The Culture and Tourism Ministry has announced that three Indonesian cultural heritages will be submitted to UNESCO this year, for recognition on it’s World Cultural Heritage list.  These new submissions concentrate on Indonesia’s culture being more widespread than just the island of Java with both Bali and Papau recognised.

Along with the Bali Traditional Dance is the Noken – a musical instrument used primarily by the women of Papau, and the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park, Jakarta.

Traditional Balinese dances are a time-honoured ancient tradition that are part of the religious expression of the Balinese people in their Hindu ceremonies. Of the nine regencies of Bali that practice the traditional dance it had not been revealed which have been put forward in the nomination to UNESCO.

The World Heritage List consists of property that forms part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.  Being included on the list means that attract international cooperation and may also receive financial assistance for heritage conservation, in addition they can receive support in the form of training and expert management and monitoring to ensure preservation.

Check out Bali Traditional Dance for yourself when next in Bali- see the Tanjung Benoa – Kecak Dance & Dinner half-day tour, you and up to six of your friends/family for only $US35!

Heavy rainfall in Bali has caused minor flooding in Denpasar and landslides in northern parts of the island, as infrastructure fails to cope with the deluge.

While some parts of Denpasar found themselves under 60cm of water, houses were ruined and hundreds of villagers evacuated in Sukasada (Singaraja region).

The unpredictable weather typical to this time of year usually brings tropical storms and strong winds to the island, especially the more southern parts.  The extreme weather, the outdated drainage system, as well as poorly regulated development – which has seen around 600ha of land cleared to make way for development are being blamed for this latest catastrophe.

Landslides in Bali

Map of Bali – village of Sukasada experience landslides which closed the main road between Singaraja and Denpasar.

Experience the best of Bali //

I read an interesting article on the Jakarta Globe website today reporting that Bali wants to curb discount tourism to prevent long-term damage to tourism in the area.  The fingers being pointed at travel agents for selling large tour packages at artificially low prices, promoting unhealthy competition with the trade-off being less-than-satisfactory service being provided to the guests.

The solution? The Bali Legislature has made a call to standardize prices across the tourism sector to boost visitor satisfaction.

Bali is cheap, anything you buy in Bali is cheap, an it’s reputation has always been that. Is the Legislature unaware of this or are they gunning for the title of expensive resort island?  The fact that it is so cheap makes it so attractive and makes visiting numerous times a year a possibility. Tourism in Bali suffered the most from the terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005 – in fact tourist numbers are only now getting back to what they used to be more than five years down the track.

Most tourists that visit Bali know that they pay more for everything because of the colour of their skin, and will get “ripped off” at least once during their trip, but as long as they are assured a cheap holiday they will be back again, and again, and again! It is what it is, and if it weren’t that we’d all be going to Thailand, Vietnam or somewhere else in Indonesia?

Indonesia and South Korea are co-hosting the Bali Democracy Forum this week, which sees four heads of state and 18 foreign ministers attend the two day Forum to be held in Nusa Dua. Represented at the Forum are Indonesia, South Korea, Timor, Australia, India, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Palestine, Singapore, Thailand and Vanuatu – a little royalty also with the attendance of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassan al Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.

Indonesia is the third largest democracy in the world, and the Bali Democracy Forum is an initiative launched in 2008 to promote peace and stability, and how development among countries in Asia could promote the Democratisation process.

With Indonesia expected to share some of it’s conflict resolution experience, discussion is sure to include the concerns of South Korea and the uncertain situation the Korean peninsula currently finds itself is.

The third Bali Democracy Forum will be held on the 9th and 10th of December, 2010.

The Bali Safari and Marine Park, only three years in existence, has received honours in the Indonesian Travel and Tourism Awards 2010/2011, being named as the Leading Amusement Park in Indonesia.

And there is little wonder why, the Bali Safari and Marine Park has it all… Lions, tigers, zebras, elephants, snakes, birds, fish… Hundreds of animals, some of which are both rare and endangered species.  Then of course there is the amusement park, the hotel, being able to dine with the beasts of the jungle – the perfect choice for a family day out in Bali.

These beautiful animals are comfortable at home in their Indonesian, Indian, and African savanna surrounds, and the work that Safari Park has put into creating this environment also represents a very important initiative in the conservation of many of these species.  There are 60 species of animals bred at the park as part of their conservation program.  Some of the amazing creatures featured are the Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, white tiger, leopard, komodo dragon and cheetah, just to name a few.

The Bali Safari and Marine Park occupies 40 ha of land in Gianyar, approximately 35kms NE of Kuta.  The most convenient way to get there is to hire a driver for the day. The park is part of the Taman Safari Indonesia who are renown for creating similar projects throughout Indonesia.

On the 30th anniversary of the first Fremantle to Bali race, and after a 14 year absence, the ‘big boat’ ocean race will be resurrected next year.  An ocean rally and festival and the big race comprise the event, starting 23rd April 2011 with boats expected to start crossing the finish line at the Royal Bali Yacht Club in the Benoa Harbour from the 29th April.  The record for the race was set in its very first year by Rolly Tasker at six days, 15 hour and 39 minutes in his yacht “Siska”.

The race, being hosted by the Fremantle Sailing Club has been organised in partnership with the Indonesian Government Ministry of Culture and Tourism, represents a great opportunity for both Fremantle and Bali to promote themselves on the world stage.  The race is 1440 nautical miles, more than two and a half times the Sydney to Hobart, a challenge that has already attracted over 70 competitors registering their interest, including some big names.

Visit Indonesia is the major sponsor of the race, under a five year agreement with the Indonesian Government.

From it’s humble beginnings as a simple airstrip in Dutch Colonial times, the Ngurah Rai Airport was developed into an international airport in 1960 – an initiative by then Indonesian President, Sukarno. The airport was just one in a long list of accomplishments of pro-independence leader Sukarno.

This year sees the launch of the Heritage List – the Legacy of President Sukarno.  Featured on that list is the Ngurah Rai International airport, along with other sites of cultural significance in Bali. Refer to the Sukarno Center for full details.

In continuing their service to the Balinese tourism industry, the airport has announced a $255 million makeover, expected to start next month.

The new development will see the size of the international terminal double in size, increases to the taxiway and cargo terminal, and an improvement to the car parking facilities.  The improvements are scheduled to take place over three years and are designed to drastically improve the experience for tourists using the airport. View full details and illustrations.

It’s little surprise that tourist numbers have increased dramatically over recent years, leaving the airport little choice but to upgrade the facilities.

Have you booked your airport transfers for your next Bali holiday? Book your Bali airport transfers now.

Check out www.tourinbali.com for all your transport needs in Bali.