a Guide to Bali
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| September 29, 2007 |
| Bali's Dance |
 Dance & Drama
Dance is the main art form of Balinese culture and is performed at main temple festivals and ceremonies, especially for the cycle of life and death. Taught and kept in secrecy in villages, halls and palaces, the dances that tourists witness in hotels and specially constructed stages are merely a fraction of the dance scene, although most of the dancers come from village groups.
The Kecak Dance
Its name is derived from the sound "cak", pronounced "chok", which is chanted in complex interlocking patterns that are like the rhythmic patterns played on the gamelan. The modern form of kecak originated from Gianyar village of Bedulu in the 1930s as a result commissioned by the German expatriate artist, Walter Spies. He wished to create a performance that could be enjoyed by a small coterie of expatriate artists like himself, as well as friends and guests to the island.
The modern performance of Kecak is a sensational sight to behold. Hundreds of barechested men sit in a circle with a flickering single oil lamp in the middle. "Cak - Cak - Cak", the chant begins and the men start dancing and swaying to the rhythmic reverberation of their own voices. Hands raised to the sky, bodies shaking in unison, the chorus performs the highly structured piece of vocal music for about an hour. This unique dance holds the title of being the most popular dance in Bali.
The Barong Dance
"Lord of the forest" and magical protector of Balinese villages, the Barong is a mythical, shaggy half-dog, half-lion creature, with a long mane, fantastic fangs, and bulging eyes. It is propelled by two men who maneuver the costume with whimsical and mischievous movements to express its fun-loving nature. The Barong's opponent is Rangda, the evil witch who rules over the spirits of Darkness. The Barong dance epitomizes the eternal struggle between good and evil. The fight of Barong and Rangda is also a topic of traditional narratives performed in temples and takes various forms. The Barong will snap its jaws at the gamelan, prance around a bit, and enjoy the acclaim of its supporters - a group of kris-wielding men. Then ferocious Rangda will then appear lolling her long tongue, baring her threatening fangs, her neck draped with human entrails...not a pretty sight.
The duel begins. Each opponent tries to overcome the other with magical powers but when things do not look too good for the Barong, supporters will lunge at Rangda with krises to weaken or stall her. In retaliation, Rangda would put them all into a trance with her mystical powers and make them stab themselves with their weapons. Fortunately, the Barong possesses magic that is strong enough to cast a spell on the krises from harming the men. This part would be the highlight of the dance; the gamelan rings madly and intensely as the men rush back and forth waving their krises in a frenzy, sometimes even rolling on the ground in a desperate attempt to stab themselves. Often, there seems to be a plot to terrify the audience in the front row! Eventually, Rangda will retire, defeated. And once again, good will reign over evil.
Legong Keraton
The most graceful of Balinese dances, this is the epitome of classical Balinese female dancing. A legong, as the dancer is known, is often a young girl of eight or nine years, rarely older than her early teens. It was first created in the 18th Century and is usually the first dance to be taught to beginners. There are many forms of Legong, the most frequently performed dance being the Legong Keraton or Legong of the Palace.
The story of the Legong is very stylized and symbolic and one should know the story before actually watching the performance. The Legong involves three dancers - two legongs and their 'attendant', the condong. The legongs are identically costumed in gold brocade, which is bound so tightly that it is a mystery such agitated and rapid moves could be made. With elaborately made-up faces, plucked eyebrows that are boldly repainted, and hair decorated with frangipanis, the dancers relate the story with captivating movements.
A king takes the maiden Rangkesari captive. When her brother comes to release her, Rangkesari begs the king to free her rather than go to war. The king refuses and chances upon a bird carrying ill omens on his way to battle. However, he ignores the bird, meets Rangkesari's brother, and was thus killed in the fight.
The roles of the dancers may change according to the narration. However, the dance usually begins with the king's preparations for battle and ends with the bird's appearance.
Baris
A male equivalent of the Legong, Baris is a warrior's dance. Executed with energetic and warlike martial spirit, the Baris dancer has to convey the thoughts and emotions of a warrior preparing for action as well as confronting an enemy in battle. This dance is performed solo and requires great energy, spirit and skill. The warrior's changing moods have to be displayed through facial expressions and movements; he should be able to depict chivalry, pride, anger, prowess, and a little regret. Baris is said to be one of the most complex of all Balinese dances.Labels: Culture |
posted by Admin @ 3:58 AM  |
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| Bali Music/Gamelan |
 The music of Bali is extremely complex and vibrant. The original purpose of music here again is to serve religious beliefs, accompanying dances or wayang theaters. The traditional Balinese orchestra, known as gamelan, is composed of various forms of percussions, with notes overlapping and criss crossing among the various kinds. There is a number of string and woodwind instruments, but most of the players, which can range from a few to several dozen, sit behind various kinds of metallophones, gongs, and xylophones. Each gamelan has its own tuning, preventing instruments from being interchanged from one gamelan to another.
The music of Bali has inspired well known composers from all around the world. Bela Bartok titled his No.109 piece "From the island of Bali." It is also said that Debussy, after having met a Balinese musician and seen a Balinese orchestra performed in Europe, is very impressed and affected, and that much of his later works contain distinct colors of Balinese music.
But Colin McPhee (1900-1964), a Montreal-born author and musician, was probably the one most affected as well as most influential in Balinese music. Story has it that his life-changing moment happened in New York, when he first encounter a vinyl of Balinese gamelan. He set sail, so to speak, to Bali, and immersed himself in learning about and contributing to Balinese music. His compendium of Balinese music is an extremely well-researched collection of the various aspects of Balinese music. His Tabuh-tabuhan: toccata for orchestra won him the coveted Pulitzer Prize.
Tabuh-tabuhan is a collective noun that literally translates into a collection of percussion instrument - the Balinese gamelan. It consists of three movements: Ostinatos, Nocturne, and Finale. McPhee's nuclear gamelan consists of two pianos, celesta, xylophone, marimba, and glockenspiel, with special Balinese gongs and cymbals added for certain sounds. Premiered in Mexico in 1936, this piece fuses Balinese motifs, melodies, and rhythms into a symphonic work. The signature of a Balinese flute melody inspires the Nocturne, unmistakably similar to what you can hear as you walk by the village temple today. The syncopated finale is kindred to the tapestry formed by the village orchestra accompanying a popular dance.Labels: Culture |
| posted by Admin @ 3:22 AM |
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| September 23, 2007 |
| Bali Gay & Lesbian |
 Although the
Balinese are not very tolerant towards homosexuality within their own culture, the tourist industry has helped to establish Bali as a gay-friendly destination, and gay travelers will encounter few problems on the island especially in the tourist areas around Kuta.
Homosexual behavior in Indonesia is not illegal and the age of consent for both gay and heterosexual sex in Indonesia is sixteen years old. Gay and lesbian couples are unlikely to have any difficulties when renting a hotel room and will be welcomed at bars and restaurants.
The expectation within Balinese society is to get married and produce children, which is why there is an aversion to the gay culture. It is not unusual for gay Balinese men to pursue a gay lifestyle for a number of years before they give in to intense social and family pressure and get married and subsequently become fathers. It is also quite common for gay Balinese men to continue to have gay relationships after they have married.
Many gay visitors to the island have relationships with Indonesian men. In many cases the Indonesians are looking to be paid for sex, or at least to be financially looked after in terms of the richer western man paying for food, drink, accommodation and entertainment.
Sadly, some of these ‘rent boys’ are not gay at all, but good-looking guys who are in the business only for the financial rewards. There are also groups of local Indonesian transvestites who hang out in Kuta and can often been seen at Double Six nightclub.
In fact, Indonesia has a long history of transvestite entertainers, hostesses and prostitutes, known as ‘banci’, ‘waria’ or ‘bencong’. The most popular cruising area for gay males is the beach, especially at night HULU CAFÉ, in Jalan Sahadewa (the link road between Jl Padma and Jl Melasti in Legian), opened in 1990. Originally a restaurant and bar it used to host the occasional drag show.
The shows proved to be so popular that, in 1996, the owners decided to devote all their attention to staging professional drag shows six nights a week. It was the first drag club to be established in Bali, and is currently the only drag club in Bali although the theme has been copied many times.
The drag queens and dancers are all Indonesians, mainly from Java. Most of these enterprising ‘girls’ make their own costumes and apply their own make-up. Many of them have entertained audiences in Jakarta and tourists on the Bali Hai Cruises.
The talented Made (well known for his Tina Turner impersonations) and Quilla (another Whitney Houston) have both traveled overseas, performing in Australia, Germany and Switzerland. Indeed this little club, with a capacity for 250 people, has become quite famous as the subject of a number of international documentaries made for Discovery Channel, Foxtel, and other European television companies.
It is the atmosphere and the comedy acts that have made Hulu Café so successful. Guest stars are welcomed, and it is these broad backed, hairy, white-skinned westerners, in laddered tights and sequined mini dresses that entertain the audience with lampoonery and buffoonery. Often using magnificent props depicting the tragic sinking of the Titanic or featuring a life-size ‘Village People’ puppet show performing “YMCA”.
Hulu Café is open every night of the week, except for Mondays, from 6pm until 12.30am. The drag shows start between 10.30 and 11pm and if you want to sit at a table it is wise to get there early.
There are also some gay friendly places around this island where ‘trendy’ people can comfortably hangout. They are La Lucciola Restaurant, Double Six Nightclub and Putra Bar in Ubud presents Live reggae music on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays.
There are also some gay friendly accommodations, including: Losmen Randelli, a boutique hotel in Canggu established exclusively to meet the needs of gay and lesbian travelers, offering privacy and home comfort within its 10 Balinese style bedrooms. Children are not permitted in this hotel. There is also a Gay Apartments on Jl. Padma Utara Gg. Ardika sari No.1C, as well as The Courtyard Hotel, Rum Jungle Road along with the Petitenget Beach known as the ‘Gay Beach’.Labels: Miscellaneous |
| posted by Admin @ 12:10 AM |
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| September 22, 2007 |
| Ngaben |
Ngaben is always translated into “cremation ceremony” in English, but unfortunately not all cremation ceremonies in Bali can be categorized as ngaben. There are two types of cremation ceremonies in Bali, Ngaben and Mekingsan ring Geni (buried or left in the fire) with the main differences lie on the offerings and paraphernalias which are used and the function of the ceremony.
A Ngaben ceremony can be done in a modest to extravagant way, a modest ngaben needs a few basic offerings and preparations; while the extravagant ngaben will involve massive offerings, cremation tower, cow sarcophagi (befitting the caste of the deceased), gamelan orchestra and hundreds of manpower; while Mekingsan ring Geni (buried in the fire) is always a simple affair regardless the caste of the deceased, with only a few offerings, few manpower and little preparations.
A ngaben ceremony functions as final send off of the deceased body (not the soul), in this ceremony the body of the deceased is returned to five basic elements of nature (panca mahabhuta, which are pertiwi = earth, apah = water, teja = light or fire, bayu = wind, akasa = ether, space, void). In Balinese cosmology, the human body is a representation of the universe, and built with same elements as universe, in ngaben ceremony all these elements is returned to their respective source. A Mekingsan ring Geni ceremony is not a final send off; it functions to buy time until the proper Ngaben ceremony can be held for the deceased.
In the old days, the most common way to buy time is by burying the body of the deceased in the cemetery and unearthing it when the time for ngaben ceremony is come. But a problem arose in relation with this practice in 1963. The great centennial purification of the world ceremony (Eka Dasa Rudra) was held in 1963 (end up with eruption of Mount Agung and considered as a failure, re-enacted successfully in 1979). During the official preparations and execution of this grand ceremony (around 3 months), all cemeteries in Bali had to be emptied and no cremation ceremony was allowed.
All the buried corpses were unearthed and given ngaben ceremonies before the official preparations of ceremony were started. “But if there is someone who dies during the preparations and execution of ceremony, what can we do?” This was a serious question since the burial and ngaben could not be done during the preparations and execution of the ceremony and the corpse could not left to rot in the house compound, a way out had to be found. The high priests of Bali held a meeting and the problem was solved with mekingsan ring geni (since it is forbidden to bury a corpse in the ground and to hold ngaben during the ceremony, then let the corpse be buried in the fire).
Though the practice of “mekingsan ring geni” is “invented” to cope with the delicate situation in the past many Balinese nowadays continue to bury their deceased family member in the fire in order to avoid unearthing the remnants of the deceased in the future.
Labels: Culture |
| posted by Admin @ 11:03 PM |
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| September 20, 2007 |
| General things that you should or shouldn't do... |
General things that you should or shouldn't do...
√ Do...
· change money at a reputable looking location; use your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!
· put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
· drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit - do your body a favor.
· be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
· try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).
· respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don't honk!
· haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods).
· buy 'Imodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.
· have a great holiday!
× Don't ...
· forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all times and a copy of Bali Plus!
· swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
· do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. prison service!
· touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.
· enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!
· forget to put salt on your food & drink water - you will probably sweat a lot.
· worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.
· forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!
· forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport Departure Tax is: International = Rp. 100,000 Domestic = Rp. 50,000Labels: Practicalities |
| posted by Admin @ 9:28 PM |
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| Consulates in Bali |
As at 20 September 2007
AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL (Bali & NTB)
Address:
Jalan Tantular 32, Renon
Denpasar 80234
Bali - Indonesia
+62 361 241118
Fax: +62 361 221195
Postal address
PO Box 3243
Denpasar Bali
E-mail: immigration.bali@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.dfat.gov.au/bali
http://www.bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au/
Consular hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00 & 12.30 - 16.00
Visa hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.00
Emergency:
Call to Consulate Number (361) 241118 and follow the menu to connect direct to the 24 hr Consular Operations Centre in Canberra. Or make a call to Canberra number 02-6261 3305
HONORARY CONSULATE OF BRAZIL (Bali)
Mr. Aureo Renato Vianna Filho - Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- By The Sea Store
Jl. Raya Legian No. 186, Kuta 80361
Phone: 757 775, Fax: 751 005
E-mail: brazilconsul@bali.net
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 18.00
BRITISH HONORARY CONSULATE (Bali & Lombok)
Mr Mark Wilson - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Tirta Nadi 20, Sanur, Denpasar 80238
Phone: 270 601 , Fax: 287 804
E-mail: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.30
HONORARY CONSULATE OF CHILE (Bali & Lombok)
Mr Bernard Haymoz - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pengembak Gg 1 No. 3, Sanur, Denpasar 80827
Phone: 281 503, Fax: 285 216
E-mail: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Bali & NTB
Mr Graham James - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pengembak 17, Sanur
Phone: 286 465, Fax: 286 408
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 16.30
E-mail: bali@honorary.mzv.cz
CONSULAR AGENCY OF FRANCE ( Bali & Lombok )
Mr Raphael Devianne - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Mertasari Gg. II No. 08, Sanur
Phone: 285 485, Fax: 286 406
E-mail: consul@dps.centrin.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Reinhold Jantzen - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pantai Karang No. 17, Sanur
Phone: 288 535, Fax: 288 826
E-mail: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com
Public Hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY ( Bali )
Ms Gabriella Cristofoli - Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- Marintur
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 219, Sanur
Phone: 287 701, Fax: 735 232
E-mail: huconbali@telkom.net
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 12.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF ITALY ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Giuseppe Confessa (Pino) - Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- Lotus Enterprise Building
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 005, Fax: 701 005
E-mail: italconsbali@italconsbali.org
Website: http://www.italconsbali.org
Public Hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 13.00
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 16.00
CONSULAR OFFICE OF JAPAN ( Bali )
Mr Noboru Nomura - Consul
Mr Masahiro Sato - Consul
Mr Yoshihiko Endo - Vice Consul
Ms Akiko Ito - Admin
Address:
Jl. Raya Puputan 170, Renon, Denpasar 80235
PO. BOX. 3432 Denpasar Bali
Phone: 227 628, Fax: 265 066
E-mail: konjpdps@indo.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.30 & 13.30 - 16.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF MEXICO (Bali, NTB, NTT & Jayapura)
Mr I Gusti Bagus Yudhara, MBA - Honorary Consul
Address:
Astina Tours & Travel Building
Jl. Prof. Moh. Yamin No. 1A, Renon, Denpasar
Phone: 223 266, Fax: 244 568
E-mail: yudhara@astinatravel.com
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00- 15.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE NETHERLANDS
Mr Al Purwa, MBA - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Raya Kuta 127, Kuta 80361
P O Box 3337 Denpasar 80001
Phone: 761 502, 751 517, Fax: 761 502, 752 777
E-mail: dutchconsulate@kcb-tours.com
Website: www.netherlandsembassy.or.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.30 & 13.30 - 16.00
Saturday 08.30 - 12.30
Visa Hours:
08.30 - 12.30 only
ROYAL DANISH (DENMARK) HONORARY CONSULATE (Bali & Lombok)
Mrs Loeana Kanginnadhi - Honorary Consul of Denmark (Royal Danish)
Address: Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 070 Ext. 32, Fax: 701 073/4
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 14.00
NORWEGIAN HONORARY CONSULATE
Ms Mira Chandra - Honorary Consul of Norway
Address:
Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 070 Ext. 32, Fax: 701 073/4
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 14.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF SPAIN (Bali)
Mr Amir Rabik - Honorary Consul
Address:
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria, Blok Vallet 2, No. 11
Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta
Phone: 769 286/7, Fax: 769186
E-mail: rabik@indo.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
HONORARY CONSULATE OF SWEDEN & FINLAND (Bali, NTB & NTT)
Mr Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Segara Ayu, Sanur, PO Box 3091
Denpasar 80030 Bali
E-mail: sweconsul@yahoo.com
Office hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 09.00 - 12.00
SWISS & AUSTRIAN CONSULATE (Bali)
Mr Jon Zurcher - Consul
Address:
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria (former Central Parking)
Blok Valet 2 No. 12, Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta
Phone: 751 735,761 511, Fax: 754 457
E-mail:jonswiss@telkom.net , swisscon@telkom.net
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00
THE ROYAL THAI CONSULATE (Bali)
Mr. Peraphon Prayooravong - Honorary Consul
Mr. Poramate Khemwongthong - Consular Officer
Address:
Jl. Puputan Raya No. 81, Renon Denpasar 80235
Phone: 263 310, Fax: 238 044
Email: RTC_bali@thaimail.com
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
Visa hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.30 - 16.00
CONSULAR AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Mr. Joshua N. Finch - Consular Agent
Address:
Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 188, Denpasar 80235
Phone: 233 605, Fax: 222 426
E-mail: amcobali@indosat.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.30Labels: Practicalities |
| posted by Admin @ 8:59 PM |
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| Buying Guidelines |
Some shopping guidelines from Made!
Buying travel products on the Internet can offer a world of variety and value to those who follow a few simple guidelines along the way.
If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't
Beware of offers for free holidays and unbelievable offers if you only pay today. Reputable businesses, on the net or off, don't pressure customers into making a buying decision before they're ready.
Know whom your dealing with
Look for names, faces and addresses. Always search a travel web site for information about the site's owner including names, addresses and telephone numbers. Is this an established travel company with offices and staff to handle customer's needs and any complaints that may develop?
Be suspicious of companies with only e-mail identities who may be here today and gone tomorrow with your hard earned money. Work with a "brick and mortar" travel company that sells on the Internet - they offer more security to the customer than a purely e-commerce operator.
Look for membership in professional organizations
Logos indicating membership in national and international professional organizations can signify an established reputation of professional ethical practice. They also provide an additional road of appeal should something go wrong.
You should be able to pick the way to pay
Does the operator offer a secure site for sending credit card information over the Internet? - Good operators always offer customers the alternative of sending credit card information by facsimile or paying by personal check or telegraphic transfer.
If paying by credit card over the net make sure transactions are carried out on encrypted and secure channels, which makes the information less vulnerable to computer hackers.
Beware of draconian cancellation policies
While some suppliers, such as cruise lines, may have severe penalties for late cancellation, hotels very rarely will demand more than the first night's payment for cancelled bookings. Travel Company's that charge 100% for a cancellation may be failing to put the customer's interest first.
Protect your privacy
Look for the vendor's [Privacy Policy] listed on the web site. A certain amount of personal information is needed to process your order but you have a right to know how that information might be used.
Do you have the right to opt-out from future mailings and promotions?
Any questions: ask!
As the consumer you're entitled to ask questions and receive clear explanations to any questions you may have.Labels: Practicalities |
| posted by Admin @ 8:57 PM |
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| New Carry-on Rules at Bali's Airport |
The Rules have Changed for Carry-On Luggage at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Effective March 31, 2007, the rules governing permissible carry-on items have changed for international passengers traveling via Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.
The new rules fall into line with tighter security controls being introduced by airports worldwide. Changes in carry-on rules broadly address the carriage of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) and specifically stipulate:
• The maximum size of any liquid container, full or partially used, allowed past the international screening point is 100 ml.
• All 100 ml liquid containers presented for inspection to be carried on board an aircraft by a passenger must comfortably fit in a 1 liter transparent re-sealable plastic bag (30cm x 40cm).
• The definition of (LAGs) liquids, aerosols and gels include (but are not limited to) water and other drinks; soups; syrups; jams; stews; sauces; pastes; foods in sauces or containing a high liquid content, creams; lotions; cosmetics; oils; perfumes; sprays; gels - including hair and shower gels; contents of pressurised containers - including shaving foam, other foam and deodorants; pastes including toothpaste; liquid-solid mixtures; mascara; lipsticks; lip gloss or lip balm; and any item of similar consistency at room temperature. This list is not exhaustive and screeners will make a determination about which items are permitted to be taken through screening points.
• Each passenger is limited to carrying only one plastic bag.
• All passengers must submit their person and all carry-on luggage for inspection. Baggage will receive both a visual inspection and x-ray examination.
• Passengers will be required to remove bulky coats and jackets and present them for screening before walking through the metal detector.
• Some medicines and medical devices are exempted from the new screening rules, including prescription medicine and prescribed medical devices. Passengers are recommended to bring supporting documentation (e.g. a physician's letter). All prescription medication should be in original containers bearing the name of the passenger matching the name on the boarding pass. Essential prescribed medicines may include angina sprays.
• Passengers bring non-prescription medications should know that a determination of a reasonable amount will be made based on the length of the flight, possible delays and flight diversions; essential non-prescription medicines may include cough syrups, children’s medications, insulin, clotting factors (for hemophiliacs), contact lens solution exceeding 100 ml, and inhalers (with spare canisters packed into checked baggage).
• Existing provisions for disability and medically-related items still apply.
• Baby products required for the flight are exempt from the enhanced security screening restrictions with the understanding that screeners will use their discretion to asses appropriate volumes for hand carriage. Baby products include: baby milk; sterilised water; baby juice; baby food in liquid, gel or paste form; and wet wipes.
• Under the new rules frisk searches will be conducted in a random and continuous manner. Frisk searches must be undertaken by a screener of the same sex and a passenger may request the search be done in a private room. A person may refuse a frisk search, however they will be refused access into the sterile area.
• Passengers are allowed to carry on board all liquids/aerosols/gels purchased or collected in the sterile area of an Indonesian international airport on board an aircraft, including duty free items, unless other jurisdictional measures apply (e.g. U.S. flights).Labels: Practicalities |
| posted by Admin @ 8:55 PM |
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| Visa Regulations |
Presidential Decree No. 18/2003 juncto President Decree No. 103/2003 regulates
Short Visit Free Visa Facilities.
11 countries and territories are eligible for a "Visa Free" facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:
• Brunei Darussalam
• Chile
• Hong Kong SAR
• Macau SAR • Malaysia • Morocco
• Peru • Philippines
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Singapore
The official entry requirements for the issuance of a visa-free short visit permit:
1. Passport must be from one of the eleven countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
3. Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
4. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports, 21 seaports or 1 overland border post officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.
The Regulation of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights No. M.04.iZ.01.10 / 2006 regulates the Visa On Arrival (VOA) facilities.
Effective August 1, 2005, visitors holding valid passports from certain countries can obtain either a 7 day or 30 day non-extendable visa at any of the 15 airports and 21 seaports designated as “international gateways” by the Indonesian Immigration department. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa.Nationals of the following countries are eligible to purchase a “visa on arrival (VOA):” (Updated August 31, 2007)
• Algeria • Argentina • Australia • Austria
• Bahrain • Belgium • Brazil • Bulgaria
• Cambodia • Canada • Cyprus • Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Egypt • Estonia
• Fiji • Finland • France • Germany • Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland • India • Iran • Ireland • Italy
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Laos • Latvia • Libya • Liechtenstein • Lithuania • Luxembourg
• Maldives • Malta • Mexico • Monaco
• New Zealand • Norway
• Oman
• Panama • People’s Republic of China • Poland • Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania • Russia
• Saudi Arabia • Slovakia • Slovenia• South Africa • South Korea • Spain • Suriname • Switzerland • Sweden
• Taiwan • The Netherlands • Tunisia
• United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • United States of America
The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 30 or 7 days day visa-on arrival:
1. Passport must be from one of the countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
3. Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required.
4. Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
5. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports or 21 seaports officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.
Visas-on-arrival are non-extendable and non-convertible to another class of visa. Overstays are charged US$20 per day for over stays up to 60 days. Overstay violations over 60 days are liable to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of Rp. 25 million.
Tourist Visa
Individuals not holding a passport from among those nations listed above and eligible either for a visa-free short visit or a purchasable visa-on-arrival (VOA) can apply for a tourist visa at an Indonesian Embassy aboard. Tourist visa are normally granted for a 60 day stay in Indonesia.Visa Issued on Approval All visa applications for Business, Tourist and Social Visits from nationals of the following countries need prior approval from an Immigration Office in Indonesia before traveling. The requirements vary depending on the propose visit to Indonesia.
• Afghanistan • Albania • Angola
• Bangladesh
• Cameroon • Cuba
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Iran • Iraq • Israel • Nigeria
• North Korea
• Pakistan
• Somalia • Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
Other Classes of Visas for Temporary Visitors
There are several other classes of visas available to visitors to Indonesia:
Business Visa - This visa is given by an Indonesian Embassies abroad to applicants visiting Indonesia for normal business activities (including attending a conference/seminar) which do not involve taking up employment or receiving any payments whilst in Indonesia. This visa, valid for a stay of 60 days, can be for a single or multiple visits. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.
Social-Cultural Visa - This visa is issued by as Indonesian Embassy abroad to applicants who are going to Indonesia for a social/cultural visit, such as visiting relatives/friends; social organizations; exchange visits between educational institutions; undertaking research and attending training programs in Indonesia. The validity of this visa is for a 60 day stay, but can be extended upon application in Indonesia. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.
Employment Visa - This visa is given to applicants whose purpose of visit is to take up employment and require sponsorship by a company or organization in Indonesia.
Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) - This visa is a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) and is issued to applicants whose purpose of visit is to stay in Indonesia for a limited period.
NOTICE: The information supplied was believed correct and current at the time of publication. When in doubt or if you have questions, we strongly suggest that you contact the travel company making your travel arrangement or your nearest Indonesian Embassy.Labels: Practicalities |
| posted by Admin @ 8:00 PM |
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| Flying to Bali |
 Don't look for "Bali" in airline time tables. It's listed as "Denpasar" (DPS) which is the name of the island's capital. However, from Bali's international Ngurah Rai Airport it takes you just 15 to 30 minutes by car to Kuta, Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua, and in about 50 to 60 minutes you can be in Ubud.
Today there is an increasing number of direct flight connections between Bali and Adelaide, Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Brunei, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Guam, Honolulu, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Munich, Nagoya, Osaka, Paris, Perth, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Vienna, and Zurich.
To check the Flight Schedules of the World's Major Airlines (not only flights to Bali but wherever you want to go), please click here. You might even wish to bookmark this page for all your air travel and flight information needs.Labels: About Bali |
| posted by Admin @ 4:27 PM |
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| Bali Island of God |
 MALAY Archipelago lies directly on the volcanic belt of the world. Like the backbone of some restless, formidable antediluvian monster, more than three hundred volcanoes rise from The sea in a great chain of islands - perhaps all that remains of A continent broken up in prehistoric cataclysms - forming a continuous land bridge that links Asia with Australia. Because of its peculiar and fantastic nature, its complex variety of peoples, and its fabulous richness, the archipelago is one of the most fascinating regions of the earth. It includes famous islands like Java, Borneo, Sumatra, New Guinea, the Philippines, and the hysterical. Island-volcano of Krakatao. Such freaks of nature as the giant " dragon " lizards of Komodo, the coloured lakes of Flores, the orangutans, the rafflesia (a flower over three feet in diameter), and the birds of paradise, are to be found nowhere else, The population of the islands ranges from such forms of primitive humanity as the Negritos, the Papuans, the Kubus, who seem only a few steps away in the evolutionary scale from the orangutan, to the super civilized Hindu-Javanese, who over six hundred years ago built monuments like Borobudur and Prambanan, jewels of Eastern art.
Through the centuries, civilization upon civilization from all directions has settled on the islands over the ancient megalithic cultures of the aborigines, until each island has developed an individual character, with a colorful culture, according to whether Chinese, Hindu, Malay, Polynesian, Mohammedan, or European influence has prevailed. Despite the mental isolation these differences have created, even the natives believe that the islands once formed a unified land. Raffles, in his History of lava, mentions a Javanese legend that says, " the continent was split into nine parts, but when three thousand rainy seasons will have elapsed, the Eastern Islands shall again be reunited and the power of the white man shall end."
One of the smallest, but perhaps the most extraordinary, of the islands, is the recently famous Bali - a cluster of high volcanoes, their craters studded with serene lakes set in dark forests filled with screaming monkeys. The long green slopes of the volcanoes, deeply furrowed by ravines washed out by rushing rivers full of rapids and waterfalls, drop steadily to the sea without forming lowlands. just eight degrees south of the Equator, Bali has over two thousand square miles of extravagantly fertile lands, most of which are beautifully cultivated. Only a narrow strait, hardly two miles across, separates Bali from Java; here again the idea that the two islands were once joined and then separated is sustained by the legend of the great Javanese king who was obliged to banish his good-for-nothing son to Bali, then united to Java by a very narrow isthmus. The king accompanied his son to the narrowest point of the tongue of land; when the young prince had disappeared from sight, to further emphasize the separation, he drew a line with his finger across the sands. The waters met and Bali became an island.
The dangers lurking in the waters around the island suggest a possible reason why Bali remained obscure and unconquered until 1908. Besides the strong tidal currents and the great depths of the straits, the coasts are little indented and are constantly exposed to the full force of the monsoons; where they are not bordered by dangerous coral banks, they rise from the sea in steep cliffs. Anchorage is thus out of the question except far out to sea, and the Dutch have bad to build an artificial port in Benoa to afford a berth for small vessels.the beginning there was nothing, all was emptiness; there was only space. Before there were the heavens, there was no earth, and when there was no earth, there was no sky. . . . Through meditation, the world serpent Antaboga created the turtle Bedawang, on whom lie coiled two snakes as the foundation of the World. On the world turtle rests a lid, the Black Stone. There is no sun, there is no moon, there is no night in the cave below (the underside of the stone); this is the underworld, whose gods are the male Batara Kala and the female Setesuyara. There lives also the great serpent Basuki. . . . "
Kala created the light and Mother Earth, over which extends a layer of water. Over this again are consecutive domes or skies, high and low; one of mud (which dried to become the earth and the mountains); then the 'empty' middle sky (the atmosphere), where Iswara dwells; above this is the floating sky, the clouds, where Semara sits, the god of love. Beyond that follows the 'dark' (blue) sky with the sun and the moon, the home of Surya; this is why they are above the clouds. Next is the Perfumed Sky beautiful and full of rare flowers where live the bird Tiak, whose face is like a human face, the serpent Taksaka, who has legs and wings, and the awan snakes, the falling stars. Still higher in the sky gringsing wayang, the' flaming heaven of the ancestors! And over all the skies live the great gods who keep watch over the heavenly nymphs." Thus we have it that the island rests on the turtle, which floats on the ocean.
As the last Asiatic outpost to the east, Bali is interesting to the naturalist as an illustration of the theory of evolution. In 1869 Alfred Russell Wallace discovered that the fauna and flora typical of Asia end in Bali, while the earlier, more primitive biologi. cal forms found in Australia begin to appear in the neighboring island of Lombok, just east of Bali. Here the last tigers, cows,
This is from the Catur Yoga, a popular manuscript which translated for the sake of practice on the language. It consists of ideas on cosmogony, mythology, legends of the creation of man, etc., ending in a confused set of rules for crema tion and Balinese genealogies.
(Banteng), Monkeys, woodpeckers, pythons, etc., of Asia are not to be found farther east, and the cockatoos, parrots, and giant lizards predominate. Bali has the luxuriant vegetation of tropical Asia, while Lombok is and and thorny, like Australia. Wallace drew a line across the narrow straits between Bali and Lombok, the deepest waters in the archipelago, to divide Asia from Oceania.' Today, however, scientists are more inclined to regard the islands as a transitional region.
As in all countries near the Equator, Bali has an eternal summer with even, warm weather, high humidity, and a regular variation of winds, but the unbearable heat of lands similarly situated is greatly relieved by sea breezes that blow constantly over the descending slopes of the four volcanoes that form the island. The seasons are not distinguished as hot and cold, but as wet and dry. It is pleasantly cool and dry during our summer months, when the southeasterly winds blow, but in November the north-west monsoon ushers in six months of a rainy season so violent that it makes everything rot away, growing green whiskers of mould on shoes that are not shined every day. Then the atmosphere becomes hot and sticky and the torrential rains that lash the island cause landslides that often carry enormous trees into the deep ravines cut into the soft volcanic ash by the rivers, themselves red with earth washed from the mountain. Brooks and rivers swell into huge torrents (banjir) that rise unexpectedly with a deafening roar, in front of one's eyes, carrying away earth, plants, and occasional drowned pigs, destroying bridges and irrigation works. It is not unusual for a careless bather to be surprised by a sudden banjir and to be carried away in the muddy stream.
It is only natural that in a land of steep mountains, with such abundant rains, crossed in all directions by streams and great rivers, on a soil impregnated with volcanic ash, the earth should attain great richness and fertility. The burning tropical sun shining on the saturated earth produces a steaming, electric, hot. house atmosphere that gives birth to the dripping jungles that cover the slopes of the. Volcanoes with prehistoric tree-ferns, pandanus, and palms, strangled in a mesh of creepers of all sorts, their trunks smothered with orchids and alive with leeches, fantastic butterflies, birds, and screeching wild monkeys. This exuberance extends to the cultivated parts of the island, where-the rice fields that cover this over-populated land produce every year, and without great effort, two crops of the finest rice in the Indies.
Despite the enormous population, the lack of running water has kept the western part of the island uninhabited and wild. The few remaining tigers, and the deer, wild bog, crocodiles, great lizards, jungle cocks, etc., are the sole dwellers in this and hilly country covered with a dusty, low brush. Curiously enough, the Balinese regard this deserted land (Pulaki) as their place of origin. They explain in an old legend that a great city, which still exists, once flourished there, but has been made invisible to human eyes by Wahu Rahu, the greatest Brahmana from Java, who was forced to flee from the capital, Gelgel, to save his beautiful daughter from the king (by caste his inferior) and who found refuge in Pulaki by making the city invisible to the wicked king and his followers.
Another and region in contrast with the extravagant fertility of the island is the peninsula of limestone called Tafelhoek (Bukit to the Balinese) which rises to a height of 700 feet above the sea. This curious tableland, which shows every indication of having once been at the bottom of the ocean, is joined to the mainland by 2 low, narrow isthmus, but its sides rise almost vertically from the sea, and on the extremity of a long narrow rock, with a straight drop Of 250 feet, is the fantastically situated temple of Uluwatu, one of the holiest in Bali. This projecting rock is believed to be the ship, turned to stone, of Dewi Danu, the goddess of waters.
The mountains with their likes and rivers are the home of the gods and the sources of the land's fertility, and they stand for everything that is holy and healthy. To the Balinese everything that is high is good and powerful, so it is natural that the sea, lower than the lowest point of land, with the sharks and barracuda that infest the waters, and the deadly sea-snakes and poisonous fish that live among the treacherous coral reefs, should be considered as tenget, magically dangerous, the home of the evil spirits. Few Balinese know how to Swim and they rarely venture into the sea except to bathe near the shallow beaches, and then they go only a few feet from the shore. There are small settlements of fishermen who brave the malarial coasts of Kuta, Sanur, Benua, and Ketewel, but in general fishing is done on a small scale, either with casting-nets, or in beautiful prows shaped like fantastic
Elephant-fish " (gajah-mina) with elegant stylized trunks, and eyes to see at night. With their triangular sails apex downward, they go far out to sea at sunset to procure the giant sea-turtles required at the frequent banquets of this feast-loving people. Most Balinese seldom eat fish and remain essentially a rice-eating race. Their repugnance for the sea may be due to the same religious fear of the supernatural that prevents them from climbing to the summit of the great mountains. The Balinese feel that the heights are for the gods, the middle world for humans, and the depths and low points for the spirits of the underworld. They dread the unholy loneliness of the beaches haunted by demons and they believe that the coastline is under the influence of Jero Gede Mecaling, the Fanged Giant, who lives on the barren island of Nusa Penida. They are one of the rare island peoples in the world who turn their eyes not outward to the waters, but upward to the mountain tops.
Labels: About Bali |
| posted by Admin @ 3:46 PM |
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| Introduction to Bali, Indonesia |
 WHERE IS BALI?
The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours.
GEOGRAPHY:
The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening. Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.
FLORA:
The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo.
And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.
FAUNA:
Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk.
CLIMATE:
You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.
Even when it rains in most parts of Bali you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach. On the other hand, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms during all times of the year). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.
POPULATION:
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.
ECONOMY:
This southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to over US$400 million. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.
The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow to employ children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and kind of an informal education which has been very important in the Balinese society for centuries.
WHAT MAKES BALI SO SPECIAL:
There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.
As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.
Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than an coincident. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.Labels: About Bali |
| posted by Admin @ 3:40 PM |
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