Bali Tourism Board

To limit the flow of fake or hoax news in connection with the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia, the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy has established an Integrated Crisis Communication Center.

Explained by the national spokesperson for the Ministry’s COVID-19 Task Force, Ari Juliano Gemea, said: “We have activated the crisis communications center since 17 March 2020 that follows standard operating procedures based on input from professional crisis managers and communication experts collected during 2018-2019.”

The Tourism Ministry has also established several channels of public communication and social media dealing exclusively with COVID-19 related matters, including:

Instagram @kemen,parekraf 

Instagram @indtravel

Website www.kemenparekraf.go.id

COVID-19 Website Microsite https://pedulicovid19.kemenparekraf.go.id/.

COVID-19 Contact Center Telephone WhatsApp: +62-(0)8118956767 (Attended during Indonesian Business Hours). 

The Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Wishnutama Kusubandi, published a circular memorandum (Nomor 2 Tahun 2020 Tentang Tindak Lanjut Imbauan Pencegaham Penyebaran Corona Virus Disease 2019) on 31 March 2020 directing the following steps be taken:

1. Government services working in the tourism sector should consult and report any developments regarding the effects of COVID-19 to the appropriate authorities in their respective regions. This would include The Task Forces for the Handling of COVID-19 operated by their Governor/Regent/Mayor and established communication channels via a local Call Center.
2. Provincial Tourism Services must observe, monitor, and report the local economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic to the Tourism Ministry via the National COVID Call Center on WhatsApp at +628118956767 or by Email .
3. Share and publicize via social media, print publications, radio, WhatsApp Groups, and email broadcasts the procedures and health and hygiene protocols established by the Ministry of Health.
4. Do all possible to support the future welfare of commercial enterprises by purchasing catering from hotels and restaurants that have lost business during the current crisis. The food products ordered from these companies can be given to families who have lost their employment, are working from home, and medical workers on the front line of the COVID-19 battle at hospitals.
5. Undertake steps in coordination with the Department of Manpower to avoid the termination of employees during the current economic downturn.
6. Follow the guidelines on employment provided by the Minister of Manpower in the circular memo (Nomor: M/3/HK.04/III/2020 tentang Perlindungan Pekerja/Buruh dan Kelangsunan Usaha dalam Rangka Pencegahah dan Penanggulngan COVID-19).
7. Support efforts to provide support/compensation in the form of basic food supplies to workers in the informal sector of the economy, particularly in tourism destinations areas affected by the downturn.
8. To provide protection and income guarantees for workers in the tourism and creative economy sectors, including:
   1. Monitor that workers and laborers categorized as “under observation” (ODP) for COVID-19, supported by a doctor’s letter of certification and are unable to attend their place of employment, receive their full wages.
   2. Monitor that workers and laborers categorized as “suspected of COVID-19 infection and are quarantined or undergoing isolation, receive their full salaries during any period of isolation.
   3. Monitor that worker and laborers who cannot attend their jobs because they are suffering from a COVID-19 infection as certified by a doctor’s letter receive their full wages in accordance with the law.
   4. Monitor companies compelled to limit activities because of local government policies for the prevention of COVID-19 and, as a result of those policies, must make changes to their payroll, that this is only done following mutual agreement achieved between the workers and the employers.

Credits to Bali Discovery

The State News Agency Antara reports that the Council of Traditional Villages in Bali (MDA) and the Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI-Bali) are planning to declare an extraordinary island-wide ‘Traditional Village New Year’ (Nyepi –Nipeng Desa Adat) 18 – 20 April 2020 to accelerate the elimination of COVID-19 on the Island.

The chairman of MDA-Bali, Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, told the press: “This is an effort to complement the ‘Sekala'(physical) and ‘Niskala’ (spiritual) aspects of the cosmos to hasten the end of the threat of COVID.”

Spiritually, the proposed ‘Nyepi-Nipeng Desa Adat’ is closely related to an accompanying small-scale Bhuta Kala Ceremony that should be held before Tilem Kadasa (The dark moon of the tenth month of death) on 22 April 2020.”

Bali’s formal celebration of ‘Nyepi‘ took place on 25 March 2020 and mandated 24 hours of absolute silence spent behind closed doors in the dark. Meanwhile, the “Traditional Village Nyepi” scheduled for 18-20 April only requests traditional villagers to stay inside their homes unless dispensation has been granted to venture outside.

A more lenient and extended form of Nyepi, the 18-20 April Traditional Village Nyepi will NOT require that lights are turned off, Internet service be interrupted, satellite-cable television service be suspended, and that airports and seaports be closed.

The leadership of MDA and PHDI are calling on all people living in Bali, including those living outside a traditional village setting, to observe the “stay-at-home” dictum for the three-day period.

Other than the mandating people to stay at home, the observance of “traditional village Nyepi” will see the lights stay on, television and radio broadcast continue unabated, and Wi-Fi service remains up over the three days.

A formal circular will be issued after 08 April by PHDI and MDA containing the finalized details of the “traditional village Nyepi” that will be shared with Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster.

News from Bali Discovery

For the fourth year in a row ONE ISLAND ONE VOICE rallied and organised the annual Bali’s Biggest Clean Up. This has become a really iconic day many look forward to. This year’s cleanup was the first since Bali’s single-use disposable plastic ban.

THE BREAKDOWN OF THIS YEARS BIG BEACH CLEANUP

ONE ISLAND ONE VOICE: PEOPLE POWER

Credit: News from bright vibes

(News from Bali.com)

The new Corona Virus (Sars-CoV-2) in Bali

The world has been hit by the new Corona Virus and it has also reached Indonesia and Bali. We will post here the latest updates on the development and corona situation in Bali and hope that all travelers and citizens will be safe. The Indonesian government is very active in managing the situation and continues to take measures to stop the disease to spread further. There are some simple things we can do to avoid getting infected with Covid-19 and to avoid the disease to spread further:

Is it ok traveling to Bali? Is Bali Safe?

It would not be right to claim that any country, be it our home country or a place we wish to visit these days is 100% safe. Based on the scientific data the world has gathered now about the coronavirus, and knowing the fatality rate and the way it is spreading, the virus is indeed a threat.

However, how much of a threat you face if coming to Bali, really depends on your individual circumstances, your personal actions and behaviors, and the level of precautions you take. And of course to a certain extend we depend on the professionalism of government authorities and also businesses that facilitate transportation, travel, etc.

The risk to get infected might be as low or high as in any other country that is not classified by the WHO as high risk area, such as China or Italy. If you are elderly or have an underlying health condition, you should carefully consider if you should travel at all these days. Indonesian authorities and particularly the ones in Bali have shown that they take the situation seriously and have implemented several regulations and procedures, that have been executed quite well. But of course, there is no guarantee, there is always room for improvement, and we all still learn how to deal with this.

For now the borders are still open, and between 1st and 12th of March 114,000 foreign visitors arrived on the island. Much less than what could be expected because of the shutdown of China, but in a way, life goes on in Bali. As in every part of the world, it is advisable to follow the precaution measures as suggested by the WHO, and to stay away from mass events. It is expected that some of the bigger concerts, events and festivals in Bali might be canceled.

So far, the number of corona patients is still low in Indonesia, particularly in relation to the total population. More cases will definitely be reported and the crisis is not over. So yes, there is a risk here in Bali, as there is a global risk to catch that virus. In this uncertain and dynamic time there is also the risk when traveling, that further travel restrictions might be announced, depending on how the situation in Indonesia and other countries evolves.

(News from Bali.com)

(News from Bali Plus)

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19, the Provincial Government of Bali has carried out mass disinfectant spraying in a number of areas, including tourist areas.

“Today is actually not the first day; last week the provincial government of Bali with some tourism stakeholders also did this, but in limited quantities. Spraying was performed in several places in Nusa Dua and ocean crossings at sunrise. Today we will increase it to several other locations and throughout Bali, by both the Regency/ City Governments and by industries in the Regencies/ cities throughout Bali, yes, ” the Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati (Cok Ace) told reporters Sunday (3/15/2020), at Griya Santrian, Bali.

Disinfectant spraying is performed to provide comfort to the Balinese people and tourists visiting Bali, in addition to educating the public to always keep their surrounding environment clean.

“The goal is, first, of course we want to keep Bali healthy and the second most important is how we provide comfort and education as well as to socialize to our people that they can act on things like this.

Currently, disinfectant is sprayed in places that are often frequented by tourists or the public. The public has also been asked to fight the coronavirus or COVID-19 by maintaining health and keeping their environment clean.

“Current activities are more to educate the public that things like this are needed. We can see the results of several cases in Bali, one of which died because of close contact with her husband.  There are around 23 people affected in Bali that we are monitoring and we hope that the results are all negative.

In essence, if the community can protect their environment and maintain their health, then we can avoid greater risks” said Cok Ace.

“Activities that involve many people should be postponed” stated the Cok Ace, during disinfectant spraying in Sanur on Sunday (15/3).

However, when asked whether isolation steps (lockdown) had had been carried out in several regions in Indonesia related to the coronavirus, the Deputy Governor of Bali stressed that until now there has been no decision from the Bali Provincial Government to take steps to isolate or lockdown the island.

The development of the situation related to coronavirus is being continuously monitored and policies and preventive measures continue to be carried out with the priority of course on the safety and health of the people of Bali.

(News from Bali Plus)

(News from the ASEAN briefing)

Indonesia

• Public transport in Jakarta will begin operating from 6am-6pm only.
• Indonesia reported 21 new coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 117.
• Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has tested positive for COVID-19.
• Indonesia reported 27 more coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infection to 96. The total number of deaths from coronavirus rose to five.
• The governor of Indonesia’s capital has ordered remote teaching for at least two weeks.
• The number of cases in Indonesia has risen to 69, with two more registered deaths, totaling four.
• Indonesia will temporarily ban the export of face masks to safeguard domestic supply amid the coronavirus outbreak.
• Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo says the country registered its second coronavirus-related death.
• The government will provide a six-month tax break for employees, manufacturers, and importers starting next month.
• The number of cases has risen to 34. All the new cases were imported cases.
• The first-ever Jakarta E-Prix has been postponed due to the coronavirus.
• A 53-year-old woman has died from coronavirus in Indonesia. The woman, a foreign national, had already been in critical condition when she was admitted to a hospital. The number of infections has risen to 27.
• The government is planning to delay individual and corporate income tax collection to stimulate the economy.
• The number of cases rises to 19.
• Indonesia has confirmed two more cases, bringing the nationwide total to 6.
• Indonesia confirmed on Friday that two more people had tested positive for the coronavirus, taking the total of confirmed cases to four. The two new cases were in contact with the two previous cases.
• Korean Air will suspend all flights between Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and the Incheon International Airport from March 5 to April 25.
• Indonesia has banned travelers from certain cities in Iran (Tehran, Qom and Gilan), Italy (Lombardi, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche and Piedmont), and South Korea (Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do).
• The Jakarta city administration has temporarily suspended the issuance of permits for mass gatherings, including for film shooting purposes.
• The government has placed 48 people under observation as they were identified to have come in contact with the country’s first two positive cases.
• Indonesia will turn a former Vietnamese refugee camp into a hospital for possible Covid-19 patients. The site is located on Galang island, located some 25 miles southeast of Batam and has a capacity for 1,000 beds.
• The Batam administration in Riau Islands has quarantined 15 locals who were identified as having close contact with three Singaporean residents who tested positive for the virus after visiting the city.
• Indonesia is working on a second stimulus package to shore up Southeast Asia’s biggest economy. This second package would be bigger than the US$725 million package announced last week.
• Three people, two Singaporean citizens and one Myanmar national have tested positive for the coronavirus after visiting Indonesia.
• The two patients were in contact with a Japanese national who tested positive after leaving Indonesia.
• A Garuda Indonesia plane carrying 69 Indonesian crew members of the Diamond Princess cruise ship landed at Kertajati Airport in Majalengka, in West Java province, just before midnight on Sunday. The crew members will be taken to Sebaru island for quarantine.
• The government has transported 188 Indonesian nationals working as crew members aboard the World Dream cruise ship to Sebaru Island.
• Indonesia plans to evacuate 188 citizens working as crew members aboard the World Dream cruise ship to Sebaru Island, which is uninhabited.
• Indonesia unveils US$742m stimulus to counter virus impact. The package will provide financial incentives for the tourism, airline and housing sectors hit by the outbreak. The government will waive taxes on hotels and restaurants in the nation’s top 10 tourist destinations for a three-month period starting March 1.
• A second person who visited Bali, Indonesia, has tested positive for the virus. According to Japanese and Indonesian media, the Japanese man visited Bali shortly before testing positive for Covid-19.
• Indonesia’s Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, has said the outbreak of a novel coronavirus has affected the country’s tourism sector, with estimated losses of around US$500 million.
• Another five Indonesian crew members on the Diamond Princess have tested positive for the virus.
• Indonesia’s central bank has cut its key interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent in addition to purchasing 27 trillion rupiah (nearly $2 billion) worth of government bonds to combat capital outflows amid the coronavirus epidemic.
• Indonesia will evacuate 74 of its nationals from the Diamond Princess cruise liner.
• Bali has seen a huge decline in the number of tourists. The Guardian has reported that there have been around 40,000 cancellations of hotel bookings. The island is seeing a spike in domestic tourists though.
• Three Indonesian crew members test positive for Covid-19 on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
• Indonesia will prepare a stimulus package to help its tourism industry mitigate the impact of the virus.
• The 238 Indonesian quarantined on Natuna islands have been discharged.
• The Head of the Bali Provincial Health Agency was quoted as saying the province remains safe.
• An article by the Jakarta Globe has said that Indonesia could lose US$2 billion from the reduction in the number of Chinese tourists – who made up 13 percent of total international arrivals in 2019.
• 68 out of 70 samples from patients suspected of having Covid-19 have come back negative, says the Ministry of Health’s Research and Development agency. The other two samples are still being tested.
• According to The Jakarta Post, health officials in Bali are investigating reports that a Chinese tourist has tested positive for the virus in China a week after vacationing in Bali.
• Indonesia has criticized a Harvard study that said the country should have recorded cases of the virus given its air links to China and the city of Wuhan. Indonesia’s Minister of Health called the report ‘insulting’.
• Indonesia is currently preparing to temporarily ban the import of live animals from China.
• Authorities have set up a hotline for the public to report coronavirus cases.
• The North Sumatra Health Agency has placed 83 people under observation. 45 are foreign nationals.
• Indonesia has still to record any cases of the virus.
• Indonesia raises travel alert for Singapore to level yellow (the second level in its three-tier system) and urging those traveling to the city-state to take extra precautions.
• Indonesia has placed five Chinese workers under quarantine in North Sumatra as a precaution. Three of arrived at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan on January 31, while their two colleagues landed on February 3.
• Jakarta Post article on potential theories why Indonesia is showing zero cases here.
• The Ministry of Manpower has asked migrant placement companies to stop sending workers to mainland China.
• Concerns growing about lack of apparent cases in Indonesia. 243 Indonesian nationals evacuated from Wuhan have been quarantined.
• The country extends tourist visas of 5,000 Chinese nationals vacationing in Bali by 30 days after they became stranded following flight suspensions. The country still reports zero cases.
• Country bars all passenger arrivals who have visited China in the past 14 days.
• 245 Indonesians evacuated from China being quarantined at Natuna Island, no cases reported.
• 43,000 workers quarantined in Chinese owned mining complex on Sulawesi. Concerns over zero cases being reported in the country leading to accusations of lack of screening.
• Authorities have implemented preventative measures to defend against the epidemic at 135 points of entry to the archipelago, including at airports, seaports and border areas, such as installing thermal scanners and medical check-up posts to examine suspected carriers of the virus.
• Immigration dept re-evaluating Visa on Arrival from China. 
• Indonesia has issued a travel warning to citizens planning to travel to China.
• Incoming passenger screening likely to be introduced. Lion Air has suspended flights to China.
• Indonesia has issued a travel warning to citizens planning to travel to China.
• No cases reported, but several patients under observation. Hospitals being prepared.

(News from the ASEAN briefing)

(News from Bali Discovery)

AirAsia has announced its “BIG Sale” offering 600 free seats and highly discounted seats to members of the general public wanting to travel to domestic destinations in Indonesia and overseas ports-of-call served by AirAsia. 

Quoted by NusaBali, the CEO of AirAsia Indonesia, Veranita Yosephine, said on Saturday, March 7, 2020, “We have taken several strategic steps to meet the need of the public for air travel that is safe, comfortable, and affordable. With our expanding route network, AirAsia remains committed to become the best partner for the government and the public to stimulate tourism and safeguard the stability of economic growth in Indonesia, especially in challenging times such as these.”

Verantina invited the traveling public to scoop up seats from Jakarta to Johor Bahru starting from Rp. 559,000, Jakarta to the Gold Coast (Australia) starting from Rp. 775,000, Bali to Labuan Bajo starting from Rp.576,000, Jakarta to Belitung starting from Rp. 438,000 and many other special offers to AirAsia destinations now on sale. Adding: “The BIG Sales program that we are presenting is for members of the public who wish to witness first-hand the beauty of Medan, Lombok, Belitung, Yogyakarta, Bali, Labuan Bajo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Perth and other destinations served by AirAsia.”

Tickets must be purchased before Thursday, March 14, 2020, at 11:00 pm (Jakarta time) via the AirAsia Website or on the AirAsia Mobile Application.

Tickets purchased are for people traveling before July 1, 2021.

For those traveling with extra luggage, AirAsia is offering a discount of up to 10% on excess baggage charges for 25 kilograms or more.

AirAsia reminds passengers that before deciding to travel to always stay fit and be in good health, having their health checked by medical personnel before embarking on a trip, and maintaining careful personal hygiene (and clean hands) throughout their journey.

(News from Bali Discovery)

(News from Bali Discovery)

The Task Force for the Control and Prevention of Viral Disease (COVID-19) for the Province of Bali held its first organizational meeting at the Office of the Governor of Friday, March 13, 2020. 

As reported by the Balipost.com, the meeting was attended by representatives of the Provincial Police, the Regional Military Command, The Command of the Military District,various provincial government departments including tourism and health, and representatives from each regency and the City of Denpasar. 

During the meeting, four key points were set as provincial goals:

• Building additional capacity in public and private health facilities in the Province of Bali.
• To ensure an adequate supply of supporting items are available – such as surgical masks, disinfectants, and hand sanitizers.
• To enhance the capacity for early detection of COVID-19 and prevent any new cases from entering Bali via its sea and airports.
• To do everything possible to practice “social distancing” by preventing the spread of the disease by limiting activities that gather people into large groups.

On Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 8:00 am, a mass-disinfection of all public places commenced in Bali led in each regency and Denpasar by the respective Regents and Mayor. On behalf of the entire Province, the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, symbolically led the disinfecting of Sanur Beach and the crossing point to Nusa Penida.

(News from Bali Discovery)

(News from Bali Discovery)

A ministerial-level meeting presided over by Puan Maharani, the Coordination Minister of Human Development and Cultural (PMK) on August 28, 2019, set the schedule of 16 national holidays and 8 “shared holidays” for the calendar year 2020.

Following that ministerial-level meeting, a joint decision stipulating the holiday schedule for 2020 was published stipulating the following public holidays and shared holidays.

Here’s the list with the Bali dates for Galungan and Kuningan:

• Wednesday, January 1, 2020 – New Years Day
• Saturday, January 25, 2020 – “Imlek” – Chinese New Year 2571 Kongzili
• Wednesday, February 19, 2020 – Hari Gulungan (Bali Only)
• Saturday, February 29, 2020 – Hari Kuningan (Bali Only)
• Sunday, March 22, 2020 – Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey to Heaven (Isra Mikraj)
• Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – “Nyepi” – Bali Hindu Day of Silence Saka 1942
• Friday, April 10, 2020 – Good Friday
• Friday, May 1, 2020 – International Labor Day
• Thursday, May 7, 2020 – Buddhist Celebration of the Lord Buddha’s Birthday
• Thursday, May 21, 2020 – The Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven.
• Friday, May 22, 2020 – Shared Public Holiday
• Sunday-Monday, May 24-25, 2020 – Lebaran, – Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1441 H.
• Tuesday-Wednesday, May 26-27, 2020 – Shared Public Holidays
• Thursday-Friday, May 28-29, 20020 – Additional shared holiday
• Monday, June 1, 2020 – Pancasila Day in honor of the State Philosophy.
• Friday, July 31, 2020 – Islamic Day of Sacrifice “Idul Adha 1441 H.”
• Monday, August 17, 2020 – Indonesian Independence Day.
• Thursday, August 20, 2020 – Islamic New Year 1442 H.
• Friday, August 21, 2020 – Additional shared holiday.
• Wednesday, September 16, 2020 – Hari Galungan (Bali Only)
• Saturday, September 26, 2020 – Hari Kuningan (Bali Only)
• Thursday, October 29, 2020 – Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
• Friday, October 30, 2020 – Additional shared holiday
• Thursday, December 24, 2020 – Shared Public Holiday
• Friday, December 25, 2020 – Christmas Day

(News from Bali Discovery)

(News from Bali Discovery)

Beginning in March 2020, the PT ASDP – Indonesia’s State-owned Ferry and Ferry Port Operator will provide an online ticket reservation systems on its Ketapang-Gilamanuk service connecting East Java and West Bali.

NusaBali reports that the new online ticket service is gradually being introduced with PT ASDP, hoping those traveling between the two ports will come to the online ticket system to improve ferry services to the public.

The general manager of ASDP for the Ketapang-Gilmanuk Ferry Ports, Fahmi Alweni, confirmed on Sunday, March 1, 2020, the online ticket system has been in operation for some time. However, in keeping with the nationwide push for greater efficiency and cashless transaction, efforts are now underway to accelerate and maximize the use of ASDP’s online ticketing system.

As ASDP works toward the eventual goal of 100% prepaid online ticketing, passengers can still purchase their tickets from ticket booths in operation at the ports and other locations.

Ferry tickets can be purchased from the designated website ferizy.com or by downloading the application for ASDP Tickets available from Play Store. When purchasing a ticket online, passengers will be required to list their identities, details on fellow passengers, and the vehicle making the crossing to permit the preparation of the passenger and vehicle manifest needed before a ferry is allowed to sail. Customers will also be asked to pick a departure time for their voyage.

Online ASDP Ferry Tickets ordered online can be paid a “maximum” of two hours before the ferry’s scheduled departure time. Payment for the ticket can be made using electronic online payment methods.

Ticket ordering and payment can also be made via selected mini-markets or other electronic transaction outlets.

Passengers using the ASDP online ticketing system will need to arrive at the port before the scheduled departure time of the voyage they selected. Discussions are underway on how ASDP will deal with ticket holders who miss their designated sailing time with officials confirming some degree of flexibility will be granted during the initial operation period of the online ticketing system.

Fahmi told the press how the new ASDP online ticketing system would speed administration, assist in voyage planning, and help the ferry company keep to their printed schedule.

(News from Bali Discovery)

(News from Bali Discovery)

Bali Hai Cruises – the Island of Bali’s most experienced day-cruise operator have just launched its latest cruise product to complement its program of luxury excursion to Nusa Lembongan Island. 

The Nusa Penida Adventure Cruise is a high-adrenalin full-day tour onboard the Bali Hai Ocean Raft – the 24-passenger fastest boat in Bali. “The Raft” accommodates a maximum of 24-passengers who are securely strapped into their seats of a rigid inflatable speedboat, as they speed across the waves of the Indian Ocean. 

Sorry, but this trip is not suitable for children under the age of 10 years, pregnant women, or those with back or heart conditions.

The schedule for this unforgettable day afloat follows the following schedule:

The schedule for this unforgettable day afloat follows the following schedule:

• 07:45 am Pick up from Bali accommodation
• 08:30 am Fit-out with snorkeling gear at the Port before sailing.
• 09:00 am Buckle-in and depart on Ocean Raft from Benoa Harbor.
• 09:45 am Arrival at Manta Bay for 30 minutes of snorkeling.
• 10:20 am Arrival Crystal Bay Beach. Snacks and water provided.
• 10:30 am Departure by motor vehicle for scenic Kelinking Beach.
• 11:30 am Arrival at Kelinking Beach.
• 12:15 pm Depart for Angel Billabong & Broken Beach.
• 12:45 pm Arrival at Angel Billabong & Broken Beach.
• 1:30 pm Departure for Crystal Bay Beach.
• 2:00 pm Arrival at Crystal Bay Beach.
• 2:00 pm Depart on Ocean Raft for a cruise through Ceningan Channel
• 2:15 pm Picnic Lunch served on board Ocean Raft.
• 3:15 pm Arrival at Bali Hai Cruise Beach Club, Lembongan Island.
• 4:30 pm Ocean Raft departs from Beach Club for Benoa Harbor
• 5:30 pm Ocean Raft Arrives at Benoa Harbor. 
• 5:30 pm Transfer to Bali Accommodation.

Inclusions

● Return accommodation transfers ● Snorkeling equipment ● Cruise past the South Coast of Nusa Penida Island to view 300-foot limestone cliffs ● Snorkeling visit to Manta Bay ● Guided tour of Kelingking Beach, Angel Billabong, and Broken Beach on Nusa Penida ● Snack box and mineral water ● Cruise through Ceniningan Channel ● Picnic lunch on board Ocean Raft ● Visit to Nusa Lembongan Marine Park and Bali Hai Beach Club● Towel

Price

With a rate valid through 31 March 2021, adults can join a Nusa Penida Adventure Cruise for Rp. 1,780,000 per person. Children aged 10-14 years Rp. 1,265,000 per person. 

For more information and bookings telephone +62-(0)361-720331 or +62-(0)811 3975252.

(News from Bali Discovery)

(News from Bali Discovery)

Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence, marking the start of a New Year on the 210-day Balinese Calendar. It is a day of profound introspection during which devout Balinese Hindus will refrain from turning on lights, entertainments, physical pleasures, traveling outside the home, and, for some, even eating and speaking. During Nyepi, houses and businesses go dark and quiet, streets and roads have no traffic, and those employed in essential services from hotels to hospitals are to stay at their place of employment for two-nights, stating from the eve before Nyepi until the morning of the day after the Day of Silence. A unique phenomenon found only on the Island of Bali, air and seaports come to an absolute standstill with cable television and, often, Internet services suspended for at least 24-hours.

Nyepi in 2020 (Saka 1942) will be observed in Bali from 6:00 am on Wednesday, March 25th, until 6:00 am the following morning of March 26, 2020. The eve before “Nyepi” – this year on March 24th – is celebrated in riotous-mardi-gras-like-fashion as intoxicated young men from village banjars parade the streets and roads carrying giant ogoh-ogoh papier-mâché effigies. As the day of silence is about to dawn, the young men, many of them sore-headed, abandon and burn the ogoh-ogoh on the roadsides before retiring to their respective homes for 24-hours of docile silence and self-reflection.

Bali has a long-standing tradition that foreign visitors and non-Hindus will respect Nyepi by staying confined to their places of residence or hotels during the mandated period of silence. While restaurants within hotels remain open within the hotel, guests are required to not venture beyond the hotel premises for at least 24 hours from sunrise on New Year’s Day until dawn the following morning. Employees of the hotel, unable to return to their homes, are provided sleeping accommodation for two nights so that guests can be served during the Nyepi period.

There is no better way to embrace the peacefulness that envelopes the Island of Bali at Nyepi than to spend this special Balinese Holy Day on the secluded black sands of Lebih Beach at the Rumah Luwih, Bali. A genuinely grand hotel reminiscent of an era of exquisite colonial hotels, a stay at the Rumah Luwih is a trip back in time. Guests are immersed in the tranquil ambiance of lush tropical gardens, views of the restless Indian Ocean, rice fields – all set against a memorable backdrop of hills and volcanoes. 

The unique Silence Day Retreat Package prepared for guests spending Nyepi at the Rumah Luwih Bali will be as majestic as the hotel itself. This exclusive Nyepi Package includes accommodation for three-days and two-nights, a lavish daily buffet breakfast, a one-time delicious buffet lunch, and one dinner at Andrawina Restaurant for two persons. 

Additional benefits include complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the resort’s extensive recreation facilities that include a well-equipped fitness center and large infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The Vandaloka Spa will be staffed and remain open over the Nyepi period, where guests can pamper their minds and bodies while enjoying a discount of 20% on all spa packages.

The Peaceful Silence Day Retreat is priced starting from Rp. 3,300,000 net per room for two persons. The package price is for a two night stays accommodation with special extension rates available for those wishing to extend to the weekend. Book directly and save an additional 25% off the package price. 

For further info and reservations, call +62-(0)361- 200 5899 or Email .

About Rumah Luwih

Discover the essence of Balinese hospitality at Rumah Luwih – an award-winning luxury architecture-design hotel. Designed by renowned Indonesian architect Hadiprana. Rumah Luwih’s design embraces classic colonial Indonesian mansion architecture style.

Rumah Luwih is a sanctuary where guests reconnect with nature and discover the very best of Bali has to offer. Indulge in views of the Indian Ocean, the hotel’s lake, lushly manicured gardens, and towering volcanic peaks.  Rumah Luwih, Bali is the holiday escape and the ideal choice for meaningful celebrations. Located in Gianyar, just 30-minutes north of Sanur, Rumah Luwih is the unrivaled choice for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle during the Nyepi Holiday. Strategically positioned within close proximity of Ubud and historical destinations along Bali’s East Coast such as Candidasa, Amed, Sidemen, and Klungkung -make Rumah Luwih a strategic starting point for any Bali exploration.

Rumah Luwih, Bali offers complimentary shuttle services to both Sanur and Ubud for hotel guests.

Rumah Luwih Bali

Jl Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra, Km 19.9.

 Gianyar, Bali

Phone

 +62 361 2005899

Reservation

 +62 361 2005888

Email

(News from Bali Discovery)

(News from Bali Discovery)

Reflecting the increasing number of attractive last-minute deals available from Bali’s Hotel, The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas are extending a special deal those traveling to Bali in March 2020.

By booking any stay for any room category for a stay in March 2020, guests at Mulia Bali will receive an automatic upgrade to the next room category. This offer is valid for any new booking with a minimum of three nights stay at Mulia Bali made through all platforms, including direct online bookings and bookings through travel agents.

Complimentary upgrades are subject to room availability at the time of booking and apply to all available packages. Guests can take advantage of this limited-time offer and enjoy a luxury getaway at the resort that was named #1 Best Resort Hotels in Indonesia by Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2019.

Located along a secluded 1-kilometer white sandy beach, Mulia Bali offers three distinct experiences within one destination. Mulia Resort boasts generously sized rooms and suites set within an integrated lifestyle facility, from business amenities to recreational facilities. The Mulia is the ultra-high-end luxury all-suite accommodation located on the coastline of Nusa Dua, with extravagantly decorated suites each boasting a spacious balcony and a private Jacuzzi. Meanwhile, The Mulia Villas promise a private sanctuary with luxurious villas on the hills of Nusa Dua.

To satisfy all culinary cravings, Mulia Bali’s nine world-class award-winning signature restaurants and bars boast high-quality authentic flavors from all four corners of the world. Each restaurant presents an astounding selection and variety of cuisines from Indonesia, Japan, China, Thailand, India, Korea to the Mediterranean – all prepared by a high-profile culinary team with global experience.

While fully-integrated lifestyle facilities are available at your disposal, including a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre with professionally trained instructors offering daily programs and recreational sports and an award-winning Mulia Spa – with Asia Pacific’s first Ice Room an Hydrotonic mineral water pools and holistic signature treatments.

(News from Bali Discovery)

Indonesia’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has revealed the reasoning behind the government’s sudden decision to require Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests for travelers arriving by air in Bali and Rapid Tests for passengers arriving by land or sea.

As reported by Metrobali.com, Minister Luhut defended the change in policy as necessary to control the flow of domestic tourists to curb the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections that shows no signs of declining.

The Minister admitted that Indonesia has yet to reopen its gateways for international tourists, depending predominantly on domestic travelers for the time being. Accordingly, with the unrelenting increase in new COVID-19 cases, the government has temporarily reduced the domestic tourism rate.

Commenting on the government’s tactical decision to diminish domestic tourism demand, the Minister said: “For now we are reducing (domestic tourism). Let’s not be too quick, too soon. It will be dangerous is if we keep increasing the flow of (domestic) tourists. If we have no discipline now, the number of (new) cases will increase again.”

Earlier, Luhut emphasized that the government will tighten controls on public activities during the Christmas and New Years’ Holidays in anticipation of an increase in COVID-19 cases. Controls will include tightening the entry requirement for arriving in Bali. “We are asking tourists flying to Bali to undergo a mandatory PCR H-2 (Swab Test) before they depart and requiring Rapid Test antigen H-2 tests for those arriving by land or sea in Bali,” said Minister Pandjaitan.

News taken from: https://balidiscovery.com/indonesia-tightens-controls-on-bali-tourism/

If you are a traveler wanting to find some peace and quiet, or a busy executive getting bored of discussing business in the board room, why not fly to Indonesia and kick off your shoesin one of the world’s most visited places? Aim for a perfect holiday in Bali.

Yes, the island is an astonishing destination that ensuresbackpackers, art enthusiasts, and VIPs alike their holiday of a lifetime. Aside from being named as the one of the world’s most famous island destinations, Bali has consistently won travel awards, and for this, a visit to Bali is incredibly tempting. Bali Tourism Board gives you the top reasons why you should spend a vacation in Bali:

Accommodations

An enormous range of accommodations is available. World-class hotels, mansions, and villas are plentiful, whether in the heart of the city or in some luscious countryside. For the budget-conscious, there are reasonably priced hostels—good discounts and other excellent deals are available from time to time.

Sailing

If you are an aqua adventurer and love to sail the seas, fishing boats abound in the traditional fishing villages; these can be hired by the hour at reasonable costs. Get a glimpse of the magnificent coastlines aboard sturdy fishing boats. Or just take in a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Surfing, snorkeling, and diving

If you love being underwater, get an extraordinary view of the ocean floor teeming with colorful marine life and coral reefs. The world-class amenities will make your underwater adventure truly remarkable and worth remembering.

Trekking

Get your backpacks ready and trek towards mountains overlooking the capital for that awesome scenery, and climb up the volcano and tour around. Once on top, you can also leisurely spend the daywith asplendid bird watching session.

Culture

If you are the artistic and solitary type, you can have the pleasure of watching a display of marvelous visual culture infused with spirituality, or you could opt for a trip to various and interesting cultural, historical, and archaeological attractions that can promise you a truly worthwhile experience.

So, what are you waiting for? If you want a traditional and genuine Balinese experience, visit Bali Tourism Board for more information. Click on bali-tourism-board.com and let us help you get to Bali in no time. Book with us now and we can assure you the trip of a lifetime.

Australia would be one of the best countries to go to. A country of stunning scenic views, Australia is considered one of the best places to cruise around and go for a sea adventure. With a stroke of luck, there are plenty of agencies around Australia that provide cruise trips. Plenty choices are accessible whether you want a usual tour or an overnight stay within the ship. Here are the most resided places by vacation goers within Australia:

• Sydney Harbor

This location takes you on an astonishing view of the whole city. It illustrates a wonderful contentedness to the eyes of the locals and tourists. Tons of people think it is more entertaining to go aboard a cruise to see it. Great events like wedding receptions, debuts, birthday bash party, and other commemorated celebrations are organized when people opt to go for such type of cruising holiday. Party coordinators and other things that you desire for an awesome event is aboard the cruise for a convenient and fun occasion.

• The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier reef is one of the most famous sea sanctuary all over the world. There are a lot of things that you can have whilst delighting in this part of Australia. Things like snorkel and scuba diving, swimming etc. This is the place where you can have a look around some parts of the reef overflowing with pleasing channels within the Great Barrier Reef. The place is very wide to delve into but you’ll see that everything done under this cruise is valuable keeping.

• Murray River

This desitination is also one of the most well known down south. It is what adjoins South Australia, Southern New South Wales and northern Victoria together. If you desire to find out more about any cruise deals in regards to Murray River, explore Captain Cook Cruise on WorldCruisePackages.com.

• Kimberley Region

Another variety awesome seashores are in Kimberly Region. You can get the opportunity to venture more tourist vacation spots and go on an adventure to faraway places around the country. 5. Tasmania It is among the most travelled regions here in Australia. Most of the travelers love to have fun near the cove area.

You can even bring along your personal cars even when on a cruise. Tasmania is a destination that you can really discover. An amazing family road trip can be organised within this notable island. If you, your family and friends are trying to find a great vacation cruise, Australia is the perfect place to come and unwind.