No direct international flights to Bali yet even though island has ‘officially’ reopened

The day has finally come for Bali’s long-awaited international reopening, but tourists might have to wait a little longer to actually get on a flight and holiday on the island, as officials appear to still be working on the nuts and bolts even today.

Indonesia announced only last night which source countries are eligible for entry into Bali, identifying 19 in total that include China, India, Japan, South Korea, and a number of countries in Europe and the Gulf.

With things being so last-minute, there are no scheduled international flights for today, as confirmed by the Bali Tourism Agency Chief I Putu Astawa.

“There is no information [yet] on plane arrival from abroad or foreign visitors coming to Bali [today],” Astawa said.

“Of course they need time to arrange visas or their flights.”

Even today, a spokesman for the Ngurah Rai International Airport told local media outlets that the facility is not welcoming international flights just yet, citing what appears to be bureaucratic hiccups. Though Indonesia’s COVID-19 Task Force has issued a regulation and identified Bali as among the points of entry for international flights, the airport is still waiting for official instructions from the Transportation Ministry to actually make that a reality.

“We have yet to receive a letter from the Transportation Ministry with regards to [welcoming] international flights,” Taufan Yudhistira said.

Only fully vaccinated tourists from the 19 eligible countries are allowed to visit Bali, and they must also get on direct flights, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan. It might be worth mentioning that not all the countries listed have direct flights to Denpasar, even before the pandemic.

Other specific requirements include, but are not limited to, a five-day mandatory quarantine period upon arrival at the travelers’ expense, health insurance with coverage of at least US$100,000, and proof of booking for accommodation during their time in Indonesia.

So tell us Coconauts, are you among those making arrangements to visit Bali anytime soon? Let us know in the comments or via social media!

Source - Coconuts

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#Indonesia - Mount Slamet to welcome hikers starting this weekend

The hiking trail to Mount Slamet through Bambangan, Kutabawa village in Karangreja district, Purbalingga, is set to be reopened on March 2 following improved weather and ecosystem recovery efforts over the past few months.

"Based on the consideration of weather and hiking trails that have been improved, we have decided to reopen the hiking trail to Mount Slamet through Bambangan in Kutabawa starting March 2," Prayitno, tourism department head of the Purbalingga Tourism, Sports and Youth Agency, told kompas.com on Friday. 

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The trail had previously been closed since Jan. 10 as part of an effort to improve the ecosystem balance in the area and preserve the flora and fauna.

"Following massive hiking activities over New Year's Eve, the trail needed to be rehabilitated, hence it was closed temporarily," said Prayitno.

The agency is said to have deployed two workers to guard the first hiking post and attend to cleanup activities and the maintenance of plants. 

Source - TheJakartaPost

#Indonesia - Bromo park closes volcano to all visitors for Nyepi

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) is closing all public access to Mount Bromo for 24 hours from 5 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on March 7 to 5 a.m. on March 8 to respect the local Hindu observance of Nyepi (Day of Silence).

Mount Bromo is home to the Tengger indigenous tribe, which follows a unique form of Hinduism that shares some similarities with Balinese Hinduism.

"The closure of all tourism at Mount Bromo is to respect all Hindus who are observing Nyepi," TNBTS agency head John Kenedie said in a statement on Thursday, as quoted by Antara.

The closure affects all access to the mountain, including the entrance gates of the National Park Management Resort (RPTN) Cemorolawang in Tengger Laut Pasir (Tengger Sand Sea), the RPTN Mount Pananjakan and the RPTN Coban Trisula.

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Access routes will be closed to Mount Bromo from Ngadas village in Sukapura district, Probolinggo, and Wonokitri village in Tosari district, Pasuruan. Access routes from Malang and Lumajang to Blok Jemplang will also be closed.

The closure applies to public access points within an 8-kilometer radius of Bromo, from the entrance gates in Ngadas village, Wonokitri village and Blok Jemplang to the Sand Sea. 

Mount Bromo is an active volcano that stands at a height of 2,329 meters above sea level area in the Tengger massif, which stretches across the four regencies of Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Lumajang and Malang. 

Source - TheJakartaPost

2018 Asian Games: Time for Indonesia to shine

The year of 2018 is a busy time for sporting events, with not only the World Cup in Russia but also the upcoming Asian Games, which will be hosted by Indonesia in Jakarta, the country’s capital, and Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra.

Driving through the roads of Jakarta, one can see the city preparing for the 18^th Asian Games with banners installed around the city, old sports facilities being renovated and new infrastructure being built to support the games.

Though Indonesia is no stranger to hosting the Asian Games, being the host country at this time has many positive implications. The games will commence one day after Indonesia celebrates 73 years of independence. From August 18 to September 2, Indonesia will welcome around 15,000 athletes and distinguished delegates from 45 OCA member nations, the largest number in Asian Games history.

The first benefit of being the host is that Indonesia has the opportunity to strengthen the country’s national pride. Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, characterized by differences in language, culture and history.

The Asian Games logo, Energy of Asia, depicts the “strengthening spirit of the Games, participated in by multicultural nations shining for all the world to see.” This year, the mascots, Bhin Bhin, Atung and Kaka, wear traditional attire inspired by Papua, Jakarta and Palembang. Thus, hosting the Asian Games creates a space for unifying the country by bringing people from the various islands together under one country.

In addition, the Asian Games bring Asian countries together as a unified continent. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, the Asian Games sheds positive light on the region to outshine the current political and maritime issues. In fact, amid the recent reconciliation talks between North and South Korea, both nations have agreed to march under a unified peninsula flag and form combined teams to compete in the games. This exemplifies the games’ promotion of peace and harmony in the region, and therefore, the world.

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What makes Bali hotels so popular among luxury travelers?

Outstanding guest service, grace and genuine kindness are among the highlights of Bali's five-star properties, contributing to their regular inclusion in world's best hotel lists, according to Forbes Travel Guide CEO Gerard J. Inzerillo. 

"We have some incredible hotels on our list in Bali, and of course leading the way are the two Four Seasons properties and The Villas at Ayana Resort Bali. Though these Forbes Travel Guide five-star hotels are particular standouts for an all-round commitment to excellence in service and facility, across Bali all the hotels on our list show a dedication to very high levels of guest service, grace and genuine kindness—we see this come through quite clearly in our numerous visits and evaluations of the area," Inzerillo told The Jakarta Post via email.

Forbes Travel Guide, which claims to be the only independent, global rating for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, recently celebrated its 60^th anniversary and unveiled its latest list of worldwide Star Rating winners in February. Among the five- and four-star hotel winners in Indonesia are the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, The Villas at Ayana Resort Bali, Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali, Conrad Bali and Amandari.

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Currently there are 1,609 Forbes Travel Guide-rated properties across 50 countries. To determine the ratings, the Forbes Travel Guide’s ratings department vets each destination and identifies potential hotel, restaurant and spa candidates. A team of anonymous inspectors then conduct a short stay before assessing properties according to the organization’s set of 900 objective standards.

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Inzerillo added that as a destination Bali also nicely served the needs of family travel, a growing trend in luxury hospitality. 

"Accommodations that serve multi-generational guests who can be together in a villa setup—perhaps with some private facilities, such as a pool or access to a private chef, yet with all the conveniences of the main hotel or resort—is a growing need. Bali serves this need particularly well, offering the privacy /exclusivity aspect so many luxury travelers demand."

An avid traveler himself, Inzerillo said guests should expect more than stunning facilities when choosing to stay at a luxury property.

"While a stunning facility should rank high on a guest’s list of priorities in the luxury market, what is crucial is knowing you will receive a consistently high level of personalized service that strikes that fine line between being too attentive and too discreet," he said.

"Hotels that have staff committed to assisting every guest in a manner that serves each unique situation or preference in an intuitive manner is what will truly make for an all-round luxury experience. We like to say at Forbes Travel Guide that when the guest has to think, luxury stops." 

Source - TheJakartaPost

Indonesia - Two decades for broken coral reefs to recover

The Environment and Forestry Ministry has announced that broken coral reefs covering 1,020 square meters near Pari Island of Thousand Island regency, which were damaged after cargo ship Ghanda Nusantara 15 rammed into them on Saturday night, will take over 20 years to recover.

Iksan, a ministry official who conducted a survey at the site of the incident, told The Jakarta Post recently that the majority of the damaged area consisted of hard coral — also known as stony coral — which takes a long time to grow.

“It takes 20 years or more for such kinds of coral reefs to recover to their normal condition, before the incident took place,” Iksan said, adding that the ministry would study the results over the next several days to determine total losses from the incident.

The ship’s owner, as regulated in Law. No 32/2009 on environmental management and protection, will have to pay for the losses, with the money being used for restoration of the coral reefs.

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Article 2 of the law states that every person or institution proven to have damaged environment is obliged to pay a certain amount of compensation.

The Thousand Island Police said separately that the ship, owned by the Transportation Ministry, reportedly rammed into the coral reefs near the island at around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday.

The ship, intended to sail from Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan to Tidung Island of Thousand Islands regency, was stuck near Pari Island due to bad weather. It was swept away by strong waves and finally left stranded atop the pristine coral reefs.

“Six crew members aboard have been evacuated by Pari Island residents, with help from officials from the fire and rescue agency,” said Thousand Islands Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Viktor Siagian. The ship’s crew were then brought to the police to be questioned.

Local residents urged the government to quickly move the vessel from the site to avoid further damage to the coral reefs.

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One of the local residents, Ahmad Taufik, 36, said the coral reefs played a significant role in boosting the island’s tourism. Pari Island is among the top tourist destinations in Thousand Islands regency, along with Tidung and Bidadari Islands.

Ahmad added that coral reef damage from ships occasionally occurred in the island’s waters. He, together with other residents concerned with marine protection, would replant the coral reefs using compensation from the owners of the ships that caused the environmental damage.

“At least one similar incident happens in the island’s waters every year, but the ships that caused the damage have never been as big as the [Ghanda Nusantara] ship,” Ahmad told the Post via phone. The Ghanda Nusantara has a weight of around 92 gross tons.

Environmental group Greenpeace urged the government to finish the valuation soon to figure out how much the ship’s owners had to pay.

It could be a great loss, said Greenpeace Southeast Asia oceans campaigner Arifsyah Nasution, reflecting on a similar incident that had occurred last year in Raja Ampat waters in Papua.

“Seeing the case at Raja Ampat, each square meter of damage had to be compensated with up to US$1,200,” he said.

On March 4, British cruise ship Caledonian Sky ran aground in Raja Ampat waters, West Papua, destroying nearly 13,000 sqm of coral reef.

Source - TheJakartaPost

Top 25 Asian beaches poll released – three in Phuket, six in Thailand

                             Thailand has won kudos from travellers, with two beaches in the top 10 in the latest “Top 25 Beaches in Asia” survey. The survey is based on comments from Trip Advisor’s 300 million users – or at least those who visited a beach in Asia and took the time to leave a comment.

The top three beaches are Agonda Beach in India at number one, with White Beach in Boracay and Ngapali Beach in Myanmar filling out the podium spots.

Fourth place goes to Radhanahar Beach on Havelock Island in the Nicobar Islands, while fifth is the first of two Thai beaches in the top 10 – PhraNang Cave Beach in Ao Nang, Krabi.

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AO Nang

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 Benton Beach in Sri Lanka is next, with Phuket’s southern Nai Harn Beach in seventh place.

Nacpan Beach in El Nido, Philippines, Nusa Dua Beach in Bali, Indonesia and Veligandu Island Beach in The Maldives fill out the top 10 attractions.

Three other Thai beaches follow in 11th, 12th and 13th spots – Karon Beach, Phuket, Thong Nai Pan Noi on Koh Phangan and Kata Noi Beach, Phuket – giving Thailand a respectable five positions in the popular vote of Trip Advisor users.

The list includes a list of all the available hotels, along with recommendations for the best time of the year to visit. 

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Source - TheNation

#Indonesia - Baduy Dalam celebrates harvest, closed for three months

Those interested in learning more about the Baduy Dalam tribe, which resides in Leuwidamar district, Lebak regency, Banten, may want to schedule a visit outside of February, March and April.

"There are limitations and rules concerning visitors to Baduy Dalam. During the month of Kawalu between February and April, the three kampungs of Baduy Dalam, namely Cibeo, Cikartawana and Cikeusik, are closed to visitors," one of the tribe's figures, Ayah Mursid, told KompasTravel at the cultural village on Saturday. 

Home to natural attractions and well-preserved local traditions, the Baduy village or also known as Kanekes village, is divided into two parts. One is where the Baduy Luar tribe lives, and the other is home to the Baduy Dalam people.

During the Kawalu month, which is the harvest season, the people of Baduy Dalam will conduct a series of rituals. 

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"The Kawalu rituals begun in February and end in April. It's like Idul Fitri in Islam," said Ayah.

In Baduy Dalam, people are also not allowed to cross the yard, bathe using soap or take pictures.

During Kawalu and other times, foreigners are prohibited from entering the areas of Baduy Dalam. They are only allowed to explore Baduy Luar. 

The Baduy Luar village is always open to both domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year, including between February and April.

The two tribes wear different types of clothing. The people of Baduy Dalam usually don a black and white outfit, a fabric known as samping, and a white headband.

Meanwhile, the Baduy Luar villagers usually wear a black top and blue batik. The latter is usually used as a samping and headband as well.

Source - TheJakartaPost

Domestic and foreign tourists are seen at Pink Beach in Komodo National Park in West Manggarai

Tips for a beginner’s solo trip to Flores

Traveling solo to an unknown destination might sound like a terrifying idea. But there are advantages to taking a trip on your own.

First of all, as pointed out by lifehack.org, it is a great way to discover your true self, as being alone out there on the road will require you to make decisions, overcome fears and rely on yourself. There will be experiences that test your ability to overcome obstacles, challenge you and help you grow as an individual. Don’t forget, all these challenges and chances to grow come with the beauty of a new place you have never been to. Feel like packing your bag now?

Choosing a destination for your solo adventure is at once exciting and thrilling. Especially if it’s a place you’ve never been to. And if you’re looking for a beautiful destination with a healthy dose of challenge in one place, Flores is the answer. You will meet the natives with their distinctive culture, and some of them will probably offer to take you to the hidden gems in the area. Not to mention you will also meet fellow travelers who may end up becoming your new friends.

Here are a few tips to get you ready for the adventure as compiled by tempo.co:

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Take a flight to Ende from Denpasar if you are planning an overland journey. Bear in mind that upon landing, the locals will be rather pushy about offering their transportation services .

Typically, the next destination after Ende airport is Moni village, from where you can depart to the iconic Kelimutu lake for a spectacular sunrise. Another must-visit area is the town of Bajawa, famous for its cultural festivals, picturesque nature and natural hot springs. Consider also visiting Bena traditional village, spiderweb rice field, and trekking to Wae Rebo to see the authentic traditional houses where you can spend a night or two.

Meanwhile, if you are into island hopping around Komodo, choose a flight to Labuan Bajo from Denpasar. Living on board is a great option that will enable you to hop on and hop off the islands and beaches. Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Gili Laba, Kanawa Island and Padar Island make excellent places to include in your itinerary.

Source - TheJakartaPost 

#Indonesia - Best destination Labuan Bajo Port in Komodo district

#Indonesia - Best destination – This picture shows a number of tourist ships parked at Labuan Bajo Port in Komodo district, West Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Labuan Bajo is the entrance for tourists attracted to enjoy the beauty of nature in the Komodo National Park, including the Komodo dragon, a species of giant lizard predominately found in the national park. 

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Yogyakarta sets cap on number of tourists allowed in Pindul Cave

The Gunungkidul Tourism Agency has set a limit to the number of daily visitors allowed in Goa Pindul (Pindul Cave), a natural cave and tourist attraction located in Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta, as the government aims to preserve the site's ecosystem. 

"The maximum number of visitors to Pindul Cave is limited to 2,600 people per day," Hary Sukmono, the agency's secretary, said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

The limit was set based on Environmental Management Efforts and Environmental Monitoring Efforts (UKL-UPL), a guidance document that also includes information on village-owned enterprises, such as tour operators.

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Hary urged tour operators to refer to the document, adding that he hoped the new system would help to preserve Pindul Cave's ecosystem. 

"The limitation of visitors is an effort to preserve the environment of Pindul Cave," Hary said. 

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Separately, Saryanto, the director of the Bejiharjo village-owned enterprise, which oversees the cave region, said the organization would obey the rules. He further said that, in any case, the number of visitors to Pindul Cave was far below the limit. 

According to data obtained by the agency, 145,081 people visited the cave in 2017.

Saryanto said village-owned enterprises would continue to coordinate with tour operators, adding that should the number of visitors exceed the cap limit, the visitors would be directed to other attractions. 

"We will accommodate everyone for the good of all," he said.

Source - TheJakartaPost