Sunday, June 24, 2007
Bali the Island of the Gods..Peace in Bali
Give Peace a Chance?
Bali Branding 'Shanti Shanti Shanti' Launched by President Yudhoyono.
(6/22/2007) As promised, Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched Bali's new tourism branding campaign when visiting Bali to officiate at the opening of the Bali Arts Festival on June 16, 2007.
Shanti Shanti Shanti
While the physical representation of the branding slogan has yet to be widely distributed to the media, the new marketing image of Bali will reportedly include the phrase "Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" presented against a tri-colored background of red, white and black reflecting sacred colors of the Bali Hindu religion.
"Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" which translates into "Bali Peace Peace Peace" was selected by a team of branding experts after six months of interviews with a wide cross-section of the local community and reflects the wishes of the people of Bali for both their home island and the rest of the world.
As reported by TTG, the Bali branding team coordinator, Ms. Teguh Mahasari explained the branding decision, saying: "The branding was initiated by the Bali governor not just to attract international tourists, but it also aims to inspire the Balinese themselves to achieve the ideal Bali...We cannot deny the fact that the island is facing problems, such as with environment, infrastructure and excessive commercial development.
This is something locals need to address to achieve what Hinduism teaches us: "Shanti, Shanti, Shanti."Some local tourism observers have questioned the wisdom of the new branding program, claiming it is over-ambitious to think a single panacea exists that will simultaneously solidify Bali's self-image while serving at the same time as its promotional image to the larger world.
Perhaps more fundamentally threatening to the eventual success or failure of the "Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" campaign is the continuing reluctance of Bali's government to provide a promotional budget that would make the branding campaign known to a larger audience.
Bali Branding 'Shanti Shanti Shanti' Launched by President Yudhoyono.
(6/22/2007) As promised, Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched Bali's new tourism branding campaign when visiting Bali to officiate at the opening of the Bali Arts Festival on June 16, 2007.
Shanti Shanti Shanti
While the physical representation of the branding slogan has yet to be widely distributed to the media, the new marketing image of Bali will reportedly include the phrase "Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" presented against a tri-colored background of red, white and black reflecting sacred colors of the Bali Hindu religion.
"Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" which translates into "Bali Peace Peace Peace" was selected by a team of branding experts after six months of interviews with a wide cross-section of the local community and reflects the wishes of the people of Bali for both their home island and the rest of the world.
As reported by TTG, the Bali branding team coordinator, Ms. Teguh Mahasari explained the branding decision, saying: "The branding was initiated by the Bali governor not just to attract international tourists, but it also aims to inspire the Balinese themselves to achieve the ideal Bali...We cannot deny the fact that the island is facing problems, such as with environment, infrastructure and excessive commercial development.
This is something locals need to address to achieve what Hinduism teaches us: "Shanti, Shanti, Shanti."Some local tourism observers have questioned the wisdom of the new branding program, claiming it is over-ambitious to think a single panacea exists that will simultaneously solidify Bali's self-image while serving at the same time as its promotional image to the larger world.
Perhaps more fundamentally threatening to the eventual success or failure of the "Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" campaign is the continuing reluctance of Bali's government to provide a promotional budget that would make the branding campaign known to a larger audience.
Bali the Island of the Gods...fun run
15,000 Runners expected at Bali 10K on August 12, 2007
August 12, 2007Time: 08:00 - 17:00
As part of Bali's celebration of its founding 49 years ago, the Bali 10K Race will be held on August 12, 2007 with an estimated 10 – 15,000 runners expected to participate.
Gede Nurjaya, the Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority told the Indonesian language BisnisBali, "we intend to restore the Bali 10K as a yearly event for the province."
While admitting that this year's event is limited by a lack of supporting funds, Nurjaya said each year's successive event will be better funded with an increasing number of world class runners expected to attend each year the event is held.
Citing marathons as a sport requiring little funds and open to every level of society, Nurjaya pointed to the success of similar city marathons held around the world each year.
Before its disappearance, the Bali 10k race supported by Indonesian businessman Bob Hasan was held in Bali between 1987-1989 where, with a top prize of US$10,000, it managed to attract 10-15,000 participants each year.
That event was eventually moved to Central Java and Jakarta before its disappearance in the mid-1990s.
August 12, 2007Time: 08:00 - 17:00
As part of Bali's celebration of its founding 49 years ago, the Bali 10K Race will be held on August 12, 2007 with an estimated 10 – 15,000 runners expected to participate.
Gede Nurjaya, the Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority told the Indonesian language BisnisBali, "we intend to restore the Bali 10K as a yearly event for the province."
While admitting that this year's event is limited by a lack of supporting funds, Nurjaya said each year's successive event will be better funded with an increasing number of world class runners expected to attend each year the event is held.
Citing marathons as a sport requiring little funds and open to every level of society, Nurjaya pointed to the success of similar city marathons held around the world each year.
Before its disappearance, the Bali 10k race supported by Indonesian businessman Bob Hasan was held in Bali between 1987-1989 where, with a top prize of US$10,000, it managed to attract 10-15,000 participants each year.
That event was eventually moved to Central Java and Jakarta before its disappearance in the mid-1990s.
Visa Information for Bali and Indonesia
Visa Guide for Bali and Indonesia ...An easy way to visit Bali Dolphin VIllas
Visa-Free Short Visit
11 countries and territories are eligible for a "Visa Free" facility.
Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:
• Brunei Darussalam• Chile• Hong Kong SAR• Macau SAR• Malaysia• Morocco• Peru• Philippines• Thailand• Vietnam• Singapore
The official entry requirements for the issuance of a visa-free short visit permit:
1. Passport must be from one of the eleven countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia and Bali.
3. Onward or return tickets from Bali are compulsory.
4. Visitors to Bali must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports, 21 seaports or 1 overland border post officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.
Visa on Arrival Facility (VOA)
Effective May 28, 2007, visitors holding valid passports from certain countries can obtain either a 7 day or 30 day non-extendable visa at any of the 15 airports and 21 seaports designated as “international gateways” by the Indonesian Immigration department. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa.
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to purchase a “visa on arrival (VOA):”
(Updated May 28, 2007)
• Algeria• Argentina • Australia• Austria • Bahrain• Belgium• Brazil• Bulgaria• Cambodia• Canada• Cyprus• Czech Republic• Denmark• Egypt• Estonia• Fiji• Finland• France• Germany• Greece• Hungary• Iceland• India• Iran• Ireland• Italy• Japan• Kuwait• Laos• Latvia• Libya• Liechensteia• Lithuania• Luxembourg• Maldives• Malta• Mexico• Monaco• New Zealand• Norway• Oman• Panama• People’s Republic of China• Poland• Portugal• Qatar• Romania• Russia• Saudi Arabia• Slovakia• Slovenia• South Africa• South Korea• Spain• Suriname• Switzerland• Sweden• Taiwan• The Netherlands• Tunisia• United Arab Emirates• United Kingdom• United States of America
The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 30 or 7 days day visa-on arrival:
1. Passport must be from one of the countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
3. Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required.
4. Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
5. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports or 21 seaports officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.
Visas-on-arrival are non-extendable and non-convertible to another class of visa.
Overstays are charged US$20 per day for over stays up to 60 days.
Overstay violations over 60 days are liable to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of Rp. 25 million.
Tourist Visa to visit Bali Dolphin Villas
Individuals not holding a passport from among those nations listed above and eligible either for a visa-free short visit or a purchasable visa-on-arrival (VOA) can apply for a tourist visa at an Indonesian Embassy aboard.
Tourist visa are normally granted for a 60 day stay in Indonesia.
Visa Issued on Approval All visa applications for Business, Tourist and Social Visits from nationals of the following countries need prior approval from an Immigration Office in Indonesia before traveling.
The requirements vary depending on the propose visit to Indonesia.
• Afghanistan• Albania• Angola• Bangladesh• Cameroon• Cuba• Ethiopia• Ghana• Iran• Iraq• Israel• Nigeria• North Korea• Pakistan• Somalia• Sri Lanka• Tanzania
Other Classes of Visas for Temporary Visitors
There are several other classes of visas available to visitors to Indonesia. If you are making your travel arrangements with www.balidiscovery.com we will be happy to provide you additional information and assistance regarding the following visa classes:
Business Visa -
This visa is given by an Indonesian Embassies abroad to applicants visiting Indonesia for normal business activities (including attending a conference/seminar) which do not involve taking up employment or receiving any payments whilst in Indonesia and Bali.
This visa, valid for a stay of 60 days, can be for a single or multiple visits.
This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.
Social-Cultural Visa -
This visa is issued by as Indonesian Embassy abroad to applicants who are going to Indonesia for a social/cultural visit, such as visiting relatives/friends; social organizations; exchange visits between educational institutions; undertaking research and attending training programs in Indonesia.
The validity of this visa is for a 60 day stay, but can be extended upon application in Indonesia. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.
Employment Visa -
This visa is given to applicants whose purpose of visit is to take up employment and require sponsorship by a company or organization in Indonesia.
Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) -
This visa is a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) and is issued to applicants whose purpose of visit is to stay in Indonesia for a limited period.
NOTICE: The information supplied was believed correct and current at the time of publication. When in doubt or if you have questions, we strongly suggest that you contact the travel company making your travel arrangement or your nearest Indonesian Embassy.
Visa-Free Short Visit
11 countries and territories are eligible for a "Visa Free" facility.
Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:
• Brunei Darussalam• Chile• Hong Kong SAR• Macau SAR• Malaysia• Morocco• Peru• Philippines• Thailand• Vietnam• Singapore
The official entry requirements for the issuance of a visa-free short visit permit:
1. Passport must be from one of the eleven countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia and Bali.
3. Onward or return tickets from Bali are compulsory.
4. Visitors to Bali must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports, 21 seaports or 1 overland border post officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.
Visa on Arrival Facility (VOA)
Effective May 28, 2007, visitors holding valid passports from certain countries can obtain either a 7 day or 30 day non-extendable visa at any of the 15 airports and 21 seaports designated as “international gateways” by the Indonesian Immigration department. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa.
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to purchase a “visa on arrival (VOA):”
(Updated May 28, 2007)
• Algeria• Argentina • Australia• Austria • Bahrain• Belgium• Brazil• Bulgaria• Cambodia• Canada• Cyprus• Czech Republic• Denmark• Egypt• Estonia• Fiji• Finland• France• Germany• Greece• Hungary• Iceland• India• Iran• Ireland• Italy• Japan• Kuwait• Laos• Latvia• Libya• Liechensteia• Lithuania• Luxembourg• Maldives• Malta• Mexico• Monaco• New Zealand• Norway• Oman• Panama• People’s Republic of China• Poland• Portugal• Qatar• Romania• Russia• Saudi Arabia• Slovakia• Slovenia• South Africa• South Korea• Spain• Suriname• Switzerland• Sweden• Taiwan• The Netherlands• Tunisia• United Arab Emirates• United Kingdom• United States of America
The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 30 or 7 days day visa-on arrival:
1. Passport must be from one of the countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
3. Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required.
4. Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
5. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports or 21 seaports officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.
Visas-on-arrival are non-extendable and non-convertible to another class of visa.
Overstays are charged US$20 per day for over stays up to 60 days.
Overstay violations over 60 days are liable to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of Rp. 25 million.
Tourist Visa to visit Bali Dolphin Villas
Individuals not holding a passport from among those nations listed above and eligible either for a visa-free short visit or a purchasable visa-on-arrival (VOA) can apply for a tourist visa at an Indonesian Embassy aboard.
Tourist visa are normally granted for a 60 day stay in Indonesia.
Visa Issued on Approval All visa applications for Business, Tourist and Social Visits from nationals of the following countries need prior approval from an Immigration Office in Indonesia before traveling.
The requirements vary depending on the propose visit to Indonesia.
• Afghanistan• Albania• Angola• Bangladesh• Cameroon• Cuba• Ethiopia• Ghana• Iran• Iraq• Israel• Nigeria• North Korea• Pakistan• Somalia• Sri Lanka• Tanzania
Other Classes of Visas for Temporary Visitors
There are several other classes of visas available to visitors to Indonesia. If you are making your travel arrangements with www.balidiscovery.com we will be happy to provide you additional information and assistance regarding the following visa classes:
Business Visa -
This visa is given by an Indonesian Embassies abroad to applicants visiting Indonesia for normal business activities (including attending a conference/seminar) which do not involve taking up employment or receiving any payments whilst in Indonesia and Bali.
This visa, valid for a stay of 60 days, can be for a single or multiple visits.
This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.
Social-Cultural Visa -
This visa is issued by as Indonesian Embassy abroad to applicants who are going to Indonesia for a social/cultural visit, such as visiting relatives/friends; social organizations; exchange visits between educational institutions; undertaking research and attending training programs in Indonesia.
The validity of this visa is for a 60 day stay, but can be extended upon application in Indonesia. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.
Employment Visa -
This visa is given to applicants whose purpose of visit is to take up employment and require sponsorship by a company or organization in Indonesia.
Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) -
This visa is a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) and is issued to applicants whose purpose of visit is to stay in Indonesia for a limited period.
NOTICE: The information supplied was believed correct and current at the time of publication. When in doubt or if you have questions, we strongly suggest that you contact the travel company making your travel arrangement or your nearest Indonesian Embassy.