Bali Beyond Bali
The Lombok Project
Lombok has always lagged behind Bali in regards to tourism. These days, Lombok is used as a stepping stone to the nearby Gili Islands. This doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do on the island. On the contrary, Lombok is an island of stunning palm-fringed, white sand beaches and the interior of the island has majestic panoramas overlooked by Gunung Rinjani. Add to that the mystical Sasak culture and you have a perfect island holiday. There are a multitude of five star resorts and a variety of other accommodation to suit all budgets. At …
Date: June 1st, 2008 |
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A Lesson from Waisak
Today, Buddhists across the country will celebrate Waisak, to commemorate the birth of the Lord Buddha, his enlightenment and passing more than 2,500 years ago. As in the past the faithful gathering at Borobudur Temple in Magelang and other areas will include those who traveled from other countries, an annual reminder of old creeds that transcend national borders. Today in Indonesia there are barely 2 million followers of Buddhism, or 1 percent of our vast population, though Buddhism is known as Indonesia’s oldest religion, apart from Hinduism. As the state retains its policy of acknowledging only six (from earlier five) religions, those who would otherwise declare themselves Taoists, for instance, are also thought to be included in that 1 percent figure, having officially to be Buddhist on their identity cards as an article in the Opinion explains.
Date: May 20th, 2008 |
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Flights to Sabah from Bali Confirmed
Although not a part of Indonesia, the province of Sabah in northern Borneo (Kalimantan) is still one of the most desired destinations for the adventurous traveller. Having only been there once and also to Sarawak, it is one place that I would highly recommend. If you are in Bali or Jakarta and wish to explore the neighbouring islands then good news is at hand. AirAsia has reaffirmed, officially, its direct flights to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah from Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia. Jakarta-Kota Kinabalu’s first flight commenced on 30 March 2008 and Bali-Kota Kinabalu’s had …
Date: May 4th, 2008 |
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David Hicks vs. Bali bombing victims
Australian taliban David Hicks is in the news this week. After 5 years learning to salsa in Guantanamo, Hicks will be released soon and back in Australia. Some people are over the moon that a fellow Australian will be coming home, but others are not so happy.
Date: April 2nd, 2007 |
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Ferry to Batam Indonesia
Yesterday afternoon I picked up my passport from my ‘agent’ who showed up with a stack of about 30 passports, dishing them out to a group of people who gathered at the McDonalds at the Forum Galeria in Singapore. All I had left to do was get to the ferry terminal for a return trip to Batam.
Date: March 1st, 2007 |
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Hari Raya Waisak: Indonesia
Today in Bali and across Indonesia is Waisak Day. This is a Bhuddist holiday to celebrate the anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Bhuddism. To all my friends that are Bhuddist I wish to express…
SELEMAT HARI RAYA WAISAK
Hari Waisak - Waisak Day
Date: May 20th, 2008 |
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Visit Indonesia Year 2008
We are almost halfway through this year and across Indonesia it is Visit Indonesia Year 2008 and every province has some manner of activity planned as well as the normal yearly festivals. It is an exciting year for the government because it gives them the chance to showcase the beautiful archipelago, its people and culture. Although predominately the tourism input is to the island of Bali, it is the other islands that you will find interesting and, they are all reached easily by local air carriers such as Garuda Indonesia, Mandala Air, Lion Air and many more. So, if you are in Bali and want to experience a different culture or just want a couple of days in another part of Bali, do so because you won’t regret it. You can easily arrive in the cultural heart of Indonesia, Yogyakarta, with a two hour flight, see the sights and then return the next day or day after. A half-hour flight will see you arriving on the island of Lombok if you wish to see West Nusa Tenggara, and there are connecting flights to the other islands in this chain.
Date: May 15th, 2008 |
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Ecotourism and Development in Bali
In a world where travellers are increasingly aware of the environment and the places they visit and the impact they will have upon that society, ecotourism is booming in most countries. Indonesia is no different. On the island of Bali there are a few tour groups that are geared towards ecotourism. Basically, ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. This also might be in a volunteering capacity. Choosing to use local tour operators, buy from the locals so that the money goes back into the community and utilising local transport. There are others. But, on the island of Bali where responsible ecotourism is needed, the development is not progressing as much as it would be hoped.
Date: April 28th, 2008 |
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Eating out in Batam Indonesia
Batam is popular with Singaporeans, so its no surprise there is a food court. The desk staff at my hotel advised me to go to Windsor Food Court, which was a bit of an adventure. In Batam the taxis do not have meters. If you take a taxi from your hotel the prices will be higher than picking on up on the street. Many locals will offer their services as a taxi for hire, all you have to do is agree on a price.
Date: March 2nd, 2007 |
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Lucky Plaza Singapore
Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, partly because of the choice and partly because food places are never far away. After picking up my new plastic umbrella at a local pharmacy for S$5.50, I strolled down Orchard Rd. the main street and entered Lucky Plaza. You really have to come here, even if you don’t plan on buying anything.
Date: February 28th, 2007 |
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