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More quality wines on Bali
Artisan Estate
It appears there are more quality wine makers on Bali than I was aware of.
Bali-based Artisan Estates have raised the bar in the increasingly competitive and growing circle of vintners producing quality wines on the island. Production of Artisan Estate’s latest varietals – the 2011 Artisan Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2011 Artisan Shiraz – represent yet another rebuttal to those who dismiss the possibility that a quality table wine can be produced in Bali. [Read More...]
Air New Zealand to resume Bali Services
Boeing 737-300
After ending flights to Bali in the 1990s, Air New Zealand is ready to recommence flights between Auckland and Denpasar on a seasonal basis.
Scheduled to operate during the peak season of June to October, the twice-weekly flights will commence on June 20, 2012, using Boeing 767-300 aircraft capable of carrying up to 228 passengers. [Read More...]
Kintamani’s image to be improved.
Kintamani souvenir sellers
Thank goodness it appears that something will be done to make a visit to Kintamani enjoyable again.
The Bali Post reports that factors ranging from aggressive street vendors to territorial disputes between competing tour guides are having a debilitating effect on tourism at the volcano-rimmed community of Kintamani, with tourist numbers declining every year.
The regent of Bangli, Made Gianyar, has expressed his grave concerns on how best to restore tourism in Kintamani. Admitting that Kintamani as a tourism destination on Bali is in decline, the regent fears Kintamani is under threat of “being left behind” in Bali’s growing tourism industry. [Read More...]
Affordable wine on Bali
Cape Discovery Wine
At last there may be a reprieve for those wishing to enjoy a glass of wine on Bali. Previously I just couldn’t bring myself to pay the exorbitant prices charged for wines.
On January 19, 2012, Cape Discovery, a wine company based in Singaraja, North Bali, launched its first wine at a cocktail reception held at the Conrad Bali Resort in Tanjung Benoa.
The wine – Cape Discovery Sauvignon Blanc is made with grapes shipped via a patented method from Margaret River in Western Australia to a state-of-art modern wine-making facility in Singaraja. The resulting wine is a full-flavored wine crafted to pair well with Asian food. The colour is pale green with aromas suggested of fresh lime and asparagus.
Distribution of the new Cape Discovery wine will focus initially on restaurants and hotels.
The wine-making team at Cape Discovery is hopeful that their formula of importing premium grapes from vineyards to their facility on Bali for processing by an experienced wine-maker will answer a market need for quality wine at an affordable price (“Hooray”) for Bali and eventually the whole of Indonesia. [Read More...]
Virgin Australia offers Business Class to Bali
Virgin Australia Airbus A330
Virgin Australia now offers Business Class seating from all Australian capital cities to Bali. That means you can enjoy a host of benefits, all delivered in Virgin Australia style:
Priority check-in and boarding
A generous baggage allowance
Stylish lounge facilities
Superior onboard space and comfort as well as gourmet food and wine are just some of the advantages you can look forward to when you fly Business Class with Virgin Australia.
Dengue Fever on Bali
Dengue Fever Mozzie
The Jakarta Post reports that health authorities in Bali are warning people to be on guard against a new outbreak of dengue fever, a disease cyclically tied to the onset of the rainy season.
Bali recorded 12,000 cases of dengue fever in 2010, linking the outbreak to 34 deaths.
We are asking the public to pay attention to puddles formed after the rain because those will provide perfect breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector of dengue. The puddles should be drained immediately. [Read More...]
Bali’s best new eateries 2011
Virgin Duck Restaurant
According to balieats.com these were the best new restaurants 2011. Check out their website to find some of the dozens of new restaurants that opened.
Best Fine Dining – Sakala – Tandjung Benoa
Fine dining but still with that Balinese touch, poolside and overlooking beach and ocean. French Maitre d’ and French-Canadian chef produce gastronomic masterpieces turning simple things into food that amazes!
Best Restaurant – EVO – Kerobokan
Simple Italian, but with incredible attention to detail. The salamis are made on the premises from specially fed pigs raised on a controlled diet. Grandma’s recipes like you have never tasted before. [Read More...]
Crime and Accident figures for 2011 on Bali
Bali Police patrol
I don’t quite know what to make of these numbers. I have been to Bali many times without a criminal incident. Our son and his family have lived there for years and the only incidents they have encountered were a sneaky pickpocket, and a sneakier taxi driver (not Bluebird).
According to police statistics, the number of criminal cases is on the decline in Bali, counting only 5,280 cases through the end of November 2011, as compared to 5,867 cases for all of 2010.
But, while the number of crimes may be on the decline, the violence associated with crimes is on the increase. In 2011 police recorded 186 cases of violent theft. [Read More...]
Death by Durian
Durian Tree
Many people find the taste of the durian fruit quite nice, even though the smell is quite foul; so much so in fact that many places, including most hotels, refuse to allow its entry.
It appears there is a further issue that doesn’t normally get much attention. A falling durian can do injury to those below!
The pungent smelling fruit, encompassed by sharp spikes, is in full season during the summer, and despite being heavy and hard to carry without doing injury to your hand, if the durian could be secured on the end of a strong rope or chain, it could form a handy replacement for the ancient flail. [Read More...]
Tattoo precautions on Bali – HIV/Aids
Tattoo
Australian media is warning of a threat of HIV infection from having a tattoo on Bali.
The warning comes after Western Australia’s Department of Health confirmed a Western Australia man had contracted HIV after a visit to a Bali tattoo parlour.
Tattoo parlours in Indonesia operate largely unregulated, while Australian tattooists follow a strict system of licensing and mandatory health protocols.
Health officials in Australia are recommending not to undergo tattooing on Bali, and suggest that those who have recently received a tattoo on Bali, to consult their doctor, and consider the need for HIV and other blood-borne disease testing. [Read More...]
