Bali, budget hotels, transport, food & attraction

Bali, budget hotels, transport, food & attraction

Bali continues to be a fantastic travel bargain, at least for those who don’t insist on staying in fancy international chain hotels, and Kuta is the best place to find great deals. The city is famous for being the surfing and nightlife capital of the island, and this brings in backpackers and budget travelers in from around the world.

Hotels start at amazingly low prices, though the bottom end means no air conditioning, cheap furniture, and a badly needed paint job. Still, if you are a minimalist then you will find loads of options here. Once you are looking for A/C instead of just a fan then the price starts going up, but you can still find great bargains as long as you aren’t coming during the December holidays.

Sitting around on the beach (while vendors constantly stream by) is the top attraction here and of course that’s free. You can rent a surfboard for a low price and even get proper lessons for less that you’d pay in most other surf spots.

Food and drinks are also very cheap by most standards, though not as cheap as in mainland Southeast Asia. Simple and delicious meals start around US$1 each, and for not much more than that you can get something really filling and sometimes even fancy. Beer is the cheapest drinking option, and it’s the most popular, but mixed drinks are found cheaply on specials at the popular bars as well.

HIRING A DRIVER IN BALI

By far the best way to get around Bali is to hire a driver for anywhere from 4 hours to a week. They are incredibly cheap and also act as a trusted advisor to help you avoid problems and find the best things. Nearly all of them drive mini-vans or SUVs that can hold at least 5 passengers. In Kuta and Ubud you’ll be harassed on the street often by men offering transport, and most of them are honest, but it’s hard to tell in an instant.

Typical 2017 Bali driver prices:
8 hours: 500,000 rupiah (US$37)
Extra hours: 50,000 rupiah each (US$3.70)

That price is for a driver AND a van for up to 5 passengers, so it’s an amazing deal. The driver acts as sort of a guide as well, so it’s even more worth it than you can imagine. If you simply want transport from one place to another you can hire an Uber more cheaply. BUT Bali is an island where having a driver who is also a guide is incredibly valuable. You’ll save time and see much more with someone who is experienced in showing off the best sights.

Kuta Bali attraction

Surfing lesson (3 hour): 20.33 to 50.04 (USD)
Surfboard rental: 2.22 to 6.29 (USD)
Waterbom Park: 27.36 (2-12 y.o), 38.45 (USD) (adults)

Kuta Bali transportation prices

Taxi (airport to Kuta): 1.48-4.07 (USD)
Bemo (minivan) from airport to Kuta: 0.37-0.74 (USD)
3km taxi ride in Kuta: 1.48-2.22 (USD)

 

Kuta bali foond and drink prices

Budget breakfast: 1.85-3.70 (USD)
If your hotel or guesthouse doesn't include breakfast, you can find cheap eats nearby.

Budget lunch: 2.59-4.44 (USD)
Combinations of rice or noodles and chicken are classic and filling.

Budget diner: 4.44-7.39 (USD)
Kuta and its area is filled with Western restaurants with good prices. Local joints are a bit cheaper.

Beer (.33ml bottle): 1.85-3.33 (USD)

Bintang is the ubiquitous local lager, served in ice-cold large and small bottles. Nightclubs will charge more.

https://www.priceoftravel.com/33/indonesia/kuta-bali-prices

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Gunung Agung Erupted, Bali Remain Safe

Gunung Agung Erupted, Bali Remain Safe

Yesterday, November 25, 2017, Gunung Agung in Karangasem, Bali, erupted. And until now has not been observed the increase in seismic and volcanic activity after the eruption.

"The situation of Gunung Agung is still on alert (level 3)," said Head of BNPB Information and Public Relations Data, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho in his written statement on Saturday (25/11/2017).

Sutopo ensure the condition of Bali remains safe. Activities at Ngurah Rai International Airport are also safe and normal.

"The condition of Bali remains safe, people are encouraged to stay calm, do not panic and hooked on the misleading issues, PVMBG will continue to provide updated information," he continued.

Mount Agung eruption occurred at around 17:30 WITA. The gray columns were observed in medium-grayish-gray asphalt as high as 1,500 m above the peak of Mount Agung.

This is the second eruption of Gunung Agung with a higher column of ash higher than its first eruption on Tuesday 21st.

"Until now PVMBG is still analyzing its eruption, there is no increase in seismic and volcanic activity after eruption until this afternoon," said Sutopo.

Residents remain prohibited from activities within a 6 km radius plus a sectoral extension of 7.5 km to the north-northeast, southeast and south-southwest.


Indonesia Travel Destinations
translated from Detikcom

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Ten Tips for Female (Solo) Travelers in Bali

Ten Tips for Female (Solo) Travelers in Bali

Bali has become incredibly popular for solo female travellers to visit after the success of Eat, Pray, Love – Brooke Ferguson gives some practical tips on what to expect on the Island Of the Gods

Bali Transport

Don’t take the taxis waiting at the Airport – they are a total and absolute rip off! Instead, go just outside of where all of the taxis are lined up, and into the parking lot. Look for the light blue taxis that are “Blue Bird” taxis. They will charge you by the meter, and not take all of your money! You can also call them for reservations, schedule pick ups from the airport

Making Reservations

Depending on the season, it may be better NOT to book your hotel in advance. Many of the online hotels can be deceiving about their proximity (and quality!!). I found it better to go to the area you want to be, check out what is near by, look at the rooms, check the internet connection, and barter for a price. You can usually get a much better deal in person than you can with online reservations! If you want to check availability and prices for Bali hotels, see Booking.com – read the reviews from previous guests carefully.

Money

Barter, Barter, Barter!
Bali is definitely a place where you need to barter. Unlike other countries where the locals seem willing to ask just a bit more than the real price, Balinese are apt to ask you several times the price for clothes and merchandise. Rule of thumb: if you are in a marketplace, you can barter them down. Store prices are more difficult, but can be done. When you’ve offered a fair price, and they say no, Walk Away! Usually, they will come running after you and let you have your offer. It is all part of the game, so go with it, and get your barter on!

Beaches You’ll Love

Bali Beaches near Denpasar Airport are Sanur Beach and Kuta Beach. Sanur seems more for the vacationers, where Kuta has a lively backpacker scene. Further up north there are deserted stretches of black volcanic sand beaches, like Pemuteran. Many people just travel to Bali for the beaches, and if you are feeling adventurous, try checking out the Gili Islands or Komodo island, home of the infamous Komodo Dragons. Those are on my list for my next trip, for sure!

Going Off The Beaten Path

My favorite part about my trip was going off of the beaten path and taking a tour that not many people have had the ability to do. Nyoman has started taking people to the village where he grew up. I got to get close up views of Mt. Agung, learn about the rice fields, visit his family compound, and witness traditional music played by his family.

Meeting Ketut And Wayan

Many Westerners yearn to meet the Balanese healers highlighted in Eat Pray Love. While there have been differing opinions of getting your real fortune read by Ketut, many people enjoy the experience of meeting him and seeing how he lives. Wayan has her herbal shop set up and is happy to welcome Western customers for treatments.

What to Eat

Traditional Balinese foods are similar to most Asian dishes, consisting primarily of rice or noodle dishes. The meat dishes are wonderful marinated barbeques complimented by small salads or portions of pickled vegetables. I did not have any problems eating the traditional food, and found that while it was well flavored, it was not spicy. Be sure to try the sates (marinated bbq meat), lawar (mixed chopped vegtebles and spices), and lampet (snack served wrapped in banana leaves). The soups are also wonderful, so make sure to try them too!

Places to Pray

One of the most exciting parts about Bali is that there are temples literally EVERYWHERE. You can go in to them, take a look, and be a part of the music and festivities. However, it is recommended that you wear proper attire. Women should have on sleeved shirts and covered legs. Men are fine with standard sleeved shirts and shorts are acceptable. Most temples will provide wraps, or there are women selling sarongs outside for you to go in.

Places You’ll Love

If you are staying in or outside of Ubud, you definitely need to check out the Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud Sanctuary. It is full of beautiful sculptures, outdoor temples, and the monkeys are everywhere! Mt. Agung is a must. Get picturesque views from restaurants or visit the mountain up close and personal with a guided tour.

Don’t be Afraid to Go it Alone!

My last advice is if Bali is somewhere you really want to go and you have always dreamed of traveling, buy a ticket, and go it alone. I waited around a long time to coordinate tickets, plans, and eventually just decided to go on my own. Bali is a safe island, with lots to do and explore, so don’t be afraid, all you have to do is buy a ticket and go!!


https://travelhappy.info/indonesia/top-ten-tips-for-female-travelers-in-bali-indonesia/

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They got very Cheap villa in Canggu, Bali

They got very Cheap villa in Canggu, Bali

We got the sickest villa in Canggu Bali for just 20 dollars a night per person. We also flew the DJI Mavic Pro over the Canggu surfers and captured an incredible montage. This is why you travel Indonesia in the "rainy season". We stayed at Villa Tulip in Canggu. LOVED it.

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Some of famous Indonesian food and how to serve it

Some of famous Indonesian food and how to serve it

Talk about the unique tradition of serving food, some regions have their own uniqueness. Especially in Indonesia who recognizes the five religions, and has hundreds of tribes and languages. Well, this time you will better recognize the various presentations that have been done since the past, and even some of them adopted by five-star restaurants.

Have you ever tasted Indonesian food? Some expatriates never go beyond the usual nasi goreng (fried rice), bakmi goreng (fried noodles) or sate (charbroiled meat or chicken on skewers), but for the more adventurous there is a wonderful variety of tasty treats right here in Jakarta.

Food Etiquette

Indonesians love to eat, not only meals, which they may consume at any hour of the day whenever they feel hungry, but also snacks of many kinds. Eating is also a social activity and meals are often shared with others who happen to drop in. The meals lend themselves to easily extending the amount of food available by the addition of another hastily prepared dish such as dadar telor (omelet). It is considered impolite not to provide some sort of drinks and snacks to a guest, whether invited or unexpected.

Normal Mealtimes

A normal Indonesian-style family meal consists of white rice served with three or four accompanying dishes. When guests are present, and on special occasions, the number of dishes served is much greater and in more abundant quantities. In keeping with Indonesian hospitality, a wide variety and choice of dishes should be provided to honor a guest. Whatever is not eaten is never wasted. Guests may be encouraged to take home some of the leftover food and plastic bags or containers are always on hand for this purpose. The remainder goes back to the kitchen, to be eaten by domestic staff or to be reheated and served again the next day. Indonesians are honored if foreigners like their food and are adventurous to try new dishes.

Generally all of the dishes are placed on the table together and guests are asked to help themselves. This “family style” serving practice is the origin of the Dutch expression rijstafel. Unlike a formal Western style dinner, courses are not served separately. It is becoming more common for Indonesians to serve a soup that may be eaten before the main meal, but traditionally Indonesian soups are served and eaten together with the rice and other dishes, though some prefer to take their soup after eating their rice. You can sample the dishes one at a time if you like, but it is more common to take some of each dish together on your plate, placing them around your mound of rice. It is a complement to the hostess if you take second or third helpings. You do not need to empty your plate before you add another helping of a dish you particularly like.

Eating on the Floor and With Your Fingers

Sometimes Indonesian food is served and eaten not at a table, but on woven mats covering a low platform or the ground. This style of eating is called lesehan and is common in Yogyakarta and Central Java as well as West Java. Traditionally food is eaten with the fingers of the right hand, and many Indonesians insist that certain dishes taste much better this way. Finger bowls, often with a slice of lime floating in the water to cut the grease on your fingers, are usually provided for cleansing your fingers after such meals. Note that only the right hand is used to eat the food, never the left.

These days Indonesian food is generally eaten with a spoon and fork, the spoon in the right hand and fork in the left (or vice versa for lefthanders). The fork holds food steady while breaking off portions with the spoon, and is used to assist in loading up the spoon by pushing food into it. Most food is cut up into relatively small pieces before it is cooked, although chicken and duck are usually served on the bone, and fish is often served whole.

When you are finished eating, you turn your spoon and fork over and lay them crossed in your plate. This signals the hostess that you are full and doesn’t lead to an urging to take more food!

Indonesian food is usually cooked in advance and served at room temperature, although there are some dishes that should be consumed hot and fresh from the stove or barbecue. Indonesian food has been greatly influenced by other cuisines, including Chinese, Indian and Dutch, but has been adapted and modified to suit the local palate.

The Importance of Rice in an Indonesian meal

Rice is the staple food of Indonesians and they are happy to consume it two to three times a day. In fact there is an expression: “Kalau belum makan nasi, belum makan” (if you haven't eaten rice, you haven't eaten), which implies that no matter what snacks you have consumed, you have not had a proper meal until you have filled your tummy with rice in some form or another. White rice is preferred, rather than unpolished brown rice, even by those who are aware of the loss of nutritional value in the processing.

Ideally rice should be boiled then steamed, but most modern Indonesians find it very convenient to use an electric rice cooker. Nasi goreng, fried rice using the leftover rice from the previous day, or bubur (rice porridge) are often served for breakfast.

Selamatan

For special celebrations or ritual meals called selamatan, nasi kuning (yellow rice) is traditionally served, usually in the form of a tumpeng, a cone shaped mound of yellow colored rice served on a large platter elaborately garnished and accompanied by side dishes. The rice is cooked in santan (coconut milk) flavored with spices including turmeric, which gives the yellow color. Other special rice dishes include nasi uduk (rice cooked in santan but without turmeric). This is a richer, more aromatic form of white rice and is served with accompanying side dishes. In West Java the Sundanese people serve cooked white rice wrapped up in cylindrical shape in banana leaf. This is called nasi timbel, and after opening the rice parcel the banana leaf becomes the “plate” on which to put selections of accompanying dishes such as grilled or fried fish, chicken, cooked or raw vegetables and sambal (chili paste).



Rice can also be cooked in banana leaf or woven coconut leaf containers to create a solid mass of compressed rice, which when cold is cut into mouthful sized chunks. Lontong, cooked in banana leaf, often accompanies sate, gado-gado (cooked vegetable salad with spicy peanut sauce) or curries, while ketupat is the special compressed rice cooked in rhomboid shaped coconut leaf containers that is served at Lebaran to celebrate the end of the Islamic fasting month. Ketupat is usually served with opor ayam (chicken in mild white curry sauce) and sambal goreng (vegetables, meat or liver cooked in santan with chili and spices). The Sumatran equivalent of lontong or ketupat is lemang, which is glutinous or sticky rice cooked in bamboo and traditionally accompanied by rendang (beef cooked in santan with chili and spices until liquid is absorbed).

Another rice dish that you may find on the menu in Indonesian restaurants is nasi rames. This is a meal in itself, a plate of ordinary white rice topped with generous spoonfuls of various meat, chicken and vegetable side dishes. Nasi kebuli is an Arab-influenced dish of aromatically speced rice cooked together with chicken or meat and spices.

Regional Food Specialties

Each region of Indonesia has its own specialties and there is great variety in the cuisine available. One of the most famous is West Sumatran or Padang food, which uses a lot of chili, spices and santan. Padang dishes include rendang, kalio (similar to rendang but the sauce is not reduced and thickened), gulai (a spicy curry), kari (curry), dendeng balado (thin sliced and crisp fried beef with red chilies). Padang food is Indonesia’s version of fast food. All the food is cooked in advance and displayed on dishes stacked up in the window of the often distinctively decorated restaurants. When you come in and sit down at a table, waiters will immediately appear bearing 10 or 12 small plates of different dishes along their arms and a huge variety of food will be set down on your table, along with a plate of rice and a glass of hot tea for each person. You may choose whatever you like and at the end of the meal the headwaiter will check all of the dishes to count what has been consumed. Needless to say you pay only for what you have eaten. Some recommended Padang restaurants are those in the Sederhana chain, Natrabu, Nasi Kapau and Sari Bundo.



Central Javanese food tends to have a sweeter taste with palm sugar or the dark sweet type of soy sauce being added to most dishes. Traditional dishes from Central Java include ayam goreng (spiced fried chicken), ayam panggang (broiled chicken cooked with either soy sauce or santan and spices), semur daging (beef braised in soy sauce), empal daging (slices of beef cooked with spices then fried), opor ayam (chicken in mild white curry sauce), gudeg (jackfruit cooked in santan and served with chicken, egg and soybean cake) and sayur asem (tamarind flavored vegetable soup). One of the specialties of East Java is rawon (diced beef cooked in spicy black sauce). You can find Javanese fried chicken at Mbok Berek Ny Umi and gudeg at Gudeg Bu Tjitro.



In West Java, the Sundanese use fewer spices but some kind of sambal is always served with meals. Sambal is a hot and sometimes spicy sauce or relish served as an accompaniment to other dishes. Take only a tiny portion and taste with caution! Acar (pickled cucumbers and carrots with little green chilies – the hottest ones!) is also frequently served, along with krupuk (prawn crackers) or emping (nut crackers). Sundanese meals generally include lalab (a selection of raw or lightly cooked vegetables) with each mouthful being dipped first in sambal, as well as the Sundanese version of sayur asem or sayur lodeh (vegetables cooked in santan). In addition to nasi timbel mentioned above, Sundanese restaurants usually offer fried or barbecued fish or chicken as well as pepes ikan (marinated fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled). In Jakarta you can find Sundanese food at Dapur Sunda, Padzzi Pondok Ulam, Ratu Kuring and the Sari Kuring chain.


Pork is rarely consumed in Indonesia due to the Muslim teachings against its consumption by the faithful. However the Hindu people of Bali are well known for their pork dishes, such as babi kecap (pork braised in soy sauce) and sate pentul (minced pork sate) as well as ayam/daging bumbu Bali (chicken or beef in chili and tamarind sauce), lawar (raw vegetable salad) and duck dishes such as bebek bangor (crispy duck) and bebek betutu (smoked duck). For Balinese food try Ajengan, Bebek Bali or Bebek Bengil.


Food from Manado, North Sulawesi is also very popular and focuses on seafood with many dishes being fiery hot. Manadonese specialties include ikan kuah asam (fish with tamarind sauce), ikan cakalang garo rica (fish with chili), ayam rica-rica (grilled chicken with chili), cumi/ayam woku belanga (sautéed squid or chicken with spicy green chili sauce), sayur Manado (hot and spicy mixed vegetables) and ayam isi di bulu (chicken cooked slowly inside a bamboo tube with green chili sauce). You can find these dishes at Cak Tu Ci, Waroeng Camoe-Camoe and Ikan Bakar Manado Rica-Rica.



In addition to the restaurants mentioned above serving regional cuisines, there are also numerous restaurants in Jakarta offering a general selection of Indonesian food from across the archipelago. Some recommended restaurants for starting off your culinary journey through Indonesia are: Sate Khas Senayan, Dapur Tempo Doeloe, Klub 45, Waroeng Podjok, Para Para, Kafe Foto, and the more upscale Bumbu, Kafe Museum and Oasis famous for its traditional presentation of rijstafel.



Many hotels, such as the Borobudur, Dharmawangsa, Sahid Jaya and Sheraton Bandara, also have special Indonesian restaurants or coffee shops which serve excellent Indonesian food in addition to international cuisine.

Enjoy tasting Indonesian food, and as they say in Indonesia: selamat makan! (enjoy your meal!)

http://www.expat.or.id/info/indonesianfood.html

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How To Solo Traveling To Bali ?

Solo traveling To Bali - Indonesia ....YES !!! ..You can Do it by Vlog Treveler Erik Conover

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Indonesia Travel Destinations : Bali underwater scooter

Indonesia Travel Destinations : Bali underwater scooter

Indonesia Travel Destinations : Bali underwater scooter, Nusa Lembongan

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Wonderful Indonesia - Wonderful Journey to a Wonderful World

Wonderful Indonesia - Wonderful Journey to a Wonderful World

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Bali's Taman Ayu offers luwak coffee educational attraction

Bali's Taman Ayu offers luwak coffee educational attraction

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya recently paid a visit to Taman Ayu in Singapadu, Gianyar, Bali.

pic. google.com

The tourist attraction invites visitors to view the making process of luwak coffee that involves sun drying and roasting using firewood.

“This is an educational attraction that visitors can see directly,” said Arief.

“The parking lot can accommodate 10 to 20 buses […] there are also rare tree species lining up neatly here,” he added.

Arief was greeted by the place’s owner I Wayan Ramantha.

“When my mother got sick, my father made this garden for her to help her heal,” Wayan said of the story behind Taman Ayu.

At this place, visitors can also taste 12 different herbal drinks, such as Kintamani coffee, ginseng coffee, luwak coffee, rosella coffee, mangosteen coffee, chocolate and others.

Taman Ayu also has 18 rooms available for accommodation purposes, a swimming pool, meeting points, a shop and a gazebo. (kes)


jakartapost

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Legian Beach Festival to return to Bali

Legian Beach Festival to return to Bali

Bali is slated to host Legian Beach Festival 2017 from Oct. 11 to 15 at Padma Beach, Legian, Bali.

pic. google.com

The event is scheduled to hold fun activities such as fun bike ride, fashion show, food festival, wood ball cup, barong and dance performances and free surf training.

The opening ceremony of this event will feature Baleganjur Massal performance, cultural carnival and exhibition by artists from several different countries.

Visitors can also expect to watch a volleyball game between the locals and tourists.

During the festival, the committee is planning to launch Legian Entrepreneurs Community (HI.PEL) as well.

Legian Beach is a popular surfing destination thanks to its challenging waves and white sand beach.

The number of visitors to the annual festival always increases every year. In 2015, it attracted a total of 65,500 visitors and the number later went up to 83,500 visitors in 2016. (kes)

from: thejakartapost

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Foreign celebrities vacation in Bali amid Mount Agung's potential eruption

Foreign celebrities vacation in Bali amid Mount Agung's potential eruption

pic. google.com janine gutierrez

Two foreign celebrities from two different countries recently vacationed in Bali amid the potential eruption of Mount Agung.

birthday suit 🍰🍰🍰 Thank you for the good vibes ✨❤️ @boomsasonquickcustomrtw @boomsason

A post shared by JANINE 🌺 (@janinegutierrez) on Oct 2, 2017 at 6:25am PDT

Filipino actress Janine Gutierrez traveled to Bali at the end of September this year.

According to her recent posts on her Instagram account @janinegutierrez, the actress seems to be celebrating her birthday on the Island of the Gods, visiting popular places such as Uluwatu Temple, La Plancha Bali and Sundays Beach Club.

Another foreign celebrity who recently traveled to Bali was Malaysian actress Mawar Rashid who conducted a pre-wedding photoshoot with her fiancée Raf Yaakob.

The couple is set to hold a wedding ceremony by the end of this year.

My very first time in Bali with love of my life ⚜️❤️⚜️ Will definitely KemBali 🙋🏻 Took this photo with Fujifilm X-A3 #fujifilmmy #MawaRaf #Pre-Wedding #BukanBerdua

A post shared by 🌹🌹🌹Mawar 🌹🌹🌹 (@mawarashid) on Oct 4, 2017 at 6:53am PDT

“My very first time in Bali with love of my life […] Will definitely KemBali [come back],” she captioned a photo of her and her fiancée on Instagram. (kes)

from: thejakartapost

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VIDEO: 9,421 evacuate after Mt Agung shows signs of increased activity

9,421 evacuate after Mt Agung shows signs of increased activity

Denpasar (ANTARA News) - As many as 9,421 people have been taking refuge in 50 different places, since Mount Agung in Bali province showed signs of increased activities, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Board (BNPB).

"The number of refugees continue to increase," Chief of the BNPB Data and Information Center and Public Relations Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said, Friday (Sept. 22).

The volcanic earthquakes, which continued to happen in the past few days prompted the local residents to flee their homes to safer areas, he stated.

Most of the evacuees are villagers who live within a radius of 6 kilometers and 7.5 kilometers from the volcanos peak in the north, southeast, south and southwest sectors, he revealed.

The 50 places are located in the three districts of Karangasem, Klungkung and Buleleng.

Some 7,018 of the evacuees have been sheltered in 40 places in Karangasem, 1,722 in eight places in Buleleng and 601 in two places in Klungkung.

Some of the evacuees are being sheltered at sports stadiums and village halls, while others have taken refuge at their relatives houses. 

An alert status was declared for Mount Agung in Bali, following an increase in the volcanic activity.

Since mid-August, the volcano has shown a rise in volcanic activity, but then it declined, and now it is increasing again.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika affirmed that the government was prepared to face any eventualities in the event of the volcano possibly erupting, and has readied an evacuation post, refugee cam, as well as implemented security measures.

"We can confirm to the citizens of Bali and internationally that we are ready to face the worst, even though we are praying that it never happens," the governor remarked.

(Reported by Dewa Wiguna/Uu.S012/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

Video: 

source

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Ngurah Rai Airport unaffected by Mt Agung volcanic activities

Ngurah Rai Airport unaffected by Mt Agung volcanic activities

pic. google.com

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Ngurah Rai International Airport in the Indonesian island resort of Bali remains unaffected by the volcanic activities of Mt Agung, according to airport management spokesman Arie Ahsanurrohim.

"Until now flights to and from the Ngurah Rai International Airport are still normal," Ahsanurrohim remarked here on Saturday.

According to him, he continued to establish intensive communications with relevant agencies to monitor the latest conditions 

after the danger status of Mt. Agung was raised to the highest level.

Following Mt. Agungs latest development marked by higher level of fire and extraordinary increase in tremors, Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) had decided to upgrade its status from Alert Level III to Watch or Level IV.

However, the Ngurah Rai Airport management spokesman said 

he had prepared anticipation if the airspace was not safe, especially concerning the handling of prospective passengers and aircraft.

In the menatime, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho informed the press on Friday that Bali remained safe for tourists, despite the alert status being declared for Mount Agung.

"Until now, Bali is still safe for tourist visits except the area within the radius around Mt Agung where any activity has been banned by the PVMBG," he said.

Several foreign embassies have contacted the BNPB command post to seek information on the condition of Mt Agung and the necessary precautionary arrangements in place. Several Balinese people were also panic-stricken, he noted. 

sumber

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Popular tourist sites in Bali safe amid tremors around Mount Agung

Popular tourist sites in Bali safe amid tremors around Mount Agung

pic. google.com

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has made sure that tourist sites in Bali such as Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Beratan Bedugul Lake and Tampak Siring Castle, Bali Safari and Marine Park, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Sanur Beach, Tanjung Benoa, Goa Gajah, Nusa Penida area and Kuta Beach are safe amid the alert status of Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali, that had been raised to level 3 alert following an increase in volcanic activity.

BNPB information data central and public relations head Sutopo Purwo Nugroho confirmed that that there had been an increase in the volcanic activity of Mount Agung, Karangasem regency on September 22 from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A total of 58 shallow volcanic tremors, 318 deep volcanic tremors and 44 local tectonic tremors have occurred during that period.

The Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) recommends for residents around Mount Agung as well as climbers and tourists to stop any activity near the Mount Agung crater area. They are asked to stay away within a six-kilometer radius from the top of Mount Agung with an elevation of 950 meters from sea level and additional sectoral expansion to the north, southeast, and south-southwest for 7.5 kilometers.

“There should not be a single activity or person within this radius,” Sutopo added.

Sutopo moreover regretted the spreading of hoax news and exaggerated reporting that caused panic among the people.

“Apart from the restricted radius that has been announced by the PVMBG, tourism in Bali is still safe up until now,” said Sutopo.

Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika also made sure the activity in Mount Agung doesn’t disturb the tourism, he asked everyone to stop publishing fake news because Bali is a national and international tourist destination.

“So whatever happens in Bali will become a concern,” said Made. (asw)

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Celebrating Rural Ecotourism: Offering A Glimpse Into Island Life

Celebrating Rural Ecotourism

Offering A Glimpse Into Island Life

pic. google.com

Villagers in Nusa Ceningan, Bali, are locally managing tourism on the island. They keep a low number of visitors in order to protect the environment and their traditions.

I Wayan Alit Sugitra, who lives on Nusa Ceningan Island, approximately a 60-minute boat ride away from the coast of Sanur, is always busy during peak holiday seasons. Alit, a tour guide, transports tourists to the island and takes them sightseeing around his birthplace. "During peak seasons I may have guests every day, but during low seasons, maybe only three or four times a week," he said.

The 30-year-old has no formal training in tourism and instead studied education at university because he wanted to become a teacher. But because of how tourism was developing on Nusa Ceningan, he saw the potential of tour-guiding on the island. Plus, he wanted to earn extra income like his friends. "More and more tourists were coming, so three years ago I decided to become a tour guide," said Alit.

As a guide, he can earn Rp2-4 million per month, depending on the time of the year. July, August, December and January are usually busy. According to the-self-taught guide, he also earns additional income from renting out snorkeling gear and motorcycles. 

Alit often collaborates with the Village Ecotourism Network (JED), an organization that supports community-based ecotourism on six sites in Bali, including Nusa Ceningan. JED arranges tours for people who wish to visit the island of Bali. 

"I take them around the island. They can go snorkeling or participate in several village activities such as seaweed farming," said Alit. 

Because the island’s ecotourism initiative is aimed at protecting Nusa Ceningan’s environment with the help of the community, Alit is diligent in reminding tourists to avoid littering on the beach and elsewhere. "I always tell people not to litter. We provide many waste bins around the island," said Alit.

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Most of the businesses on the island are owned by locals who have opened homestays, small restaurants and shops. "It’s nothing luxurious, but we try our best to make our guests comfortable here."

JED was established in 2002. I Gede Made Astana Jaya, the manager, said the organization was established by the Wisnu Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on community resource management. 

The organization saw that Bali’s massively developing tourism industry rarely benefited local communities. "Bali was changing rapidly, but (the change) was causing an over consumption of water. Trash was becoming a problem, as were many other issues," said Gede. 

In early 2000, the Wisnu Foundation facilitated communities in four villages and explained how these communities would be able to sustainably manage their resources to improve the economy in their villages. The foundation mapped the villages and assessed the potential of their specific areas. 

"The idea came up when we saw the promising potential for tourism in these villages. We also understood that Bali could not be separated from tourism."

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Bali Volcano Gunung Agung Alert Level Raised

Bali Volcano Gunung Agung Alert Level Raised

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TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Kasbani, head of Vulcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, said that Bali volcano Mount Agung (Gunung Agung) alert level has been raised to level III as of Monday 9 pm Central Indonesia Time.

“Previously, no activities are allowed within 3 kilometers from the summit, it’s now 6 kilometers. And by sectors, in the valleys previously passed by hot clouds as far as 7.5 kilometers to the south-south west, to the north and southeast,” he told Tempo when asked about Gunung Agung.

Kasbani said that the alert level was raised due to high seismic activity and earthquake swarm, adding that the Himawari (Japan) satellite has spotted steam coming from the summit, indicating a temperature anomaly.

Moreover, a 3-magnitude earthquake was felt at 7 pm local time.

The official said that people that live near Gunung Agung have been asked to move to shelters.

The last time Gunung Agung erupted was on February 18, 1963, and lasted until 27 January 1964. The type was magmatic eruption. Some 1,148 people were killed and 296 injured.

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Here are 5 Unique Original Villages in Indonesia

Here are 5 Unique Original Villages in Indonesia

Indonesia Travel Destnations

Indonesia has endless stories about its natural wealth and beauty. It seems every corner of Indonesia has its own. Among them are unique villages with a strong culture and very tempting to visit. They still maintain their traditional style for hundreds years. And that's what makes them appeal to tourists. Well for you who are curious about them, here are Five Unique Villages In Indonesia.

1. Wae Rebo Village

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This village is located in Satarmase sub-district, Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara. In this village there are at least 7 main houses that are conical with the same height and diameter. One house can be occupied by 6 to 8 families. In addition, the natural green around the village is also very beautiful to enjoy. The house of cones and natural beauty became the backbone of the perfection of the village of Wae Rebo.

2. Penglipuran Village

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pic. google.com

Apparently Bali also has a unique village named Penglipuran Village located in Bangli. It is said that this village is touted as the cleanest village on the island. This tourist village is not so big, this village area is only 112 hectares with 9 hectares used for settlement. The air and the state of this village is still beautiful and very thick with Balinese culture. Balinese architecture house is lined up on the left and right side of the road. Trees, grasses and colorful flowers appear to flourish. As far as the eye can see that looks just beauty! What makes the atmosphere so fun is that the village is free of motor vehicles. You can be satisfied photographing while knowing more closely the culture of local residents without having to be afraid of smoke pollution. The entrance fee to the village is also affordable, which is Rp 7,500 per person.

3. Baduy Tribe Village

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pic. google.com

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pic. google.com

Baduy village inhabited by Baduy tribe. Baduy village is divided into two namely Baduy Luar and Baduy Dalam. For those of you who want to come to this village can directly visit the Village Ciboleger which became the entrance to the Baduy Tribe settlement. Well for you photography enthusiasts, if you want to take pictures baduy village, you have to prepare stamina. Because Ciboleger Village you have to do trekking to the settlement of Baduy Luar and Baduy Dalam for about 5 hours. The journey is surely very exhausting, but along the way you can enjoy the cool fresh air and beautiful green hills.  After you arrive in the settlement, you can see their houses made of bamboo and neatly arranged. The river that flows in the settlement is also very clear, because the Baduy tribe very appreciate nature. From several branches of the river, they use only one daily. Other river branches with clear water can be enjoyed by the surrounding community and tourists who come. The forest is also very well maintained because the Baduy community always respect the mother-nature.

4. Trunyan Village

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pic. google.com

Trunyan Village is located in Bangli Regency, Bali. Trunyam Village is a unique village because it still runs unusual customs. The green landscape of the village is complemented by the abundance of human skulls scattered everywhere. It must be scary for some people, but this is what makes Bungli village unique. This village has a grave on the east side of Lake Batur. Here, the corpse is not buried. The corpse was left alone on the ground to rot. It is different from other Balinese who make the majority of Ngaben ceremonies.

5. Kete Kesu Village

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pic. google.com

Kete Kesu village is located in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi. This village has unusual uniqueness. People in this tourist village have the belief that burying human bodies on a rock cliff is a good thing. So do not be surprised if you watch the skulls scattered on various sides of the cliffs in Kete Kesu. In the village of Kete Kesu, there are two ways of burial. The body was placed in a rock and a natural cave, or a house tomb called patane in Toraja. While on vacation to this village, you can see the coffins of Toraja people called erong. The shape is symbolized by the genitals and animal heads. Most of these erongs have reached 500 years!

Well that's five unique villages that will add to your holiday impression. Make sure the five villages are in your travel list. Welcome.

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