agricultural and sacred lands. Among the areas affected are Kuta Beach, Sanur Beach, Padang Galak (Denpasar), Pantai Lebih (Gianyar), Pantai Candidasa (Karangasem), Pantai Ujung (Karangasem), Pantai Lovina (Buleleng), and Pantai Cupel and Banyumala (Jembrana).

Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika continues to recuperate from heart bypass surgery underwent last July in Singapore at Mt. Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

On Monday, September 3, 2012, the Governor returned to Singapore for a routine post-operative check-up that, by all accounts, went well with doctors ruling Pastika is recovering well from his surgery and nearly three weeks of hospitalization.

It was on July 11, 2012, that governor Pastika initially went to Singapore for a regular general check-up when doctors decided that Bali’s Chief Executive was in urgent need of heart surgery. Clouded in secrecy, the reason for an extended stay in Singapore remained a mystery until the governor returned on August 5, 2012 and it was revealed that the he had undergone heart surgery.

Since his return to Bali the governor has reduced his work schedule, holding many meetings at his official residence while he continues to rebuild his strength.

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The Bali Hyatt Hotel in Sanur held a sacred ‘Manik Segara Temple Ceremony’ at the Resort’s temple located in the north garden of the beachfront Bougainvillea Court.

Celebrated on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 1:00 pm the ‘temple purification’

On Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 1:00 pm, the purification ceremony was accompanied by Baleganjur (a Balinese orchestra) and followed at 4:00 pm with a holy procession from the temple to Kesuma Sari Beach and back to the temple, to be welcomed back by a traditional Rejang dance.

As day changed into night and the sunset a priest conducted Hindu prayers followed by the many Hindu followers employed by the hotel. The evening concluded with a Topeng Sidakarya (Mask) Dance.

Shown on Balidiscovery.com is a photo taken from the temple celebrations held at the Bali Hyatt in Sanur.

[Book a Stay at the Bali Hyatt in Sanur]

Bali is home to the Bali campus of Stenden University – the Dutch headquartered university that offers BBA degrees in international hospitality management presenting, upon graduation a double bachelor's degree accredited by both the Indonesian and European Governments.

Operating from a modern teaching facility in the Dalung suburb of Denpasar, Stenden’s Bali program offers a "hands-on" approach to a modern education in tourism with teaching laboratories in the form of a mock-up front office, mock-up hotel rooms and a fully operational student run and managed learning hotel.

97% of Stenden International Hotel Management graduates land a job within 4 months of graduating.

Kicking of the new 2012-2013 academic year, the Stenden team is undertaking a “road show” visiting schools and education fairs in different cities across Indonesia.

Intended to provide an opportunity for prospective students and their parents to meet Stenden staff, learn more about the University’s comprehensive curriculum and generous scholarship programs for outstanding Indonesian students.

Stenden’s Road Show

The Stenden team will visit the following cities in Indonesia on the dates below:

• Jakarta: September 15-16, 20-22; October 3-4, 11-13; November 1-4
• Bandung: October 4-5
• Semarang: September 15 - 18; 
October 19 - 20 


• Yogyakarta:
 September 18-19


• Surabaya:
 September 21 – 22

For more information [Email] or telephone ++62-(0)361-412970

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[Academically Inclined in Bali]

[Dutch Treat: Exceptional Hospitality Education in Bali]

[Stenden University of Holland Establishes Bali Campus]

Alila Villas Soori will host John van der Sterren as its Artist-in-Residence for two weeks starting September 15, 2012 with an exhibition of his works to continue through October 14, 2012.

A portion of the proceeds from sales at the exhibition will be donated in support of Bali charities.

John van de Sterren

Born in Sukabumi, West Java, in 1938, he returned to Indonesia to develop a life-long passion for painting after a lengthy sojourn in New Zealand.

John is the quintessential painter of landscapes and heritage buildings. He fires and brightens our imaginations with his unforgettable works in oil and charcoal.

John's work is a result of observation, feelings and direct expression. He initially sketches in charcoal resulting in works that evolved into oil paintings, delivered in a strong, personal and typically unconventional way. His style is Fauvist.

His work depicts a variety of the landmarks,, iconic historical sites, enigmatic landscapes and horizons, still life and portraits, all depicted in strong strokes betraying an individualistic dynamism.

At Alila Villa Soori, John van der Sterren will be exhibiting a selection of his charcoals and paintings in an exhibition to be opened September 15, 2012.

Those purchasing art will support the John Fawcett Foundation that provides free cataract surgery to needy Indonesians.

Jakarta Globe confirmed that the large Indonesian publicly listed property group Agung Podomoro Land is moving ahead to invest Rp. 3 trillion (US$313 million) to establish six hotels in Java and Bali.

The six hotels will be comprised of two hotels each in Jakarta, Bogor (West Java) and Bali.

The Bali properties will include a five-star resort on 7.8 hectares at Nusa Dua operated by JW Marriott Resorts and Spa with an estimated cost of Rp. 800 billion to Rp. 1 trillion.

Also in Bali, the Podpmoro Group is planning to open a four-star property near Seminyak on a 4.5-hectare site at a cost of Rp. 800 billion.

B&B Hotels and Ibis Hotels will run the two Jakarta hotels. The Bogor properties will be run by B&B and Pullman Hotels.

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[More Rooms for Seminyak]