Notes from a Small Planet

Buying ‘freehold land’ on Bali

Expats Beware

The following is taken from articles by Bali Discovery and The West Australian, and gives good advice for non-Indonesians wishing, or even thinking they can acquire freehold land on Bali or any other Indonesian territory.

The West Australian Newspaper has carried an article quoting the director of the Bali-based Saville Rowe Property Group describing how “freehold ownership” is increasingly popular among Australians investing in real estate on Bali, as opposed to those merely leasing land and property on the island. [Read More...]

Air Asia flies Darwin to Bali

Air Asia is planning to resume its Bali to Darwin route effective July 1, 2013. Plans are to operate four times a week between the two cities. AN A320 Airbus will fly the route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

AirAsia Indonesia CEO, Captain Dharmadi, told the people of Darwin, “AirAsia Indonesia is back in town and we’re bigger and better than ever. Darwin Airport and the Northern Territory Government have worked hard to get us back and we’re excited to again provide Territorians with more choice and competition when it comes to their favourite holiday destination. Beautiful Bali is a very popular short break destination for Territorians because of its easy access from Darwin.”

Virgin to offer free meals and drinks on overseas flights

Virgin Australia has announced a significant upgrade in their food and beverage services on all flights from Australia to Bali, Phuket and Trans-continental flights.

As of April 24, 2013, all flights to Denpasar and Phuket will serve guests, regardless of fare type, a complimentary hot meal and beverages, upgrading the service to align with current Trans-Continental flights. All full service flights will have an ambient retail cart designed to complement the meals provided for guests by offering snack options and spirits not included with meals. [Read More...]

More affordable wines for Bali

Plaga Wines

Indowines is busily launching its Plaga range of wines made from imported Chilean and Western Australian grapes and bottled in Indonesia.

During a series of tastings conducted across Bali, Plaga is initially promoting 3 varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Rose. Later, Cabernet Sauvignon will join the brand line.

Produced to be drank now – but with a shelf life of at least a year, don’t look for vintage years on the labels of Plaga.

Targeted towards youthful drinkers looking for refreshment in Bali’s tropical climate at an affordable price – the average Plaga drinker most likely doesn’t have a wine cellar or the patience to keep a wine until it matures. [Read More...]

Honesty on Bali

Ahmad The Honest

Amidst the negative image of Bali, and reports of widespread corruption in the tourism industry, the police force, and customs officials, a young scavenger who makes his living from sorting through garbage at the local rubbish tip has made the news, and given renewed belief in the basic decency that remains the predominant characteristic of the Balinese people.

The young scavenger named Ahmad discovered three boxes of gold in the back of a garbage truck in Denpasar, Bali on Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

Bedazzled by his find easily worth years of his meagre income, he immediately contacted his boss, Made Raka, to help make sure the gold found its way back to its rightful owner. [Read More...]

Cape Discovery Wines does it again

Cape Discovery Wines

After winning a bronze medal last year in the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, Cape Discovery has acquired two more medals at the 2013 China Wine & Spirits Awards recently held in Hong Kong.

Gold was bestowed for Cape Discovery Chardonnay, and Silver for Cape Discovery Sauvignon Blanc. The CWSA is the only award program in the world based entirely on consumer preferences and demand.

The judges at the CWSA 2013 were drawn from China’s most influential wine and spirits buyers, distributors, food and beverage directors and sommeliers who tasted their way through 3,300 wines and spirits from 25 countries in one of Hong Kong’s largest and most anticipated competitions of the year.

Also winning medals at this year’s CWSA were prominent wine brands such as Otuwhero, Wolf Blass, Jacobs Creek, Taylors, Lindeman, Wyndham Estate, and Evans & Tate. This is distinguished company indeed. [Read More...]

Bali corruption caught on video

Kees Van Der Spek

A Dutch investigative journalist, Kees Van Der Spek, is at the centre of growing controversy over three separate and very explosive videos now going viral. Each depicts Bali’s tourism industry in a most unfavourable light.

The first video that surfaced was apparently recorded several months ago at a busy traffic intersection in Kerobokan, Bali. Using concealed microphones and multiple hidden cameras, the Dutch journalist managed to capture a very amiable, but no less corrupt, traffic cop extorting Rp. 200,000 (US$20) from the journalist for his failure to wear the required helmet or bring a valid driving license. [Read More...]

First Class Hospital Care on Bali

BIMC Hospital

The Australian Senator and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr, recently visited Bali and included a tour of the BIMC Hospital in Nusa Dua.

The BIMC Hospitals, with locations in Kuta and Nusa Dua, are Australian-owned and managed medical facilities.

The BIMC Hospitals are at the forefront of Bali’s campaign to become a medical tourism destination by treating many Australians as outpatients, or for emergency and elective procedures. [Read More...]

Delicious Martinis at Ubud, Bali

Uma by Como Ubud Bali

If relaxing with a drink or two or three is part of your Bali holiday plans, then the luxurious Uma by COMO near the centre of Ubud should be included in your travel itinerary.

While the delightful boutique property is justifiably famous for its tasteful accommodation, pampering spa, yoga and meditation programs and excellent cuisine, the resort’s bartenders refuse to remain quietly in the shadows. Instead they have become famous for concocting attention-getting refreshing libations, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Guest and visitors participating in the Uma by COMO’s health and wellness programs will be drawn to healthy smoothies and fresh-pressed juices. But those interested in more adventurous beverages will enjoy the fine wines, champagnes, and signature martinis that are on offer each day from 10:00 am until midnight. [Read More...]