Bali news and events
Tourism news, weather reports, festivals and sporting events.
Idul Fitri in Bali
Today marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan and the beginning of the two-day celebration of Idul Fitri across Indonesia .
Garuda Keeps Abreast of Attendants
If you like flying, internationally and domestically, and have an urge for a vocation change and like the idea of being a flight attendant then make sure you don’t have more tattoos than Amy…
Expect to Pay Fees at Major Tourist Attractions
It’s a fact of life when you visit Bali that somewhere along the line you will end up paying a fee to get into a tourist attraction and even at major road intersections that lead to the…
Yet Another Warning for Travellers to Bali
It was only at the beginning of the year travellers were warned about a Legionnaires disease and now it has risen again with the Australian Government issuing a ‘Please be careful’ advice to all…
Rare Bali Starlings Released into Bali Barat National Park
Elusive and just as beautiful, yet endangered, the Bali Starling has been on the WWF list of endangered species for quite some time.
Bali's Reefs Being Restored
As most of you know, coral reefs form large sections of the Bali coastline. These coral reefs are important for the marine habitat, providing shelter for marine life, protecting the coast against…
Bali Marine Walk
Not so long ago I wrote about the Seawalker located in Sanur and how it is a fabulous opportunity for those of you who don’t or do not like the idea of scuba diving .
Bali Invaded by Caterpillars
The situation with this entomological enigma came to rise when Candika, my wife, rang me last week and told me of the massive infestation of these caterpillars in Java.
Earth Hour 2011 in Bali
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change .
Protected Mangrove Forests to be Robbed of Two Hectares
One attraction tourists to Bali seldom visit is the Mangrove Information Centre in Sanur located on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai at Suwung Kauh.
Try Paragliding When You Are in Bali
As mentioned in the previous article, there are a lot of offbeat, crazy and adventurous things to do on the idyllic island of the Gods.
Kuta Green Park- South Bali
Bali has always been synonymous with family travel and indeed there are countless activities for kids to enjoy on the island.
Xmas in Bali
This Xmas and New Year in Bali promises to be one of the best on record with most of the major hotels already fully booked and a lot of nightclubs and restaurants having some kind of themed…
Rail System for Bali?
In the last few weeks there has been some banter about a Bali rail project . Considering you can drive to most places from Kuta in a matter of a few hours, the whole concept of constructing a railway…
BaliBlog Mobile Version - iPhone, Android, Blackberry
We are testing out a mobile version of BaliBlog.com as of now. The mobile version has less graphics, is faster, and easier to ready and navigate on your smartphone.
Ozjet Flights to Bali on Shaky Grounds
Well, it seems as though it has happened again and the fate of so many traveller’s holidays is in limbo, in fact, crushed. All those dreams and plans just gobbled up and spat out.
AirAsia to Start Flights to Bali from Perth
With tourism in Bali on the increase with no signs of it slowing down but getting better, it is only natural that other airlines other than the established ones tap into the market and offer their…
Snorkeling and Fishing in Candi Dasa, East Bali by Phil Bromley
I don't generally put up other people's writing on the Baliblog (nor do I intend to make it a habit) but in the case of a Baliblog Forum member, Phil Bromley , who recently returned from Bali, so…
What Moth is This?
Indonesia is an amazing collection of islands for bird watchers, animal lovers and those who simply enjoy immersing themselves in the beauty of nature and, the island of Bali in the archipelago is no…
Short-Long Stroll Washed Out
Don’t you just hate Murphy’s Law. Whenever you have something planned right down to the most minute detail there always seems to be interference.
And, the Sun keeps on Shining
It’s a great time for visitors to Bali with fabulous sunshine and very warm and humid days. Actually, it makes a nice change from the downpours we had four days ago.
Will the Global Economic Crisis Affect your Travel?
It was only a few weeks ago that foreign exchange markets were doing a flourishing trade and the AUD$ was up around Rp9,000 but, along came the global economic meltdown and all hell broke loose.
The Kids of Bali
Without a doubt the Balinese have the best facial structures for portrait photos and, especially the children.
Security Measures in Place at the Airport and Sea Gateways
I have to admit then when I saw the headline of this article Coming to Bali, Bring Your ID Card , I thought to myself not more rules just to get into Bali .
Monkey Business
Probably the cutest attraction on Bali has to be the numerous troupes of monkeys that are found in the jungles and temples across the island.
The Rubbish Effect
I was reading an article the other day about the rivers in Denpasar being badly polluted and they really are. No doubt you have seen the murky waters on your visits to Denpasar.
Aghast!...No Flesh Allowed in Bali
By now all of you will have heard or seen in the media about a new bill designed to define pornography that is currently being scrutinised and debated upon in the Indonesian Parliament.
Road Trippin’ to Gilimanuk
My upcoming itinerary will involve many islands culminating in a well deserved spell of R&R on the island of Bali .
Bali might be Busy but People are not Staying Long
At the moment it is boom time in Bali with record numbers of tourists from around the world visiting the paradise isle.
Six Amazing Rice Terraces
Visitors to Bali have an abundance of places and attractions to visit besides the chaos of shopping and partying in the tourist strip.
The Crazy Signs and Things you See
I am always on the lookout for crazy signs on my travels, things that put a different perspective on things, and just crazy things in general.
Balian Yoga Centre – A Yoga Retreat
There is nothing more relaxing, not only for the body, but also the mind. Those words my wife told me not long after we met years ago, and, being a Bhuddist she practices her principles taught to her…
Fourth Flight on the Singapore-Denpasar Route Approved
Travelling to Bali and fancy a couple of days shopping in Singapore as an added bonus?
Hanging Around with the Locals: Belimbing
I have often mentioned some of my favourite views in the countryside of Bali and everybody has their greatest discoveries.
The Secret Beach – Pasir Putih
If you have been a regular on the Baliblog forum then you will have noticed of late there have been some inquiries and great answers regarding the best beaches on the island.
The Valley at Kekeran
There are countless spectacular rice-terrace views on the island of Bali and the most visited being Jataluwih in central Bali. Others would be at Sidemen , Ubud and Belimbing to name a few.
The State of the Reefs of Bali
We are all fully aware of global warming and its effects on the environment and oceans worldwide.
Bali Coffee Environmentally Friendly
Two things I am passionate about and the environment being one, the other being coffee . Yeah, I am a coffee nut and quite happily slurp down fifteen mugs per day.
Seven Gems of Bali
Pretty much over the decades I have seen and explored Bali to the max. On my travels there are those places that have re-visited and been disappointed mainly because of the ‘overkill’, due to the…
Ice Skating Rink Opens
Many times in my younger years I have tried ice-skating in England and as an adult in New Zealand. I even tried it in Australia but it doesn’t matter what country I do it in, I fall flat on my bum.
Crap in Bali
Seems like a stupid title to an article but, that’s what it’s about. Okay, let’s start at the beginning.
Bali International Triathlon
Dust off your running shoes, grease-up the bicycle and find your swimming gear. It’s on again – the Bali International Triathlon to be held from June 27 to 29 .
Ecotourism in Bali
More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious and, as they travel, are also aware of their carbon footprint . But it is not only this that we have to take into consideration.
Work on the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Complex Halted
Whenever I visit Bali more often than not I get down to Jimbaran Bay and visit the magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana complex .
Bali Dogs and their Saviour - Linda Buller
Most of us can well remember the heady days in the 80’s and 90’s when tourism in Bali was its peak.
Hepatitis Health Warning
First up, don’t be alarmed and rush to cancel your flights thinking you are going to cark it or something more disastrous.
Saving the Elephants
Indonesia currently has 16 or more species on the verge of extinction. A further 30 are classified as endangered.
Desecration in Bali
Like most people in Bali and travellers alike were disgusted with the development years back around Tanah Lot temple .
Foreign Arrival Statistics
The foreign arrivals statistics for Indonesia are out courtesy of the Central Statistics Agency and they are showing a marked increase for the first quarter.
Tourist Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing
A helicopter carrying tourists has been forced to make an emergency landing on the resort island of Bali .
Earth Day
Today across the world it is Earth Day and this is day each year that marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.
Dreamland beach: Too tempting for developers
Dreamland is the largest white sand beach on the western Bukit peninsula. That fact was not lost on Tomy Suharto, who with the help of rich friends tried to develop the place some years ago.
Christmas / New Years season busy with tourists
The Christmas / New Years season in Bali attracts tourists and a the recent break in bad weather brought them out.
Sunny skies are back in Bali
Tourists in Bali for New Years have something to cheer about, the sunshine is back.
Visit Indonesia Year 2008
Indonesia is ramping up for a giant tourism year in 2008. The Indonesian government launched Visit Indonesia Year 2008 on Wednesday and hopes are high that this campaign can get the tourist sector to…
Seminyak Bali after the storm
Today was the first day in the Christmas period that we saw the sun. I almost felt as if I was hallucinating this morning when blue skies peeked through thinning grey clouds.
Foreign currency rates in Bali : December 24th 2007
Currency rates directly affect your travel plans. Here is the latest on how major currencies are doing against the Indonesian rupiah.
Indonesia's ' Lost World' a biological paradise
In 2005 a team of scientists discovered an area of Papua (Irian Jaya) that was a virtual Garden of Eden.
Wet, wet, wet in Seminyak Bali
December means wet season in Bali and right now its living up to that promise. Looking out of my window the view is more like Sydney on a grey winter's day, than a tropical island.
After the UNFCCC in Bali
The UNFCCC (UN Conference on Climate Change) is over and opinions differ as to the success of the event.
UNFCCC has one more day to go in Bali
The UNFCCC (climate change conference) that is taking place in Nusa Dua is one of the most important events this decade.
Bali climate conference reaching its climax
The UNFCCC (climate change conference) in Nusa Dua is drawing to its climax, with ministers from around the world contemplating what to commit to.
Ten Travel Trends You Can't Ignore
Forbes is a company that serves the luxury travel market and won't appeal to many long distance budget travelers.
UNFCCC in Nusa Dua Bali
THE UNFCCC (UN Conference on Climate Change) is going full steam ahead in Nusa Dua . Al Gore has received his Nobel Prize so he'll be showing up soon no doubt.
Bali weather: December 10th 2007
Steamy conditions here in Bali with dark clouds drifting over. Up in Bedugal yesterday cooler temperatures and strong rain provided a welcome relief from the Seminyak heat.
Currency exchange in Bali: December 2007
If you are coming to Bali for Christmas or New Years you are probably wondering how are far your money will go. Here's a quick look at how the Indonesian Rupiah is doing against major currencies.
Bali climate conference not everyone's cup of tea
The UNFCCC (climate change conference) going on in Nusa Dua right now is drawing massive global attention.
Indonesia bloggers ranking system
Blogging is a global phenomenon with the number of new blogs going online reaching record numbers.
Bali Climate Conference pushes on cleaner vehicles
The UNFCCC (climate change conference) that is currently in progress in Bali has brought up one of the issues mentioned on Baliblog just a couple of days ago, cleaner vehicles.
Climate Change Conference & environmentally friendly transport
Organizers at the UNFCCC in Nusa Dua have arranged for 200 bicycle for attendees to use.
UNFCCC starts in Nusa Dua Bali
The much anticipated UNFCCC (UN Framework Conference for Climate Change) has started in Nusa Dua , Bali. The security levels are significant, with thousands of police and army on standby.
Bali tourism tapping into new markets
Bali is perhaps the most complete tourist destination in the world. With 20,000 hotel rooms, restaurants, spas, nightclubs, surfing, diving, island cruising, a mesmerizing landscape and a fascinating…
Sunny skies over Bali
December is approaching and so is the UNFCCC (UN Framework Conference for Climate Change). This is a wonderful opportunity for Bali to showcase itself in front of the world's media.
Indonesia 2030: Asian Dream or Doomstate?
The internet allow the sharing of opinions and points of view. The opinions can vary widely and also be food for thought.
Bloggers and the Bali Climate Conference
The UNFCCC (UN Framework Conference for Climate Change) starts December 4th 2007 and media groups are gearing up for it.
Visit Indonesia Year 2008
The Indonesian government is confident that 2008 will be a bumper year for tourism. With that in mind they have declared it 'Visit Indonesia Year' and are ramping up infrastructure in preparation.
UN Secretary General says Bali meeting crucial
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon , has said there is no time to waste in addressing world climate change and its associated problems.
Indonesian rupiah vs. other currencies: November 20th 2007
There has been a lot of uncertainty in the US economy recently, with talk of a recession and a dropping dollar.
Qatar Airways shows confidence in Bali
Qatar Airways has shown faith in Bali as a tourism destination by opening 2 offices in Denpasar.
Bali weather: Monday November 19th 2007
Hey sun lover take a look the weather in Bali! After a couple of weeks featuring grey skies and showers, including a wind-shear / tornado in southern Bali, the weather has returned to its former…
Top security for Bali Climate Change Conference
The U.N. Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which kicks off in Bali on December 4th will generate tremendous global media attention.
Luggage theft Indonesia
Travelling with valuables is never a good idea, especially if you fly through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
Bali weather: November 10th 2007
Wet season weather here in Seminyak Bali. For many that live here the cloudy cooler weather is a welcome break from the rising humidity and searing sunlight.
Bali Fight Club
Bali is coming along as a venue for many international events, including the UN Conference on Climate Change, the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
Bali Climate Change Conference: A global contest
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that is taking place in Bali December 3-14 is set to hog the news globally.
Falling US dollar: How is your currency doing in Bali
The US dollar is having a rough ride on the back of the economic slowdown / recession the US is sliding into.
Bali departure tax goes up
Visitors to Bali will get a little kick in the rear when they leave. The airport tax for foreigners is now 150,000rp, up from 100,000rp.
Bali wet season weather: November 1st 2007
The wet season has started in Bali and this morning we had a small downpour followed by grey skies.
Bali currency exchange: October 28th 2007
Here is a look at currency exchange in Bali on October 28th 2007 . 1 US Dollar = 9,109.50 Indonesian Rupiah 1 Australian Dollar = 8,371.08 Indonesian Rupiah 1 Brazilian Real = 5,128.56 Indonesian…
Steamy weather here in Bali
Its steamy here in Bali! The humidity kicked in a couple of weeks ago, meaning that sitting in a place with no air flow will seem hot.
Bali during Idul Fitri period
Bali is busy during this Idul Fitri period with restaurants, streets and hotels full with people.
Bali weather: October 8th 2007
Seminyak and the southern coastal area of Bali is enjoying wonderful sunny weather at present.
Real Madrid to build soccer academy in Bali
Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid is planning to build a soccer academy in Bali in January 2008.
Bali Update Wins PATA Gold Award
BaliDiscovery has won a Gold Award at the PATA Travel Mart 2007 . The site which is responsible for the Bali Update was voted Best Tourism E-newsletter in Asia Pacific for 2007.
Myanmar unrest in Indonesia news
The current Myanmar unrest has been in the Indonesian news, (newspapers, TV and internet) with news of current unrest being reported daily.
Bali weather September 28th 2007
Aussies returning to Bali will love the weather right now. We're at the end of September and in another month the wet season, complete with showers and humidity will return.
Your money in Bali: September 27th 2007
Here is a look at how major foreign currencies compare with the Indonesian Rupiah on September 27th 2007 .
How your money compares with the Indonesian rupiah
Here's a look at how your currency compares with the Indonesian rupiah on Thursday September 20th 2007.
Bali weather couldn't be much better
Bali is blessed with many things, the weather being one of them. Today's high was 31C, with blue skies.
Mads Lange 200th anniversary in Tuban Bali
Tuesday September 18th 2007 is the 200th anniversary of Mads Lange , the Danish trader who lived in Kuta / Tuban and was one of the most important foreign expats in Bali's history.