Meet in Nusa Dua Guide Launched at Ayodya Resort Bali/jean

Selected Bali tour operators and attractions together with key hotel and business players within the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) at Nusa Dua attended an evening garden party on Thursday, July 6, 2017, to celebrate the launch of the �Meet in Nusa Dua Guide�published by Bali Discovery Tours.

The 10th in a series of Bali MICE Guides � the latest edition is the only comprehensive handbook for the meeting, conference, exhibition and incentive industry with groups destined for Bali. While past editions of the Guide have focused on Bali as a whole, the 10th edition's focus is limited exclusively on information on ITDC as a meeting and conference destination.

Filled with detailed technical, venue and destination information required by meeting and conference planners, the "Meet in Nusa Dua Guide" is available without charge to qualified decision makers in the Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) industry.

The informal launch gathering was attended by senior managers from ITDC hotels and businesses, Bali attraction operators, destination management operators and key tourism officials.

The launch party was made possible through the generous support of The Ayodya Resort Bali and Sababay Winery.


Speaking before the VIP gathering, John M. Daniels of Bali Discovery Tourstook the opportunity to thank the management of ITDC for inspiring and helping to coordinate the "Meet in Nusa Dua Guide" and the many advertisers who participated. Thanking the Ayodya Resort Bali and Sababay Winery for sponsoring the evening, Daniels said he hoped the �Meet in Nusa Dua Guide� would mark a new chapter in cooperative marketing Nusa Dua as the world�s leading MICE destination.

Shown on Balidiscovery.com are snapshots from the Garden Launch Party of the �Meet in Nusa Dua Guide� held on July 6, 2017, at The Ayodya Resort, Bali.

� Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com.   

West Bali�s New Eco Tourism Resort: Plataran L�Harmonie/jean

Famous for its well preserved ecosystems, The West Bali National Park is a paradise of  rainforest, dry savannah, acacia scrub, lowland and montane forests. A truly unique landscape of natural beauty, this park is also home to many species of animals such as deer, monkeys, pheasants and the endangered but iconic bird, the Bali Starling.

With the purpose to conserve and promote this exotic haven of flora and fauna , Plataran Indonesia together with PT. Trimbawan Swastama Sejati (TSS) is constructing a New World Wonder Destination, called �Plataran L�Harmonie � The Gateway Planet, Nature Unleashed�.

This new eco tourism destination encompasses an enormous 382 hectares of pristine land and 10km of breathtaking coastline that will impress visitors with an amazing holiday experience like no other.

Guests will have to venture 4 kilometres into the jungle, following rustic wooden road signs on a macadam paved path to find this new gem of a resort.  As commitment to conserve its surroundings, visitors must adhere to strict regulations such as no hunting, no unauthorized fishing, no cutting of trees and keep to a vehicle speed limit of 10km/hr.   

Where wild nature meets luxury, visitors of the Plataran L�Harmonie will experience world class accommodation at one of their exclusive villas and residence suites.  Each villa is equipped with spacious and luxuriously traditional indoor living quarters, a garden and a plunge pool with a private view of the ocean. The residence suitesalso provide million dollar views of the ocean and is furnished with a tropical modern design, creating the ultimate beach getaway feel.

The resort offers  a world class restaurant, an exciting Water World package, a wedding chapel, a jogging track through the jungle and access to the Octagon Beachclub with its impressive ocean front infinity pool spanning nearly 50 metres in length. Plataran L�Hamonie also provides phinisi and yacht operations where guests can book an unforgettable cruise or dive package. Divers can explore the unbelievable underwater landscapes with a guided professional or for families and couples, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise to the backdrop of the beautiful sunset.

For the more environmentally inclined, visitors would love to engage in a range of fun and enlightening activities that are based on the principles of sustainable development. Tree planting and conservation of marine and terrestrial life are just a few of the activities available.  For the more thrill seekers, The West Bali National Park and neighbouring Menjangan Island  are an exotic fun ground where visitors can go horseback riding, snorkelling, biking, bird watching and even dining.

 

The new facilities at Plataran L�Harmonie were officially inaugurated on May 16 by Tourism Minister, Dr. Arief Yahya M.Scand Environment and Forestry Ministry�s Natural Conservation Ecosystems Director General Dr. Tachrir Fathoni , M.Sc, who both support Plataran�s Conservation activities. Plataran is a holder of the Nature Utilization Business License and a recipient of Best National Park Management from the Environment and Forestry Ministry.   

On  27th September, Plataran L�Harmonie was recognized as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations on World Tourism Day and Green Destination Day at Ljubjana, Slovenia.  The Award was received by David Makes on behalf of PT Trimbawan Swastama Sejati  and has brought great pride and hope to the Indonesian tourism industry.

 

Makes, who is also the Chairman of the Tourism Ministry�s Ecotourism Acceleration Team, said, �The nomination of Indonesia as an eco-tourism destination is a testament of Indonesia�s role in the global tourism landscape. The development of Indonesia�s eco-tourism is the way forward and concretely implements the motto of the  Ministry of Tourism: More Conservation, More Prosperity�.

At  the same award ceremony,  the spectacular diving resort and conservation center at Misool in Raja Ampat West Papua, also made the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations list.

Plataran X-Trail 2017: Run Through WEST BALI NATIONAL PARK Scenic Trails/jean

Source: plataran.com

Ready for yet another outstanding running challenge? Well, prepare yourself for an exceptional trail run through some of the most pristinely beautiful natural landscape on the picturesque island of Bali . On Saturday, 22nd July 2017, the Plataran X-Trail 2017 will take trail runners through one of Bali's most enchanting and well-preserved wilderness area in West Bali National Park, home to the world-protected heritage species, the Bali Starling.

source:plataranxtrail.com

Scheduled to take place for the very first time, the Plataran X Trail 2017 is a brand new annual and international trail running event that caters to runners of all levels, and sheds a bright spotlight on environmental consciousness and sustainability.

Scheduled to take place for the very first time, the Plataran X Trail 2017 is a brand new annual and international trail running event that caters to runners of all levels, and sheds a bright spotlight on environmental consciousness and sustainability.

Source:shutterstock

The race features three race categories for men and women, all with start and finish at the Plataran Resort premises. The main race is a challenging 50 km trail that will bring experienced marathon and long distance runners around the entire National Park. Beginners and intermediate level runners can aim for completing the shorter 25 km course, not an easy feat in itself. Thirdly, there is a 7.1 km fun run set up for beginning runners, but also for families with children. 

Source:Shutterstock

The terrain consists of sandy beach, forest paths and more technical single trails. West Bali National Park does not have any high mountains, but especially the 50 km runners will need to conquer a few hills along the route within the 11 hour cut off limit set by the race directors.  

As part of the environmental awareness campaign, upon finishing a race of choice, each single participant will be invited to release a baby turtle into the open sea. The campaign is the manifestation of the responsibility on conserving this endangered species on Earth due to the destruction of their habitat by human activities, such as factory waste, oil spills, and extreme turtle hunts, either for human consumption or entertainment.Every runner will receive a certificate of baby sea turtle adoption as a result of their participation in this event. 

The Plataran X Trail 2017 � West Bali is also a Candidate Race for the 2018 Asia Trail Master championship series, Asia's biggest series of trail running races in nearly 20 countries.
This exceptional race is projected to attract the participation of no less than 500 national and international runners. Two current Asia Trail Master champions are expected to line up at the start of this inaugural race. These are Manolito Divina from the Philippines and Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid from Malaysia who are both looking forward to the 50 km race, which they, for sure,will try to add to their impressive list of race victories. Divina scored wins at the Rizal Mountain Run near his home of Manila and at Sungai Menyala Forest Trail in Port Dickson, Malaysia. TahiraNajmunisaa has kept her unbeaten record on the Asia Trail Master circuit with three victories at Tahura Trail in Bandung, Beach Bunch Trail Challenge 50 in Brunei and UT Koh Chang 100 in Thailand. 

From Indonesia's own trail running scene, Shindy Patricia who in the 2016 Indonesia Trail Master was crowned by the Asia Trail Master Championship series will also be joining at the starting line of the 50k. As winner and only female finisher last year of Rinjani 60k, Shindy Patricia is a big name in the trail running scene in Indonesia, and beyond. 

Located in the most north-westerly point of Bali, the West Bali National Park covers a total area of 19,002.89 hectares, comprising 15,587.89 hectares of land and 3,415 hectares of water. Lush green forests, picturesque mountain range, crystal clear blue water, and vast stretches of pristine beaches, those are what await here. Just at the outskirts of the National Park is the coastal area of Pemuteran
which is famous for its magical underwater temple garden which combines nature's beauty with amazing work of art. Meanwhile off the coast of the national park, Menjangan Island, also offers mesmerizing underwater splendor perfect for snorkeling and diving.More information available at:www.plataranxtrail.com


(Indonesia.travel)

Lonely Planet names Asia�s best destination for 2017/jean

Tourist bible Lonely Planet has announced its top pick for the best travel destination in Asia for 2017, and chances are you�ve never heard of it.
According to travel experts, the Chinese city of Gansu could soon replace Bali as Australia�s hottest travel spot.
�It could potentially become the new Bali. Gansu is basically unknown to the average traveller but with Lonely Planet�s help it could explode,� University of Technology Sydney tourism expert Dr David Beirman told The New Daily.
�Lonely Planet are very influential when it comes to where travellers tend to go. When people find out about places like this, great tourist spots with little crowds, it absolutely becomes a hot spot.�
Gansu�s mix of untouched terrain, exquisite local cuisine and upgraded transport services should push the province to the top of your bucket list, Lonely Planet said.

The crowd-free city hosts picturesque views with surreal scenery ranging from the arid peaks of Xiahe to the otherworldly rainbow desert of Danxia National Geopark.
Its crown jewel and world-class Buddhist art site, the Mogao Grottoes, which received a huge upgrade in 2015, plus a giant Buddha at Bingling Monastery, make it an �underrated� must-see destination.
The province also carries historical significance as it straddles a once-great trading and military route between China and central Asia as part of the northern Silk Road.

However, Dr Beirman told The New Daily he is concerned for areas such as Gansu, with little-known destinations regularly being �ruined� by Lonely Planet�s recommendations.
�There is a tendency for Lonely Planet�s selections to kill an area with over-tourism,� he said.
�They are very, very influential which can be a negative for these destinations. What it calls a hot-spot often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

�If you have too many tourists it can be detrimental and ruin what made the area so great.�
For Australians, flights to Lanzhou � the capital of Gansu � are relatively cheap, averaging around $600-$700 one way.
Prices for accommodation according to Trip Advisor are even cheaper, with four-star hotels available from $65 to $180 a night.

Lonely Planet�s top 10 Asian destinations

1. Gansu, China
2. South of Tokyo, Japan
3. Northern Kerala, India
4. Keong Saik Road, Singapore
5. Astana, Kazakhstan
6. Takayama Japan
7. Xi�an, China
8. Sri Lanka�s Hill Country
9. Melaka City, Malaysia
10. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

(newdaily)



Lonely Planet Indonesia (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet China (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a shoestring (Travel Guide)

Tour de Flores 2017 to Include Beautiful Rii Taa Island/jean

Source: florestourism.com

The total distance of this year's Tour de Flores cycling race, set to start in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday (14/07), has been increased by 146.5 kilometers.

"We have been informed that the Tour de Flores race distance will be increased to 808 km from 661.5 kilometers. The added distance is due to the additional route from Aegela to Mbay City in Nagekeo district," Esthy Reko Astuti, deputy for tourism development at the Ministry of Tourism, said in a statement on Monday (10/07).

The decision to add the additional route came after a weeklong survey by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. Esthy said the ministry has prepared to improve the condition of the road between Larantuka and Labuan Bajo.

This will also be an additional challenge for the 13 teams comprised of more than 100 cyclists from Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

"Participants and supporters from abroad may enjoy the beauty of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara," Esthy said. She added that the date of the competition has been pushed back from its initial schedule of May 9-14 to prepare for the new route and to align the race with other international events.
 

Source:florestourism.com

One of the highlighted destinations will be Rii Taa Island near Mbay City. Not many foreign tourists have witnessed the beauty of Rii Taa beach with its white and pink sand.

Moreover, Nagekeo district also offers various tourism destinations aside from the island.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said he hopes all participants will enjoy the beauty of Flores.

"We would also like to show the outside world that Indonesia is a safe country to host international events, as proven by the previous Tour de Ijen in Banyuwangi, Tour de Singkarak in West Sumatra and others," he added. (JakartaGlobe)

Indonesian embassy promotes Balinese culinary in Beijing/jean

Garuda Indonesia in Beijing (twitter)

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beijing and Hotel Conrad has promoted Balinese cuisine to the guests staying at one of the five star hotels in the capital city of China from July 6 to 16, 2017.

"This is the second event this year," Indonesian Ambassador to China, Soegeng Rahardjo, stated in a press statement received by Antara here on Friday.

To support the event titled A Taste of Indonesia, Conrad Beijing presented three chefs from Bali, namely I Made Semawan, Agus Feritude, and Agus Surya.

They serve Balinese dishes of chicken, pork, fried rice, and satay, which tasted exactly the same as the ones found in the island.

"With the growing recognition of Indonesias tradition, culinary taste, and beauty, it is expected that the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia will continue to increase," the ambassador stated.

The Embassy will continue to hold such culinary promotional events by involving several star hotels.

Earlier, a similar event was also held by the Embassy in cooperation with Westin Beijing in mid-March.

This year, the Ministry of Tourism expects 2.5 million tourists from China.

In previous year, tourists from mainland China visiting Indonesia reached 1.5 million people. They still see Bali as a major tourist destination in the country.

Garuda Indonesia has provided direct flights to Denpasar from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Several Chinese airlines also provide direct flights to Denpasar.

(Antara)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON GILI TRAWANGAN /jean

Gili: Ombak Sunset (Booking.com)

While every year millions of tourists are attracted to Bali, the nighboring island of Lombok offers 3 tiny paradise islands off its north-west coast, known as �the Gilis�. Gili meaning "little island" and when people talk of "the Gilis", they usually refer to  the three little islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

Source: Indonesia.travel

Gili Trawangan is the largest and most built up among the three islands. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, turquoise water and a mesmerizing underwater life, it has the largest number of guesthouses, hotels and resorts. This, combined with bars and holiday atmosphere make this the most popular among travelers. Most  accommodation and other facilities on the island are on the east side.

Top Things to See and Do on Gili Trawangan

1. Scuba diving

Swimming in crystal clear water with a sea turtle is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. You can rent snorkeling gear for half a day from one of the centers near the beach and If you are with a large enough group or join other people do take a private boat. Check with your hotel for the best spots of the moment to snorkel with the sea turtles.

2. Go snorkeling

Whether you simply want to try scuba diving, do fun diving or go all out and complete a dive course or dive master program, here is the hub of Lombok diving with a heap of dive schools and dive sites to choose from. Small wonder, because the islands have a wonderful underwater world. Lionfish, scorpion fish, cuttle fish, octopus, and different types of rays make the waters around the islands their habitat.  

3. Island Hopping

Twice a day the public boats ply  around the islands. In the morning the boat leaves Gili Trawangan at 9.0 am. In the afternoon it returns from Gili Air over Gili Meno back to Trawangan.

4. Rent a bike 

Gili Trawangan is a relatively small island. It takes approximately one hour to cycle around it. You can get  bikes almost anywhere or check your hotel since they usually also have bikes for rent. Remember to chain and lock the bike when you leave it anywhere.

There are no motorized vehicles on Gili Trawangan, only bikes and horse drawn carts called "horse carriage". So bikes are your best transport to get you around the island. 

5. Walk to the vantage point for sunset
Get a good view over the Gili islands, Bali and Lombok from the highest point on Gili Trawangan. The hill is located on the southern end of the island and can be reached within half an hour�s walk from most places on the southern part of Gili Trawangan. This is the best  vantage point to admire sunsets. For another option,  head to the west side of the island and find a spot to sip your cold drink while having your toes in the sand or find a chair in a beach bar, and watch the sun set behind Bali�s  inspiring Mount Agung.

6. Check out the nightlife

A daily night market serving heaps of Indonesian delicacies at bargain prices, is worth your to visit. Located in front of the boat pier it opens at 6 pm or before sunset, this main public dining spot will satisfy your craving for seafood and local delights with a good variety of menu items to choose from. For such a small islandGili Trawangan certainly lives up to its time-honored party island reputation. Party nights are regular and are rotated between the bars, which usually stay open until 4 am.

Get There

Lombok is easily reached from Bali by air around 25 minutes or by sea crossing taking less than 2 hours.

There are speedboats available from Senggigi Beach on Lombok to the Gilis. 

Transport between Bali and Gili Trawangan is also provided with fast boats. Public Boat is the cheapest way to reach Gili Trawangan. Departure is from Bangsal, a tiny little port in northwest Bali, from 8 am-5 pm. You can buy tickets directly from the  ticket office. The official price is IDR 19,500 (Feb 2016) plus additional terminal fees at IDR 2,500. Charter boats run from here and tickets can be bought at the same ticket office. Charter boats are permitted to carry a maximum of 12 persons, with cost IDR 500,000 (one way)  per person and IDR 950,000 (return)/person. (Indonesia.travel)

Gili Trawangan Accommodation