Bali news and events (page 2)
Tourism news, weather reports, festivals and sporting events.
Bali weather: September 14th 2007
The weekend is almost here and expats will be looking to hit the beach and enjoy the warm water. This weekend its beach weather all the way with sunshine predicted and highs of 30C.
Indonesian earthquake
The news is full of the massive earthquake that shook Sumatra on Wednesday. The 7.9 shaker rattled buildings and caused a 9ft tsunami to hit the port of Padang .
Kuta Karnival Saturday Sept. 8th 2007
The 2007 Kuta Karnival is going full steam ahead and today the food court opens at the top of Jl. Pantai Kuta . Some of Kuta's best restaurants have booths, with portions of their fare.
Inul Daratista to appear at Kuta Karnival 2007
Indonesian dangdut temptress Inul Daratista will appear in person on the closing day of Kuta Karnival 2007 .
Bali weather: Sept 5th 2007
Weather in Seminyak today was sunny for the most part, with 1 or 2 dark clouds drifting over to remind us us that the wet season will show up again someday.
Kuta Karnival in full swing
Kuta Karnival 2007 is in full swing, with beach activities including sand castle building and plenty of contests.
Bali government take steps to eradicate bird-flu
The Bali government has taken steps to monitor and control the resurgence of bird flu.
Tourists drown on Kuta Beach Bali
Three older tourists have drowned on Kuta Beach. This is another example of the power of local currents and the need to be careful. Here's more from the Jakarta Post.
Kuta Karnival 2007 opens in Bali
The annual Kuta Karnival has opened today on Kuta Beach . The event runs from today, Sept 1st until Sept 9th .
How mosquitoes find you in Bali
The Ukrainian people I met on the plane from Singapore last night, are getting their first experience of a Bali sunset this evening.
Bali & Singapore weather contrasting
Bali is enjoying beautiful weather at the moment, with cool mornings and evenings, with sunny days. A look at the 10 day weather forecast for Bali shows this will continue for the immediate future.
Indoensian rupiah: August 25th 2007
Here is a look at how the Indonesian rupiah compares with the rising dollar and other foreign currencies today August 25th 2007 .
Bali restaurants nervous about ayam kampung
The recent bird flu outbreak in Bali and caused some restaurants to remove ayam (chicken) from the menu.
Bali bird flu news
Balinese council members have recommended that the island build a dedicated hospital for tropical diseases, after the 2nd bird flu death in a week. Here's more from the Jakarta Post.
Woman dies of bird flu in Bali
A Balinese woman has died of what was most probably bird flu in Kediri Tabanan . As the Jakarta Post reports, the woman was overcome by pneumonia and intense fever.
Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic Nusa Dua Bali
The Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic (formerly the Wismilak International Bali) is soon to start in Nusa Dua.
Bali tourism levels reaching new heights
Latest tourism figures show July 2007 was the best month on record for Bali, based simply on the number of foreign arrivals. From my unscientific point of view, I'd second that opinion.
Bali takes action against bird flu
Balinese authorities have taken the bull by the horns in an effort to tackle the recent outbreak of bird flu.
Mixed dry season weather in Bali
This dry season we've had some rather mixed weather, which by the way is okay with me.
Indonesia Independence Day remissions a mystery to many
Indonesia has today given sentence remissions to 10 convicted people guilty of aiding and abetting the Kuta bombings in 2002 which killed 202 people.
Sanur Village Festival
Sanur got a wake up call today with the start of the Sanur Village Festival . The 5 day event runs from August 15th-19th and showcases some of the area's favourite businesses.
Dreamland to become New Kuta Beach
Dreamland, the half finished resort on the western Bukit that leads down to the largest white sand beach in the area, is to undergo massive changes in the next 12 months.
Ronnie Ramsey looking at 14 months in Bali jail
Ronnie Ramsey, the bother of famous Scottish chef Gordon Ramsey was in Denpasar District Court today. Ronnie was caught by police a few months ago in Tuban with a wee baggie of 'brown sugar'.
Possible bird flu case in Bali
One of the many health dangers for people living in Indonesia is avian flu (bird flu).
Bali rattled by earthquake
Bali was rattled by a powerful earthquake last night, reminding us once more we're on shaky ground. The quake was centered deep under west Java and was felt as far as Sumatra.
Affandi display at Neka Museum in Ubud Bali
The works of one of Bali's most famous artists, Affandi , will be on display at the Neka museum in Ubud from August 12th - 16th 2007 .
Sunset Rd or Sunset Strip?
Bali's Sunset Rd is an offshoot of Bypass Ngurah Rai. Funded by the World Bank and finally completed in 2003, it allows traffic coming off of Jl.
Bali weather August 7th 2007
Bali is a tropical island situated just 8 degrees south of the equator and 115 degrees east of the Greenwich meridian, so my GPS unit likes to tell me.
Bali tourism rebounding
Bali tourism is rebounding with hotels and restaurants again doing a trade. Anyone who has been in Bali over the last few months will of noticed the difference.
Pantai Kuta: Latest developments
Pantai Kuta (Kuta Beach) is the most famous place in Bali as far as tourists are concerned.
Seminyak Beach Bali
Dry season means more tourists, less rain and stronger winds. This afternoon my upstairs window was slamming like a pub door, the pembantu always opens it to let in fresh air and forgets to shut it.
Bali weather: July 26th 2007
We have a largely dry period of weather in Bali right now. The dry season has actually given us some light showers and cooler than normal (maybe its just me that cold!) night time temperatures.
Sunset Food Court : Kuta Bali
Bali has a new eating location. Actually it has many new places all packed together in one big location.
Australian PM to visit Bali
Australian PM John Howard will visit Bali later this week to meet Indonesian President SBY. Mr Howard will open a special eye hospital dedicated to the victims of Bali terrorism.
Bali weather forecast: July 17th 2007
Dry season in Bali means clear skies and sunny days. Let's take a look at our 10 day weather forecast and see how it stands up. Today we had a hot one, or maybe it was just me who was hot.
Big Brother not watching in Bali
The brother of Scottish chef Gordon Ramsey is sweating in a Bali jail, after his arrest for heroin possession 5 months ago.
Kuta Bali: July 6th 2007
According to some sources the number of Australian tourists visiting Bali has doubled in the last few months.
June weather cool in Bali
Bali's weather has taken part of a step into the dry season. Mornings and evenings are pleasantly cool, no need for AC now at all, even in the beach areas.
New branding for Bali tourism industry
Branding is important to any industry. Putting an image in people's minds and working it is what drives business.
Garuda adds Sydney flight to Bali
Garuda Indonesia is adding another flight to Sydney . The increase in tourist numbers justify the new new flight ( GA717 ) which will fly on Wednesdays direct from Sydney to Denpasar, leaving at 10am…
Bali International Triathlon: Sunday June 24th 2007
Get out your Speedos guys, the Bali International Triathlon is this coming Sunday . The event, a first of its kind in Bali kicks off at 8am at the Coconut Grove at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay .
Bali weather June 19th 2007
Bali's weather right now is ranging from powerful tropical sun and blue skies, to cool dry season afternoon with cloud cover. Great to have some variation.
Foreign currencies in Bali: June 18th 2007
According to the tourist figures Bali is getting a healthy number of foreign arrivals.
Brother of Gordon Ramsey on trial in Bali
The brother of British chef, Gordon Ramsey , has appeared in Denpasar District Court today on charges of drugs possession.
Bali drug arrests highlight risk of the party scene
Recent arrests of foreigners in Bali for drug offenses highlights the danger of the party scene.
Bali weather: June 11th 2007
Monday morning here in Seminyak Bali, grey skies loom over head. This means a break from the storing sun and cooler temperatures.
Weather in Seminyak Bali
Midday Friday June 1st in Seminyak Bali. Temperatures are somewhat hot today, with sunny skies plus patches of cloud. There is a breeze which makes things more comfortable.
Monte Swims to Fight Child Hunger
Earlier this month American world record ocean swimmer and Bali resident Monte Monfore achieved another world first swimming from Lombok to Gili Trawangan .
Merpati closes Darwin office
Merpati airlines is closing its Darwin office and will be focusing on its domestic service. Here is a report from the Jakarta Post.
How far will your money go in Bali?
Here is a look at how major foreign currencies stack up against the mighty rupiah, on Tuesday May 29th, 2007.
Warm sunny weather in Bali
Bali's weather is second to none and a look at the 10 day weather forecast , shows we have almost a clear run of dry weather coming up.
Big waves affect Indonesian coastline
Large waves continued to crash on Indonesia's south coast causing damage to wooden structures. Here in Bali today there seemed to be a good sized swell, though nothing frightening.
Big waves in Indonesia
Bali as well as other areas of Indonesia received big waves recently, causing minor damage to temporary structures.
Bali weather May 16th 2007
Wednesday May 16th in Seminyak Bali started out sunny and hot. Clouds drifted over around 2pm, and while no rain seems likely this afternoon, it is predicted overnight.
Bali needs a monorail system: Tourist Industry
Bali's transportation infrastructure is on a collision course with itself. The more people, the more cars and motorbikes, creating more traffic, meaning slower travel speeds.
Indonesian rupiah looking strong
The Indonesian rupiah is doing quite well these days, which is good for locals. A Jakarta Post article talks about how the rupiah is still climbing back from its nosedive in 1997.
Australian in Bali hashish trial
Australian expat Ian Pieter van Wieringen appeared in Gianyar District Court today charged with possession of hashish. Mr. van Wieringen is a painter who has lived in Ubud for 35 years.
How's Bali right now?
At the moment Bali is in a kind of transition. The wet season is dragging its feet to a close and the tourists are dragging theirs.
Bali weather: Hot and sunny
Bali's weather for the next 10 days looks to be a continuation of what we've got right now, steamy hot, the occasional night time shower and powerful sunshine.
Sun protection in Bali
Protecting yourself against the damaging UV rays while on holiday in Bali is a necessary precaution.
Bali Peace Park proceeding in Kuta Bali
Bali Peace Park, the personal crusade of Australian Dallas Finn, is moving in the right direction.
How far will your money go in Bali
The Indonesian rupiah has a history of being somewhat volatile. During the Asian financial crisis in the late 90's, people doubled their money here in Bali, or lost their money (depending what…
Anti-Schapelle Corby sentiment at Australian fashion week
Australian Schapelle Corby is in the news again, not because of something she has done, but because of a slogan appearing at Australian Fashion Week.
Bali weather April 30th 2007
Weather is one of the main things that will affect your holiday, no matter where you go. The weather in Bali recently has been humid and hot.
Asian Beach Games in Bali 2008
The 1st annual Asian Beach Games will be held in Bali in 2008 . Bali is increasingly on the world's radar as an event location and the Asian Beach Games will add to that.
Bali weather April 20th 2007
Bali's weather is getting dryer, but still the heat persists and the occasional downpour shows up.
Mercedes Corby: My Story
Mercedes Corby, sister of convicted drug trafficker Schapelle Corby, sheds light on her life, particularly the last couple of years surrounding the arrest and conviction of her sister.
Rainy spell coming to Bali
Lovely sunny day today in Seminyak Bali, the sky is blue and the sun is fierce. Ika and I took Jevon for an immunization this morning in Denpasar, for 145,000rp at the Puri Bunda hospital.
Schapelle Corby story worth a fortune in Bali
The Schapelle Corby saga continues with its latest exciting chapter. Sister Mercedes (is that name perfect for the made-for-TV movie!) is suing a former friend in Australia, after she claimed drug…
Pleasant weather in Bali Indonesia
Monday, April 2nd here in Seminyak Bali sees bright, slightly overcast skies, which will give way to sunshine later in the day.
Money in Bali: Friday March 30th 2007
The shifting sands of world currencies can affect your holiday in Bali. Here's how some of the world's most popular currencies stack up against the Indonesian Rupiah.
Super rainy in Seminyak Bali
Today was a heck of a day for weather in Bali. A storm came in and dumped a ton of rain on us at high speed. Very windy conditions also, as the angled rain outside my window indicated.
Bali weather March 20th 2007
Nyepi day passed with pleasant weather, sunny with partial clouds. We are still in the wet season so the occasional shower shows up and cools everything down.
Bali weather: March 12th 2007
Sunny skies and warm weather in Bali. Great weather at the moment for tourists, a pleasant mixture of strong sunshine with the occassional shower.
Baliblog readers join us for a good time
Laura from Australia (with a strong N. Ireland twang) is in Bali and not doubt will be creating havoc in the Legian area by now.
Stinky water in Kuta Bali
Kuta Beach is a little stinky right now. On Sunday Ika and I took Jevon to the windblown Blue Ocean beach at the end of Jl. Double Six.
Rainy weather in Bali
Rain is part of the equation for Bali right now. Today in Kuta the sun was blazing, people were out in t-shirts, tank tops and beach wear.
Stormy weather in Seminyak Bali
We had some great rain today in Seminyak. Devin and I ate breakfast by the beach, it was his last day here and I wanted to send him off well.
Taking Devin to the airport in Bali
Devin had a 4pm flight ot catch today, so I helped him get ready for his journey home. After playing with Jevon and chatting to Ika, we said goodbye and I rented a Feroza.
What your money is worth in Bali: February 24th 2007
February is low season in Bali. This means lower prices, more empty rooms and less competition for deals. All sounds good but are you factoring in your exchange rate ?
Gordon Ramsey's brother arrested with heroin in Bali
Latest news on the wire, is the brother of famous British chef Gordon Ramsey has been arrested in Bali in possession of heroin.
10 reasons to come to Bali right now
Bali, the 'Island of the Gods', is quiet right now. February is traditionally a quiet time, but recent visitors I've met including Toby, Ollie from Oregon, Barbara & Nancy and Devin have had a great…
Nyepi Day 2007
Nyepi Day is the Balinese day of silence, it is the day when the island of Bali ceases to function, at least in modern terms.
Bali weather: February 19th 2007
We have just had a decent weekend of weather, with mostly sunny days and scattered clouds. Days have been steamy, uncomfortable for people without AC, but just something to live with for expats.
Roads in Bali: Keep your eyes peeled
Learning to ride a motorbike in Bali, is also a crash course in Balinese road design. My neighborhood particularly, Seminyak, has been massively affected by road construction for several months.
Sumatran Orangutan Society Fun Run
Nature lovers listen up. The Sumatran Orangutan Society has arranged a charity fun run in aid of endangered orangutans. The run will take place in Ubud on Sunday, February 18th at 4pm.
Valentine's Day in Bali
February 14th is for girls not guys. A traitor named St. Valentine started this whole thing off years ago, big business having taken the ball and run with it.
Bali weather: February 12th 2007
If you like hot steamy weather, Bali is the place. Yesterday was a cooker and around 4pm I had to take a shower to wash the layer of sweat off.
Beach route in Kuta Bali
Roadworks continue in Kuta, with the intersection at Jl. Legian and Jl. Melasti blocked off to cars. Motorbikes can squeeze through and its always exciting to see what next hurdle has been created.
Bali International Triathlon: June 24th, 2007
Bali is already on the world sports map with the Wismilak International women's tennis competition taking place each year. A new event is being launched this year down in Jimbaran Bay.
Superbowl in Kuta Bali
Arriving early at Double D in Legian, for Superbowl XLI , I found out their great upstairs screen was off limits due to renovation.
Superbowl Monday in Kuta Bali
Typing this article, its still Sunday here in Bali. In just over 12 hours from now, the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts, will take the field in Miami to contest Superbowl XLI .
How Seminyak feels right now
Seminyak is Seminyak, a little island of western behaviour, that calls itself culture.
Bali Peace Park: Operation Frangipani
My friend Dallas Finn, Director of Bali Peace Park , sent me some recent photos. Dallas has a plan, to turn the Sari Club site into a permanent memorial to the Kuta Bombings of 2002.
What your money is worth in Bali
Choosing Bali for a holiday, over Hawaii, the Caribbean, Sydney, London or S.Africa, means one thing for sure, you'll get a lot more for your money.
Bali weather: February 2nd 2007
Bali's weather is rather like an English summer right now. Outside my window in Seminyak, its breezy, sunny, with scattered white / grey clouds.
Building in Seminyak Bali
Typing in my bedroom for the last few monthes, has been accompanied by the constant banging and shouting, of the workers next door.
Origin of Kuta Cowboys revealed
Kuta Cowboys, those weird little guys who hang on the beach day, in search of the largest females Qantas can carry, have long been a mystery.
Lights on for motorbikes in Bali
Times change and laws change in Bali. When I moved here in 2003, renting a scooter was one of the first things I did.
French Red Cross helps Bali stay safe
The French Red Cross is hoping to help Bali with a disaster relief post, a German company plan to set up a radio-wave tsunami warning system. Things are looking up for Bali.