Inspired by the Balinese axiom of "Tri Hita Kirana" that strives for balance in the relationships between God, man and nature - Bali Fashion Week 2009has adopted as its theme "Fashion Meets Nature."

Now a fixture on an increasingly busy calendar of annual events held on the Island, Bali Fashion Week will take place August 24-28, 2008, centered at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in South Kuta.

Organizers are placing an emphasis on nature and preserving Bali's environment echoing, global survival themes launched during the historic U.N. Conference for Climate Change held in Bali in December 2007. Accordingly, designers and purveyors of fashion have promised to present exciting new creations using natural fibers and materials demonstrating that the world of fashion can be truly "green."

For three days in late August Kuta will come alive with fashion exhibitions, fashion shows, seminars and live performances as international fashion buyers descend on the Island to meet their counterparts from Indonesia’s large fashion and design industry.

Fashion Week's Founder

Founded as a personal article of faith in a time of extreme economic uncertainty, Bali Fashion Week is the creation of Indonesian fashion icon Mardiana Ika. A recognized leader in both World and Indonesian fashion circles, Ika has taken her simple idea of creating a larger market place for Indonesian fashion and turned it into an important event on Asia's fashion calendar. Those who travel to Bali can witness first-hand the "cutting edge" talent to be found in Indonesia's fashion industry during the Fashion Week will at the same time be introduced to the rich traditional textile tradition of Indonesia: batik, songket, ikat and sarongs.

[Bali Fashion Week 2008 Website]

Ubud's Amandari Resort is hosting a lavish degustasion menu prepared by the Resort's expert chef accompanied by some of the world's finest champagne personally presented by Didier Depond of the acclaimed house of Salon & Delamotte. Limited seating is available for this special dinner scheduled for Friday, July 18, 2008 commencing at 7:30 pm.

The House of Delamotte

The House of Delamotte was founded in 1760 in the heart of the Côte des Blancs in Mesnil-sur-Oger, making it the sixth oldest house of Champagne.

The Chardonnay grape used to produce these wines come primarily from three villages: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avive and Oger – all classified as 100% Grand Crus. The Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier used for the Brut and Rosé champagne come from the vineyards in Bouzy, Tours-sur-Marne and Ambonnay.

Menu, Friday, July 18, 2008

Amandari Resort, Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali

Vichyssoise with tempura oyster, creamed leek and caviar dressing

Delamotte Brut N.V

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Terrine of foie gras and confit duck with vanilla poached apple and brioche

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 1999

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Poached lobster with white asparagus and truffle ravioli

Salon 1997 Blanc de Blancs

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Brie de meaux with white peach tartin, white truffle and honey reduction

Delamotte Brut Rose

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Vahlrona chocolate torte with caramel, hazelnuts, bitter chocolate and espresso euillette

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Drinking Notes

●Champagne Salon 1997 - Throughout winter and spring the climate alternated between mild weather and extreme cold. On June 11th, flowering began in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Summer was hot and dry, making for excellent ripening conditions. The harvest commenced on September 22nd; during picking the weather was summery but with cold evening temperatures, which encouraged good acidity.

● Salon 1997: A Sensuality of Silk - The wine is pearlescent. A pale, lustrous gold with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex yet ethereal. Wonderfully refined, it is intriguing and enticing. Its minerality complemented by hints of white flowers, acacia and hawthorn. A salty note enhances aromas of bread crust, brioche and the merest hint of green apple and hazelnut. The palate is quintessentially pure, the very epitome of balance and restraint. Exuberant on attack the mousse becomes more of a caress whilst bubbles dance playfully on the palate; its delicate allure emulating the sensuous grace of a silk veil at dawn.

Seating is Strictly Limited!

The cost for the evening of outstanding cuisine and fine champagne is Rp. 1,200,000 ++ (US$157).

Reservations are required by July 16, 2008 by telephoning Putu at ++62-(0)361-975333.

This year's Indonesia's annual travel mart Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) or Pasar Wisata Indonesia returns to Makassar, South Sulawesi. The only official Indonesian-wide tourism and travel mart will be held on October 14-17, 2008 at the Celebes Convention Center (CCC). Now entering its 14th year, TIME is organized by the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB) and supported by all tourism components in Indonesia.

The Chairwoman and Steering Committee of TIME 2008, Meity Robot, said TIME also supports the government program of "Visit Indonesia Year 2008" which is targeting 7 million foreign visitors to Indonesia for 2008.

TIME is an international travel mart in Indonesia organized on a business to business (B2B) basis providing a meeting place for those who sell Indonesian tourism products and services (sellers) and international buyers.

"Adopting the theme of Eco-Tourism and Maritime Tourism, TIME 2008 will present all tourist destinations, including popular travel destinations, tourism objects, and new product development particularly those which relate to Eco-Tourism dan Maritime Tourism," Meity explained.

The Mayor of Makassar, Ilham Arief Sirajuddin, who is the Organizing Committe Chairman of TIME 2008, has welcomed the appointment of Makassar as host of TIME for the second time.

Local Organizing Committee Chairman of TIME 2008, Niko B. Pasaka, said that Makassar is ready in host TIME 2008. "Presently, a number supporting facilities are close to completion. This includes the 11 kilometer of highway connecting Makassar city center to airport as well as the completion of Hasanuddin International Airport. We hope these facilities could finish on time to support TIME 2008," Nico said.

TIME 2006 attracted 110 international buyers from 21 countries and 124 sellers from 20 provinces in Indonesia.

"The number of buyers attending TIME over six consecutive years have increased steadily over time," explained Meity.

[Official TIME Website]

For more information contact Ms. Tiara Hasibuan at telephone ++62-(0)21-5705800 – Extension 214.

Now a permanent fixture on Bali's sporting calendar, a record 386 athletes gathered at Jimbaran Bay on Sunday, June 29, 2008, to participate in the MRA Bali International Triathlon and 5 km fun run.

Australian professional triathlete Luke McKenzie took a convincing overall win in the individual triathlon division with a victory time of 2:09:09. On a beautiful sunny day with temperatures reaching 29C, Luke McKenzie, the recent winner of Ironman Japan, led the pack throughout the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike course and 10 km run. He was followed by Swedish athlete Fredrik Cronenborg (2:23:04) and Austrian Martin Malleier (2:26:16). McKenzie expanded his lead to over 14 minutes before finishing on the beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort on Jimbaran Bay. Last year's winner, U.K. athlete Daniel Plews, suffered a race-ending flat tire and was unable to continue the race.

The women's race featured a surprise win by top Australian age-group athlete Rachael Gaudry (2:34:46) who beat out the 2007 champion New Zealander Kelley Toye (2:41:56) and Australian professional triathlete Sophie Hawkin (2:43:44) who suffered a flat tire on the hills of the Bukit peninsula to recover and have the fastest female run of the day over the 10 km running course at 00:43:39.

The top time posted by a corporate relay team was turned in by the Discovery Kartika Plaza with a time of 2:20:34.

"Initially, I did not think I could win this race since it posed me with many challenges such as those upward tracks in Nusa Dua," said McKenzie. "I must say that I really enjoyed myself here in Bali. I'll be here next year, I promise."

This year's event also included the participation of Indonesian national swimming champion, Richard Sam Bera, representing the MRA Group, the title sponsor of triathlon.

The event expo on the beach in Jimbaran was home to a lively celebration where Hard Rock Radio entertained throughout the morning. The Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay offered delicious food and drink, local business sold Balinese merchandise, and masseurs from Jari Menari provided complimentary massages to the athletes and general public.

Complete race results are available at [www.balitriathlon.com]

Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay one of the leading race sponsors, offered a first prize package to the top male and female triathletes consisting of seven days, six nights stay in a luxury villa. Unique handcrafted awards were prepared by Jenggala Keramik Bali were presented to the top three finishers in each age group category. Garuda Indonesia generously provided flights to Bali for Luke McKenzie and professional triathlete Amanda Balding.

Shown on balidiscovery.com are pictures taken at the 2008 MRA Bali International Triathlon.

MRA Bali Triathlon Picture

click image to enlarge

Ice skating enthusiasts are set for a special treat in an anomalous tropical setting with the opening of Bali Skate Run at the Bali Galeria.

Built with advanced Swiss technology, the Bali Skate Run is the first facility of its kind in Asia. In place of ice, skaters at the Bali facility slip and slide across a 5 cm layer of paraffin.

For only Rp. 25,000 (US$2.70) per hour skaters can rent skates and helmets.

While operators of Bali Skate Run say anyone able to roller skate will have no problem mastering ice skates, instructors are on hand to assist beginners.

Bali Skate Run is located near Simpang Siur within the Bali Galeria Complex opposite the ATM Center.

Bali's Chief of Police Inspector General Ashikin Husein has issued orders to his subordinates to undertake a complete review of the number illegal villas, including those in Bali's more remote regions.

In tracking down villas operating outside the law, Chief Ashikin's team have been told to scour the Internet where Chief Ashikin says guests are able to find the illegal villas at prices below those charged by competing registered villa operators. As a result of this practice, unhealthy competition has been introduced into the Bali tourist accommodation market and substantial tax revenues needed by the provincial government are lost.

Speaking to NusaBali, the Island's top policeman has called on his officers to be vigilant in collecting data on illegal villas and their occupants. Once complete data is in hand on the extent of the illegal villa operations in Bali he pledges to sit down with the relevant government offices to discuss future steps to halt illegal villa operations.

DenPost reports that the Buleleng Regency in Bali's North may soon be home to an aviation academy.

Now being built in the village of Sumberkima, in the Gerokgak district of Buleleng, the aviation academy will be dedicated to training pilots and cabin crew for Indonesia's rapidly expanding airline industry.

The Regent of Buleleng, Drs. Putu Bagiada, told the press that several investors have come forward prepared to finance the lengthening of the Letkol Wisnu Airport airport at Buleleng beyond its current length of just 600 meters.

Bagianda is hopeful that once the aviation academy becomes operational it will open badly needed employment opportunities for the youth living in his regency.

Bisnis Indonesia predicts that domestic tourism totals to Bali will grow by 15% in 2008, in part due to the unprecedented surge of local tourist coming to the Island during the current school holiday period.

The Chairman of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA), Al Purwa, told the press that daily arrivals of domestic tourists at Bali's airport number between 1,000-2,000. Because of this, Purwa is confident that domestic tourism is on the rise and that, despite rising fuel prices and higher tour package rates, 15% more domestic travelers will visit Bali in 2008.

The month-long Indonesian school holidays is bringing large numbers of domestic tourists to Kuta's fabled beachfront and to the Pura Tanah Lot. Meanwhile, the Waterbom Park in South Kuta is reporting a three-fold increase in visitors, largely comprised of domestic visitors.

The current boom in domestic visitors and strong international arrival numbers are also reflected in high occupancy rates at many hotels across the Island.

The controversy surrounding the building of 35 luxurious private villas operated under the Alila Villas Tanah Lot branding on Kelating Beach continues to escalate. As reported on balidiscovery.com, the construction of the villas in violation of the 100 meter setback rule from the high water mark has spark local environmental groups into action, voicing their concerns that local Balinese will be barred access to their beaches by an encroaching colony of foreign land owners. [See: Ignoring Nature and Bali's Law]

According to reports in both the Bali Post and Jawa Pos, work on the illegal villas has ceased following a halt on construction ordered by Tabanan's Regent.

The District Chief of Kerambitan, I Gusti Ngr Agung Suryana, told the press on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, that work was halted on the project on Saturday, June 21st and confirmed that his office continues to maintain a watch on the project.

A local environmental watchdog group Wahli is leading calls for the Alila Tanah Lot project to be demolished in order to demonstrate Bali's serious intent in enforcing its zoning and environmental regulations.

The villas located within the halted complex are reportedly being sold by developers at prices reportedly exceeding US$1 million with guaranteed rates of return promised to potential investors.

Kelating Construction

click image to enlarge

The people of Bali will go to the polls on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, to elect their next Governor and Vice-Governor.

While who will win the election is a matter of open conjecture; the current front-runners according to pre-election polls are former Bali Chief of Police Made Mangku Pastika and A.A. Ngurah Puspayoga.

Committed to a Green Bali

Comments attributed to Pastika in the Bali Post suggest that, if elected, the man once named "Man of the Year" by Time (Asia) for his role in bringing Bali bombers to justice, will bring a strong commitment to a greener Bali to his job.

Lamenting that Bali's scenic forest and river ways are seeing their trees harvested and their landscapes turned into tourist resorts, Pastika said: "Sadly some 200 rivers and tributaries on Bali have dried up. The condition of our jungles and forests is in decline. Water sources are increasingly limited, leaving smaller reservoirs of water to be managed by the 'subak' system. This condition will become a complex problem for Bali where water is the key element of life."

In order to preserve and protect Bali's water supply, Pastika has identified key areas for action. First, the system of managing the Island's jungles and forests must be repaired to allow the retention of rainfall. Second, there is a need for closer supervision of sub-terrain water supplies. And, thirdly, better management of Bali's delicate river system must be put in place.

Preserving a Green Bali

Pastika and Puspayoga are calling for an end to illegal logging in Bali, returning the forests to their natural function as absorption areas and vital link in Bali's mountainous ecological system. In this context, the duo have also called for an aggressive replanting and reforestation of Bali's semi-arid eastern plains in combination with organic farming to help support the people of that economically poor region.

Championing what Pastika calls a "clean development mechanism" (CDM), he seeks community-wide support for Bali’s environment. "For example, all motorcycle and car dealers must set aside funds for tree planting to compensate for the emissions generated by the vehicles they sell," explained Pastika.

Pastika also pointed to the rapid development of the tourism infrastructure in Bali with little regard to issues connected to carrying capacity, raising concerns that Bali will someday suffer a severe drought. "Because of this, one of the steps that must be undertaken by the Government is an accurate survey of the current use of sub-terrain water supplies," said Pastika.

According to Pastika, through a steady supply of water the productivity of Bali's land can be assured, allowing agriculture and plantations to be developed. In this way the people of Bali can return to their agricultural roots, a key to protecting the island's religious and cultural values.

The Australian Associated Press has sounded a cautionary note to those considering allowing their children to get a "temporary tattoo" during a Bali holiday.

According to the report, six-year-old Jayden Robertson from Victoria, Australia could be permanently scarred by a Bali tattoo that may prove anything but "temporary." During a Bali holiday in early June 2008, Jayden received a black tribal design on his leg. While the "temporary" tattoo faded as promised over the course of several weeks it was replaced by red welts in the location once occupied by the design.

Doctors believe the young boy may have suffered an allergic reaction to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) used in the tattoo dye. PPD is a compound found in rubber and black hair dye to which an estimated 1% of the total population will have an allergic reaction. Doctors also believe that because of the high concentrations of PPD used in "temporary" tattoos the number suffering a reaction may be as high as 20%.

Those suffering a PPD allergic reaction may be left with permanent scarring and a life-long sensitivity to rubber and hair dye.

The boy’s Mother has warned holiday visitors to Bali about the tattoos, saying: "They look great when you get them but the effect can be horrible."

Related Article

[A Tattoo Taboo]

Initial approaches by a group of Malaysian investors to build a number of toll road projects in Bali may have come to a sudden halt due to regulatory and bureaucratic restrictions. Tempo Interaktif reports that the plan of Malaysia Datuk Khalid, the husband of singing star Siti Nurhaliza, to build and operate toll roads connecting Sanur beach – Tanjung Benoa and Ngurah Rai Airport – Nusa Dua has run afoul due to procedural rules governing such a project. [See: Malaysian Business Group Offers to Build Nusa Dua Bridge]

The Head of the Bali Planning Board, Wayan Subagiartha, told Tempo that the complicated procedural steps presented to the Malaysian investors during a recent technical meeting may have the effect of halting the road-building projects before it even begins. "The main roadblocks are represented by the complex permits needed to construct the highway and the requirement to change the function of a local mangrove forests," said Subagiartha.

He further explained that permission to build a toll road can only be granted by the National Toll Road Authority. Moreover, current regulations do not allow the direct appointment requested by the Malaysian group to build and operate the proposed roads; stipulating instead that such an appointment can only be accomplished through an open tender process. This procedure is a requirement of the National government and cannot be overridden or bypassed by the provincial government of Bali.

The plan submitted by the Malaysian consortium of investors, including Gridcomm Shd Berhad and Isyoda Corporation Berhad, provides for four toll roads for Bali. The main 7.5 km long toll road would connect Suwung (Sanur) and Tanjung Benoa, cutting the traveling time between Sanur and Nusa Dua from 45-60 minutes to less than 15 minutes. A second road project advanced by the Consortium would connect Bali's Ngurah Rai and Nusa Dua via a 4.5 km toll road. A third part of the group's proposal provides for cloverleaf elevated access roads to be built at the Dewa Ruci Statue (Simpang Siur) and at the Ngurah Rai Statue at Bali's airport.

The entire cost of the roads the Malaysian group seeks to build in Bali equal Rp. 4.103 trillion (US$443.6 million).

In addition to the problems posed by the mandated open bidding system for the selection of the contractor and operator of the project, there is the additional problem of converting mangrove forest areas - an area under the protection of the Indonesian Forestry Department. In the past, Bali environmental groups have been steadfast in their opposition to any construction that seeks to alter or invade areas designated for mangrove forests.

The recent technical meeting also surfaced additional objections to the toll road connecting the airport and Nusa Dua from Bali's airport authority who say the proposed elevated highway would interfere with safe airport operations.

Tempo Interaktif also reports that when the 7.5 km elevated highway connecting Sanur and Tanjung Benoa was put out to tender by the Department of Public Works at a estimated cost of Rp. 800 billion (US$86.5 million) in 2006, no companies could be found expressing even an interest in undertaking the project.

Bali's Governor Dewa Beratha has issued a decree formally declaring Wednesday, July 9, 2008, as a holiday in connection with the island-wide election of Bali's next governor taking place on that date.

The decree, issued on July 1, 2008, is intended to allow Bali residents the widest possible participation in the gubernatorial elections by permitting workers the chance to return to their home village to cast their ballots.