Sep 28, 2008

Nusa Dua Fiesta 2008


Nusa Dua Fiesta is a yearly tourism event executed in Nusa Dua, south part of Bali by performing the variety of cultures, fashion, dance performance, music, and other tourism exhibition.


Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) is again hosting the Nusa Dua Fiesta within the Nusa Dua Complex October 10-14, 2008.

Costing an estimated Rp. 1 billion (US$108,700) and supported by 20 stakeholders, 13 hotels and 7 tourism operations - the festival will once again feature cultural performances, live musical performance, sporting events, contests and product exhibitions.

Among the exhibitors at the Nusa Dua Fiesta 2008 are 41 government departments, 17 provincial governments, 29 regional governments, 16 hotels, 3 government departments and one private enterprise.

The theme for the current year is "Green Tourism" a direction for the event inspired by the United Nations Climate Change Summit held at Nusa Dua in December 2007.

INDONESIA Street Food


Living in a country that has endless variety of food and drinks, Indonesians do eat out, but the majority does not go to restaurants. The local food scene relies heavily on street food. Indonesians savour the delicious meals offered by ubiquitous street vendors day and night for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The types of food offered vary from a simple fried tofu to a much more complicated dish like gudeg (raw jackfruit cooked in a Javanese traditional way that originated from Yogyakarta). In big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Medan, the street vendors offer many a traditional food from various regions in the archipelago. But in smaller cities, they are usually of the local cuisine.

The most commonly found street food is bakso or meatballs that are usually served in a bowl, like soup, with noodles, bean curds (tofu), eggs, and/or fried meat.

Another popular soup-like street food is soto. It is mainly comprised of broth and vegetables. The meats most commonly used are beef and chicken, but there are also sotos with mutton and pork. It is usually accompanied by rice or compressed rice. Sotos are differentiated by the ingredients in them, such as soto ayam (chicken) and soto kambing (mutton).

There are many sotos in Indonesia, as different regions and ethnicities have their own ways of preparing the cuisine, such as soto Madura (from East Java), soto Betawi (from Jakarta), soto Padang (from West Sumatra), so to Bandung (from West Java), soto Banjar (from South Kalimantan), and coto Makassar (from South Sulawesi).

The other popular delicacy often sold by street vendors is satay. It is a dish consisting of chunks or slices of dice-sized meat (chicken, goat, lamb, beef, pork, or fish) on bamboo skewers, which are grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasonings, mostly made of ground nuts. Satay may have originated in Java or Sumatra, but is very popular outside Indonesia too. Similar to soto bakso and soto, there are many types of satay from sate Madura to Padang, sate Iilit, sate susu, kulit, sate Ponorogo and many more.

Nasi goreng (steamed rice stir-fried with eggs, meatballs, chicken/beef/shrimp, assorted vegetables and often with sweet soy sauce seasoning) is also very popular along with nasi rawon (rice served with dark beef soup) originally from East Java. The dark colour comes from the meaty seeds of kluwak nuts. Usually served with uncooked mung bean sprouts and salty duck eggs, pecel (a mixture of vegetables and traditional crackers with spicy peanut paste). Madiun and Blitar in East Java are popular for their pecel and gado-gado (a mixture of vegetables, crackers and rice with peanut flavoured sauce). The taste is sweet in Eastern Java and salty in Western Java.

Sep 26, 2008

First First Asian Beach Games

EMBLEM

The Logo of the 1st Asian Beach Games Bali 2008 represents the water element that embodies the sporting event.

The shining sun comes from the emblem of the Olympic Council of Asia and represents its vital role in Asia's sport development and spreading energy created by the solidarity of the OCA.

The selection of the light and deep-blue effects represents the color of Balinese waters.

The two vertical lines represent two ‘Pura’ (Balinese Hindu temple), an image of the gate to a Balinese house of worship which is signifies the ultimate hospitality of the Bali society in honouring and welcoming people from all over Asia.

The two big waves represent the commitment as well as the enthusiasm of the host city to hold the 1st Asian Beach Games.

The letters "BALI 2008" are red to show the spirit of sportsmanship and the typeface selection emphasizes the pride of all athletes competing in Bali.

MASCOT

The Bali Starling (Leucopsar Rothschildi), locally known as “Jalak Bali”, as well as being the official mascot of the 1st Asian Beach Games, is the official mascot of Bali and a bird species endemic to the Island of the Gods.

The Starling was on the verge of near extinction with little numbers remaining in Bali Barat National Park. In 1999, the Begawan Foundation, set up by the creators of the Begawan Giri Estate in Ubud, imported two pairs of the starling to commence the conservation efforts of this important bird. Since then, the Begawan Foundation – Bali Starling Conservation Project has been very successful and has set a significant mark in wildlife conservation by achieving the highest Bali Starling breeding rate in captivity.

The birds were moved to the neighboring island of Nusa Penida where, in collaboration with FNPF’s Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary, the first release of the birds into the wild was planned. Working together with 35 traditional councils, a local traditional law “awig-awig” was implemented to regulate and sanction the protection of all birds on Nusa Penida.

The bird symbolizes Bali with all its uniqueness and serves as a reminder that the bird, like Bali, is beautiful, yet sacred. It is therefore apt that the official mascot of Bali was chosen as the official mascot for the first Bali Asian Beach Games.

The Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony for the 1st Asian Beach Games Bali 2008 will be held on October 18, 2008 at the GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) in Bukit in Jimbaran . The GWK Covers 239 hectares of land and boasts a statue that was planned to stand taller than the Empire State building in the USA, how ever due to economical reasons, the statue construction was halted in 2003. Wisnu or Vishnu is the Hindu God who is the protector-part of the Hindu trinity, which is Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. The unique statue of half man half bird will one day be a national landmark. In front of the head of the garuda bird which has already been completed is an open air stage and amphi-theater for various events and ceremonies. The area will comfortably fit about 5000 invitations only guests for the opening ceremony of the 1st Asian Beach Games. “The Opening Ceremony will be a grand opening to the 1st Asian Beach Games. We will present entertainment that will be uniquely Balinese and Indonesian”, hints Mr. Ervan Ibrahim, Director of events and ceremonies for Babgoc. The Closing Ceremony for the Games will also be held at the GWK Venue.

Sep 25, 2008

Jimbaran Bay, Bali


Bali is an Indonesian island that is located at the western most side of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The island of Bali has Java to the western side and Lombok to the eastern side. The island of Bali is considered as the mythical and magical diamond shaped island which contains outstanding picturesque beauty of the volcanic mountains and lakes, delightful rice terraces, ancient temples and palaces. The island of Bali is surrounded by the sparkling coral seas. The place is well accepted as a significant tourist spot in the country and is popular for its well developed arts which include dance, sculpture, painting,, metalworking and music. While on a trip the tourists would find a number of places for Sightseeing in Bali in Indonesia. Among the many Tourist Attractions in Bali, Jimbaran Bay in Bali is a favorite among the tourists from allover the world.


As one moves to the south of Airport the tourists would be able to find the Jimbaran Bay in Bali. The Bay of Jimbaran is extensively known to the tourists for its beach front fish restaurants, which runs virtually through the entire length of the beach. Due the ideal location of the beach towards facing the west, it offers pleasurable views of the sunset. Jimbaran Bay in Bali offers great scenic views and is very verdant, with many tropical plants.

The tourists can avail of the Bali Tourist Information Center for any kind of enquiry about the place and thus have a smooth journey in the long run. The Bali Travel Guide provides detailed information about Bali Tourist Attractions and other extensive information regarding the place. Bali Tourism is a flourishing business and draws a number of tourists every year to the city.

Klungkung Royal Palace

Bali is undoubtedly the paradise island on the land of Indonesia placed between Java and Lombok on the west and the east respectively. Sightseeing in Bali is certainly a visual treat and you cannot afford to miss out on the Klungkung Royal Palace once you visit the island. The Klungkung Royal Palace in Bali stands tall since 1710 and is a magnificent piece of art.

Klungkung Royal Palace in Bali exotic piece of Balinese architecture

Considered one of the major Tourist Attractions in Bali, the Klungkung Royal Palace is one of the finest historical edifices on the land of the isle. The Klungkung Royal Palace in Bali was built by the dynasty of the Dewa Agung in 1710. Bali's Klungkung Royal Palace is placed in the heart of Klungkung on the main road that leads from Denpasar to Padangbai. Set very close to the eastern side of the island, the Klungkung Royal Palace in Bali is considered an exotic piece of Balinese architecture.

The Klungkung Royal Palace in Bali in Indonesia is amazingly reconstructed and preserved from the destruction created by the Dutch in the early 20th century. The exquisite Taman Gili complex is environed by stone walls with water lilies in the moat.

The principal pavilion floats on a rectangular pool. It reflects the beauty of the paintings and the cosmos that are exhibited on the ceiling. In the garden you can see the spectacular designs of checkerboard carved of alternating rectangles of stone and grass.

The Klungkung Royal Palace in Bali is certainly a reflection of the heritage of old Bali and its culture.

Sep 18, 2008

Ubub - Bali


Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.


Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.

The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special.

Sep 12, 2008

MOUNT KELUD AFTER ITS ERUPTION IN NOVEMBER 2007


Mount Kelud is very phenomenal with its new dome that exists from its lake. To reach Mount Kelud, the visitors can use motorcycle and the direction come from Kediri to Wates continued to Margomulyo – Bambingan till Jurang Gelap or Mount Pedot. From Jurang Gelap till the new dome of Mount Kelud is about 2 km and you can go on foot.


Mount Kelud has change, it had green crater before explode, but today the beautiful crater is gone and turn up new crater that different from the previous.

The increase of Mount Kelud activities from the beginning step to the next step is show phenomenal activities that never happen before. The water temperature in 1990 exploded is about 400 Celsius, and in this activity, the water temperature is increase till 77,50 Celsius, makes thermometer broken caused of high warming. The earthquake is also has increase level, both volcanic and tectonic earthquake. The earthquake is higher compare with exploded in 1990. The white and black smokes that come out from the crater is not happen in 1990.

The climax activity of Mount Kelud is to turn up a dome from the lake crater in November 5, 2007 with diameter 100 meters and 20 meters height from crater water. Today, the Lava Dome still growing slowly till 200 meters height and widened to southwest side of the lake crater wide.
The first white and black smoke are detected in November 4, 2007. At that time is 200 meters height and today the wind has blow them to south side. The white smoke is come out from the dome and blow to the air till 1.000 meters height.

If this is really the end of Mount Kelud and the status is normal, with Mount Kelud condition at the present, then Mount Kelud has a new face. With its Dome that comes from the crater, Mount Kelud is more beautiful than before, add with the other phenomenal that never happen before.
Mount Kelud changes with its new Dome are very interesting for visitors. The visitors can see and enjoy its new dome if the condition is really safe to be visited. The Dome is seems to be Mount Kelud’s son. There is no crater-lake or green water in Mount Kelud, but the new Kelud presents its new dome. Fantastic and curious nature panorama.

Sep 10, 2008

Seloliman - Eco Tourism


Stand on the edge of tropical forest on the slopes of the sacred Penanggungan Mountain with enjoy panoramic views of rice paddy fields, breathe cool, fresh mountain air, learn about Indonesia’s rich and diverse environment also visit traditional rural villages with all villagers daily living

PPLH Seloliman was established in 1990 as Indonesia’s first environmental education centre. Our experienced team can tailor-make an education programme to meet your needs or simply provide an ideal retreat from the heat and crowds of Surabaya and Yogyakarta

PPLH is a not-for-profit, self-supporting initiative and non-government organization (NGO). Working hard to conserve our local environment whilst supporting the needs of the community in Seloliman and beyond

Vision

“Building community awareness and protection of a sustainable environment through environmental education. This implemented through programmes and activities which promote individuals’ and communities’ sustainable management of the surrounding environment.”


Ecotourism in the east of the island of Java is closely tied to the PPLH Seloliman environmental education centre. Here visitors can undertake a variety of excursions and participate in PPLH courses and seminars. They can also get an insight into the work of agricultural projects, if they so desire.

Ecological tradition
Sustainability has a tradition of sorts in Seloliman, as it was here, more than 15 years ago, that the first environmental education centre in Indonesia was founded. Ever since its inception, the emphasis of PPLH Seloliman has been the field of organic farming.

Alongside this focus, a diverse range of courses are offered to school classes and other visitors. The entire infrastructure is open to visitors and the general public.

This includes a large auditorium and library, as well as a show garden with livestock.

PPLH Seloliman is anchored in the local community. It is run by Indonesians and provides some 50 people with jobs.


Activities
A myriad of activities are available for even outside visitors. The courses and seminars at PPLH are accessible to everyone and active project sites can be visited. Exclusive guided hikes through protected areas of the rainforest are also offered.

The comfortably appointed bungalows and onsite restaurant provide an ideal space for recuperation.