Prom Thep Cape

Phuket - Promthep Cape is the most southern tip of Phuket Island and offers beautiful views of the sea. Prom Thep Cape is certainly one of the best spots for snapping pictures.

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Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.

Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.

Countries that do not require a Visa to enter Bali.

* Brunei Darussalam
* Chile
* Hongkong Special Administrative Region
* Macao Special Administrative Region,
* Malaysia
* Morocco
* Peru
* Philippines
* Singapore
* Thailand
* Vietnam

As of August 1st 2005 those Countries that require and are eligible for Visa-On Arrival was extended from 21 countries to 35 countries (highlighted in bold) - cost for these visas are US$10 for a stay of up to 7 days, US$25 for a stay of up to 30 days.

* Arab Emirates
* Argentina
* Australia
* Austria
* Belgium
* Brazil
* Canada
* China
* Denmark
* Egypt
* Finland
* France
* Germany
* Hungary
* India
* Ireland
* Italy
* Japan
* Kuwait
* Luxembourg
* Maldives
* New Zealand
* Norway
* Poland
* Portugal
* Qatar
* Russia
* Saudi Arabia
* South Africa
* South Korea
* Spain
* Switzerland
* Taiwan
* United Kingdom
* United States

It is important to also note the following: The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa. The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant. There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments

Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia, and you must have proof of onward passage (either return or through tickets).

If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

You are advised to change your money into US$ prior to arriving in Bali to pay for your visa on arrival

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Bali Safari Marine Park

Bali Safari Marine Park

Open Time : 9.00am - 05.00pm (everyday)

Holiday adventures should be fun, which “Bali Safari and Marine Park” provides in full measure, as well as it’s more profound and enduring mission of conservation.
Taman Safari Indonesia is an institution oriented to building tourist attractions that are attractive to visitors, environmentally friendly and that help spread the conservation message. They are the Government appointed Indonesian Centre for the Reproduction of Endangered Wildlife and operate the Sumatran Tiger Rescue Team that relocates them when they come into conflict with humans.

By visiting Bali Safari and Marine Park, or their huge complexes near Jakarta and Surabaya, visitors contribute to the conservation work as a percentage of the profit goes to helping Taman Safari Indonesia continue its work in rescuing Indonesia’s endangered wild elephants, orangutans, tigers, and unique birds like the Bali myna.

- TSI’s function is: conservation, research, education and recreation
- TSI member of the Indonesian Zoological Parks Association (IZPA), The South East Asian Zoo Association (SEAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA).
- One of TSIs’s directors is the President of South East Asian Zoos Association (SEAZA) and Convener of the Captive Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG).
- Many collaborative programs such as sister park programs, animal exchanges, breeding loans,
- are carried out with zoos around the world such as Gunma Safari Park & Nasu Monkey World, Zoorasia-Yokohama, Tama Zoo, Prague zoo, Minnesota Zoo, Cincinnati zoo, San Diego zoo, Australian Zoo, Monarto Zoological Park, Adelaide Zoo, Perth Zoo, and Erlebnis Zoo Swizerland.
They also co-operate and actively support the Indonesian festival in Japan.

Bali Safari Marine Park is the latest creation from the operators of the world renowned Taman Safari Indonesia,a name known for more than 20 years for its creative, back to nature animal exhibits and incessant conservation work.Building upon the innovations of their existing parks at Bogor near Jakarta and Prigen near Surabaya, and using the latest in concepts in park design, Taman Safari Indonesia has exceeded all expectations with their newest park. Set on 40 hectares of land with breathtaking natural surroundings at the cultural centre of Bali, Gianyar, Bali Safari and Marine Park is extremely active in assisting the protection and conservation of endangered species that are constantly losing their habitat. This includes helping scientists by carrying out research on many different wild animals conservation projects.Bali Safari & Marine park also runs conservation and education campaigns and other extension activities.

You can see :
White Tiger (Panthera tigris rigris).
Size : 2-3 m.
Weight : 135-225 kg.
Life span : Average probably not more than 15 years in the wild
16-18 years in controlled environments.
Conservation Status: Endangered

Ranthambore is a national park and tiger reserve in Rajasthan state of western India. the park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. there are several lakes in the park. it is named for the historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the national park. the park covers an area of 392 km2, and is famous for its tiger population, and is one of India's Project Tiger reserves. in 1972 the Indian government conducted their first ever census operation on the tiger. on the same year, the original "Tiger Task Force" had selected nine areas to become special reserves, and in 1973 "Project Tiger" was inaugurated in Corcett National Park in Uttar Pradesh. By 1974 Ranthambore had also been designated a "Project Tiger" reserve. it got it's status of a National Park in 1981.


Sumatran Elephant
(Asian elephant/ E. Maximus Sumatranus)

Taman Safari Indonesia is an institution that deals extensively with ex-situ conservation of Sumatran Elephants. However, it has also established important and pioneering links between in-situ and ex-situ elepahant conservation efforts. since 1985, Taman Safari Indonesia has been involved in helping to solve the human - elephant conflict in sumatra. one achievement was the establishment of Elephants Training Centre (ETCs). TSI started the first ETC in Way Kambas National Park in Lampung Province than established other ETCs in Riau and Aceh. There are now six Elephant Training Centre in Sumatra. Bali Safari & Marine Park also established for Elephant captivity. We call it "Kampung Gajah" or Elephant Village. We have 20 Sumatran Elephant right now. here, we can enjoy with the Elephant trail,cuddles with the baby Elephants, take some pictures, elephant feeding and also we can see the elephants education show. this elephants education show is tell about the characteristic, their habits in the wild, the different between of Sumatran elephant and African elephant. elephant is the biggest wild animal since its body weight can be 5000 kg, while the female weight is lighter. the spreading out of Asian elephants is in India, Peninsula, Sumatra and Srilangka. Comparing to the African elephants, asian elephats have smaller body. these wild animals live in groups, consisting about 10-30 elephants in a group. their foods are all kinds of grasses and fruits. only male elephants have ivory tusks. the tusks start to grow at the age of 2 or 3 years old. tusk of female is not appear. the pregnancy period of an elephant is 22 months and they give birth 1 or 2 baby elephants.

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Tips : Balinese Food and Eating out in Bali

The food in Bali is generally safe to eat. Most expats eat a combination of western and Indonesian food on a daily basis. The odd stomach bug does occur but don’t let fear prevent you from enjoying what Bali has to offer. Restaurants now know to wash their vegetables in filtered water, salads are fine to eat.

Bali has its own cuisine, masakan Bali. Balinese food consists or rice as a staple, often served with dishes made of pork, a variety of sate and vegetables, often mixed with chili. Two of the most famous items in Balinese cuisine are lawar and babi guling.

• Lawar:
Lawar is one of Bali’s most famous local dishes. Made from pig’s blood and spices, together with an assortment of other goodies, lawar can be found in every village in Bali. Balinese traditional spices such as kunyit, shrimp paste, salt and ground pepper, galangal and other roots; grated coconut, green beans, boiled young jackfruit and occasionally, singkong leaves, all chopped up and blended together.

• Babi guling:
Babi guling is Bali’s most famous dish. Ask a Balinese person what their favourite food is and there is a good chance they’ll say “Bali guling”. Indonesia is a Muslim country, so pork isn’t celebrated as it is here in Bali. The Balinese however often keep pigs at home behind the house, feeding on food scraps, for that important time when they will be killed and eaten. The young suckling pig is used because of its tenderness, spit-roasted to perfection. Finding Bali Guling is a bit hard in tourist areas as it takes a while to prepare and is not really a dish most foreigners will ask for. As soon as you get away from the tourist scene in Kuta / Seminyak and head to Kerobokan, Mengwi, Ubud, or any other local place, the babi guling stands pop up.


• Vegetarian Indonesian food:
Vegetarians visiting Bali will have no problem at all, finding delicious food. The selection of international restaurants is amazing. You might go for a spinach lasagna at Warung Italia, a vegetarian Indian dish at Gateway to India, or a vegetarian Meditereanean plate at Zula, on Jl. Dhyana Pura. But how about Indonesian food?

Hitting a Padang food place, the Sumatran style places with pyramids of food in the window, you will notice many vegetarian options. Rice will be a staple, vegetable choices are often free and other items cost more. For example I might choose fried temple (made from soy beans), kangkung (the leafy green vegetable), nangka (curried jackfruit), hard boiled egg and a potato cake.

In other Indonesian-style places, you will find dishes such as Gado Gado, which is steamed cabbage and sprouts, with rice, tofu and peanut sauce. Its quite tasty!

A good option for a vegetarian is nasi campur (mixed rice) I get this all the time, with meat of course, but if you specify no meat, you will get, rice, various green vegetables including spinach, green beans, tofu, tempe, egg, peanuts, sambal, etc.

• Popular Dishes in Bali: Nasi Goreng:
Nasi goreng (fried rice) is a dish popular, not only in Bali, but all over Asia. Nasi goreng is made by tossing a small plate of steamed white rice, into a wok, with oil, vegetables and sometimes seafood, or chicken. It is usually served with a fried egg slapped on top and giant prawn cracker.

Javanese food:

Javanese cuisine originates from the island of Java. Here is a little guide to the cuisine of Java.

• Common spice ingredients:
Common ingredients are nasi (rice), bawang putih (garlic),
bawang merah (red garlic), tumeric, merica (pepper), pala (black pepper).

Usually use coconut oil for cooking, which comes in a bottle.

• Vegetables:
Wortel (carrot), kacang panjang (long beans), buncis (green beans), jangung (corn), sawi kankung (green vegetables), kentang (potato), terong (sour vegetable), taro (root vegetable), cabbage, kacang (peanuts).

• Meats:
Ayam (chicken), sapi (beef), kambing (goat), burung (bird)

• Fish:
Udang (prawn), bandeng (boney white fish), cumi-cumi (squid), kepiting (crab), tuna, gurame (flat white fish), tongkol (barracuda).

Javanese food has a sweet taste, without many spices, so if they want ot cook one meal they use special spices, they don’t like to mix spices. for example Balinese food often contains a mixture of many hot and powerful spices, whereas Javanese cuisine often says ‘this dish should have onion, but no garlic, this other dish should have garlic but no onion’.

Sumatra has more spicy food, Javanese food is famous for sweet, west Java is famous for raw vegetables, Central Java very sweet.

Often items containing, fried fish, tofu, tempe etc, can be cooked and served cold, just as in a warung. The rice that accompanies it is usually served hot, whether it be plain rice, yellow
rice or rice with coconut milk. In Java it is popular to use a wajan (wok) for cooking, over a gas burner.

The most popular methods of cooking are goreng (deep frying) in the wajan, rebus (boiling) is used for eggs, noodles, tofu, tempe. Bakar (grilling) is used for fish.

Javanese love using coconut milk. This is applied to dishes, by cooking the meat and vegetables in a wajan with hot oil. After they ingredients are ready, they are transfered to another pan / wajan and the coconut milk is added with particular spices.

Javanese cuisine doesn’t really have the ’starter-main course-dessert’ set up of western cuisines. Javanese often prefer to get straight into the main meal with various dishes, accompanied by a sweet drink.

From C. Java the most famous meal is called Gudeg, made from Jackfruit, boiled in a pot with spices. People say the brown colored vegetable, actually tastes better a couple of days after
cooking, the difference in taste noticeable.

Restaurants serving Javanese food give a fork and spoon, but many Javanese people prefer to use hands. In my opinion many westerners would appreciate Javanese food, as it is not overly spicy, interesting, colorful and complex.

• Bubur - The Breakfast Delight:
Go into any restaurant or warung in Indonesia, pick up the menu and you are guaranteed to see bubur on the list. Bubur ayam or chicken porridge are early morning favourites with many Indonesians.

• A Food called Maize: Indonesia:
One of the greatest delights is to get a corn cob or jagung that is toasted over hot coals, put on some salt and coarse pepper, and then make a pig out of yourself devouring it. One will often see grilled corn vendors at the beach, especially on Sunday afternoons, a time popular with Balinese families.

• Vegetarian Tucker in Indonesia:
Vegetarian food in Indonesia is not that hard to find, Asian food in general not having the preoccupation with a big chunk of meat like some European cuisines.

• Eating in a Warung:
One of the many aspects that makes Bali a sensational place to visit is the availability of cheap and tasty food. The most common type of eating establishment in Bali is the warung, the small local cafe type places that traditionally serve local food, but have adapted to accommodate foreign palletes.

• The Pisang Goreng Delight:
Fried bananas or pisang goreng, are one of the tastiest delicacies to devour for a quick snack between meals. Even better, add a couple scoops of ice-cream and it is the yummiest!.

• Guide to tropical fruits in Bali:
Visitors to Bali are often unaware of the delights that await at the local fruit market. Odd looking fruits and strange names can put people off being as adventurous as they might like to be so here is a quick guide to some tropical fruits found in Bali.

• True local: The Bali pomelo
Let us enjoy a citrus fruit of true Indonesian origin. It is a rather large fruit sometimes nearly as big as a football. Its name is jeruk Bali or Bali pomelo.


• How expensive is it?
Tourist warungs in the Kuta area on the narrow lanes leading to the beach will serve you a plate of food for $1-2, depending on what you order. An example of this type of place is Bamboo Corner on Poppies I. Warung Murah on Jl. Oberoi and also Jl. Double Six will do the same with an Indonesian selection. Mid-range places serving western food may found all over. Good options in Seminyak include Ultimo, Trattoria, Rumours, Warung Bonita, Taste and Mykonos. A typical meal can be had for $5. High end places also exist including KuDeTa on the beach in Petitenget, where you can spend $30 or more for dinner. BaliEats does a good job of detailing popular Bali restaurants.

• What are the rules of etiquette in Bali concerning eating?
The rules of etiquette are virtually the same as in the west, except in the budget places you do not have to wait to be seated. In Padang style Indonesian warungs, where the pre-cooked food is in full view, you will get a plate of steamed rice and choose what you want, receiving a ticket and paying before you leave. If you need the waiter / waitress just look in their direction and raise your hand, no need to click your fingers or tap your glass with the knife. In Indonesian the word ‘permisi’ means ‘excuse me’, so “Permisi blee” to a waiter, “Permisi mbah” to a waitress.

In a restaurant / tourist warung your food may not arrive the same time as the other members of your group. In Indonesia it is fine to start eating before other people. Service and tax equaling 21% will be charged in restaurants, not in warungs. Tipping is not a Balinese tradition, however if you would like to leave an extra 5-10% the staff will appreciate it. Warungs will not usually accept credit cards, but restaurants will. If in doubt ask the waitstaff before ordering.

The usual western cutlery is found in restaurants in Bali. Warungs often substituting a spoon for a knife. Eating with one’s hands is perfectly okay in an Indonesian warung.

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Ayodya Resort Bali Opens Spectacular New Spa

Ayodya Resort Bali is proud to announce the opening of its spectacular new spa, Ayodya Spa by Mandara. The spa covers 1800 square metres and comprises four Spa Villas designed for couples—complete with steam rooms and sunken bathtubs—as well as thirteen single Treatment Rooms, four of which boast rainshowers, a Recovery Room & Library, a Manicure & Pedicure Room, a Reflexology Room, and a Reception Lounge.

Embracing the four elements of fire, earth, wind and water, Ayodya Spa by Mandara invites guests to ‘Experience the Senses’. The contemporary design is exciting, eclectic and earthy, honouring the environment and touching on the traditional, while also retaining the very best elements of Balinese artistry. The style is sensual and romantic. Guests will be greeted by a myriad of textures, colour and symbolism, before embarking on a journey of rebirth and rejuvenation, with small offerings to their well-being thoughtfully added along the way. The environmental concept, meanwhile, engages with nature, reassesses the use of both energy and resources, and is dedicated to the application of local materials.




No expense has been spared in the creation of this luxurious haven of serenity. Expect hand blown glass, Balinese artwork, stone carvings, water features, and indigenous materials ranging from ‘Sukabumi’ stone from Java to ‘Batu Boka’ stone from Lombok, glazed volcanic lava stone and stacked slate from Bali to recycled ironwood from Kalimantan.

The Spa is managed by Mandara—a company that was founded in Asia and has since grown to become the world’s leading luxury spa operator with over sixty spas in resort properties around the world, including four in Bali. It promises to deliver an exceptional experience of pampering, wellness and rejuvenation with a spa menu flavoured by a mixture of cultures and traditions. The sense of ritual and devotion to these cultures is maintained, even nurtured, so that the treatments reflect the beauty, grace and refinement of the ancient times from which they evolved.

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Banks ,Credit Cards, ATM and money changer in Bali

Information about banks and credit cards in Bali

Banks

•American Express Bank (0361) 283973
•ABN-AMRO Bank (0361) 244277
•Bank Central Asia (BCA) (0361) 756283
•Bank Danamon (0361) 757836
•Bank International Indonesia (BII) (0361) 756671
•Bank Lippo (0361) 284158
•Bank Mandiri (0361) 770259
•Bank Niaga (0361) 232969
•Bank Permata (0361) 263373
•Citibank (0361) 255077
•Commonwealth Bank (0361) 237077
•Standard Chartered Bank (0361) 223700

Credit Cards

•American Express (0361) 283970
•Mastercard / Visa (0361) 759010

Banks in Bali have ATM machines that are compatible with foreign banks so you will be able to withdraw money in local currency. There are actually a ton of branches and you can look in the local Yellow Pages for a complete listing, of banks in Bali.


ali is stacked with ATM machines which is good for the local economy and good for tourists. The days of visiting banks and money changers, spending half an hour filling out forms to get $20 are over. Now whether you are in Kuta, Denpasar, Lovina or Nusa Dua, you can access your cash 24/7. As globalization spreads, efficient ways of doing things become the norm. Bank cards issued overseas that have the Star, Cirrus, Maestro, etc. symbols will be able to access the ATMs of local banks.

Money is issued in Indonesian rupiah. ATM machine are sometimes open to the air, sometimes enclosed in a little AC room. On the outside of the machine it will indicate which cards are compatible. It will also say what denomination the money is dispensed in, either 50,000rp or 100,000rp notes. When you put your card in, you will be asked to select from the Indonesian or English language menu. After entering your PIN number, you will select what service you need (withdrawal, balance inquiry etc.) and from which account (Saving or Checking). After about 15 seconds the money is dispensed, then the receipt then the card. Don’t forget to wait for your card.

Bali has around 12 different banks, each with many branches. The most popular are BII, BNI, BCA. Local account holders are able to withdraw money from their bank’s ATMs for free. Account holders of local backs can withdraw larger sums from ATMs than non-account holders. For example the maximum amount withdrawal from a BCA ATM is 2.5mrp per session, 2 sessions per day. Lippo bank allows you to draw out 2m rp per session although the same ATM machine sometimes allows a different rate (figure that out!), which may be something to do with the amount of money left in the machine. A Silver account with BCA allows a daily withdrawal of 5m rp, a Gold account 10m rp. ATMs vary greatly in the maximum amount they allow you to withdraw. You will be offered a series of amounts and ‘Other Amount’. By clicking on ‘Other Amount’ and typing the figure, you’ll find out if its possible. If not you’ll be directed to enter a lower figure. To use another bank’s ATM machine the charge is 25,000rp.

ATMs in Bali are generally reliable and scams are rare. The worst thing that can happen is you
forget to take your card back.

Bank Commonwealth, which is related to the Commonwealth Bank in Australia, is opening a series of its ‘FX’ shops that will account holders of any Australian bank to exchange money and withdraw from the ATM.

Bali has a mulitude of banks, ATM’s and moneychangers already, but the advantages of this one are that its not a ‘cattle call’, like BNI or one of the local banks. I often see tourists walking along the street comparing rates and moneychangers. Some offer a higher rate with a commission, others al ower rate, with no commission. In all honesty it works out the same, and the people offering the ridiculously good rates, are the little scumbags who will try to steal your money, during the process of counting it. I recommend going to a large established money changer, like the Central Kuta moneychanger at the bottom of Jl. Legian, or the one next to Spaghetti Jazz in Seminyak, you won’t get ripped off there.

FX Shop locations:
FX Shop Legian
JL. Legian No. 137,
Legian

FX Shop Kuta
JL. Dewi Sartika No. 8,
Komplek Kuta Centre,
Blok A III no. 8,
Kuta

Banks in Bali will change foreign cash and travelers checks 8am � Noon, Mon �Fri. On weekends only money changers operate and on Sunday only the government one is open (they only accept US TC’s or cash).

You should check the newspaper for the latest exchange rates and compare the rates offered by money changers and banks. Be very careful of freelance money changers in the street. If they do not have some kind of premises, like a carpet store or something they can easily rip you off. A typical situation might involve you changing money with them and after you receive your bills the person abruptly takes back your stack saying he miscounted and will add a couple of low denomination bills to the top, while taking a couple of high value bills from the bottom.

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