Author: evgnet

We Have To Say It: We Love ‘Road To Bali’

evgnet Bali Holidays, Bali News, Bali Tourism, Indonesia
We Have To Say It

We can’t talk about villa vacations in the tropical paradise of Bali for too long without mentioning one of the most famous films ever set there. It’s an old flick from 1952, but The Road To Bali still resonates as a comedy classic from two masters of the fun-loving road film genre.

Of course, being a Bob Hope / Bing Crosby caper, there’s more of a focus on the madcap hijinks of the famous comedy duo than the surroundings. And they didn’t bother location filming – sad to say! – beyond some stock footage, being content to breeze through everything on a Hollywood sound stage. But it starts out in Melbourne, ends up in Bali, and is chock full of volcanoes, giant squid, underwater treasure, and references to Australian opera singers. Great fun, historical piece to get you in the mood in-flight.

Bali-Based Businesses That Are Ripe For An Online Presence

evgnet Bali Business, Indonesia
Bali-Based Businesses That Are Ripe For An Online Presence

If you are an entrepreneur participating in the current Balinese economic boom, but don’t have a website presence yet, you’re missing out. Remember that to bring money into Bali, the rest of the world needs to find out about it, and the web is the great international communicator. Here’s a few example businesses which will really benefit from having their own website:

Travel and tours: According to market studies, online purchases now outnumber all other transactions when it comes to travel spending. People planning their vacation turn to the Internet first. If you’re offering package or themed tours, you’ll need a website showcasing all you have to offer, and also some links to travel agencies and other business partners to make it easy and seamless for your potential customers to purchase your services.

Villa rentals: Hotels are already on the web, but small business and even mom and pop villa rentals need to follow suit if they want to compete. When you’re selling a villa over a hotel room, you need to post photos of your luxurious and spacious accommodations, plus ad copy to describe all the fun your guests will have.

Agricultural exports: We’re thinking more Indonesia in general and things like “coffee beans” here – heard of kopi luwak? That’s the civet coffee they make in Sumatra, and you probably heard about it first on the Internet. If there’s anything amazing, intriguing, or just plain outstanding to say about your product (come on, think of something), blog it, post it, and spread the word through online social media.

Business agencies and consultants: We don’t have to tell the web developers or marketers to head for the Internet – they were born there – but businesses like employment agencies, consulting firms, and other secondary business services also benefit from a local online presence. With Indonesia’s economic boom in full swing currently, there’s no better time that to catch some of that opportunity. Remember, sometimes the person who makes the most money from the gold mine is the guy selling the shovels.

Entertainers: Dance troupes, bands, and live performers of every variety benefit from the online marketing boost, because travelers looking for some amusements don’t really know where else to look. Especially if your thing is music, bands and performing artists swear by an online presence as the way to build their audience – one viral YouTube video can make you world-famous.

Setting up a web presence with a great website design is easier than ever in the 2000’s, since web hosting is so cheap you can practically have it free, and setup packages are made to drop in and run. After that, it’s just a matter of building your content and getting it noticed in the right places.

APEC Summit to be Held November 2013 in Bali

evgnet Bali Holidays, Bali News, Bali Tourism, Indonesia
APEC Summit to be Held November 2013 in Bali

All the players in the game of tourism are getting ready for later this year when in November of 2013 the APEC Summit (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) will be held in Bali. According to Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya, who is the chairman of the Bali Indonesian Tourism Industry Association, assures those in the tourism industry that this is going to have a positive economic benefit to Bali’s economy.

The government has initiated some infrastructure improvements as it prepares for this event in the fall. For example, the airport expansion that is ongoing, the toll road connection, and the Dewa Ruci underpass are all in the works to be completed during the first six months of 2013.

In addition to the infrastructure, there are numerous hotels that are planned to be opened in time for the summit. One of those hotels is the Nusa Dua luxury hotel with 1319 rooms opening specifically for the APEC summit. There are six new hotels scheduled to open and there are a number of new Seminyak villas that will be added to the accommodation pool.

The APEC Summit will offer an opportunity to promote Bali culture and it will also have a positive impact on tourism both directly and indirectly. It is hoped that the momentum from the APEC summit will help to improve the image of Bali through cultural performances and various that gather attention throughout the summit.

Bali is a beautiful place to visit – in fact, the secrets out, as more and more vacationers share their positive experience. In addition, more Bali vacation villas and hotels become available, the cost of a vacation to Bali has decreased, and there are more flights – these are all reasons why the demand for Bali vacations is on the rise. The APEC summit will simply increase awareness even more.

Bali Elephant Safari Park Gets New Baby Elephant

evgnet Bali Tourism
Bali Elephant Safari Park Gets New Baby Elephant

In Taro, Bali you will find The Elephant Safari Park & Lodge. It’s been an exciting time there because they have just welcomed a baby elephant to their herd. To date the Elephant Safari Park has a herd of 27 rescued elephants, and since 2009, they have been lucky enough to have three babies born in the park. The birth of this baby elephant brings their total Sumatran elephant count to 31 pachyderms. And that’s very exciting for this world famous park.

The baby elephant was born at dawn so the morning at the safari park started off with a buzz. Even excited guests that were staying at the Elephant Safari Park Lodge were lucky enough to be able to get a close up view of the baby’s birth. Now that’s what memories are made of. These guests won’t soon forget their experiences.

The baby elephant was a girl and she was given the Indonesian name of Fajar, which translates to Dawn. The birth was actually quite easy for the elephant’s mother, which was quite surprising for a first time mother. With a loud cry, the mother elephant greeted her baby, after a 22 ½ month gestation. After just one hour, the baby elephant was on her feet, and that was exciting for all the onlookers. This was truly a magical experience.

The baby elephant and the mother elephant can be seen daily at the Elephant Safari Park & Lodge in its open enclosure. You can sit and watch the elephants or you can see them as you pass by on one of the elephant rides.

Bali Government Establishes a Bali Tourism Promotion Board

evgnet Bali Tourism

There’s no question that Bali has become one of the hottest vacation destinations, especially for Australians, Asians, and Americans. What was once a well kept secret and a destination that only a few would consider travelling to, is now considered a ‘hot spot,’ and the Bali government wants to make sure it stays that way so they have actually established a Bali Tourism Promotion Board.

The good news for travelers is that Bali is going to remain a viable vacation destination that’s becoming increasingly more affordable. In fact, holiday villas that were once only affordable by large groups or the wealthy, are now an option for average people, and that’s pretty exciting, because a villa as your accommodations offers so much more than a hotel experience.

Ida Bagus Kade Subhisku is the head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, and it was at the end of January of this year (2013) that the documents were signed by the governor making the Bali Tourism Promotion Board official. A great deal of time went into establishing this board because it required the creation of a number of mandates, rules, etc. Currently there are nine people who have been named to lead the board.

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2013 Shaping Up To Be The Most Spectacular Year In Recent Balinese History

evgnet Bali Holidays

The Indonesian island paradise of Bali is looking forward to a full schedule of events and appearances in the global spotlight. One big landmark is that, for the first time ever, the Miss World Pageant will be held in Bali. There’s also the Hindu World Summit to come in June, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November. This last event will be attended by world leaders and dignitaries, in a summit to foster the continued growth of Asia-Pacific business.

If you’ve been putting off a Bali trip until something interesting happens, this will be the year to go!

Jakarta Tourism Industry Flourishes

evgnet Indonesia
Jakarta Tourism Industry Flourishes

Jakarta tourism is flourishing thanks to a push by the local Government Tourism Office. Well there’s no question that tourism in Jakarta has been grown, as has it around the island of Bali, this local push will certainly help immensely. In addition, back in November of 2012 Jakarta participates in the GWBN, which brought increasing awareness to the area.

It is estimated that the GWBN, reached more than 7 million foreign tourists not to mention the millions of Bali residents. Those are impressive numbers, and Jakarta will likely reap the benefits of that exposure for years to come.

Jakarta has a population of more than 11 million people, and has a great deal to offer anyone who chooses to visit. In fact, renting a Jakarta villa is a great way to have fabulous accommodations that are all yours including your own private pool. You’ll be nicely located to take in what the city has to offer including a busy nightlife, or if you wish to travel outside the city, you can take advantage of your car services. There is certainly plenty to explore and enjoy outside of Jakarta just as there is within the city.

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Air Bali Expands Air Charter Service in Bali

evgnet Bali Tourism
Air Bali Expands Air Charter Service in Bali

Many are aware of the recent upgrades to the Bali airport so that more flights can arrive in Bali, but the expansion of Bali’s first air charter service is even more exciting.

Air Bali, is the island’s first Air Charter Service, and it now has a new look and a new heliport located at Benoa Harbor. Air Bali has been providing tours that explore Bali’s spectacular and hidden interior gems for more than twelve years. Now Air Bali has expanded their services to include fishing, golf tour, and dining, packages, as well as emergency medical retrievals, an island hopping tour, and airport transfers to help you avoid the traffic jams.

Air Bali will help you experience the amazing island of Bali from an entirely different perspective. They have created a number of aerial tours that will show Bali in the most spectacular vantage points. There’s nothing like a bird’s eye view of highland lakes, smoking volcanoes, remote beaches, rice fields, thousand year old temples, or famous surf breaks.

Air Bali is the only helicopter charter company in the area that is western managed, and it offers the highest standard in helicopter charters with a focus on professionalism and safety at all times. In fact, they go far beyond the standard in the industry, which is why clients have so much positive feedback for Air Bali. This company knows how to treat their clients.

Whether you want to see a majestic volcano or a scenic beach. Whether you want a private picnic or a hike in the backcountry. Whether you want a helicopter wedding or faster route to your Bali villa, Air Bali is ready to serve you.

You can reach Air Bali Air Charters at Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai – Dewi Ruci No. 2, Kuta, by phone (0361) 767-582, or through the Air Bali website.

Bali Travel Tips: Customs, Tours, Cuisine and more

evgnet Bali Holidays, Bali Tourism

Bali Travel Tips

* Possess a valid passport good for at least six months, and have proof of onward passage

* Meet all visa and health requirements for your country of residence, if you are unsure contact your local travel

* 220 volt electrical plugs are used in most villas

* time zone is GMT +8

* 10% is the appropriate tip, but most hotels and restaurants have it included

* Currency exchange should be done in banks or certified money changers

* ATMs are available almost anywhere

* For personal safety, it is best to hire a professional driver, do not rent and drive yourself

* Drink only bottled water, no tap water Continue reading…

New Feeder buses Launched in Trans Sarbagita

evgnet Bali News
New Feeder buses Launched in Trans Sarbagita

A new fleet of feeder mini buses has just been launched by the Denpasar Transportation Agency. These buses are designed to optimize Trans Sarbagita public bus services, which will largely affect tourists who are trying to get around the area.

There are a total of 56 mini buses that runs daily, serving four routes that all interested at the Trans Sarbagita bus routes. While the buses were just officially launched they actually began their routes on September 10, 2012 and according to the Bali Daily during their first 11 days of operation they served approximately 6,500 passengers.

There are two shifts of busses that run so you can catch a bus from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m seven days a week. Routes will be evaluated to ensure they are meeting the needs of the area. There is also a plan to launch more buses in the future so that they can connect passengers to other parts of the city.

“The most important thing is that Trans Sarbagita could now be more accessible to a greater number of people thanks to the feeder buses that take them to and from the nearest bus stops,” he told Bali Daily.

Bali’s mass transportation system focuses on 17 main routes and 36 feeder routes by 2019, to reduce the traffic condition that continues to worsen in southern Bali.

Paintings by Angels October 3

evgnet Bali News
Paintings by Angels October 3

This is an exhibit you won’t want to miss. Designer Irwan will have his Indonesian gemstones and jewelry; will be displayed at the Neka Museum in Ubud, Bali, October 3 to 8, 2012. This exhibition is part of the numerous activities that are being held alongside the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.

Opals from West Java will be some of the most extraordinary gemstones on display. There will also be beautiful cultures South Sea pearls, black and red coral, and the very rare blue coral native to only Indonesia. Wait there is more to see – picture agates, rare amber, rose agate, amethyst, Chrysocolla, and Pancawarna Sanksrit agates.

Irwan has a very unique take on his jewelry, which involves the innovative use of bamboo, rare tropical woods, textiles, lava, and other materials. You will find a huge collection of gems and stones on display that can be placed into beautiful settings within 48 hours.

Irwan William-Holmes was born in New York City, travelling throughout Europe before in 1969 settling in Indonesian. He has been a member of the Subud Spiritual community in Indonesia for 50 years, and his designs contain only Indonesian. Irwan William-Holmes has won numerous awards including the Bijorcha Exhibition in Paris (2006), a very prestigious award.

Be sure to drop by and see the Painting by Angels exhibition.

It Could Soon Cost you More to Party in Bali

evgnet Bali News
It Could Soon Cost you More to Party in Bali

If you are planning to head to Bali for your next vacation, you need to be prepared to pay a little more to party the night away. That’s because the legislators from the Badung House of Representatives, are unhappy that lax collection policies by tax authorities are resulting in lost revenues because the nightspots and discotheques are underpaying taxes.

Badung lawmakers would like to see clubs paying the 12.5 percent rate rather than the lower 10 percent rate they are getting away with by disguising themselves as bars and restaurants. Badung lawmakers want to see that stop and that they are required to collect the tax rate that matches what their permits are for. It seems that’s another concern since many clubs, discotheques, and nightspots are operating on permits that are incorrect and they are sliding through at the 10% rate.

For tourists visiting Bali, and ready to party, they aren’t going to care if they is a 12.5 percent tax or a 10 percent tax. All they want is a good drink, good service, and a good time. After all, isn’t that what a vacation to Bali is about? Fun times!

So it might just make more sense to standardize the permit process or the taxes themselves and just get busy collecting the revenue to help Bali.