Bali Travel Newspaper Vol. 1 No. 18

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”THK Awa rd the ca s & re A f

on” is focu itati d co ssing d e nser r ple an v on cc

t of Bali, piri e s nature. f

Vol. I, No. 18  October 11 - 24, 2011

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IDR. 2,000 Publisher : Wisnu Wardana; Address : Jl. Melati 43 Denpasar, Bali-Indonesia ; Phone/fax (0361) 227610 Email : info@www-balitravelnews.com ; Licence/SIUPK : 0094 / 22-09 / PK / I / 2011; TDP : 22.09.5.52.00072

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HE BALI Barat National Park was founded in 1941 and its main aim was to protect the Bali Starling and the last of the wild banteng banteng,, from which most of the Balinese cattle descend.

The park lies in the most western part of Bali and today it comprises a total area of 19,000 ha. The original park used to extend much further to the east than it does today and comprised about 77,000 ha.

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No. 18  11 - 24 October, 2011

Once again Community-Based Tourism (CBT)

By Jan Hendrik Peters Strategic Advisor THK Foundation

These stakeholders work together from the very beginning and are committed to cooperation and solidarity with the village.

Strategic team

More than ever it is the right time to start CBT in the traditional villages at the country side. The adat in these villages will be a unique opportunity for international tourists to experience the beauty and culture of the real Bali.

that unjustly discredited the governor and in his slipstream all traditional villages on Bali that are the soul of the real Bali. And mind you, there are more than 1000 traditional villages all over Bali!

After this protest by the governor against the Bali Post I feel even more confident to push CBT on Bali. More important, also the villages will feel more confident knowing that their way of life is the right direction to go.

Discovering the real Bali

The governor of Bali versus Bali Post When I was preparing this article about CBT, someone came along and showed me the daily newspaper Bali Post with a leading article on the front page about a religious dispute between two traditional villages somewhere on the island. I was immediately triggered not so much by the religious dispute that has to be solved, but much more by the comment given by the governor of Bali. In the context of this religious dispute the governor would have said that the concept of the traditional village (in Balinese Desa Pakraman or Desa Adat) was on its return. Really, I could not believe my eyes of what the newspaper alleged the governor had said; was that really what the governor of Bali has said? If that was true, I would do better to stop promoting CBT, because this development was focused on the traditional village and the philosophy of THK as the life philosophy of the Balinese living in these villages. I couldn’t believe that this comment was a true report of the interview with the governor. A governor with this kind of ideas would never be elected as governor. Moreover, I had my own experience, the opposite of what would have been said in the interview, namely that the governor of Bali is a fervent supporter of the traditional village in which the THK can be considered as the soul of the real Bali.

Some days after this disastrous article in Bali Post I was relieved when the governor reacted furiously by denying all allegations by the Bali Post and claimed that the Bali Post would apologize and pay a large sum of money that would be distributed among the traditional villages on Bali. With that money the traditional villages would get some compensation for the negative publication

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Chief Editor : Wisnu Wardana; Publicist: Jan Hendrik Peters, KG. Dharma Putra, Journalists/contributors: Torsten Thierbach, Gung Man, Krisna; Marketing : Made Yudha ; Secretariate : Dewi ; Address : Jl. Melati 43 Denpasar, BaliIndonesia ; 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.

Community-based tourism (CBT) on Bali has been discussed for many years and many efforts have been done to develop CBT on Bali, but so far without success. In spite of their good intentions most initiatives are stranded because of naivety and amateurism. People just simply started without any idea or vision about the objectives of CBT and what action was needed for successful implementation. So it is not astonishing that CBT with a few exceptions up until now has been a failure and worse that most villages have lost all optimism and are left behind frustrated. It will not be easy to mobilize these villages again and to convince them that CBT is a new development that has to be realized at the countryside of Bali. It means that tourists who stay for some time in one of the hotels in the south of Bali will use the opportunity to go for several days to the traditional village where they will experience the beauty and culture of the real Bali.

Under the umbrella of THK It is easy to say but introducing CBT on Bali is absolutely not that easy and will have a big impact on the daily life of the villagers. If a village would like to develop CBT, it will proclaim before anything else that the philosophy of THK has unconditionally to be respected. Initiatives such as CBT can only succeed under the umbrella of THK. Don’t forget, THK is the life philosophy of the Balinese, living in the traditional village and being involved in all kinds of ceremonies and rituals. This lifestyle will be the incentive for international tourists to experience the real Bali, as it was in the 1930s; but indeed, much different from the life of the Balinese in the South, that has changed dramatically by mass tourism and urbanization. The image of paradise on earth in this part of Bali has faded away. This same effect could happen at the countryside by the introduction of CBT. This would be a disaster and has to be prevented by all means. The proclamation of THK as life philosophy is the best remedy to guarantee the preservation of culture in the traditional village, for now and in the future. And this proclamation will pave the way for a successful implementation of CBT on Bali.

Feasibility study If enough time will be spent to the different phases of introduction, CBT will develop successfully. The first condition in the process of developing CBT is to draw a feasibility study in which the outline of CBT (desa wisata) is designed. This feasibility study is an important document in which the terms of reference will be discussed and improved by all share- or stakeholders.

Although the village is the most important member of the strategic team of stakeholders, it is clear that the head of the village can not fix it alone and needs to be supported by others from outside. These stakeholders from outside the village have still an interest in CBT and exactly this interest is their motivation to participate in CBT as a new development in Bali tourism. After deciding about the terms of reference, an action plan will be detailed including a time schedule and a budget. As soon as these conditions are matched, the operation CBT can start. When everyone knows where to go and what has to be done, the village is ready for take-off. Starting the motor means that the point of no return has been passed and that CBT is airborne. The moment the first tourists appear in the village, the community feels proud to show them the assets of the village, their way of living and all the beauty and culture of that place. And the tourists will get the ultimate experience of the real Bali, unforgettable and exciting, of which they will tell their children and grandchildren about when they are back home. That has to be the ambition of CBT, namely to provide an unforgettable experience to the tourists visiting Bali. Sorry to say, but if tourists go home without this experience, they have missed the added-value of Bali. Whatever they may have done such as swimming, relaxing on the beach, dining at night and even making some trips to the countryside, it is fine but unfortunately, they did not experience the real Bali with all its spirituality and artistry, as a peak during their stay on Bali. That’s a pity for both Bali and the tourist, so let us try hard to develop CBT successfully, which would be win-win for all.

A winning team Although officials are always speaking of share- and stakeholders, I would prefer to speak of partners. Shareholders for sure and in a way also stakeholders are generally speaking more motivated by making money and profit than by idealism. When profits are lacking, they give up and switch to other projects that seem more profitable, while partners are much more motivated by idealistic considerations. CBT is a process which takes time, has to be developed step by step and can absolutely not be realized in a hurry. People or organizations that just want to make money on the short term, do better to stay away from CBT and invest in more commercial activities. But it would be a misunderstanding to presume that CBT would be an activity that has to be subsidized all the way long. That really would be a big mistake. It is like a baby that has to grow up with the help of its parents, but this relation of dependency will be transformed into independency when the child is grown up and can take care for his own life. It depends on the specific situation and on the number of international tourists that will visit the village, how long it will take before CBT becomes profitable. The CBT team will change into a winning team as soon as desa wisata is running well and makes profit.

Partners committed to CBT Five partners have committed themselves to develop CBT on Bali. These five partners are convinced that if they work to-

gether as one team, CBT will be successfully implemented. Each partner has his own specific expertise and is complementary to the others.

The first partner is the traditional village that has chosen for the development as desa wisata on the one condition that this desa wistata is fitting into the philosophy of THK. The villagers realize that their village will change the moment international tourists will come, but are motivated because their profile as desa wisata will be improved in which religious spirituality, artistry and daily life of the farmer (subak) can be considered as the roots of the real Bali. The welfare of the villagers will be increased by the extra income of CBT. The second partner is the government of the regency who has decided that CBT has to be promoted in so-called desa wisata.

These desa wisata will be selected on different criteria. There are three types of desa wisata, located respectively amidst the rice fields (the life of the ‘wet’ farmer), in mountainous area (the life of the ‘dry’ farmer) and nearby the sea (the life of the fisherman).

The funding for the development of desa wisata will be provided by regency government. With the development of desa wisata a serious effort will be made to preserve the real Bali.

The third partner will be the Bali Butler Academy (BBA). This organization that is familiar with the quality of service in starrated hotels, will contribute to the development of desa wisata by training the villagers in the basics of hospitality. If international tourists will stay for some days in the village, a basic level of professionalism is needed to welcome the visitors and organize their home stay.

As the fourth partner the THK association of hotels that already implemented THK in their hotels, will support desa wisata in all aspects of management, sales and marketing. International tourists, who will stay for some time in one of their hotels and want to experience the real Bali, will be recommended to stay in desa wisata.

This referral will be win-win for both hotel and desa wisata. International tourists will highly appreciate the hotel that is referring them to desa wisata to experience the unforgettable Bali. Star-rated hotel and desa wisata are complimentary to each other and a combination of these two will be exciting.

Tourists will taste the best of two worlds.

Last but not least Bali Travel Newspaper will be the fifth partner, supporting desa wisata in public relations and communication. The recently established Center of THK Studies will do applied research to all aspects of CBT and will evaluate the development of desa wisata.

Desa wisata Baha, an inspiring model If these five partners will do what they promise, I am sure desa wisata will become a new branch on the tree of Bali tourism.

The proof of the pudding is the eating, so let’s start. The regency of Badung will be in the lead and has already selected the traditional village of Baha as desa wisata.

In this village a model of desa wisata will be developed, that easily can be copied elsewhere in Badung or where ever you want.

Desa wisata Baha will start in the beginning of 2012. The other desa wisata in Badung will follow a half year later. 

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No. 18  11 - 24 October, 2011

III

New Director of Sales

of The Royal Beach Seminyak THE ROYAL Beach Seminyak Bali proudly announces the ‘new comer’ in the Royal Team: Niken Pandanwangi as the new Director of Sales; fully responsible on sales and reservation team.

Niken is not really ‘new’ to the team as she just left to pursue another opportunity about a year ago. Starting her career with Accor on 2007, she joined as Senior Sales Manager of Sofitel Seminyak and has supported the team during rebranding process to MGallery on early 2010. With her long experience in sales and well spread & solid networking, she was one of the best candidates to fill the position.

Stephane Bryer, General Manager of the hotel says, “We were looking for a highly qualified person to lead the sales team in the hotel.

With the new market penetration strategy and the expectation that I have set for them, it was not easy to find a suitable person.

I believe Niken is the one for the position and she will be able to work hand by hand with the marketing and revenue team to reach the goal.”

Facing the current market situation, the hotel needs a solid team not only to survive but also to become benchmark of five star hotels with unique and memorable services. “It is nice to be back and to get another opportunity to work with this team again. I believe that together we will able to give our best performance to reach the target and to be better than before,” Niken says.

About MGallery MGallery is a collection of upscale hotels that are remarkable in their personality. They will appeal to individual travelers looking for dis-

tinctive services or seeking a place with a true soul.

Whether located downtown or in prime tourist areas, each hotel in the collection offers a distinctive setting in which guests will enjoy an original hotel experience reflecting a philosophy of pleasure.

Launched in September 2008

by Accor, it now extends to the five continents with 30 properties and will comprise more than 40 hotels by year-end. More information about the hotels in the MGallery collection is available on the mgallery.com website.

About Accor Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with 4,100 hotels and close to 500,000 rooms. Accor’s broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, hotelF1 and Motel 6, and its related activities, Thalassa sea & spa and Lenôtre - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise.  BTNewspaper/PR

Inauguration of GIPI Bali

“Prioritizing CultureBased Tourism” IN ACCORDANCE with the mandate of Law No.10/2009 concerning tourism, the Indonesia Association of Tourism Industry (GIPI) of Bali formerly known as Bali Tourism Board (BTB), Friday (Sep 23) installed the stewardship for the tenure of 2011-2016. The inauguration was carried out by Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika. The event taking place in Wiswa Sabha Building in the Bali Governor’s Office, came off solemnly and in a familial atmosphere.

In his speech, Governor of Bali conveyed that GIPI would later on serve as the partners of government in managing tourism in Bali.

Meanwhile, the community involvement was expected to support the potential in their respective regions. “Increase the role of community to build the potential in their regions. By doing so, they will be able to enjoy the tourism,” said the Governor.

In addition, he also reminded to always implement the tourism based on culture because the cultural tourism was important and had been becoming a trend in all countries, even in the countries overwhelmed by a war. “We congratulate the elected board. Hopefully, the focused tourism development can be realized by consolidation among the members of GIPI,” said Mangku Pastika. Meanwhile, elected as Chairman of the GIPI Bali was Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya.  BTNewpaper/Krishna Composition of the Board of GIPI Bali consists of: Advisory Council: Chief of Customary Village General Assembly; Chairman of the Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI Bali); Chairman of the Indonesia Association of Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA Bali); Chairman of the Bali Tourist Transport (PAWIBA); Chairman of the Indonesia Tour Guides Association (HPI Bali); Chairman of the Society of Indonesia Professional Convention Organizers (SIPCO Bali); Chairman of the Recreation Park Business Association of Indonesia (PUTRI Bali); Chairman of the Indonesian Marine Tourism Association (Gahawisri Bali); Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA Bali & NT Chapter); Chairman of Bali Village Association; Chairman of the Tourism College of Indonesia (Hildiktipari Bali).

Board of Ethics: I Gde Ardika; Nyoman Madiun; Prof. Dr. I Gde Pitana; Ferry Markus and Paul E. Tallo Executives: Chairman: Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya; Vice Chairman I: Bagus Sudibya; Vice Chairman II: Herdy Sayogha; Secretary General: I Njoman Suwidjana; Secretary II: Putu Juarez Robin Putra; Treasurer: Bagus Soediana; Treasurer II: Nyoman Kirtya.

Division of Secretariat, Organization, Law and Press Management: 1. Sang Putu Subaya; 2. I Ketut Ardana; 3. Hartono.

“Our Place... Our Planet...

Our Responsibility”: SKBBA TO CELEBRATE ‘Clean Up The World’ Weekend, 16 to 18 September 2011, the South Kuta Beach Business Association (SKBBA) organised a beach cleaning. Hotels, restaurants, schools and tourist attractions located in the South Kuta Beach area participated in this environmental action and gathered together at 6.30 AM to remove waste from the South Kuta beach along the front of the resorts.

Everybody worked together in cleaning up large amounts of rubbish such as, plastic, cans,

bottles and sandals that had been washed ashore. The cleaning event was to highlight the need for cleaner tourism and most importantly to have local community awareness of the importance of a clean environment.

An environmental quiz was organized for the senior high school students to support this awareness amongst the younger generation as well. For more information please contact: Dede; South Kuta Beach Business Association’s Secretary; c/o Bali Dynasty Resort; e-mail: gmsec@balidynasty.com

Division of Destination, Research & Development, Human Resources and Socio-Culture: 1. Anak Agung Suryawan Wiranatha; 2. Tjokorda Gede Putra Sukawati; 3. Anak Agung Rai; 4. Dewa Sudjana; 5. Made Sudjana; 6. Ketut Putra Suarthana; 7. Kompiang Aya. Division of Promotion, Marketing, Investment, Public Relations and Fund-Raising: 1. Ismoyo S. Soemarlan; 2. Gilda Sagrado; 3. Eka Mahadewi; 4. Eddy Putra.

Experts Forum: 1. I Gusti Bagus Yudhara; 2. John K. Panca; 3. Hadi Taryoto; 4. I Gde Nurjaya; 5. Ida Bagus Surakusuma (Lolec); 6. I Gusti Agung Prana; 7. I Made Mandra; 8. Ida Bagus Sidhartha Putra; 9. Dr. Dewa Palguna; 10.

I Nyoman Karya; 11. I Komang Nova Sewi Putra; 12. Putu Agus Suradnyana; 13. Tjokorda Raka Kerthyasa; 14. Made Suparta Karang; 15. Dr. Ketut Gede Dharma Putra.

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No. 18  11 - 24 October, 2011

Indonesian Chef Association

THE Indonesian Chef Association (ICA) Bali Chapter organized a meeting on Wednesday (Sep 28) in Grand Istana Rama Hotel. The monthly event discussed agendas that would be handled

by ICA Bali, such as the Kintamani Festival, Sanur Village Festival, Melapa

Melapi THK Awards in November and Denpasar Festival. IB Parwata as Chairman of the ICA Bali said that his party would participate actively in all the culinary events in Bali and it had become an annual agenda.  BTNewspaper/ Photo by: Krisna

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No. 18  11 - 24 October, 2011

Oceanfront Paradise REGARDED as a Classic Balinese hotel with modern facilities, Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa is an Oceanfront paradise. Expansive grounds, a white sandy beach and panoramic ocean views are the setting for a relaxing holiday in the most beautiful surroundings.

In a strategic location, just steps away from all that which Kuta and Legian are famous for: excellent shopping, traditional art markets, dining, clubbing, water sport and more. Bali Mandira offers world class dining and spa facilities to cater to your every need.

Located on Legian Kuta Beach and surrounded by spectacular lush tropical gardens, the Resort is truly a haven of paradise.

Well known for its friendly staff and the warm Balinese hospitality, we ensure a truly wonderful stay for every guest.  BTNewspaper/PR

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin in Bali on ’Working Holiday’ FORMER Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, in self-imposed exile from his homeland, held a series of meetings during a three-day stay in Bali this week, The Bali Times can reveal.

The billionaire telecoms businessman, whose sister Yingluck became Thailand’s prime minister in July, arrived in Bali by private jet recently.

Thaksin stayed and held the meetings at the presidential villa of C151 Seminyak, a complex of luxury villas, while aides took up five other villas.

Among those visiting the former Thai leader were a number of Thais who flew in for the meetings, and his sister Yowvares Shinawatra.

Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and sentenced in absentia to two years’ prison in 2008 for corruption, said he was “always on business and rarely on holiday.” The 62-year-old had favourite Thai cuisine flown in from his native land – a 4.5-hour flight from Bali – during his stay, and also enjoyed the traditional Indonesian meat-

ball dish bakso.

C151 Resorts owner Hanno Soth said Thaksin felt at home in Bali. “He said he finds the Hindu culture of Bali similar to Thailand and the style of service like in Thailand. He said he plans to return.”

Last week around 6,000 “Red Shirt” Thaksin supporters took to the streets of Bangkok to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the 2006 coup. Separately, Thailand’s anti-corruption agency said that Yingluck’s wealth amounted to 541 million baht (US$17 million). The National Counter Corruption Commission also said that Yingluck’s husband had debts of 369.7 million baht. The Thai Supreme Court seized $1.4 billion of Thaksin’s wealth in 2010 for abuse of power, estimated to be more than half of his fortune.

V

Anantara Bali wins Green Globe Highest Achievement Award ANANTARA Seminyak Resort & Spa was the very first hotel in all of Bali to be awarded Green Globe Certification under Green Globe’s revised standards. Even more impressive than this pioneering status, within the very first year of certification, the luxury resort has won the “Green Globe Highest Achievement Award: Asia 2011”, thanks to a wealth of significant environmental, social and cultural preservation efforts.

The esteemed environmental award is given to the business which gains the highest score against Green Globe’s 320 sustainability indicators, as well as demonstrating a commitment to its specific destination.

In the Asian region, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa attained 76% of the sustainability indicators for hotels and resorts, while the boutique retreat’s commitment to protecting the Seminyak coastline was viewed as equally impressive.

Ivan Casadevall, General Manager for Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali, comments: “I am delighted that our efforts have benefited the local environment and community so greatly. Green Globe Certification is the travel and tourism industry’s worldwide hallmark for sustainability, and recognition such as the “Highest Achievement Award for Asia 2011” highlights Anantara Seminyak’s sincere commitment to operating in an environmentally, socially and culturally responsible manner.”

The accolade comes just as Anantara Golden Triangle proudly achieved Green Globe Certification, making the luxurious resort the very first Anantara in Thailand to be rewarded with this status under Green Globe’s high standards.

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide hallmark for sustainability in the travel and tourism industry, and this recognition highlights Anantara’s Golden Triangle’s sincere commitment to a continued focus on the environment through a broad spectrum of initiatives.  BTNewspaper/Vicky Karantzavelou/www.traveldailynews.com

Meanwhile, Yingluck and her Puea Thai party are considering an amnesty for politicians that may include Thaksin. Asked where Thaksin was departing for as he left Bali, his personal assistant said, “Only God and Thaksin know the answer.”  BTNewspaper/The Bali Times

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Cover Story

VI National Park in Bali N

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No. 18  11 - 24 October, 2011

THE BALI Barat National Park was founded in 1941 and its main aim was to protect the Bali Starling and the last of the wild banteng, from which most of the Balinese cattle descend.

Regencies of Buleleng and Jembrana (Province of Bali); Temperature 33° C (on average); Rainfall 972 - 1,550 mm/year; Altitude 0 - 1,414 m asl.; Geographical location 114°25’ 114°34’ E; 8°05’ - 8°15’ S

The park lies in the most western part of Bali and today it comprises a total area of 19,000 ha. The original park used to extend much further to the east than it does today and comprised about 77,000 ha.

Marine protected areas

The Bali Barat Park is mountainous and consists of primary monsoon forest, mangrove forest (310 ha.), lowland rain forest, savanna, sea grass vegetation types (40 ha.), coral reefs (810 ha.), sandy beaches, and both shallow and deep sea waters (3,520 ha.). Accessibility and land use within the National Park is bound to a zoning system which defines the degree of allowed activities.

The park is surrounded by six villages with a varied ethnic population (Balinese, Javanese, Madurese and Bugis). Administratively these villages are either governed by the regents of Buleleng or Jembrana.

The peninsular Prapat Agung, with its extensive web of footpaths, is the most accessible part of the park. The cape is cut off from the rest of the reserve by the main Singaraja-Gilamanuk road as well as by the forestry plantations inland of Teluk Terima. The best snorkeling is done in the area of Menjangan island, with hectares of colorful coral reefs.

Geography Designated: Minister of Forestry, SK.No.493/Kpts-II/95, a total area of 19,002.89 hectares; Location:

The Bali Barat National Park shows a high bio diversity in a relatively small area. In 1998, 110 species of coral belonging to 18 families were recorded, of which 22 species were of the mushroom coral family (there are just 29 species of mushroom coral recorded worldwide!), and there were at least 27 species of Acropora coral found in an area as big as only 2 ha.

The Marine reserve includes the cape shores and several sanctuary islands, a haunt for seabirds, in the bay of Gilimanuk, on the island of Menjangan and the excellent coral reefs surrounding it. The good drop-offs on Menjangan’s south side are only surpassed by the particularly superb reefs on its northern shores. The island is a popular spot for locals and tourists wishing to dive for a variety of fish and coral reef exploration.There are no dangerous currents to contend with in this area.

Flora The Park has 175 species of plants, 14 of which are endangered species like bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), ketangi (Lagerstroemia speciosa), burahol (Stelechocarpus burahol), cendana, or sandalwood (Santalum album), and sonokeling (Dalbergia latifolia).

Birds With about 160 different spe-

cies Bali Barat National Park is a paradise for bird-watchers. At Tegal Bunder you will find the Bali Starling Recovery Project where the PHPA is trying to reintroduce the Bali Starling, one of the most endangered species of birds of the world.

The Bali starling or Rotschild’s Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) is also the mascot of the Park. It loves a clean habitat and has a short flying range. Being easy to catch, this species needs special care and protection to safeguard its decreasing population.

The wildlife consist mostly of sea and shore birds, the most conspicuous being the Brown Boobies and Lesser Frigate birds. There are two colonies of Terns that nest on a sandy cay at the entrance to Teluk Lumpur (also known as Mud Bay) whilst the Frigates and Boobies roost on Pulau Burung.

The number of White Starlings left in the wild is unknown.

Other birds you will find in the National Park: Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), Blacknaped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis), Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica), Edible-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia

fuciphaga), White-bellied Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta), Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica), Crested Treeswift (Hemiprocne coronata), White-breasted Wood-Swallow (Artamus leucorhynchus), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Redrumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica), Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach), Striated Warbler (Megalurus palustris), Collared Kingfisher (Halycon chloris), Sacred Kingfisher (Halycon sancta), Javan Kingfisher (Halycon cyaniventris), Small Kingfisher (Alcedo caerulescens), Rufousbacked Kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsus), Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), Racket-tailed Treepie (Crypsirina temia), Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis), Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis), Collared Scops-Owl (Otus bakkamoena), Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela), Javan Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia bitorquata), Banded Pitta (Pitta guajana), Mangrove White-eye (Zosterops chloris), Lesser Adjutant (Leptopilus javanicus), Great ThickKnee (Esacus magnirostris).

Animals A variety of animals can be found in the National Park, among

others: Banteng (Bos javanicus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis), Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Ebony Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), Barking Deer or Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Pangolin or Trenggiling (Manis javanicus), Large Flying Fox or Kalong (Pteropus vampyrus), Black Giant Squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Water Monitor (Varanus salvator).

How to reach the Park Bali Barat National Park is easy accessible from Gilimanuk, the ferry port where ferries to and from Java come and go. Gilimanuk is reached by ferry from Java or by bus from Denpasar or Singaraja. From Gilimanuk take a minibus or ojek to Cekik for the last three kilometer. Here you will find the PHPA headquarters. An other entry point is Labuhan Lalang, accessible by minibus from Gilimanuk. Labuhan Lalang lies at the main road to Singaraja, which cuts through the park. To reach Menjangan island you can hire a motorboat from Labuhan Lalang (30-40 min).  BTNewspaper/Int

Melia Bali Wins Bipartite Award 2011

Tree Plantation at Melia Bali

MELIÁ Bali is honored to be awarded by the Minister of Labor with the 2011 Bipartite Award as an acknowledgement of the achievements in establishing excellent management-employee relations.

TWO coconut trees were planted at Meliá Bali garden on Saturday, September 17 th, 2011 afternoon. As a part of community involvement, Meliá Bali initiates to organize tree plantation with repeater guests as a reward for loyalty during this time, planting is done by Mr/s. Savill and Mr/s. Mayes who stayed at the resort on more than 20 visits vacasions. Attended by the Room Division Manager of Meliá Bali Mr. I Ketut Murdana, Costumer Care Manager Mr. Hermawan Budisatria and Ms. Carmen Hernandez our Responsible RRPP Espana.

Melia which includes three hotels in Bali topped a long list of companies inspected by ministry officials. The selection criteria included the level of communications openness between management and employees, as well as the extent of management’s willingness to fulfill obligation to the employees and

vice versa. Putu Satyawira Mahendra represented Melia Bali at the award ceremony held in Jakarta this week.

One of Meliã Bali’s commitments is to employee development, which led the resort to win a number of local and international awards in 2010 and 2011. This activity highlights the resort’s commitment to improving, maintaining and developing a better working atmosphere for its staff with a 2011 target for 100 percent understanding of staff rights and responsibilities when working at the resort. BTNewspaper/PR

Beach Clean Up Day

by Melia Bali MELIA Bali held a regular Cleaning Blitz Program for the resort’s area organized by Safety & Environment and Human Resources Departments to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment around the Hotel, a simple act for a greener environment.

This activity highlights the Meliá Bali’s commitment to sustainable tourism as Asia’s only EarthCheck Platinum Certified company. In line with the resort’s commitment to implement one of the 12 values hotel philosophies which states “we are committed to preserving a clean and

green environment”, more than 40 staffs joined the program picked up all the plastic garbage, proper solid waste disposal, cigarette buts and others.  BTNewspaper/PR

The tree plantation program is also in conjunction with one of the Tri Hita Karana principals which is relationship between Human and Nature. Tri Hita Karana is a living guidance for Balinese, especially those who believe in Hinduism.  BTNewspaper/PR

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No. 18  11 - 24 October, 2011

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The Best Quality Service of the Year 2011 FOLLOWING its successful achievement last year as one of the Best Service Excellence villas in Bali, FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa has taken the crown as World Gold winner 2011 of the Best Quality Service of the year 2011 category from Pusat Rekor Indonesia in cooperation with World Achievement association.

Represented by Mr. Ramia Adnyana, General Manager of FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa, this award was handed over in Jakarta on September 30th, 2011 by Ministry of Industry-Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Ir. Mohamad S. Hidayat.

Winning this prestigious award is recognition of the highest standards of service and genuine hospitality that FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa, Bali consistently delivers to guests. In order to reach the memorable services and exclusive resort experience in the country.

Furama Hotels Management With more than 40 hotels and 7,500 rooms located in key cities all over the Asia Pacific region under its management, Furama Hotels International Management (FHI) is

a leading hotel management company based in Singapore. It manages properties in different classes across key cities in Asia Pacific countries including Singapore, Thailand, China, Indonesia and Australia. There are future plans to expand to other parts of Asia.

FHI prides itself an deep expertise in hotel management, flexible approach and pro-owner stance.

The ability to manage hotels which are four-star (Furama RiverFront and Furama City Centre in Singapore), limited services (FX Hotel ZhongGuanCun, YanSha, Beijing Airport, GuanQian in Suzhou, XuJiaHui & LuJiaZui in Beijing & Shanghai), boutique (FuramaXclusive AsokeSukhumvit, Sathorn, Sukhumvit), villa resorts (Furama Villas & Spa Ubud & FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa Ubud in Bali), franchisee (Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, Sydney), clearly demonstrates FHI’s strong core competency in hotel management skills across all spectrum of hospitality services spanning different geographic countries.

With different sub-brands under her main Furama brand, FHI is

able to adopt a flexible approach in positioning the various hotels under her management, based on the infrastructure of the hotels and the desire of the respective owners. This enables management to focus only on delivering memorable services and excellent value for her guests, while eliminating unnecessary frills or gimmicks.

With majority of her shareholders being hotel property owners, FHI understands the importance of optimising property owners’ interests. This allows FHI to build a trusting relationship with owners, which enables strategic decisions to be made and implemented quickly.

In specific properties, FHI will also co-invest with the owners to align the interests of both management and owners.

Driven by a strong desire to promote memorable guest experiences through personal services, thoughtful gestures and classy designs, Furama-managed hotels place the comfort of the guests as her priority at all times. In addition, management is committed to environmental protection in its daily

operations. As such, hotels under the management of Furama have won a string of awards and accolades, including the TTG Asia Pacific Best Mid-Range Hotel (Asia Pacific), Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Award (Singapore), Global Hotel Five-Star Golden Diamond Award, China Favourite Business Hotel Chain, China Best Deluxe Trendy Hotel (China), and Best Service Excellence of the Year by Indonesia Achievement Centre (Indonesia).

Over time, FHI intends to further expand in the Asia Pacific region to provide her loyal guests with a wider selection of her impeccable services.

For more information, kindly contact: Reza Hayanto(Ms); Sales Manager; FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa, Bali.

Address: Banjar Bindu Mambal; Jln. Raya Mambal, Badung, Bali – Indonesia; PO BOX 134 Ubud, 80571; DID: + 62 361 8988688; FAX : + 62 361 8988689; Mobile: + 62 8113856653; Email: reza@furama.com; Website: www.furama.com. 

TOM MEYER

New GM of Intercontinental Bali & Area GM IHG Bali INTERCONTINENTAL Bali Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Tom Meyer as General Manager and Area General Manager IHG Bali.

Australian born, Tom has almost 30 years industry experience in the hospitality industry. After acquiring a passion for travel at an early age Tom’s very first job during his gap year was with InterContinental Hamburg, subsequently completing a hotel training programme and gaining valuable practical experience across a number of key departments.

Rising through the ranks and continuing to add new skills to his career portfolio, Tom excelled at sizable properties in Antigua and his hometown of Sydney as a Director of Food & Beverage. Since rejoining IHG in 1993, Tom has held a succession of senior roles that have taken him from Sydney to Singapore, Manila, and Hong Kong. Most recently he was in Dubai where he spent several years as Director of Operations and Area General Manager of Dubai Festival City (DFC) with responsibilities that involved opening and overseeing InterContinental DFC and the Crowne Plaza DFC as well as a complex of InterContinental branded residential suites. In addition, he was instrumental in orchestrating the take-over and rebranding of an18-hole championship golf course.

Tom comes to Bali with a meticulous understanding of luxury hotel operations and IHG brands and looks

forward to the challenge of his role at InterContinental Bali Resort in the rich Balinese cultural surroundings.

Seeing the dedicated local team evolving within the resort to embrace the challenge of taking guests services to unsurpassed levels will be one of his greatest rewards in his new role.

About InterContinental Bali Resort Blessed by an endless stretch of white sand beach overlooking the tranquil waters of Jimbaran Bay , InterContinental Bali Resort features 418 guest rooms in three unique levels of accommodation. The property embraces a 14 hectare tropical landscape that is a blend of indigenous flora, gentle waterways and stone statues reflecting the island’s artistic heritage. There are six swimming pools, Planet Trekkers children’s resort, a fitness centre and plenty of recreational activities to keep guests occupied throughout the day. Spa Uluwatu is a dedicated healing and beauty facility for individual sessions, while the exclusive Villa Retreats promises indulging spa packages for couples. A superb choice of restaurant venues makes every dining experience an adventure in culinary excellence.

About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has 168 hotels, located in more than 60 countries with local insight that comes from over 60 years of experience. At InterContinental we believe that superior, understated service and outstanding facilities are important, but what makes us truly different, is the genuine interest we show in our guests.

Our desire is to help guests make the most of their time.

We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, by sharing our knowledge so they enjoy authentic experiences that will enrich their lives and broaden their outlook. For more information, visit www.intercontinental.com. To view our full collection of Concierge videos, visit www.intercontinentalvideo.com. 

Concept Bar “The Lobby” Livens Late Nights in Nusa Dua NUSA DUA BEACH HOTEL & SPA continues to innovate and invigorate the local hospitality landscape, with the launch of The Lobby. This chic lounge bar is the only in the Nusa Dua area to serve spirits, cocktails and other drinks until 2am, providing its valued guests as well as visitors and residents with another quality F&B option to join its existing seven.

Renowned Indonesian architect and interiors experts Hadiprana oversaw the design. The firm, known for its use of cultured and crafted spaces, recently opened an office in Bali.

As such, The Lobby incorporates authentic Balinese touches in a lounge bar and veranda setting, with an ergonomically sensitive interior.

This extends onto a visually striking outside area where visitors can enjoy the chilled ambience and evocative views over the resort and the ocean.

“The idea behind The Lobby was to create an upscale venue where specially created beverages can be savoured in a comfortable and beautiful environment,” said Reto Torriani, general manager.

“In The Lobby, Balinese tradition gels with contemporary lounge ambience, and warm wooden design flourishes mix with quality art,” he added. “Vibrant colours and our own carefully crafted music and backdrops adapt to the different moods of the day, with the charm and soul of Bali surrounding visitors.”

Japanese-born DJ Cozy spins the decks on Thursdays and Saturdays, while sonic concoctions by UK-based music stylist Axel Jennewein will keep guests grooving until the early hours

during the rest of the week.

Importantly, The Lobby offers a stunning range of beverage options and services, provided by Fling International Bar Services. These include a bespoke cocktail list focusing on homemade and fresh local ingredients highlighting aged Caribbean rums and a variety of fresh and trendy cocktails. The afternoons will see a selection of freshly prepared juices and smoothies. Fling International Bar Services is a team of professional bar developers and hospitality operators dedicated to the improvement of bartending, hospitality training, bar operation and drinks service world-wide.

Born in 2003, Fling International strives to design, develop and deliver innovative training based on a mix of market awareness, global trends, proven practices and cutting-edge beverage programmes. In summer 2011, Flings International’s awardwinning team designed the menu and trained the staff at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. Matthew Wilkinson, managing director of Fling International, said, “We are thrilled to be working with the beverage team at Nusa Dua hotel.

In creating the menu and delivering our training we hope to make this the place to be in the Bali scene.”

The bespoke cocktail list will focus on homemade and fresh local ingredients offering a focus on wellresearched classics with a twist such as cherrywood-smoked Manhattan, Two Islands Ice Tea and Nusa Dua punch. The afternoons will bring a selection of freshly prepared juices and smoothies. 

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No. 18  11 - 24 October, 2011

THE Tri Hita Karana (THK) Bali Foundation organized the Tri Hita Karana Fun Bike GowesGowes 2011 on Sunday (Oct 2). The event was coordinated by the Society of P3THK (THK Perpetrators and Observer) comprising the participants of THK Awards & Accreditation. The Fun Bike activity also collaborated with the Beduda Muda Bali (fans club of Balinese pop singer Nanoe Biroe—Ed) immortalizing the moment of the International Tourism Day on September 27 and Youth Pledge on October 28. Thousands of the Fun Bike participants consisting of the hotel community and the general public were released by the Deputy Governor of Bali represented by the Assistant III of the Regional Secretariat, I Wayan Suasta.

In his speech, Chairman of the THK Bali Foundation, IGN Wisnu Wardana said that the fun bike agenda was intended to promote the sense of togetherness and kinship as well as to implement the Pawongan (social) aspect in the THK concept. Prizes competed in the Fun Bike 2011 were a motorcycle and bicycles from the United Bike & Specialized and vouchers of hotel, spa, and dinner in five-star hotels in Bali becoming the participants of THK Awards 2011.  BTNewspaper/Photo by: Krisna