Bali Update

Om Swastiastu …

Landslides in north Bali at Buleleng have partially closed several main roads and caused the deaths of two small children over the past weekend.

Bali Association of Travel Agents (ASITA) is up in arms over the mismanagements of Bali’s airport and is also threatening to boycott two major tourist sites that unilaterally increased admission charges by 100%.

A problem of land access has arisen at the Simpang Siur Underpass project; there’s a 33% increase in budget for the sophisticated Bali Crisis Center to address natural disasters in Bali; and Kuta citizens are taking steps to regain control on their streets, asking nightspots to close by 2 a.m..

In aviation news: Air New Zealand will commence a short-season of flights from Auckland to Bali on June 20, 2012; Air passengers in Indonesia increased 13% in 2011; Merpati Nusantara has been named as the Indonesian carrier most likely to cancel a flight; Singapore Airlines profits plunge against declining passenger demand worldwide; and Mandala Airline prepares to become airborne again in April.

For you number crunchers we look at arrivals nationwide and we present a detailed analysis of Bali arrivals in 2011 in the latest installment of “Bali by the Numbers.”

We’ve also got news on Denpasar’s subsidies for youth groups to encourage Ogoh-Ogoh production for the eve before Hari Nyepi.

We also take a look at Baby Spas in Bali.

NOTE: Due to issues with their venue, the programs of Sanur Film Nights announced in last week’s Bali Update has been cancelled.

Looking Ahead:

• Michelin Chef Marcello Fabbri in Residence at St. Regis Bali February 18-22, 2012
• Exhibition of Painting by 7 Indonesian Artists at TAKSU Gallery Through February 16, 2012
• Bali Spirit sponsors a free concert in downtown Ubud on February 8, 2012 to encourage a continuing dialogue on HIV/AIDS in Bali.
• Vienna Mélange in Bali – Viennese Food and Classical Music at Maca Villas on Saturday, February 11, 2012
• Join the great Chili Cook Off set to start in Ubud on February 19,
• Bali Life Foundation Fund Raising Weekend at Karma Kandara Resort together with chef Luke Mangan February 24-26, 2012
• “Sound of Life” a fund-raising tribute to Ibu Robin Lim – Bali’s very own CNN Hero of the Year on February 26, 2012
• Visit FHT 2012 – a major hotel and restaurant show at Nusa Dua March 1-3, 2012
• 3 Dimensions of asie.one at the Ganesha Gallery February 9 – April 2, 2012
• Grey Line – Dance and Art meet at the Gaya Art Space in Ubud February 4-March 4, 2012.
• Australian culinary celebrity Tony Bilson appears at the InterContinental Bali February 17-19, 2012
• BII Maybank Bali Marathon on Sunday, April 22, 2012
• The 6th Annual BIZNET Bali International Triathlon returns on June 26, 2012. www.balitriathlon.com

See the exciting video clip on “Devdan – Treasures of the Archipelago” – the latest breathtaking theatrical show opening the Nusa Dua Theatre.

Keep the news coming and advertise your products on Bali Discovery and Bali Update

Support the advertisers who make Bali Update possible.

Contact Bali Discovery for assistance in finding accommodation in Bali over the coming holiday season.

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/BaliUpdateEd

Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om …

J.M. Daniels, Editor
Bali Update
Bali Discovery Tours