Beauty Salon and SPA

Bali Spa develops and alters your life atmosphere become fresher and takes care of the corporeal freshness and your spirit. Bali Spa with selected spa treatment, luxury rooms and friendly therapist will rejuvenate your soul and body become more motivated life union, flexing your muscle and also disappear the fatigue which you feel. Spa in Bali offer multifarious of freshness manner live, develop health and keep in good health your husk during vacation. It offer the enjoyable smooth touch at your body and husk from professional therapist in massage treatment and encircled by the fresh fragrant aroma or enjoy the nature of Spa Villa with special spa treatment.

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Bali Informations

Bali Island is a small and a part of Indonesia Archipelagos. It is a favorite tourist destination in the world with a lot of fascinations for tourist to come and see the cultures, Balinese life, beautiful coast, mountain, hotels, villas, resort and other. It is a unique island which majority occupied by Balinese Hindu with active and attractive ritual in their life. We can see a lot of the interesting one that we look for in the island from the traditional performance, adventures activities, exciting excursion, beautiful beaches and a lot of more.

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Celebration at Home: Jazzed up with Layered Abug

Beyond the ritual session, Christmas also denotes a good opportunity to gather the family members. Such an annual celebration usually brings together the family living afar. Some drinks and traditional cakes can be served then like the layered abug. Though they are traditional cakes, it does not necessarily mean that the celebration will lack merriness. However, it will much depend on how we could capture the spirit of celebration and the meaning behind it. Here is the recipe for layered abug.
Ingredients: 500g sticky rice flour, grated coconut (obtained from ½ pc), 200g sugar, 2 different food coloring agents and 1 tsp salt.
Method:
• Mix the sticky rice flour well with grated coconut. Knead until it is evenly blended and add the salt and sugar. Mix again.
• Prepare a square mould by brushing with small amount of palm oil so that the mixture will not stick.
• Divide the batter into three parts and color each part with different coloring agents. One green, one red, and the remaining part is left white.
• Firstly, put the green batter into the mould. Steam it for some 10 minutes, then add the white batter on top of the green one. Steam for another 10 minutes. Finally, add the red batter onto the previous one and steam it for around 30 minutes until cooked.

BEBEK TUTU KUNYIT

Aspecial taste is revealed from behind the secret of young duck cooked combined with traditional spices. This feast called Bebek Betutu is usually served at special events or ceremonies.
At Kunyit Bali Restaurant, there is yet another generation of duck culinary created by the Chef called “Bebek Tutu Kunyit” which has become one of the most favorite meals on the menu at Kunyit Bali Restaurant.
Ingredients: 1 whole young duck (cleaned), water
Condiments: steamed rice, water, tomato sambal, fresh vegetables & shrimp paste sauce.
Spices: 50 grams basa gede (traditional Balinese complete spices). Base Gede consists of all traditional Balinese spices such as turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, onion, shallot, wangen, salt, shrimp paste, galingale, salam leaf, greater gingerale, aromatic ginger, candlenut – mixed together to become one.
Method:
• Clean the young duck. Boil the clean young duck for about 1 hour. Mix the basic spices basa gede, fried onion and chili with water until the meat softens and is fragrant smelling.
• After one hour the Bebek Tutu is ready to serve.
• Serve with its condiments.

The other Culinary Journey of Balinese Cuisine!

An essential part of any travel experience is the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and sample regional cuisine. Contrary to popular belief, the culinary delights from the island of Bali are a lot more complex than just a portion of fried rice topped with a few shrimp crackers!
Traditional Balinese cooking involves the use of different herbs and spices ground by hand into a fiery paste with a mortar and pestle. Culinary skills are passed down through each successive generation and meals in every Balinese household revolve around a staple diet of rice, which is seen as a gift from the Gods.
Duck is very popular for Balinese people. Having a tough texture, the Balinese people are very familiar with how to process it into popular Balinese cuisine such as Lawar, Jukut ares Bebek etc. Some tricks will be used to make it soft and delicious.
Mixed with Balinese spices combined with the right methods of cooking, duck dishes becomes one of the favorites on the menu for locals and foreigners alike due to having quite different texture compared with chicken.
The basic Balinese spices - we call them Base Gede - consist of all traditional Balinese spices such as turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, onion, shallot, wangen, salt, shrimp paste, galingale, salam leaf, gingerale, aromatic ginger and candlenut. It is a simple way for processing the duck.
Ingredients: 250 grams of young duck (cleshell salad), sambal campur (mixed chili sambal), sambal mentah (traditional Balinese sambal).
There are two methods for preparation to make the best yield.
The first method:
• Clean the young duck and cut through the middle, but keep it in one whole.
• Boil the young duck and mix in basa gede. Allow about 2 hours boiling (until the duck flesh becomes soft).
• When the young duck is cooked, then raise and let it drain.
• Prepare the pan and cooking oil, stir-fry the boiled duck until half done. Then raise and cut into two pieces.
The second method:
• Heat the cooking oil.
• The last half done fried duck cut into two pieces
• Dip the pieces of duck into the liquid spices mix.
• Fry the young duck pieces again until color changes and becomes golden yellow (crispy) and fragrant smelling.
• Raise and drain.
• Crispy fried duck is ready to serve with its condiments.

The Highest Tri Hita Karana Awards for Sofitel Seminyak Bali

By retaining the gold medals for three years in succession, Sofitel Seminyak Bali is also entitled to receive Emerald award becoming a symbol that the hotel can not only maintain but also improves its achievement in implementing the values contained within the concept of Tri Hita Karana in its daily operations.
Emerald medal suggests great pride for all employees and management of Sofitel Seminyak Bali. It constitutes an achievement providing great motivation to work harder in the years to come and of course, it brings with it great prestige.
Since it attained the Tri Hita Karana certificate in 2004, the concept has become a reference in hotel operations and in every single hotel activity. By enthusiastically undertaking the task of bringing the best service and facilities for hotel guests, the hotel employees, its surrounding community and environment and management of Sofitel Seminyak Bali applies the values of Tri Hita Karana as guidance so that in 2005 it could obtain the first silver medal. The motivation engendered by this gave rise to 3 gold medals in succession in the following years.
Parhyangan (spiritual aspect)—Being aware that the existence of nature together with its content is an invaluable gift from the Almighty God, so that every activity performed in it is inseparable from His authority. Sofitel Seminyak Bali confers flexibility and entirely shores up the ritual activities for its employees. Implementation of national holidays adjusted to religion practiced by its employees indicates a way to give opportunity to them to perform worship pursuant to their religion.
Once in every six months, the hotel organizes a piodalan (anniversary) of the hotel’s temple. The last anniversary within this year was held on last 12 November. It can be categorized as special because a mecaru (exorcism) ritual, namely handing back the balance of nature along with its content was also undertaken at the same time.
To welcome the celebration of Idul Adha 1426 H falling on last 20 December 2007, Mr Xavier Cappelut on behalf of all management and hotel employees handed over sacrificed goats to Orphanage House Foundation and the needy. Similar gifts will also be undertaken to welcome the Idul Adha 1427 H this year.
Christmas celebrations are also on the hotel’s agenda. Every year the hotel’s employees organize the Christmas commemoration concert in December. The celebration is not only attended by the Christians but also all hotel management and envoys of devotees of other religions as real evidence of strong familial atmosphere and interfaith tolerance amongst the devotees at Sofitel Seminyak Bali.
Pawongan (social aspect)—employees denote an important asset for the hotel. On that account, convenience and security of its employees in working activity is a significant factor. Sofitel Seminyak Bali provides separate male and female locker rooms for its employees. The locker rooms are painted in bright and warm colors to confer working spirit. Additionally, the hotel provides canteen, cooperative and staff lounge for the employees.
Support of the employee’s family is no less important to motivate the employees in their working activity. Every year the hotel organizes Family Outing to cultivate a family atmosphere and sense of belonging for the employees, family and hotel. This year’s Family Outing was organized at Safari Park Gianyar on last 17 February 2008. Considering the number of employees and their convenience, the Family Outing this year was divided into three days so that all facilities provided could be enjoyed fully by the employees and their families.

THK-based Bali Tourism

This General Manager is indeed not a Balinese, but the Tri Hita Karana (THK) concept of Balinese life becomes a significant attention to him. The friendly General Manager from France also realizes how important it is to preserve the harmony within all aspects of life, not only in tourism industry but also life in general.
It’s this commitment which has led the Matahari Beach Resort & Spa to achieve the first highest award (Emerald category) amongst other hotels in Bali. “We are truly proud of the highest achievement of THK awards. Assuredly what we have undertaken has engendered a result that is not only beneficial for us, but also for the community and its surroundings,” he revealed while adding that what is actually contained in the THK concept has also become the philosophy of Matahari Beach Resort.
Commencing his career in 1978 as Chef in Hilton in Stratford on Avon (England), Mr Jany-Michel Fourre continued his experience into the hotel industry at some other hotels in Düsseldorf (Germany), Relais & Chateaux Vieux Manoir au Lac (Switzerland), Relais Gourmand Traube-Tonbach (Germany), Hotel Manager in Haus Delecke, Germany (1988-1991), Hotel Manager at Relais & Chateaux Alpenhof Murnau, Germany (1992-1995), Food & Beverage Manager of Hotel Bachmaier Weissach, Germany (1996-2000) and eventually in 2001 he was entrusted to fill the position as General Manager of Matahari Beach Resort & Spa where he is still located.
To him, hospitality business is a distinctly attractive industry to be in. “It was begun in 1976 in tourism industry when I decided to go to Hotel School. Hospitality is my life. For me, it’s nothing better than to let somebody dream of a good food, a friendly service and a comfortable accommodation,” he said. On that account, in order to preserve the commitment, his party continues to undertake several enhancements and improvements in every aspect of life and services provided to guests.
He does not only maintain the commitment concerning the hotel, he also pays great attention to Bali itself. “Tourism industry in Bali should be better controlled. I mean that we should stop building more hotels and think more about quality and not quantity,” he affirmed.
According to him, environmental conservation of Bali is most important and at the same time it also becomes one of the weaknesses of Bali. “The weaknesses of Bali are absolutely the non respect to the nature by destroying beautiful rice terraces, and not taking attention to the garbage. However, its superiority is well known for the friendly attitude and hospitality of Balinese people. These are excellences that should be conserved,” he uttered.
At the end, this amicable man expects that the implementation of Tri Hita Karana should become a priority to tourism businesspeople as well as to the surrounding community. “Let’s maintain Bali in concert with THK concept,” he pronounced.

Bali Gives Rich Art Inspirations

Though they have visited Bali many times, Jules and Ritie Toelanie without exception still feel pleasure and satisfaction in the magnificence of nature and uniqueness of Balinese culture. This Dutch couple confesses to being very happy to see the Balinese life filled with tolerance, respect to visitors and seriousness to preserve their cultural uniqueness. Their cultural uniqueness either in the form of ritual practices, art or daily social behavior is different from that in the West which looks formal and individualistic.
Now in retirement following their occupations as civil servants in the Netherlands, the couple has chosen to spend their holiday in restful mode in Bali. Jules and Ritie Toelanie already appear to have found their spirits renewed. “The gorgeous nature and life pattern of Balinese with their hospitality culture makes me happy and gives me much energy to hopefully live longer in this mundane world,” he expressed enthusiastically.
“I really love Bali and will keep on visiting Bali,” he chatted happily while showing some photos of his painting done during his stay in Bali. In fact, he is also an artist who is remarkably sensitive to capturing the phenomenal beauty of nature and aesthetic value of Bali. “Bali confers me a myriad of inspirations in art creativity,” he said again when met by Bali Travel News after joining the “King and Queen” contest in relation to the Kuta Karnival 2008 at Kuta Beach.
In that contest, Jules and Ritie Toelanie looked so happy swaying their bodies on stage and wearing traditional Balinese attire. “This event is so spectacular. Moreover, I’m very glad to wear the very beautiful Balinese costumes,” they said while accompanied by Kadek Sudiati, a member of Kuta Karnival committee who was responsible for the contest. They hoped that this contest would be carried out consistently year after year so that visitors can understand and personally feel the uniqueness of Balinese culture.
Aside from loving to wear Balinese attire, Jules and Ritie Toelanie also admitted to enjoyment in traditional Balinese massage. In Kuta he once experienced the massage provided by Jero Mangku Usadhi Urip Suardana. “It was so good. I feel much healthier with Balinese massage,” he praised. Similarly, he expected that visitors to Bali could also participate in maintaining several elements of Balinese culture. It is not only intended for the interest of Bali, but also for the whole world. He said that he is ready to help promote the noble endeavors aimed at assisting children as inheritors of Balinese culture. He hoped to do this by communicating with others, informing them of the various projects. He can be contacted through email at Richmond@planet.nl.

Mangrove Information Center of Denpasar

The southern part of Denpasar is naturally protected by green belt of mangrove forest. Such a well maintained forest is open to visitors. While having a stroll, visitors can get additional knowledge on the use of these coastal plants with respect to the local ecosystem. Further details about the program can be obtained at the Mangrove Information Center located on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Suwung Kauh or between Kuta and Sanur.
The Mangrove forest extends across some 1,373.05 hectares of land, while the one intended for recreation is 200 hectares and managed by Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park or Tahura. Its office lies in the middle of this area. For educational and conservational purposes, it has established nursery plots of approximately 7,700 square-meters, wooden trails, huts to rest and floating decks.
According to research on the distribution of mangrove species and availability of seed collecting forests on the islands of Bali and Lombok, in the mangrove forests was found: (1) 13 types of major mangrove in Benoa Bay including Rhizophora, Sonneratia, Bruguiera, Avicennia and Ceriops; (2) 9 types of minor mangrove such as Xylocarpus, Aegiceras and Heritiera; (3) 28 types of associated mangrove including Acanthus, Ipomea, Barringtonia and Clerodendoron; (4) 62 types of bird; (5) 32 types of crustaceans; and (6) 10 types of reptile. These species appear in showcases at the mangrove center.
Condition of the mangrove forest has declined through the years because of alteration of its function as shown by layers of shrimp embankments, and the excessive falling of trees. Department of Indonesian Forestry took measures to improve the condition of the Suwung Kauh mangrove forest through the Development Project of Sustainable Mangrove Forest Management aided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), resulting in a model sustainable management. Other results of the project are the issuance of the Guidebook on Planting and Seabed and a booklet on the mangroves in this country, and the rehabilitation of 253 hectares of mangrove forest.
Though action has been taken to improve the condition, the deterioration of mangroves has worsened as the efforts have not been sufficient. The budget has also been limited due to the economic crisis, which meant that the project was only continued from 15 May 2001 by means of informative action of clarification on sustainable mangrove forestry management.
The Mangrove Information Center Project had a support action to increase the awareness and actions by related parties projected to end on 14 May 2004. There have been two main sub-programs and three supporting sub-programs, targeted at developing the training activities and realizing the training tests to formulate a training program and the execution of a range of surveys as well as case studies.
The sub-program consists of eco-tourism towards the development of a mangrove park at the project site by establishing a visitors’ information center, museum, touch pool and trail, and conducting tour guide training with an aim to disseminate information useful to the general public. On the other hand, the environmental education sub-program aims to provide the public with the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge about the mangrove ecosystem through various activities.

Welcoming Christmas in Bali

Christmas 2008 is about to arrive at our doorstep. There is no snow here in Bali. However, do not worry since Bali has a rather similar ambience, namely the cold breeze of rainy season falling intermittently since last October. Hopefully this would not dampen the merriness and solemnity of the festive season.

The Christian community in Bali definitely prepares everything for the festivity at least a week in advance. Every household has their own special food and drink intended for welcoming this holy day. Essentially it’s how to make this sacred and momentous day so meaningful and impressive. Another preparation that is no less important is decorating the Christmas tree with distinctive ornaments and colorful lights.
Meanwhile, a unique spectacle in relation to the festivity is that some churches install penjor, a popular local decorative element made of bamboo pole and embellished with young palm or coconut leaf, and circled bamboo entrance gate festooned with shredded palm leaf. Local Hindus regularly apply the penjor on temple anniversary and human life-cycle rites. The difference between these two penjors lies in the use of ritual paraphernalia like bamboo shrine, ubag-abig (festooned coconut leaf paraphernalia) and so forth used for Hindu ceremonies. Another distinctive feature is devotees of churches at suburban or rural areas usually dress in traditional Balinese attire. These indicate an adoption of local traditions and maintain close relationship of Balinese Christian to its local roots. Besides, interfaith harmony has been well maintained through the ages on this paradise island.
Visitors who would like to celebrate this momentous festivity on the island would be well advised to book their accommodation early if they do not want to be ‘homeless’ in Bali. As in previous years, hotels, villas and other accommodation are usually fully booked. Many domestic visitors also flood this island staying until the celebration of New Year. Similarly, they want to enjoy the annual moment on the paradise island known to have endless uniqueness and festivals all the year around.
During this period there is one magnificent event that would be a pity to miss, namely the Christmas Eve Dinner. Chefs of hotels and local restaurants at leading tourist resorts like Sanur, Ubud, Kuta and Nusa Dua certainly have prepared special menus for this annual celebration. On that account, enjoy each tempting splendor and delicacy while inhaling the atmosphere of festivity.
Holidaying in Bali would not be complete without exploring its culture and nature. Add some excursion on your day program. There are a wide variety of tourist objects and attractions to enjoy like the Denpasar city tour program looking closely at some monuments and daily activities at the biggest traditional market on the island; water and land adventures or island excursion with the visit beginning at the Barong and Kris Dance stage.
In short, celebrating the festive season in Bali would give you an advantage. Firstly, you could immortalize the sacred day on a peaceful island and secondly, share with family or friends an unforgettable holiday filled with various enjoyments and attractions. Merry Christmas!

Bunaken Marine Park

The Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi is a tourist resort relying on the undersea charms. Splendor of various kinds of marine coral and colorful decorative fish has made the area well known to foreign countries. In fact, in May 2009, the World Ocean Conference (WOC) involving 125 countries has been organized at the resort. Without exception, it could become an attraction to all.

Prior to the organization of such world event, journalist team from Bali Province chaired by Public Relations Bureau and Regional Secretariat of Bali Province, I Nyoman Puasha Aryana stole the start to observe the magnificence of this marine tourist resort. In fact, it’s true that a number of 40 journalists felt amazed to see the charming panorama in the depth of 200 meters, filled with coral reefs and embellished by myriad of decorative fish.
Two boats with an average capacity of 20-30 passengers had been provided for the company at Marina Plaza, the special location used as departure point for tourists to Bunaken Island. The journey to location was so intriguing. Huge waves and high winds made passengers shout. However, it did not stop them from feeling happy. Bunaken Marine Park is situated at Manado Bay and surrounded by some beautiful islets like Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain Island.
After sailing for 45 hours, participants arrived at the waters of Bunaken Island. The company was then transferred to two motorized boats that are specially designed with glass base. From above the glass base participants could see the beauty of undersea panorama. The area offers the attraction of diving and snorkeling activities. Especially for snorkeling, it is recommended to do in the morning.
According to the boatman, the one-way service charge for snorkeling activity is IDR 150,000 and an additional IDR 60,000 for diving. Meanwhile, for tourist excursion by boat he charges IDR 750,000 per boat.
Bunaken Island retains several harmoniously chic resorts. Simple premises established there reflect the local customary traditions and culture. Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions the company was unable to drop in on the island. The marine park is used by three marine tourism operators and each has 12-18 boats.
According to Marko, an owner/operator of one such marine tourism operation, the destination is visited by many tourists during the period of July-August and December-January. Meanwhile during holidays, visitors are willing to queue for up to 30 minutes. “Other than domestic tourists, the destination is also visited by foreign tourists such as from Singapore and those who have enjoyed Jakarta and Bali,” he said.
He added that to operate the boats a license costing IDR 100,000 per boat per six months is issued by the Manado Office of Transportation Services. In the meantime, contribution to Manado Government Tourism Office has not been performed yet. “As a matter of fact, there has been a regulation on the contribution of marine tourism entrepreneurs to government but it does not work yet,” he explained. Then, to maintain the marine biota, Marko stated that the officers always undertake a patrol. “Should there be any illegal fishmongers catching fish that can destroy the marine biota a strict action will be taken against them,” he revealed.
While hosting the journalistic tour the Assistant of Administration and Social Affairs of North Sulawesi Provincial Government, HR Makagansa, accompanied by George Ruata, North Sulawesi Office of Fishery Services, said that such international meeting involves a number of heads of states, researchers and international organizations discussing forestry and coastal territory related to global warming and climate change. “In addition, the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) meeting will also be organized that will engage a number of countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam together with country partners like the United States and Australia,” he explained.
Such countries include the “coral triangle zone” retaining the greatest coral reef in the world. On that occasion, the Marine Bunaken Park will be inaugurated as a World Heritage site. Its coral reef which is rich in everlasting flora and fauna has a great influence in diminishing the global warming and climate change. “Conference on the undersea nature conservation and coastal territory is the first of its kind held in the world and North Sulawesi is entrusted to become the organizing host,” said Makagansa.
Previously, the company performing journalistic tour from 20-23 November also visited the fishermen’s activity at the complex of Bitung Archipelagic Fishery Port and Tetelu Whitewater Fish Cultivation at Dimembe sub district, North Minahasa Regency having the predicate as the leading supplier of fish and hatchlings for Eastern Zone of Indonesia.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Entering the 10th year, Bali Travel News remains present amongst the loyal readers since it was first published on Friday, 4 December 1998. We have performed every single endeavor to make Bali Travel News a handy guide for tourists who are spending their marvelous holidays in Bali. Since the very beginning we have always featured a wide variety of information about Balinese culture that at all times is open and very tolerant to external elements.

Bali still uses and preserves the Balinese calendar which has a cycle of 210 days per year. However, due to its openness to external cultures, other calendar systems like the Gregorian, (Arabian) Hijriah and Chinese calendar also become a daily reference for Balinese community. Even the (Indian) Saka calendar is used by the community to determine its New Year named Nyepi festivity (Day of Silence) falling in March, based on Gregorian calendar.
On that account, all management and staff of Bali Travel News would like to wish all Christians using the Gregorian calendar and celebrating their holy event on 25 December a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. At the end, hopefully you’ll find reading Bali Travel News interesting reading!

About Bali

Bali is currently known as Paradise Island. Therefore, the international area is considered Bali tourist destination that should be visited because disampin scenery is very beautiful in Bali, residents also friendly, unique culture, Bali is a world where business transactions.