II No. 28 February 25 - March 10, 2012

Chief Editor : Wisnu Wardana; Publicist: Jan Hendrik Peters, KG. Dharma Putra, Journalists/contributors: Torsten Thierbach, Gung Man, Krisna; Marke ng : Made Yudha ; Secretariate : Dewi ; Address : Jl. Mela 43 Denpasar, Bali-Indonesia ; Phone/fax: (0361) 227610 Email : info@www-balitravelnews.com ; Jakarta : Bambang Hermawan, Villa Pamulang Mas, Blok C9/4, Pamulang, Tangerang Selatan ; NTB : Riyanto Rabbah, Jl. Abdul Kadir Munsi, Gang Dahlia No. 14, Mataram ; Yogyakarta : Titah Pratyaksa (083 1190 19410); Bank : BPD Bali KCP. Kamboja No. 0370115000510 A/N Biro Promosi & Pengembangan Pariwisata Budaya.

GENERAL INFO

LET GO and float effortlessly in our hydrotherapy pool as our water healing therapist glides you gracefully through the water and applies ar ul stretches and luxurious massage assisted by the water. As you allow yourself to relax and surren-der to the support of the water and free movement, the body unwinds and releases holding pa erns, invi ng healing on the mental and emo onal planes. Profoundly relaxing and nurturing, this therapy recalls the safety, melessness and peacefulness of the womb.

The Balinese concept of Tri Hita Karana comes to life with human and elemental connec on and a sense of the deeper connec-

on to Life itself.

Our therapists, trained in the aqua c bodywork tra-di ons of Watsu, Healing Dance, and Water Dance, share this gi of love.

Colonic Hydrotherapy

Colon Hydrotherapy assists in de-toxifica on of the intes nal tract and is known to encourage be er overall health. The colon cleansing process is done with the help of an advanced colon therapy machine from Dotolo Research Corpora-

on, USA, assisted by a trained nurse who will gently guide you through the en re process with care. This treatment begins with a brief consulta on, gentle massage and medita on, and con nues with the colon hydrotherapy. With proper distribu-

on, monitored pressure and tepid water, combined with specialized massage, the water travels through the colon, permit-

ng the removal of impacted, embedded

waste material.

The benefits of colonic hydrotherapy can be observed in the improvement of diges on and many types of skin condi-

ons, greater mental clarity, stronger im-mune system as well as improvement in inflammatory, circulatory or obesity issues, especially when accompanied by posi ve lifestyle and dietary support.

Bidadari Beauty Rituals

Our Balinese inspired beauty rituals capture the healing powers of plants and village remedies. All-natural and super food ingredients are combined with a com-

prehensive range of authen c beauty treatments, fresh organic bathing and skin care, and the deeply relaxing touch of healing massages from our dedicated therapists. These rituals will deeply nourish you and revive your radiance with the force of nature in our Bidadari Beauty Sanctuary.

Body Care: Fivelements Sak Ritual

Enjoy this ul mate Fivelements experience, specially designed to purify your essence on cellular, emo onal and ethereal levels, while ac va ng long-las ng beauty. Your journey begins with

a deep muscle relaxa on body massage, followed by a re- mineralizing crystal sea salt exfolia on infused with holy basil and lemongrass. Rich in minerals and healing proper es, sea salt is nature’s source in aiding our skin’s ability to remain hydrated and promote cell renewal, in addi on to improving various skin condi ons. To top off this treatment is a revitalizing bath ritual composed of five powerful healing ingredients: lemongrass to ac vate blood circula on, Balinese orange and lime for essen al vitamins, and pandan leaves and ginger to awaken your senses and clear the head. You will leave this treatment feeling luxuriously radiant and full of regenera ve Sak energy.

Balinese Boreh

Feel the ancient secret of Balinese herbal scrubs, the Boreh. Our experienced therapists will begin with a tradi onal massage to deeply relax your whole body. Your chosen blend of power-ful local herbs (sacred spice, cinnamon-coffee or authen c Balinese), combined with pow-dered rice will then be applied to free your skin from dead cells and promote circula on. The sensa-

on is of deep penetra ng heat that melts away your tension. To complete this healing journey, indulge in an inspiring aroma c flower bath by the sacred Ayung river. BTNewspaper/PR

AT FIVELEMENTS, Puri Ahimsa, healing is inspired by the Balinese way of life, which encourages us to nurture harmony with spirit, the environment and with one another. Similarly, our holis c approach is designed to tune-in on the physical, emo onal and spiri-tual levels, allowing an organic healing process to naturally unfold. We collaborate with our guests to ac vate, facilitate and nurture a new healing path, and this begins by honouring our highest poten al.

Fivelements embraces holis c Balinese-inspired therapies administered by tradi-

onal Balinese healers using ancient wisdoms passed down from direct lineage. Following

the Balinese principle of Sekala-Niskala, which holds that we all live equally in two worlds; the seen or conscious world Sekala, and the unseen or psychic world Niskala, the Balinese healers engage the help of the higher divine source during each heal-ing session. Intui ve bodywork is synchronized with energy or prana to iden fy, balance and heal.

Healing rituals include a combina on of medita on, deep bodywork and prana energy,

performed by healers whose gi ed talents have been handed down through gen-era ons of Balinese families. Energy Healing introduces the powerful Panca Mahabhuta in which Pak Wayan works to balance the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether within the body.

Chakra Balancing sessions are for ac va ng and balancing the body’s seven energy centres, while in Prana Healing, Pak Dewa will scan and clear the aura of imbalances.

Massage therapies include Holis c Mas-sage with Prana combina on, Deep Healing Re-flexology, Acupressure, Invigora ng Bodywork and Muscle Release, all of which synchronise intui ve body and energy work to iden fy, bal-ance and heal. BTNewspaper/PR

Water Healing in Fivelements

BTNewspaper/by Healing Dance with Kadek Pradnyawati

Healing Therapies in Bali

IIINo. 28 February 25 - March 10, 2012

mitment to perfec on. Nothing should go wrong – it is more than just a wed-ding… it is a beginning of a love journey,

unforge able moments for a wedding made in heaven, perhaps remains a perfect des na on.

About Tirtha Bridal

One of its kind in Bali and set on the breathtaking cliff tops of Southern

Bali, Tirtha Bridal offers 2 main venues; Tirtha Uluwatu, an outstanding 6,000 sqm is surrounded by exo c Balinese

garden and water features and Tirtha Luhur which offers an exclusive three bedroom luxury private villa set on 3,000 sqm with a wedding pavilion, outdoor dining lo-ca ons, swimming pool, bar and re-laxa on gazebo to cater to an elite group of bridal cou-ples and individual guests. Both ven-ues are architec-tural masterpiece lauded interna on-ally for its visionary design and unique concept for a joy-ous ceremony and recep on.

Tirtha signa-ture chapel is also

renowned for hos ng some of Na onal most elegant and pres gious celebrity and socialite wedding and party recep-

on. Every facility and service available are des ned to create las ng memories of a marriage made in heaven, on the Island of the Gods. More info: www.

rthabridal.com

GENERAL INFO

TIRTHA Bridal, one of the most loved wed-ding venues in Bali recently held a Wedding Fair Exhibi on devoted to helping wedding organizers and bride-to-be with their future wedding plans. Show case their new, inven ve ideas and fantas c products and services, this exclusive specialist truly brings Wedding Fair to a new level.

Doors were opened for pre booked couples from morning to noon showcasing the latest set up, decora ons and ameni es. The wedding assistants provided on hand to assist as well as answer any concern ques ons for those who have yet to solidity their decision.

The Chapel at Tirtha Uluwatu and the Wed-ding Pavilion at Tirtha Luhur where dresses for a classic contemporary wedding ceremonial style, all were perfectly presented. Tirtha ser-

vices leave no detail una ended with extensive range of wedding op ons. Choice from its own on site Bridal show room with “off cat walk” imported bridal dress designs, hair & make up ar sts, floristry, video, photography and ban-quet services. Tirtha has access to the island’s best selec on of entertainers, performers and event staff to create truly memorable occasions

for any type of public or private celebra on.

The Bridal Fair con nued with an evening recep on set up, guests arrived and enjoyed the show case of a real wedding party, a simple elegant and sophis ca on at the same me. The so live music background, the luminosity of the candles around the pools, the flowing white organza curtain and indoor dining feasts convey an absolute roman c experience.

This annual event is part of Tirtha’s com-

IN THE TRIP Advisor World’s Best Hotels 2012 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa in Bali features prominently, proudly scooping Top 25 place-ments in the Trendiest, Luxury and Relaxa on/Spa Hotel categories for the Indonesia region.

Now the world’s largest travel

site, Trip Advisor has become a household name for travellers wishing to plan the perfect escape.

Honest opinions and candid re-views provide holidaymakers with a realis c source of informa on about the des na ons and hotels they are interested in. Highligh ng an even broader range of spec-tacular interna onal proper es, and based on millions of valuable traveller reviews and opinions, the 10th annual Trip Advisor World’s

Best Hotels 2012 Travellers’ Choice Awards honours the most out-

standing proper es in 30 countries and eight regions worldwide.

For this year’s pres gious awards, Anantara Seminyak ranks number 4 in the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels for the Indonesia region. The luxury bou que retreat is fa-voured by the jet se er crowd for its enviable loca on along sought a er Seminyak Beach, as well as the coveted nightlife scene of SOS Supper Club. Occupying the re-sort’s roo op, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean’s splendid surf and dazzling sunsets are enjoyed from three dis nc ve zones. On the spacious al fresco deck, guests recline on oversized daybeds, sip inven ve mixologist cocktails and listen to ambient DJ sessions at sunset. Adjacent, the seafood and steakhouse restaurant also boasts an outdoor deck, offering fine dining with a view. In the third lifestyle zone, a club area hosts vibrant, eclec c events featuring star studded performances and VIP guests.

World’s Best HotelsANANTARA SEMINYAK

Anantara Seminyak was also listed number 8 in the Top 25 Lux-ury Hotels for the Indonesia region. U er indulgence is showcased by the one of a kind Penthouse sanctu-ary. Marrying sleek contemporary design with the latest technology and a lo y panorama of Seminyak Beach, the unique residence spans an incredible 420 square metres of pure roo op glamour. Two bedroom suites, a lounge, dining area, bar with vintage wine cellar and a magnificent kitchen are ac-companied by a private infinity pool which extends from the interior liv-ing space through to the 120 square metre al fresco deck, complete with a hydro bath and BBQ facili es. The exclusive Penthouse also includes the service of a 24 hour butler, a wealth of signature Anantara experiences and excep onal VIP treatment.

Anantara Seminyak’s number 15 posi on in the Top 25 Relax-a on/Spa Hotels for the Indonesia

region highlights Anantara Spa’s luxuriously pampering journeys. Offering a haven of serenity in which to escape the everyday world and fully rejuvenate, highly trained therapists deliver an intui-

ve, healing touch, helping guests to unwind into journeys that are personalised to each individual’s needs and mood.

“What an honor it is be men-oned and to be recognized by

our guests in not one, but three categories in the 2012 Trip Advi-sor’s Travelers Choice Awards,” commented Mr. Ivan Casadevall, General Manager, Anantara Semin-yak Bali. “I’d like to thank all our associates at Anantara Seminyak Bali who con nuously strive to give our guests a truly unique and in-digenous luxury experience but also thank our guests themselves, who are rewarding us all by choos-ing our resort amongst so many other op ons within this magical des na on.” BTNewspaper/PR

Bridal FairFor More Than Just A Wedding…

IV No. 28 February 25 - March 10, 2012

S U P P L I E RADDRESS :

Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 216, SanurDenpasar 80228, Bali - Indonesia

Phone. +62 (361) 281745Fax. +62 (361)289549

E-mail : widiani_bali@yahoo.com

BALI DISTRIBUTOR: PT. DELTA SATRIA DEWATAJl. Imam Bonjol 226 A - Denpasar

Email : marketingdenpasar@aio.co.id.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

BALI DISTRIBUTOR: PT. DELTA SATRIA DEWATAJl. Imam Bonjol 226 A - Denpasar

Email : marketingdenpasar@aio.co.id.

PT. AMANAH PRIMA INDONESIABali Principal : 0361 966 7600

PT. RUSDI MEDIKAPedagang Besar Alat-alat

Kesehatan dan Kedokteran

Jl. Pulau Buton No. 19Denpasar - Bali

Telp. (0361) 743815, 223803Fax. (0361) 226687

email : rusdi_dr@yahoo.co.id

Distributor in Bali BALI WEIN

Jl. Gunung Tangkuban Perahu No.238 XY, Br.Tegal Buah, Padang Sambian Klod - Denpasar - Bali. Ph. 0361-2748572, Fax. 0361-410200

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AT THE moment, to get quality wine is very difficult. Howev-er, with the presence of Cape Discovery Bali Wine this problem can be resolved. This was revealed by Ri-chard Irving, Chief Representa ve of Cape Discovery Bali W i n e w h e n m e t recently. He said, though it was an imported product, it had an advantage because giving priority on a local element in terms of produc on and bo ling.

The bo ling company of the wine is located in Singaraja, but it takes advantage of the best quality grape obtained from vineyards in the Margaret River area of Western Australia.

“We use the best grapes to

produce wine having a high flavor,” said Richard. Wine was an alcoholic bever-age made from the essence of grape be-longing to the species of Vi s vinifera that was usually grown only in the area of 30 to 50 degrees in the north and south la tude. On that ac-

count, it required a type of very high quality grape. Wine was made by sugar fermenta on in the grapes.

According to Richard, the vine-yard that produced the wines of Cape Discovery belonged to the Ultra Premium wine which had a market segment of the top 5 per-cent. “With the quality grape and experience at hand, Cape Discovery is capable of making a wine that can

compete against the other imported wines,” said Richard.

Cape Discovery has a world class winemaker, in Amanda Shepa-rdson. She had a wealth of experi-ence in several places famous in wine making like in France, Napa Valley, South Africa, Australia includ-ing Margaret River.

Nowadays, this wine is on sale to restaurants and hotels at a price of IDR 190,000 per bo le and is available at Casa Gourmet. Addi-

onally, it will be sold retail in the near future.

For further informa on, please contact: Richard Irving, Chief Rep-resenta ve of Cape Discovery Bali, Jalan Mahendrada a. 41 Denpasar, Phone: +62 (0) 87861866352

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VNo. 28 February 25 - March 10, 2012

Activities at Bali Mandira

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AROUND BALI

TO MAINTAIN the harmonious rela onship of human being to fellow human beings, the Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa embodied it through a rou ne visit to the orphanages.

This social ac vity has become an annual event of the hotel. Addi onally, this program is al-ways evaluated and maintained so that it can realize a prosperous Bali. BTNewspaper/PR

VI No. 28 February 25 - March 10, 2012

AROUND BALI

IN JANUARY this year, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa formally established a Health & Safety Commi ee (Pani a Pembina Keselamatan dan Kesehatan – P2K3) which was registered with the Department of Manpower & Transmigra-

on office in Gianyar. The forma on of this health and safety commi ee cements Maya Ubud Resort & Spa’s commitment in ensur-ing proper procedures for both guest and employee protec on is in place.

In an effort to accomplish their mission, the first step taken on January 9, 2012, the commi ee devoted considerable me and effort to update the health and safety work-

place hazard check list and distributed it to all departments for their internal audit.

On January 25, a Hazard Analysis & Cri cal Control Points training program was conducted with the par cipa on of all depart-ments. HACCP assists in iden fying poten al food safety hazards in order that immediate correc ve ac on can be taken to eliminate the risk of hazards eventua ng.

At months end a general audit report was compiled, including the commi ee’s internal audit for submission to management with recommenda ons and where necessary, cor-rec ve ac on plans.

UBUD, February 20, 2011 – Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is firmly commi ed in incor-pora ng sustainable business prac ces into its opera on. We believe that good waste management and treatment helps protect the environment and needs to be conveyed to the youth of Bali through educa on programs.

Today, February 18, 2012, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa with the support of Gita In-

terna onal Yoga of Melbourne, Australia, engaged the 66 students and 7 teachers in one of the neighboring elementary schools in a program to learn about the necessity of waste management. The school, SDN 3 Pejeng Kawan is located about five minutes from the resort.

The Resort’s Green Team shared a video and made a slide presenta on to the children and teachers on waste management. The

training session was followed by a cleaning blitz of the school yard and nearby area during which 97kgs of trash and plas c were collected.

On this occasion the Resort installed two large garbage containers in the school yard with organic and non-organic signs along with canvas bags for dry garbage and plas c and established a schedule wherein the Resort would collect the garbage each

week and arrange for its proper disposal at the Temesi Recycling Plant in Gianyar.

During the visit, the school was also presented with waste bins and wall clocks for all classrooms and teacher’s office and equipped classroom with wall maps of Bali Province, Indonesia, the ASEAN countries and the world. Before par ng, all students were provided milk and snacks and sta o-nery for them to take home.

Turning Concerns into Actions

Waste Management Education for Elementary School Students

GOVERNOR of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, inaugurated the management of Bali Media Association (AMB) in Wiswa Sabha Building of the Governor’s Office in Renon, recently. The Management of the association consisted of I Gusti Ngurah Wisnu Wardana (Chairman), Ida Bagus Sudarsana (Vice Chairman), Lalan Marinda (Secretary) and Dewi Okinawa (Treasurer).

Meanwhile, the 10 media forming the associa on consisted of Fajar Bali Daily Newspaper, Renon Weekly Newspaper, Manggala Weekly Newspaper, Biweekly

Bali Travel Newspaper, Dewata Advert Monthly Newspaper and Bog-Bog Monthly Magazine. Other than print media, some electronic media including Radio Hexon 92.8 FM, Radio 89.8 FM Pak Oles, Radio Bokashi Raya, and the Jagat Bali Online Media also joined the associa on.

Having inaugurated the AMB, the governor opened the Na onal Seminar featuring the speakers Prof. Dr. Paul E Lotu-lung (Chief Jus ce) in the Supreme Court of Jus ce of the Republic of Indonesia and I Gus Putu Artha, a member of Central Elec-

on Commission. BTNewspaper/Ariek

Inauguration of Bali Media Association and National Seminar

THE Tri Hita Karana (THK) team of Kuta Para-diso Hotel invited the organizer of the THK Awards & Accredita on Program for the THK socializa on program in 2012.

The invita on was posi vely responded to by the organizer by bringing in the Chairman of the THK Founda on, I Gus Ngurah Wisnu Wardana, accompanied by Made Yudha and Krisnayana. The socializa on (informa on, ed.) was led in

person by the Human Resources Manager of Kuta Paradiso Hotel, I Gus Ngurah Adi Putra, and a ended by the management and staff of approximately 20 people.

At the end of the session, the Kuta Paradiso Hotel would be enrolled as a par cipant of the THK Tourism Awards and Accredita on 2012. “Kindly include our hotel in the THK program 2012,” said Adi Putra. BTNewspaper/Krisna

Socialization of THK in Kuta Paradiso Hotel

ROBIN Lim is an interna onally-rec-ognized midwife, well-known author and talented poet. Her non-profit Indonesian birthing and educa onal clinics have saved hundreds of lives and delivered thousands of babies over the last decade, serving the poor on Bali and, far away, in the tsunami-ravaged province of Aceh, Sumatra. A er 13 years of service and frequent financial challenges, “Ibu” (Mother) Robin and her organiza on, Bumi Sehat Founda on, remain persistently commi ed to changing the world, one gentle birth at a me.

Bumi Sehat Founda on is a non-profit, village-based organiza on that runs two by-dona on community health centers in Bali and Aceh, Indonesia. It is providing over 17,000 health consulta ons for both children and adults per year. Midwifery services to ensure gentle births is at the heart of Bumi Sehat and it’s clinics welcome approximately 600 new babies into the world each year. And for this things Robin was just awarded CNN’s Hero of The Year for 2011.

In order to help Ibu Robin Lim con nue aiding more financially struggling mothers who can’t afford to [ay for doctors to deliver their babies, Waterbom Bali presents ‘Sounds Of Life’ giving back to the community with Robin Lim, a fund raising event for her non-profit founda on. All profits and proceeds will go directly to the development of her new

medical birthing clinic center.

Cut Chemist (a founding member of the legendary Jurassic 5 and well renowed band Ozoma l) will be dazzling all a endees with his brilliant audio/visual blowout! The turn-tablist extraordinaire will bring his envelope-pushing live show to Bali following the end of his Australian ‘Sounds of the Police’ tour. ABC News (US) describes his show as, “A whirling, groovy, funkified collec on of African beats, horns, melt-your-face-off bass lines and some good old hip-hop ingenuity”. In Addi on, there will be a fine line up of suppor ng perfor-mences to keep everyone entertained.

To do this events, Waterbom Bali can not work by their selves, they need your helping hand and togheter we can help each other and those most unfortunate.

Come and contribute with your a en-dance to ‘Sounds Of Life’ event, a fantas c evening with a worthy cause on Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at Waterbom Bali. BTNewspaper/Krisna

Waterbom Bali Support Charity Night ‘Sounds Of Life’ for Robin Lim

VIINo. 28 February 25 - March 10, 2012

GREEN CORNER

By Jan Hendrik PetersStrategic Advisor THK Founda on

heavenly island. If my impression is right that more and more Balinese are realizing that they have to regain the ini a ve to decide about their own future, there is s ll me to do so.

As soon as an island-wide blueprint for the future of Bali has been agreed upon, this blueprint will be used as a frame of reference for developing Bali. It is crucial that the gover-nor and regents are following the same line. At any price it has to be prevented that each regency has its own blueprint. That would be the worst scenario, in which Bali as a whole would go down because poli cians were short-sighted and unable to develop the best strategy for Bali. It has to be recognized that Bali as one island is more than each individual regency ever can be.

THK as compass of policy

Nobody will challenge that THK as life phi-losophy of the Balinese has to be the compass for the blueprint of Bali. In this respect I would like to pay a en on to three major items, which have to be integrated in the blueprint and detailed in specific regula on. These three items are the fight against poverty, the protec on and development of the tradi onal village and the tradi onal irriga on system, and the fair distribu on of the profit from tourism. Of course many more items could be men oned, but these three pop up into my mind because they are so clearly related to THK and need ac on.

The fight against poverty

Interna onal tourists who for the first me are visi ng Bali, are shocked when they

observe that behind all the glamour and beauty of tourism s ll so many Balinese are poor and living under the so-called poverty line of less than one US dollar a day (166.200 people in 2011; 4.2% of popula on; BPS Bali 2011). They had absolutely no idea that on Bali with its image of Island of the Gods poverty would exist and mostly they are more than willing to donate some money to orphanages or founda ons that try hard to alleviate the poverty. When the tourists have returned to their luxurious hotels in the South, they have mixed feelings about the big gap between rich and poor on such a small island and they are confused that apparently so li le has been done for the poor. It is somewhat dualis c that interna onal tourists o en return to Bali not only because of the beauty and culture, but also because they feel emo onally involved with the poor people.

The problem of poverty is even more serious than we are inclined to conclude on the basis of the sta s cs. It is true that the

number of people living under the poverty line in recent years has slightly decreased, but living just above the poverty line you are not much be er off.

Reading about star-rated hotels in the South with the most fantas c facili es and with prices of more than 1000 US$ per night for a suite, I am always aware of the discrep-ancy between the rich and the poor or the haves and have-nots. Just one conclusion is jus fied, namely that this situa on is com-pletely out of balance on Bali.

Recently a general manager of a com-pletely renovated five star hotel informed the press about all the fantas c facili es, provided for the interna onal tourists, while not pay-ing any a en on to the poor people living in the villages in quite different circumstances. Without any feeling of compassion or empa-thy this manager was just focusing on his own benefits, not wondering what the villagers would think about it. You do not need to be a fortune-teller, but this a tude of egoism will only evoke feelings of frustra on and irrita on in the poor villagers living in the rural area. They are powerless and have to accept that their island, where they and their ancestors have been born, is developing in conflict with their belief in THK.

One way or another but this problem of poverty has to be solved on the short term. It is in fact incredible that this poverty s ll exists on the small island of Bali that pretends to be the Island of the Gods. If I see the total amount of foreign investment in tourism on Bali in recent years, I would say that eradica ng pov-erty on Bali will be not that difficult. No more than just a slice of total investment is needed. Government has the tools to implement this funding paid by the tourism industry, in line with THK and based on solidarity. The popula-

on of Bali is wai ng for ac on!

Protec on and development of tradi onal organiza ons

Tradi onal village (desa adat) and tradi-onal irriga on system (subak) can both be

considered to be the heart of authen c Bali. Villagers and farmers have always been living in peace and harmony and they s ll do. Tour-ists visi ng the villages in the rural area are impressed by the serene atmosphere in the villages, where the people live in the spirit of THK. In this respect village and irriga on sys-tem can serve as model for the development of Bali tourism, in which the trinity of God, people and earth is basic.

But unfortunately, there is cause for alarm. Villages so far do not financially par-

cipate in the profitable tourism industry and more and more farming land is being converted to tourism. If this process of non-par cipa on and land conversion will con-

nue without interven on by government,

both tradi onal organiza ons –village and irriga on system- will be threatened in their existence. But we have to be aware, that the moment these tradi onal organiza ons are gone, Bali as Paradise on Earth will definitely become Paradise Lost.

But as said before, it is s ll me to inter-vene and to focus more on the development of the villages and irriga on systems in the rural area, than on tourism development in the South, already overloaded with star-rated hotels and resorts. However, some light is shining on the horizon. Recently the governor of Bali has put forward new proposals to stop land conversion; to upgrade the status of the farmer, so also young people would like to be a farmer; and to start community-based-tourism. I do hope that these ini a ves will get follow-up and that more ini a ves in developing the rural area will be taken.

Fair distribu on of profit from tourism

Up un l now tourism has mainly been developed in the South of Bali. Nearly all investment has been focused on high-profile tourism facili es in that part of Bali and with success. In most rankings of popular tourism des na ons Bali is always men oned as one of the top. As quiet as Bali was in the 1970’s, so busy it has become in 2012. Mass tourism is on its way and more tourists will come, like it or not.

Although Bali is officiously posi oning itself as a qualified tourist des na on that fo-cuses on cultural tourism, the prac ce shows that everybody is welcome on this Island of the Gods. By opening the door to the outside world without any restric on, you leave it in fact to others than the Balinese themselves to decide about the development of Bali tourism. If more tourists are coming to Bali, you just build new hotels and if the traffic is congested, you just invest in new roads. In this way government is ac ng reac vely instead of proac vely.

But foreign investors have –bluntly said- no other inten on than making money, while the Balinese want a kind of tourism in line with the philosophy of THK. That is another aspect of the big schism that is running through Bali society.

To turn the de Bali government has to design the blueprint for Bali tourism, based on THK. This means that interna onal tourists, interested in cultural tourism, are invited to stay for holidays on Bali. It means also that these tourists will visit the villages in the rural area and with more tourists to the villages the perspec ve of community-based-tourism will become realis c. With this development also the Balinese people will par cipate in the development of Bali tourism; not any more excluded as in the past but included for the future.

People o en do the opposite of what they say. You believe that they will do as promised and you are disappointed if they don’t keep their promise. This a tude is demonstrated in all aspects of life, the THK not excluded. You would expect that people who express themselves enthusias cally about THK, would also act according this philosophy but that is unfortunately not always true. Although there are many Balinese who are true believers, there are even more people who pretend to support THK as life philosophy, but forget all about the values in daily life.

This difference between philosophy and implementa on is the real schism in Bali soci-ety. If all Balinese would do what they promise, Bali Island would not be confronted nowadays with an existen al crisis that endangers Bali to lose its iden ty.

The ques on arises what has to be done to bring Bali back on the right track of a heavenly island. And we can ask if there is s ll a way-out from this tricky situa on that is worsening daily. My answer would be: yes we can. But be aware that me is pressing. While we are discussing, construc on of huge new hotels in the South of Bali are in full swing and investors and project developers will only stop if they are told so by law and rules. Just an appeal as the governor of Bali did recently to respect a moratorium on providing new licenses for building new hotels, is simply not enough. A temporary moratorium would enable poli -cians to make up their mind about the future of Bali and especially the future of Bali tourism.

Regaining grip on own future

To regain grip on the future of Bali and that of genera ons to come, all efforts have to be directed towards the concept of Bali as a heavenly island. For that the Balinese have to implement THK. If people are convinced that living in line with THK, will lead to happi-ness (moksha), they will accept the logic that implementa on of this philosophy is the only way to preserve the authen c character of this

The real schism in Bali society

MELIÁ Bali received its fourth pres gious environment award, the ASEAN (Associa on of South-east Asian Na ons) Green Hotel Award, from the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard Commi ee. The honor, presented on January 11 in Manado during the ASEAN Tourism Conference, recognizes the resort’s commitment to opera ng at the highest environmental and social standards. These are based on 25 ASEAN Green Hotel requirements for environmentally friendly, energy-conserving measures. The ASEAN Green Hotel Standard is valid for the years 2012 and 2014.

General Manager of Meliá Bali Mr. Jim Boyles got an hon-or to be one of the keynote speaker during the conference.

The ASEAN Green Hotel Standard is one of six ASEAN

Tourism Standards that ASEAN considers essen al for ensuring that the region becomes a qual-ity single des na on. ASEAN member na ons include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indone-sia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myan-mar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Meliá Bali con nues to lead Bali’s hospitality industry in environmental and social sustainability. In 2011 the re-

sort maintained this important posi on with recogni on as the first hotel in Asia and one of only five hotels in the world to be cer fied Earthcheck Pla num as well as an Emerald Re-sort in the Tri Hita Karana Tourism, Bali’s highest sustainable tourism honor. In the picture we see the resort department head at the lobby area. BTNewspaper/PR

ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2012 - 2014

VIII No. 28 February 25 - March 10, 2012

AROUND BALI

K12-I.13-12

THE Bali Gateway, Friday (Feb 17), held a charity ac vity in the Bali Safari and Marine Park. The children from the Kesayan ikang Papa or-phanage located on Jalan Erlangga Gang SDLB 10X Gianyar were invited to have an excursion at the Park.

According to the orphanage head, I Nyoman Sukantha, all the foster children were disabled chil-dren. “We take care of these children with disability. They are deaf, mute and mentally retarded,” Mr. Nyo-man said.

The entourage was led by Mr. Chris Ward, Director of Marke ng of Karma Beach Club and its Marke ng

Manager and Mr. Dharma from The Bali Gateway. They took the children to witness the elephant in Kampung Gajah and looked around the Bali Safari and Marine Park through a Safari Journey.

Mr. Chris Ward said, it was the first ac vity carried out, but previ-ously his party had made a visit to several humanitarian founda ons in-cluding a nursing home and others to provide some aid. “This ac vity poses an implementa on of the Tri Hita Karana concept, par cularly for the Pawongan aspect or harmonious re-la ons of human to fellow humans,” he said. BTNewspaper/AriekPW

Bali SafariBali Safari & & Marine ParkMarine ParkCharity Activity in

Mr. Chris Ward

TO BECOME a professional chef, one should possess a wide range of experience and has a good feeling. These secrets were revealed when the editorial team of Bali Travel Newspaper met Henry Alexie Bloem who was re-appointed the Chairman of the Indonesian Chef Associa on (ICA) for the tenure of 2012 to 2017 in his work-place at The Breezes Bali, on Tuesday (Feb 14).

He said that becoming a professional chef, a person should have a sense of great responsibil-ity, because the chef was the cu ng edge of the cuisine presented. “If one is not a good chef, then everything she or he produce will surely not be good,” said Henry.

Chef Bloem who had a wealth of experience in the culinary field confirmed that we had to love our own cuisine, especially that of Bali. On that account, Bali would be ge ng more famous for its culinary arts. “To that end, at the moment our party is preparing a book presen ng the In-donesia cuisine. It is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Crea ve Economy. This book will be presented as a souvenir to state guests,” he said.

This endeavor was very good in promo ng the culinary treasures of Indonesia. Moreover, there was an appeal of Bali Government obliging all the hotels in Bali to offer the local cuisine in their food menu.

“We have culinary diversity and each has uniqueness in terms of taste, presenta on, and ingredients. These are processed and then turn famous in the world,” said Henry. With the popularity of the Indonesian cuisine, all the par-

es were expected to par cipate ac vely and maintain the richness of the culinary culture in every region. BTNewspaper/Krisna

Henry Alexie Bloem

Popularize Indonesian Cuisines