Bus Service Extends Its Network to Ngurah Rai International Airport this Year

With the continuously increasing tourist arrivals at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, it is deemed that there is a greater need for more transportation to billet passengers arriving at the airport.

With this, the Trans Sarbagita Bus System is set to include a Sanur-Ngurah Rai International Airport-Nusa Dua route at the later part of this year as it plans to extend its network. From the time it started operation in 2011 until the present, the Trans Sarbagita System only connects Batubulan (Gianyar) to Nusa Dua and then connects Denpasar to Jimbaran.

This move is seen as beneficial for those who are traveling to and from the airport and to and from the villas in Bali for rent where they are staying. This includes tourists and employees or workers at the airport.

“We have discussed the plan for Trans Sarbagita to serve a new route to Ngurah Rai airport. We hope it can be completed soon,” said Governor Made Mangku Pastika.

Pastika also emphasized that no long-standing transportation provider serving in the route will be removed or disadvantaged as careful planning will be taken especially in the design of the route.

These plans of Trans Sarbagita are also in preparation for the expected influx of tourists and dignitaries who will be attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit that is scheduled to be held in Bali in October this year.

“Learning the high expectations of the new route from Denpasar to the airport that have been expressed by the Bali Legislative Council, we are making our best efforts to be able to start operating the Sanur-airport route before
the APEC Summit in October,” says Ida Bagus Parsa, operator head of Trans Sarbagita.


Parsa also emphasized that the airport administration is also very supportive and helpful in the discussions currently being held on the details of the new route.


When everything gets finalized, guests and tourists staying at the different Bali villas will already be more complacent that more transportation options are available for them while they stay in the island.

Bali Island sets to Regulate Local Fruit Sales

Seeing the threat posed by the flooding of imported fruits in traditional and supermarkets in the island, the Bali provincial government is set to propose a bylaw that will protect the sale and consumption of the local fruits of the island.

The bylaw, which is supposed to protect the sales and cultivation of local fruits, is backed up by declared Governor Made Mangku Pastika.

“We encourage the participation of all stakeholders on the island, including hotel managements, restaurant owners, supermarket managements and the people, as well encouraging them to adopt the regulations stipulated in the proposed by-law,” said the governor. 

The by-law will tackle several areas that relate to the sale and consumption of local fruits and it will also require tourist and hospitality industries, including the Bali villas and villas in Bali for rent, to serve local fruits to their guests instead of using only the imported ones.

The positive effects of the said proposed by-law will also be beneficial to the farmers and fruit raisers in alleviating poverty and raising their living conditions.

The attention of the provincial government was caught by the data from the Bali Agriculture Office which shows that while the harvest of Bali’s local fruits reached 244.5 million kilograms in 2011, the consumption of these only reached a very meager 48.9 million kilograms. This leaves 194.4 million kilograms of fruits that were not consumed.

“It has been a great challenge for us to think about optimizing our surplus fruit harvests. The planned bylaw is expected to regulate the trade of these fruits. Our local fruits are delicious and vary in type. Many tourists are actually more interested in tasting tropical fruit while they are on holiday here," said Pastika.

Therefore, Bali villas and villas in Bali for rent play a very crucial role in the promotion and preservation of these local fruits in the island.

Multimedia Materials for the Balinese Language

Villas in Bali and the villas in Bali for rent, being the best accommodation for tourists in Bali, are not the only ones that are being constantly improved.

Today, the Balinese language will be seeing a technology boost as the first multimedia materials for teaching it will be released in Bali soon. This is after a non-profit organization, BASABali, has announced the said plans.

BASABali is an organization that provides electronically-based vehicles that allow the coming together of anthropologists, linguists, and videographers from the different parts of the world. Called BASA: Balinese Language Preservation Corp, it is based in Washington, D.C. With this project, experts from around the world come together to produce modern and engaging materials to teach the language. When the project is through, the result will be 24 dialogue-based videos, some language exercises and grammatical notes.

The move is a response to the sad truth that the Austronesian language of Bali is being used now only by 1 million, out of the three million, people in Bali. Additionally, the written script of the language is already endangered. This is primarily caused by globalization and tourism which poses the increasing need to learn the English language. Also, the preferred language of most Balinese people now is the national language which is Bahasa Indonesia.

“It represents tremendous progress for the Balinese language to be recognized as part of the universe of languages and for Bali to be well known not just as paradise island but also one that is rich which indigenous culture. The materials will help Balinese thrive even in the middle of globalization,” said Ayu Mandala, Project Manager of BASABali, on the importance of the project.

Through kickstarter.com, many supporters were able to pledge their help and the organizers were able to raise the money, including other forms of assistance. Through sparked.com, “desktop volunteers” will also be taking care of the website and e-learning modules.

Individuals can get the material for US$25 which will go to technical support, updates, and others.

As for non-profit organizations and community groups, they can have the material free of charge.

Stairs Villa Hotel to Break Ground in Bali

Another addition to the Bali villas and villas in Bali for rent is about to break ground in Bali, the island of the Gods. With the consistent rising tourist arrivals on this island in Indonesia, it is no wonder why entrepreneurs like Nicolas Panzani and Noel Cibriani would come to explore Bali and make it a target for making an “urban village”.

Now, the villa called The Stairs which boasts of 12 villas will open in Bali soon. The design is born from the artistry of Philippe Starck, a French designer and architect, along with the talent of John Perello who is an American painter and graffiti artist.

Guests who come to stay in this latest addition to the grandiose villas in Bali for rent will surely feel comfort, luxury, and style in one villa that boasts of modern design that does not compromise comfort. Amenities include a patisserie, restaurant, mezzanine biiblioteque, signature spa and gym, boutique, and bar lounge. And when you stay in the villa, you will be adorned with all the perks of a living space, dining room, office space, a swimming pool, and a terrace lounge.

And to give you that feeling of royalty and luxury, you have your own concierge and a gym coach to assist you in keeping fit while you stay in The Stairs villa.

"The Stairs, without a doubt, shall become the boiling bucket of energy, activity and intelligence of Bali, and perhaps more. The Stairs does not follow any type of trend in decoration and architecture; it is self-designed, just following the beauty of the Balinese soul and the future of the next centers of the world,” says Starck about his creation.

About Starck
Starck was born in January 18, 1949 and is also a product designer in addition to his being an architect. If he does not design structures, he creates consumer goods that are mass-produced just like the toothbrush and chairs.

He also designs yachts for the rich and has even designed an optical mouse for Microsoft.

Tallest Buddha statue to be built on Gilimanuk Bali

The Balinese people, known for being such spiritual people, are building what may be considered as the tallest Buddha statue in Bali.

The statue, built particularly in Gilimanuk, Jembrana, Bali, will cost about Rp 1 billion and is expected to become an addition to the tourist attractions in the island alongside the many villas in Bali for rent that display the Balinese artistry. It is planned to be unveiled this coming June 6.

The 25-meter high Buddha statue is constructed within the Empu Astapaka monastery.

According to Sudiarta Indrajaya, the Chairman of Bali’s Indonesian Buddhist Theravada Council, this statue is going to be the biggest of its kind today.

“This will be a new icon for Bali as the ‘Island of Dharma’,” he added.

About Gilimanuk

Gilimanuk is located in the west of Bali which is also considered a port town. It is where you can find quite a number of Muslims who have moved from Java.

Since Gilimanuk is a port town, people come here as it is the port for ferries that travel to and from Banyuwangi in Java. The travel takes only about 30 minutes but the loading and the unloading are the ones that take up much time. If you want to catch a ferry, remember that there is a ferry that runs every 20 minutes for the whole 24 hours. Fares are set at Rp6000 per person. Per car, it would cost you Rp95,000 and per motorbike, it would cost you Rp31,000.

To make sure that safety and security are monitored, there are longer cues since checking is imperative.

If you access Gilimanuk by land, you can do so by hailing a bemo or bus from Denpasar which will cost you Rp 30,000-50,000. This rate depends on the quality of your car so expect higher fees if you choose the better looking one. The travel would take about 3 hours.

Since the town is very small, there is nothing much to do and you can finish exploring the place within a day. With this, it is also recommended that you stay somewhere else as the accommodation options in Gilimanuk are limited and are usually availed by truck drivers. You can stay, instead, in any of the Bali villas found in Denpasar which is the closest area to Gilimanuk. Also quite a number of villas in Bali for rent can be found in Kuta, Nusa Dua, as well as in Legian and Seminyak, Bali.

Bali's New Airport in Kubutambahan

Due to the constantly increasing tourist arrivals in Bali, which can also be seen in the occupancy rates of villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent, the provincial administration has finally chosen Kubutambahan village to be the site for the new international airport that is to be built. Kubutambahan is located some 15 kilometers east of Singaraja in the Buleleng Regency in north Bali. This news eliminates the earlier speculations that the airport will be established in Gerokgak.

The decision was reached based on the feasibility study that was conducted last year by the central government. Center of the study are three places which include the Kubutambahan, Sangsit and Gerokgak villages. This was revealed by I Ketut Wija, head of the province’s economic and development affairs agency.

“Technically, considering the geographical conditions, wind speed, wind direction and other factors, Kubutambahan area is the best site for the new airport. There is also a large plot of land near the beach,” said Ketut.

It has been learned that because of this news, many businessmen have bought land from the Gerokgak village courtesy of middlemen who offered the residents very low prices for their land which they, then, sold to the rich businessmen.

As to when the airport will be built, the provincial government is still waiting for an investor.

As said, the airport is designed to accommodate the continually growing tourist arrivals to Bali who are mostly staying in the villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent.

According to date, there are about 12,771,874 tourist arrivals in 2011 alone. Of this, 6,594,830 are domestic passengers and 6,177,044 are international passengers.

According to Regent Putu Agus Suradnyana, the Kubutambahan village is the perfect site for the new airport because of its strategic location, as well as land structure.

As more tourists are predicted coming because of this plan, it is also seen that more villas Bali will be built to accommodate all these tourists coming in.

Yoga Retreats Bali To Benefit The Local Charity

If you are a fan and an active yoga participant, then it’s time to put that interest into good use by attending the Yoga Retreat in Bali that will benefit the local charity. What’s best is that you will have it at one of the villas Bali.

From April 28 to May 4, 2014 in Ubud, Bali, the 2013 Yoga Retreat Bali will be held wherein rookies, beginners, and even experienced yogis will come together for a bonding that will greatly benefit a local charity. This is your chance to meet other yoga enthusiasts and share and build memories and experience a higher level of relaxation.

• When you join the retreat and pay the registration fee, you will also get the following perks:
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Accommodation for 6 nights at one of the villas Bali, Ananda Cottages
• Daily breakfast with vegetarian option
• Welcome dinner in traditional Balinese style
• Optional daily yoga and meditation sessions
• 1 full body massage and 1 spa treatment
• Excursion to Uluwatu for a day
• Cooking class with Ayurvedic doctor
• Visit to Ubud Yoga Barn
• Farewell dinner at Ubud Lotus Center where cultural performances will be seen
• Daily cultural activities
• If you book before January 30, 2013, you will avail of the Early Bird Discount. And if you book with a friend, couples don’t apply, you will also avail of $100 discount for each of you.

Bali is the perfect place for this yoga retreat since the atmosphere and environment is so calm and peaceful here. Not to mention, there are a lot of villas in Bali for rent that can serve as the perfect venue. This could be your chance to stay and experience the villas Bali and have the time of your life.

Vineet Mahajan Joins Ayana Resort and Spa Bali as Director of Sales & Marketing

Vineet Mahajan

With Ayana Resort and Spa Bali being voted as the top beach wedding destination in the world beating several tourist destinations around the world, there is all the more need for it to strengthen its operations and build better branding in the midst of sprouting villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent.


To achieve this, the Ayana Resort and Spa Bali has installed Vineet Mahajan as its new director for sales and marketing. This is in line with the efforts of the resort to upgrade and redesign its conference and meetings facilities. This is among his concerns and focus as he takes on the new challenge to his career.


The biggest factor in the selection of Vineet to this position has been his unparalleled record of 16 years in the hospitality industry, as well as in the telecom and investment banking industries. In fact, his experience includes being the complex director of sales and marketing of Westin Gurgaon and Westin Sohna Resorts and Spa. He was also director of sales and marketing for the The Leela Palace New Delhi and The Leela Kempinski Gurgao. Inclusive period was from pre-opening up to the first year of its operation.

Apart from this new assignment, Vineet will also be taking charge of the opening of Rimba in late 2013 which is located right beside Ayana. Rimba is set to receive the guests of Ayana who can no longer be accommodated in the resort. There are going to be 288 rooms to serve corporate and wedding groups. 

The Ayana Resort and Spa Bali and the Rimba, which means forest in Indonesian, are new additions to the luxurious villas in Bali for rent. Furthermore, the Ayana is considered as a place not just for a vacation but also for a wedding event. Villas in Bali are becoming a top choice for people who want to have destination beach weddings.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali as one of the Ten-Best Wedding Venues in the World

With destination weddings becoming a trend among young lovers today, Bali will not just watch the list of the top wedding venues in the world increase without joining it and staying at the top.

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali not surprisingly landed at the top spot in CNN’s list of the ten best wedding venues in the world. It now is lined along with the different romantic locations in the globe.

Ayana, which is one of the villas Bali that is located in Jimbaran, is said to have one of the classiest resorts that provides the most stunning wedding location, according to the article.

It further offers the best and exceptional pre-wedding and post-wedding pampering for the couple. Its gazebo that gives a breathtaking view of the Jimbaran Bay also adds to the entire feel of the villa, making it the perfect wedding venue.

“There’s a choice of traditional Balinese or contemporary wedding decor, and the package also includes tropical flowers, a rose petal cascade, four Balinese bridesmaids, 60 canapés and 50 tropical drinks. Acapella music throughout the ceremony is also provided.” This has been quoted from the article.

Other venues that also made it to the list are Wilson Island in Australia, Tanjung Rhu in Malaysia, Half Moon in Jamaica, Rocky Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, La Maltese in Santorini, Greece, Palm Island in Grenadines, Coconuts Beach Club in Samoa, Big Island in Hawaii, USA, and Chateau in Burgundy, France.

About Ayana Resort and Spa Bali

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali is one of the villas in Bali for rent that gives the guests a panoramic view of the Jimbaran Bay as it sits on top of the cliff, 35 meters above sea level. Its 77 hectares of tropical gardens offer you a secluded location that is perfect for honeymooners, wedding events, as well as for a private relaxation time. It has an overwhelming 1.3 kilometers of coastline where the 290 rooms and 78 luxury villas sit.

The Ayana Resort and Spa Bali is considered as among the most luxurious villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent.

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa re-certified for Green Globe Certification

A recertification by Green Globe has been acquired by the Maya Ubud Resort and Spa in Bali. This was achieved because this hotel accommodation in Bali is committed to conduct its business not just in a sustainable manner but also in a responsible manner.

“Our management team and all our employees are firmly committed to our sustainable management program, to ensure the longevity of our business and together, preserve and enhance the beautiful of our surroundings,” said Paul Blake, General Manager of Maya Ubud Resort and Spa.

The CEO for the Green Globe Certification, Guido Bauer, said that Maya Ubud is the first among the villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent to have received the highest ranking in the certification program.

This did not come to Maya Ubud very easily as it had to employ green practices such as reusing linens, reducing waste and recycling, increasing its energy efficiency, and implementing environmental education and community outreach. This is according to Romy Anggara, Maya Ubud’s Environmental Officer. He also added that they had to consistently keep a record of all these practices to demonstrate their commitment to green initiatives and to promote a greener world.

About Maya Ubud Resort and Spa

The Maya Ubud Resort and Spa is among the most luxurious villas Bali. It has well-appointed rooms that cater to the discriminating taste of travelers when it comes to accommodation. It also has meeting and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to a theatre style of 60 seats. The classroom style can seat up to 40 persons and 50 persons for formal dinner gatherings. Also, 70 people can be accommodated for cocktail receptions.
When thinking about the villas in Bali for rent, think Maya Ubud Resort and Spa and be able to help save mother earth.

French Food in Bali Island as Affordable and Warm

A lot of people would like to experiment with the food they cook. But there are also people who like to try out new dishes and cuisines to satisfy their curiosity for food.

When in Bali, don’t miss to try the French Kitchen. Though French food is expensively priced at French restaurants, this is not the way with the French Kitchen in Bali. Owned by Chef Ivan de Putra, the French Kitchen started as just a pet project located in Jalan Petitenget.

“I hate the snobbery that’s come about here. Local people eat French food just to impress their friends and ‘to be seen.’ I dislike that mentality. I wanted to reintroduce French food as affordable and warm,” Ivan said.

Once you enter the restaurant, you will immediately feel comfortable and fall in love with its modest setting. You can choose between two dining areas. There is an open air, or al fresco, dining patio that gives you a view of Jalan Petitenget and there is also the indoor bistro area that makes use of wooden tables and chairs.

For the other typical French restaurants whose servings are small and measured, the portions of the French Kitchen are different as these are generous. While you wait for your order, you will be served complimentary bread that is kept warm and soft on hot stones. The balsamic vinegar, olive oil and butter add to its unique taste.

“I’ve only decided to add the ravioli to the menu to accommodate guests who are accustomed to Italian food. Of course, with some French tweaks,” said Ivan about his menu.

There are also a lot of desserts to choose from. There is the petit pot au chocolat that has 70 percent Valrhona dark couverture. There are also the apple layers with dragee and fleur de sel ice cream, as well as the creme brulee with Tahitian vanilla beans.

For a complete dining experience here, expect to spend Rp100,000 to Rp300,000 per person.

So aside from staying at any of the villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent, try the French Kitchen.

Local Chiropractor Dr. Mara Tabares Invited to Teach Course in Bali, Indonesia

Bali had quite an experience recently when Dr. Mara Tabares, local chiropractor, went to Bali for 11 days to teach anatomy and physiology during an intensive training for yoga teachers.

Recharge Retreats handled the training wherein it only invited the top instructors who will teach the students yoga, anatomy and physiology, as well as philosophy, healing, and personal transformation.

"What an amazing experience to be in paradise, doing yoga daily, surrounded by intelligent and compassionate students and teachers with the goal of improving their lives and spreading the joys of yoga to their communities,” said Dr. Tabares.

During her stay in the famed island of the gods, she was accommodated very well in one of the villas Bali. With the many villas in Bali for rent, Dr. Tabares surely had a very good time exploring the island as well.

On the practice of Dr. Tabares

As a practitioner, Dr. Tabares gives gentle, safe, and effective chiropractic care for her patients and for the entire family. With the activator, she helps patients from all ages, beginning from newborns to anyone aged 90, to successfully hurdle health problems.

With a lot of patients of have gone out through her clinic’s door, here are some of the things they can say:

“I was really surprised, when after the first treatment, I experienced profound relief!” said SB.

“Regular chiropractic care helps the whole family feel healthier and more balanced no matter what else is going on in our lives,” says a patient who goes by the name of LR.

The Seniwati women artist’s collective evolution

The Seniwati women’s artist’s collective will now move from the Ubud Seniwati Gallery to its new space in Batu Bulan. This space has been donated by I Nyoman Sani, the new head of the collective who is only 36 years old and is already considered a leading female Balinese artist.

The collective was first conceived through Mary Northmore who happens to be the wife of painter Abdul Aziz. She saw that many talented female artists of Bali have been left out in the dark as the male artists took the limelight.

“We are starting from zero again and I really hope the new year, 2013, sees us grow and that our friends help us in that growth. Having a new gallery space is like a Mother’s Day Christmas present,” says Sani on the new arts space as she formally opened it on December 22 last year.

The “New Beginnings” is among the exhibitions of the Seniwati at its new location. It is a series of 80x200 centimeters works of some of the popular Seniwati artists.

This new place has also led to the conception of The Imagination Club which is a Sunday open house where the neighborhood kids can come to create and develop their arts and creativity.

“We have kids coming from ages 4 to 12 years — so far we have 18 children coming each week. This is extracurricular and we hope to develop their creativity. They do have art classes at school, but here it is a bit different. Kids can learn sculpture, drawing, painting — a whole range as each week we use different materials — so kids have the opportunity to see and feel the many choices open to them in the arts,” said Atmi Kristiadewi, a 23-year-old artist who runs the place.

This arts gallery is a new place for people to explore while they stay in one of the villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent. It will be a fresh break to see amazing works of art after enjoying the sun and sand of Bali, the famed island of the gods.

Tourists Flocking to Bali Island to celebrate the New Year

People now have a new way of spending New Year’s Day. If before people used to be locked up at home, now, they go to various places and countries to have a different experience. Among the places that were most visited during this merry time is Bali, the famed island of the gods.


Many hotels in Bali, including its villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent, were fully booked during the holidays. In fact, according to Angkasa Pura I Ngurah Rai Public Relations Officer, Shirley Yunita, the number of tourist arrivals to the island went up by 30 percent compared to the past few days.


They had to add 75 flights from December 22 to January 5 to meet this overflowing tourist arrival. These additional flights spelled a growth of about 192 percent compared to last year.


Passenger arrivals were also noted at Gilimanuk Port, which is an entrance gate for the people from Java.


Candy Juliani, sales director assistant of the Kuta Station Hotel, said that their occupancy has reached 100 percent. She added to say that 70 percent of their guests are domestic tourists from Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Malang.


The different hotels and villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent had prepared their respective activities for the New Year. These included special dinners, firecrackers, parties, and entertainment. As for Kuta Station Hotel, they had special bowling and billiard games for their guests.


As for Wangi Duarma Putri, marketing communications manager of Hard Rock Hotel, their occupancy reached 100 percent from December 31 to January 4. Meanwhile, Harris Sunset Road Hotel also saw 85 percent occupancy on December 25, Christmas day. And in New Year’s Day, this reached 95 percent.


This is another proof that Bali is not called the “famed island of the gods” for nothing. Indeed, hotels and Bali villas and villas in Bali for rent are very popular.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort Opens at the heart of Kuta Beach

With Bali continuing to take the top spot as a tourist destination, more and more villas Bali and villas in Bali for rent are sprouting like beans.

Just recently, the newest addition to these villas Bali opened—the Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. Located in Pantai Kuta, it is the fifth Starwood property to open in the island. Other properties managed by Starwood in Bali are the St. Regis Bali Resort, W Retreat and Spa Bali-Seminyak, The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort, and the Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. 


“For 75 years, Sheraton has become a gathering place for our guests and locals alike around exciting destinations across the globe. Bali is a perfect fit for the Sheraton Brand, being an international holiday destination that is well known globally – Bali is one of the world’s gathering places,” said Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

The resort has 203 guest rooms and suites with sizes ranging from 46 to 265 square meters. Each of these bedrooms is given the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed. There is also private balcony which provides a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. It also has the signature 2-storey presidential suite of Sheraton hotels.

The hotel also has the Sheraton Fitness by Core Performance. Guests can also enjoy the Shine Spa for a session of relaxation and rejuvenation.

More than that, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is the place for conventions with its 9 flexible event spaces that are placed on one level of 1,600 square meters.

For its opening, it is offering the “Experience Sheraton” package whose rates start at US$225 per night. This already includes accommodation in a deluxe guestroom, breakfast for two at Feast, plus one-way airport transfer to or from the Ngurah Rai Airport.