Asiabeds: May 2009

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

ASIABEDS' Blue Products

As the largest archipelago on earth Indonesia's numerous small islands are filled with rich, colourful marine life and coral reefs, which are still untouched and beautiful. In Bali there are wonderful snorkeling and diving spots in the west coast, near Padangbai in the east and the islands of Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida off the south-eastern coast.

ASIABEDS’ Recommendations

White Water Rafting on the Ayung River (5-6 hours)
The day starts early with a pick up at 07.30 hrs for the journey to the Ayung River, one of Bali’s most popular spot for the adrenalin-rushing sport of white water rafting. The thrill begins the moment you push off from the river bank. It is one-and-a-half hours of “fighting” the waves and rapids along six kilometres of the river. An exciting adventure amidst beautiful scenery. A delicious lunch awaits at journey’s end.

The Underwater World (8-9 Hours)
Early morning pick up at your hotel. Drive to Tulamben for an hour of diving when you get to see the rich marine life, various species of fishes, corals and reefs including a World War II wreck. Lunch follows. Then to Amed for snorkeling and exploring another part of Bali’s rich underwater world.

Hot Deals

It’s promotions galore as numerous hotels in Bali are offering special deals. Read on to find out more.

Strand Villa Promotion at St.Regis
• Minimum stay 3 nights for all markets
• Validity: 15 May-31 October 2009

Holiday Inn Baruna Resort
• Stay 6 nights pay 5, applicable for Superior, Garden and Ocean rooms
• Applicable for the Australia and New Zealand markets
• Validity: Now until 14 June 2009.

Intercontinental Bali Resort
• Bonus nights, stay 4 pay 3
• Validity: Now until 14 July 2009 for the Australia and New Zealand markets
• Additional allotments at O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger available from now until 30 June 2009

The Haven Seminyak, Bali
• Special promotional opening rate until October 2009
• Bonus night, stay 4 pay 3 for all categories until June 2009

Silq Private Residences, Kerobokan, Bali
• Special reduced rates until March 2010
• Stay 5 nights pay 4 for all categories until 15 July 2009.

Furama Xclusive Villas and Spa, Ubud, Bali
• Special reduced rates valid until June 2009 for Deluxe Pool Villa, Royal Pool Villa and Lagoon Pool Villa

Anantara Seminyak Resort and Spa, Bali
• 1 additional night complimentary for every 4 nights’ stay, and 3 additional nights complimentary

for 10 nights stay
• Validity : Until 26 December 2009

News Update

The Siddhartha Dive Resort & Spa, Kubu (north-east Bali) is set to open in June 2009

This hotel offers the luxury of a 5-star resort with stunning architecture in a fabulous setting, at a very reasonable rate. The hotel will feature 8 Superior bungalows, 17 deluxe bungalows, 5 Ocean Front Deluxe bungalows as well as the “Santei” & “Pantei” – 2 villas with a private swimming pool.
The Siddhartha Dive Resort & Spa is situated directly on the beach in the small village of Kubu on Bali’s north-east coast, far from all the commercial tourism. The 30 bungalows & villas blend in perfectly with the enormous 2.66 hectare surrounding terraced landscape.

Hotels Undergoing Renovation
Hotel Padma, Legian, Bali
The hotel will undergo extensive renovations at the Superior building, commencing 24 October 2009 to 30 June 2010. On completion Hotel Padma will have a lagoon pool situated at the Superior building.
Ubud Village Resort and Spa
The hotel’s swimming pool is now being renovated until further notice.

New Staff on Board
ASIABEDS wishes to inform its clients and partners that Ms. Sri Rohani has been appointed as the new Assistant in Product Department. You can reach Hani at product@asiabeds.net.

We are also pleased to announce two new members at the Client Service Department - Mr. Nathanael Yanes Aktha as operational staff, and Mr. I Wayan Mega Satya Budi as a support to online reservations.

Alert on Mount Rinjani’s Activity
An increase in seismic activity has been reported at Rinjani Volcano in Lombok on 2 May 2009. Since then the intensity of the eruption is increasing.
Climbers are alerted that that the volcano is active and can possibly release poisonous gasses and thick ash.
Due to these developments we would like to advise guests who are scheduled to climb or plan to climb Mount Rinjani to be always in touch with your local partners, trekking organisers or related institution on Lombok, to check on the current activity of the volcano.
Please take note that currently Mount Rinjani is still on a low alert situation.

Bali on Alert Against Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
Bali is taking the necessary measures to prevent Influenza A (H1N1) virus from entering the island.
Authorities in Bali have been on high alert against the rapidly spreading swine flu Influenza A (H1N1) virus and took the necessary measures to prevent it from entering the island.
The Farming, Fisheries and Marine Department is taking preventative measures and have been spraying disinfectants around pig farming centres. The island’s capital city, Denpasar, has about 30,000 pigs, most privately-owned and kept in pig pens or cages, away from populated areas. which would minimise could help to prevent the spread of the virus.
At the Ngurah Rai International Airport authorities have called for a meeting between the airport administrator, airlines, customs and immigration, the quarantine board and search- and-rescue officials to discuss preventative measures against the H1N1 virus.
At the Ngurah Rai International Airport the government has instituted strict monitoring measures. Passengers and aircraft crew members from foreign countries have to pass through a thermal scanner to determine their body temperatures. Passengers coming from A H1N1 flu affected countries have to undergo special checking procedures. Bali has made early preparations at three appointed hospitals, which are able to give medical treatment to the people suspected to be infected with the H1N1 virus. The hospitals are Sanglah General Hospital the capital city of Denpasar; Gianyar General Hospital in Gianyar Regency, and Tabanan General Hospital in Tabanan Regency.

Aviation News

New Routes for AirAsia
AirAsia has the following new routes in Indonesia:

• Perth-Denpasar Bali- Singapore
• Jakarta- Singapore
• Bandung – Singapore
• Yogyakarta- Singapore

Trans Nusa Airlines Flies Bali-Sumba
The airline starts flying on the Bali-Sumba route from 10 May 2009.

Services are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The operational schedule is as below:

DENPASAR - TAMBOLAKA departure 14.00 hrs, arrival 15.12 hrs
TAMBOLAKA - DENPASAR departure 14.00 hrs, arrival 15.10 hrs

Operation Schedule: Thursday

DENPASAR – TAMBOLAKA departure 09.00 hrs, arrival 10.12 hrs
TAMBOLAKA – DENPASAR departure 10.45 hrs, arrival 11.55 hrs

Operation Schedule: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DENPASAR – WAINGAPU departure 14.00 hrs, arrival 15.55 hrs
WAINGAPU – DENPASAR departure 13.20 hrs, arrival 15.10 hrs

Garuda Indonesia in Forefront to Halt Spread of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
Garuda Indonesia is taking numerous measures to prevent the entry of the H1N1 virus to Indonesia.
To prevent the spread of the A Influenza (H1N1) virus in Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia has taken several anticipatory measures and consulted with various airport authorities in Indonesia and in countries served by the airline for the handling of passengers suspected of having been infected by the virus.
Garuda Indonesia also instructs all its aircrew and ground staff to be on the alert for passengers with signs of the virus' symptoms during check-in and boarding, and to carry out the necessary procedures.
Preventive action is also taken on board. Garuda Indonesia's fleet is equipped with a “High Efficiency Particulate” air filter known as “TRUE HEPA”. This technology, one of the finest today, is capable of filtering up to 0,001 micron particles and producing 99.99 percent particle-free air quality inside the aircraft.
In addition, the airline also disinfects the cabin interior of all its aircraft that fly to and from high-risk regions. It also provides sets of mask and rubber hand glove in-flight for all regional and international sectors.

Garuda Indonesia Realigns Routes to Meet with Current Challenging Times
In view of the current economic downtrend and uncertain times Garuda Indonesia is deploying its resources to routes that offers more prospects and economically viable.
On 1 May 2009 Garuda Indonesia launched its once-daily Jakarta-Jambi and Jakarta-Denpasar-Kupang services, operating with a B-737 aircraft.
In the coming months Garuda Indonesia will also begin operating new routes that include Jakarta-Pangkal Pinang in June, Jakarta-Ambon-Ternate in July, Jakarta-Palu in August, Jakarta-Sorong-Manokwari in September 2009, and Denpasar-Brisbane in November 2009.
In view of the current political instability in Thailand Garuda Indonesia has temporarily reduced flight frequencies to Bangkok, from seven to three times a week as of 24 April.
Due to low passenger volume from several foreign destinations caused by the current global economic crisis, the airline has discontinued its thrice-weekly Denpasar-Darwin service. The airline currently flies to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in Australia.
In line with its fleet development programme Garuda Indonesia will take delivery of a new B737-800NG and A-330 aircraft in June this year.

Asiabeds Hotel Portfolio

ASIABEDS is happy to announce it has added more hotels within the South East Asian region to its expanding hotel portfolio. Special rates and allotments are available.

Arsana Estate
The Arsana Estate is located in Nyambu, one of the prettiest villages in Bali, set amidst the rice fields of the Tabanan Regency and perched amongst a set of lush terraces overlooking a raw tropical jungle backdrop.

Villa Echo Beach
Villa Echo Beach comprises 2 brand new 3 bedroom/3 bathroom villas that bring luxury living to you at an affordable price. Located 250 metres from Canggu's Echo Beach with its amazing surf and restaurant complex, it is also just 20 minutes drive away to the restaurants and shopping spots of Seminyak and Legian.

Villa Aliya
Villa Aliya has a light, contemporary style rounded off by carefully selected Indonesian antiques and ethnic accent pieces providing local timbre. Centrally located in Seminyak, tucked away in a discreet luxurious complex, less than 300 metres from the beach and twenty minutes from the airport, it is a perfect place to stay during holiday. Generously laid out on over 600 sqm and across two levels, the Villa has airy, open living spaces flowing into each other that were designed to catch a breeze and allow you to enjoy the best of tropical living.

Villa Asante
The contemporary-styled Villa Asante, complete with four bedrooms and a swimming pool, is located just 200 metres from the beach in the fishing village of Canggu on Bali's southwest coast.

Villa Asta
The villa is nestled in the heart of the Batubelig area, less than 10 minutes walk to the beach on Bali’s south-western coast, and just a few minutes’ drive from the trendy Seminyak area, with its glamorous lifestyle and wide choice of top, internationally-acclaimed restaurants.

Villa Batavia
The majestic four-bedroom Villa Batavia, complete with its freeform swimming pool and children’s pool, is set upon 1,100 square metres of land, just footsteps away from the Indian Ocean at Seminyak Beach on Bali’s southwest coast. The villa is comprised of three buildings linked by a covered pergola and a cloister-style walkway hung with custom made colonial-style glass lanterns.

Villa Canggu
The spectacular 4-bedroom Villa Canggu, complete with 20-metre swimming pool, is located just 50 metres from the beach in the tiny fishing village of Nelayan close to Canggu on Bali’s southwest coast. Designed to maximize the natural light, and catch the cool breezes even at the hottest time of year, the property offers a blend of air-conditioned comfort and tropical open-air living

Villa Ramadewa
Villa Ramadewa is located in the prime Seminyak district of southern Bali and a stone throw from the well-known Legian Beach where Ku De Ta and La Luciola Restaurants can be found next to the luxurious Legian Hotel.

Villa Sakti
Perfectly located just behind one of the most famous resort hotels in Seminyak, Villa Sakti is a four bedroom villa that offers serene hideaway in the middle of the most popular beach resort town in Bali.

Villa Sembilan
Experience the privacy of a superb Bali villa holiday, situated in Bali’s fashionable Seminyak beach district. Villa Sembilan is a private villa residence, available for short term holiday rentals. Sembilan’s 2, 3 or 5 bedroom villa-renting options, offer flexibility for small or larger numbers of friends or family members vacationing together

Villa Shinta Dewi
Villa Shinta Dewi is located in the Laksmana Villa Complex, which is a tranquil retreat in Petitenget, the most fashionable part of Seminyak Bali, within a short walking distance to the beach, the finest dining and night life. A wide range of boutiques, specialist shops and Bali spas are also located nearby.

Purist Villa and Spa
The Purist Villas and Spa is committed to providing its valued guests with exceptional space, unparalleled privacy and a heartening personal service. Located in Ubud, the cultural and spiritual centre of Bali, this exceptional spa-villa facility is devoted to health, beauty and wellness. Designed for optimal comfort and aesthetic appeal, each villa features an open living and dining environment. Wooden sundecks lie beside the pool which is surrounded by tropical gardens, offering an intimate and relaxed setting.

Villa Saba
Situated in the region of Saba, referred to as Bali's best kept secret, our three luxurious villas are placed amidst an exotic tropical surrounding offering panorama views over adjacent rice paddies and the nearby ocean.

Villa Akara
Akara Villas comprises nice contemporary one–bedroom villas, together with one executive three-bedroom villa, each with a private swimming pool. The villas offer total privacy with a blend of outdoor living around the pool and air-conditioned comfort in the bedrooms. Each spacious, luxury villa sits discretely within its own secure walled garden, accessed by a private entrance.

Villa Sarsana
Sarsana Villas is discreetly located in the secluded Balinese countryside, perched atop a gentle slope with stunning views of lush green rice fields and, on clear days, the mountains of Bali.
Sarsana showcases an elegant, contemporary design with rich materials and the abundant and thoughtful comforts of a fully-serviced private retreat.
This 4-bedroom villa is a self-contained hideaway with private access and parking. The villa boasts a large swimming pool set within a spacious terrace, as well as roomy indoor and outdoor living areas that offer private vistas of the area's verdant landscape.

Laksmana Garden Villa
Laksmana Garden Villas is a contemporary Balinese-style enclave of four private villas set within the luxurious Laksmana Villas private estate. Each villa features its own private swimming pool, and all villas are supported by an on-site, full service master kitchen, designed to look after all of the villas
Laksmana Garden Villas have been named after four of the diverse and wonderful places in the unique, tropical archipelago of Indonesia:
Villa Toba (2 bedrooms) was named after Lake Toba in Indonesia’s North Sumatra Province; it is the largest lake in all of Southeast Asia.
Villa Kawi (2 bedrooms) was named after a spiritual mountain in East Java, a place where pilgrims seek to increase their worldly blessings.
Villa Solo (1 bedroom) was named after the historic sultanate city of Solo in Central Java.
Villa Ubud (2 bedrooms) was named after Bali’s artistic cultural town, set in the central foothills, about one hour’s drive from Laksmana Garden Villas.

Seminyak Town House

Le Grande Suites, Pecatu

Villa Jemma

Villa Windu Sari

Villa Alumbrera

Been There Done That

A CRUISE TO REMEMBER WITH WAKA CRUISE
By Patricia Muljadi

First Impression
For the first time ever I stepped into the luxury catamaran of Waka Cruise for a day cruise under Bali’s sunny blue sky. As the first time ever I stepped in to the luxury boat for a day cruise under the sunny blue sky,I couldn’t help feeling a jolt of excitement visioning myself soaking up the sun on the boat’s open deck, feasting on fresh grilled seafood after snorkeling, and exploring around Lembongan Island.
The cruise, on a 16-metre catamaran boat, takes off from Benoa Harbour at 08.30 hrs. An array of fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, coffee and fresh-baked pastries is all laid out for us to enjoy during the two-hour journey to Lembongan. The crew of six men mingles with us and happily answers our every query. It amazes me how they have the answers of every questions we ask them.

Product and Service
On arrival on the island the friendly staff briefs us on the activities we can take part in during our five hours’ stay. These include a tour to the neighbouring village, explore the amazing coral formation and marine life from the glass-bottomed boat, join a snorkeling expedition to come up close and personal with marine life, or just spend the day swimming in the crystal clear lagoon and basking on the golden sandy beach.
Lunch is a sumptuous BBQ and buffet lunch with a variety of delectable food, including many Balinese specialties.
The relaxing day ends with cocktails as we sail into a magical sunset on our way back to Benoa Harbour.

Verdict
This cruise is certainly memorable in more ways than one. Be it the crew’s good service and warm hospitality, activities on the island or the sunset, all are seamlessly delivered for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.