Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Gili a vibrant,clean tropical paradise accessable from Bali


I'm reminded of a well known Christmas song called "Day Trip to Bangor" I think it was number 1 during a Christmas period approx 35 years ago or there about's. I suggest for those that would like a trip down memory lane that they look to grooveshark to see if they carry the track.

Any way I digress as this blog is about Gili or Gili Trawangan to be precise. As we took an overnight trip to this beautiful part of our planet, somehow this ties into my opening statement lol, artistic licence perhaps.

Gili is a collection of 3 islands Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air by far the biggest is Trawangan.  To access these fabulous little desert islands you have to travel either from Lombok or from Bali via a high speed catamaran. From Bali the trip takes about an hour, Lombok considerably less as you can see these islands from Lombok, either way its a fun experience but don't expect an airport as there really isn't space to put one, so access will remain from across the "foamy briny".


We stayed on the Island of  Gili Trawangan. which has the mountain ranges of Lombok and the sandy beaches of Gili Meno as a superb backdrop. The first thing you notice when you arrive is just how quaint this place is, I've lifted a para from the Gili Tourist website to explain this better:

":The Gili Islands, NO cars ! NO motorbikes ! NO worries !

Turtle capital of the world.

Arcing away from the northwest corner of Lombok, are three idyllic atolls, where the sand is still powdery white, the water a clear sparkling turquoise, and the sunsets over Bali’s volcano Mt. Agung in the west simply spectacular.
Home to the largest Irish bar on the smallest island in the world, an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, a turtle hatchery, ominous sounding dive sites like ‘Shark Point’, 62 Bio Rock reef regeneration projects, and miles and miles of white sandy beaches, Lombok’s Gili islands, or The Gilis for short, makes a surprisingly ideal getaway destination for everyone of all ages and abilities.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE GILI ISLANDS

Arcing away from the northwest corner of Lombok, the Gili Islands are three idyllic atolls where the sand is still powdery white, the water a clear sparkling turquoise, and the sunsets over Bali’s Agung in the west simply spectacular.
Home to the largest Irish bar on the smallest island in the world, an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, a turtle hatchery, ominous sounding dive sites like ‘Shark Point’ and miles and miles of white sandy beaches, Lombok’s Gilis, make a surprisingly ideal getaway destination. Getting there is easy and whichever way you chose, you will be guaranteed to see some of Bali and Lombok’s breathtaking scenery.


No motorised transport

Fortunately all three Gili Islands will not permit any type of motorised transport on them and therefore rely on bicycles or horse and carts, locally known as ‘Cidomos’. Bicycles can be rented from any of the kiosks and cost from around Rp20,000 an hour, or better value, ask for the daily rate. Cidomos (local horse and carts) are easily located all over the islands but tend to hang around the harbour and busy spots, arrangements can be made if you are staying in a more remote place on the island, for instance a late ride home…. Haggling is the norm, and always agree a price before your journey.

Families

Although originally discovered by backpackers in the mid eighties, and with a reputation as a party destination, the Gilis now boasts themselves as a great destination suitable for families of all ages. Various new hotels, luxury villas, and boutique bungalows now cater for children and offer good value, some have baby sitting services, and with lots of activities on the islands families are sure to enjoy their holidays to the full."


A couple of days here is just heaven as there really is nowhere like this, the closest I know is the island of Sark which is part of the Jersey, Guernsey islands off the English, french coast as there too you will only find 'push' bikes, horse and carts.

The beaches here on Gili Trawangan are sandy (although there is too much washed up coral for delicate feet lol), the sea is turquoise and the climate spectacular with 'barmy evenings' on tap.  You are treated to an array of different cuisine from the beach side cafe's all of which are reasonably priced and provide a fabulous atmosphere.

By day you can laze on the beaches, lying on one of the many sunbeds which are available and provided by the cafes, free of charge all you have to do is commit to buy drinks and perhaps a snack as the day progresses and for that you get to enjoy the beach, the sea and the sun.  The beaches have and good plantation of coconut trees which provide ample shade for the fairer skin.

For the more adventurous; the seas off the coastline provide a vibrant colourful life ideal for scuba or just snorkeling activities. Organized dive trips are in abundance as are many glass bottom boats as all are able people to enjoy, the life that exists below.

If you wish to enjoy the sights then you can take in the whole coastline in about 1 to 1.5 hours, to walk around this coastline can take approx 2 hours if done at a leisurely pace, stopping periodically for much needed refreshment.  Over ways to travel the island are horse and cart, and by cycling, beware to cycle much of the terrain is soft sand although that is slowly changing as cobbled ways come on stream, either way this trip is a must as the scenery is spectacular, the air is clean making for an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

Accommodation is safe, clean and comfortable although 5* retreats are few and far between.  be-aware many accommodation providers provide water from a hybrid system of salt and fresh water.  which is OK but liquid soap is a must if you want to feel clean..

  
Remarkable Bali, Remarkable Bali Private Villas, villas that are stylish and elegant.

In all seriousness I would recommend a look at the pages of Booking Villas in Bali for all the Villas in Seminyak as there is a comprehensive list of Seminyak Villas ideal for Holiday rental. 

 In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com
 
This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com
Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com

       

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Bali Private Villas that are stylish and elegant




 

Bali is truly an inspiration not only does it have superb Bali Private Villas for just about any budget. It is also building an infra-structure that will rival its neighbour Singapore. New roads and underpasses are to traverse the routes of the more intouch areas of the southern part of Bali and connect those routes with the relative under-developed parts of Uluwatu and Nusa Dua making the journey all in all a pleasant, effort free trip.   Slap bang in the middle of this metropolis is a new and very fine and spectacular airport.

Bali has for some time now provided much needed respite to those of us that are in need of a break from the activities that surround our daily working lives.  Now with this newly created infra-structure then we will all benefit from Bali’s hidden beauty.

Bali has become the latest excursion for the conference seeking fraternity and there really is no better place than the newly created conference facilities of Nusa Dua. Those of you who Bali know will remember that these facilities were spectacularly kicked off with the Asian conference led by President Obama.

Remarkable Bali, Remarkable Bali Private Villas, villas that are stylish and elegant.

In all seriousness I would recommend a look at the pages of Booking Villas in Bali for all the Villas in Seminyak as there is a comprehensive list of Seminyak Villas ideal for Holiday rental. 

 In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com
This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com
Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com

Thursday, 13 September 2012

Since when was wealth a pseudonym for anarchy - well it isn't but stress and greed are.



I have jumbled together my thoughts in order to publish this article. I have a nagging concern emanating from within my very bones causing me great consternation.


I am increasingly worried, even alarmed as to the well being of the developing communities. For some time now the so called 3rd world has enjoyed a period of catch up in their living standards, standards that we take for granted and often abuse in the west. However, these countries that are behind the curve have a long way further to go to achieve a welfare state such that say the UK or France enjoy, although some would argue as to how much long those two countries can afford the systems that they have in place, but that’s another story.

My concerns are simple; in order for the global economic circle to be complete then money has to be recycled, otherwise we all grind to a halt at which time we return to the caves and the tree’s from whence we came. Can that be a bad thing, in all honesty we would then experience a sense of belonging, a community would form where camaraderie would become the currency of the moment. However, we are far from such a place, but in my opinion we are dangerously close to a form of anarchy unless an economic paradigm shift does not soon come our way.



The questions that I ask myself are simple:



1) How long can the world, better still countries of the world be able to govern their citizens if wealthy individuals are able to rob the tax coffers of the incumbent treasuries? In a prestigious corner of London there is an area known as Knightsbridge, a glitzy place, which is home to the famous store Harrods. I am told, as a point of reference that the plush apartment building, recently built by the Candy Brothers, which overlooks Hyde Park in the heart of Knightsbridge London, with each apartment retailing at a mere £38M / $60M. The UK treasury levies a stamp duty tax on all purchases of UK property. This Stamp Duty tax can range between 2.5% - 4% depending on the value of the property. However, due to a legal loop hole each of the wealthy purchasers were able to avoid said “Stamp duty” tax which at an average 2.5% this is a significant loss to the public coffers causing a hole in the UK finances which means that us mere mortals are expected to cover the void.



2) I have recently heard that Greece has been encouraged to forfeit Saturdays as a holiday day making the working week a 6 day week. Such a move appears to have sparked a debate in other countries of the EU with the suggestion that these other countries should follow suit and make Saturday a working day. Here the debate becomes interesting; captains of industry, entrepreneurs alike are rubbing their hands in glee at such a prospect, to make Saturday a working day would hand the employer a productivity bonus. So simply put; the same people who use aggressive tax avoidance schemes will be handed on a plate another 10 hours of productivity totally free of cost. Sorry, it is inconceivable to look at this forfeit as a solution without first addressing some of the core issues.



3) Perhaps the most distressing concern of all; given that we all know that the US has driven the world economy by ensuring that their hard earning dollars are spent, thus making the economic miracle a reality for all of us, but they have done this by becoming seriously in debt! They cannot continue to prop up the world economy without a similar model to theirs emerging in another corner of the globe.


However, with one caveat, what is so alarming is this; 50% of the world’s wealth sits with 2% of the population. I don’t know what that says but it sure as hell cannot be healthy to have so few people squirreling money away at such an alarming rate, such that they have a hard time spending the interest generated from such wealth.


4) We all have heard such stories like; we mustn't tax the rich as they will take their business elsewhere, thus exporting jobs. Sorry I really don’t buy this, we are a global economy with a population that is all born equal, money is not a tool in which to lord it over us and to contain us as slaves to the rich. Governments have a duty to ensure that individuals are responsible with money and now ensure that it continues to circulate, governments step up to the plate and ensure that funds flow around to all.



A person’s ability to understand facts and figures or that they are born into families with wealth or aristocracy does not mean that the bread that they eat should be better than the bread of others. As an example some individuals are high achievers in the financial houses others are high achievers in cancer nursing. What entitles an east end barrow boy whose has made good on the dealing floors of Morgan Stanley, to have a better life than say a nurse offering respite in a hospice?


5) Perhaps the most poignant of all, who ever invented money, they surely must never have envisaged that money would hold greater sway over government and government’s policy than the electorate that they are there to serve.


I have rambled on here but I am in need of a wake up call, I must be missing the point, for me I am one of Maggie’s children and have been a beneficiary of the capitalist world and practices, but I now believe that Capitalism has had its day and we must surely find a way to bring us all back into balance. Otherwise who will care for the rich in their dying days – silly question as they can pay for care so who will care for us the other 98%.



Politicians get real you are abdicating power, our lively hoods, our ability to enjoy life’s rich tapestry to a few attendees of the Davos elite. If capitalism has a future then put some of the 50% held by the 2% back into circulation.


Meanwhile, for a stunning collection of Bali Private villas can be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com/


The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Bali Private Villas such as Villa Jerami that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com



Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection of Bali Private Villas in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com



As if this is not enough Bali Private Villas then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com



To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk



See us on Amazines http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908



 

Wednesday, 12 September 2012

Bali a timeless place, an elegant backdrop of Bali Private Villas





Each day I am reminded as to the advances that can be achieved in the developing world.  As I drive across Denpasar and see all the new enhanced LED traffic lights that have magically appeared across many junctions of this sprawling metropolis. The influence of the Island’s governors  as they strive for a form of utopia similar to that of the environmentalists of Singapore as we have signs requiring a  litter free environment which is now enforced by new rules and regulations.

I am somehow convinced; Bali is going through a transformation, it would appear to be morphing into a Singapore, type of environment.  Infra-structure is emerging in the shape of conference facilities, new roads, a vastly redesigned airport and hotels that are appearing in every corner of southern Bali.  Tourism spearheaded by the arrival of air force one carrying the President and the first lady of the free world, not to mention other dignitaries from across the Asean region.

For me this place on Bali whether it be Seminyak or Sanur it is an Oasis of calm, tranquility, it is serene and at one with its Hindu customs and behaviours.  It is an Island that has for many, many years succeeded to attract throngs of tourists from across the world, an island so aptly epitomized during the 50’s by the musical “South Pacific”.  It is an area that through its scriptures has welcomed all alike to these shores and has done so with grace, humility as well a discreet embrace affording the weary traveler an opportunity to relax and recuperate in order to face the oncoming events of the following working year. 

Unlike Singapore this Island is vastly bigger with a tropical landscape that befits a tourist attraction for all those summer seeking families and individuals, it is an Island that is liberal in its beliefs as almost everything is acceptable within these shores. 

It is an Island called Bali affectionately known as the Paradise Isle, an Isle of out door pursuits, from the waters of the rivers suited to 4 – 5 grade white water rafting, to the varying surf ideal for the most ardent surfers or in the case of the shores off Sanur which provides a calm placid sea suited to the playground of the kids, for here the waters are more tranquil, offering a safety net to those that wish for the relaxation that is so necessary in this modern advanced world that we live.

There is nowhere better that to live the dream from your very own home,  Bali has in many ways pioneered the Bali Private Villas rental concept. For here you will find Villas completely at one with their environment. These Bali Private Villas offer a stylish elegant lifestyle basking under the sun and sparkling under the stars.

You cannot fail to have a relaxing holiday, to enjoy the charms of the orient, to be touched by the Hindu serenity as you chill your way through the surf, rainforests and scenery of this tropical oasis.

For this is an Island that is coming of age and as the world evolves never before has Bali held such an important place in the psyche of human nature. Come see Bali and be charmed and embraced by how technology has been adapted to suit the human needs, be embraced by the Balinese, warmed by their serenity..

In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com
This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com
Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com
 

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Bali a way of life, a route to the end.



What is Life?
Life is Love. Enjoy it.
Life is Beauty.  Praise it.
Life is Spirit.  Realise it.
Life is Song. Sing it.
Life is a Mystery.  Unfold it.
Life is a Challenge.  Meet it.
Life is a Goal.  Achieve it.
Life is an Adventure.  Dare it.
Life is a Sorrow. Overcome it.
Life is a Tragedy.  Face it.
Life is a Game.  Play it.
Life is a Duty.  Perform it.
Life is an Opportunity.  Take it.
Life is a Struggle.  Fight it.
Life is a Journey.  Complete it.
Life is a Puzzle.  Solve it.
Life is a Promise.  Fulfil it.

"
— from Hindu Scriptures

This occasion is a sad occasion for me as it marks the passing of life in a Hindu Balinese way.  Perhaps the words entered here will be a little distressing to those that are unaware as to Hindu cultures and practices here on Bali the Paradise Isle.

In an earlier post I referred to the customs and traditions of the indigenous people of Lake Batur, but in this post I can report on the passing of of life for the regular, if you like more enlightened people of downtown Bali.

When I came to Bali on my quest to escape the doom and gloom which surrounds the west and its western economies, I came with the full intention to immerse myself in a way of life far different from my own.  To do this I had to embed myself into a local culture, whilst I build my new life, career and business thus securing my future for the coming years.  I am convinced of my passion as without it you can achieve nothing, I am convinced of my need to understand all things Indonesian as without it you can not plot your way forward as the hurdles will exist everywhere. Perhaps such a statement is true of life anywhere.

I digress, in short to achieve the goals set out above I have immersed my self in a community here in central Denpasar, far away from the glitz and glamour that has encompassed the resort areas that surround this magical Island. For my home is a rented local house deep within a community accessed only by a rabbit warren of side roads. To access my home I have to pass many warungs small intimate roadside cafe's (café used in the loosest term) all suitably frequented by many local communities and in some cases vast family dynasties.

To live here you begin to realise the joys of life and the contentment that co-exists with the trappings of the western cultures.  For to live here you realise just how narrow minded we are in the west when it comes to the material needs for our mere existence.

For here you quickly realise that children are free to roam at will around vast labyrinths of roads, dipping in and out of communities as they explore in their extended groups. climbing in and out of storm drains, playing on motorbikes, building kites from plastic bags and old sticks, for they are free and I am sure more enriched as a result.  There is no risk of abduction that we believe is prevalent in the west, their is no need to harness the free spirit of a child infancy for they are free to explore, to broaden their horizons, to experience all that their young lives have to offer, for they are not riddled or burdened by the trappings of wealth, by the possessions of their neighbours, they do not hanker for the latest iphone or the bike with 40 gears, for they make there own enjoyment, which is how it should be.

I am still far from the point of this blog as it is with some sadness that I have embarked on these tombs.  During the early weeks of my immersion in this community, I was of course greeted with some surprise as the only Buleh (European/westerner) in the quarter and I would get as I passed their various posts many inquiring looks and surprised expressions.  However, I persevered duly waving from the comfort of my ac controlled car as I bumped along the cobbles in front of the warungs.  Over time I was greeted with cheery waves form the sitting community.  I remember during those days that one gentlemen in particular always gave me a great sense of amusement as he would always greet me with a surprise inquiring look which over time became a cheery wave as I passed by his wall side concrete seat. All to often this gentleman would be stumbling from the warung back to his Balinese quarter, he was clearly elderly and clearly had some difficulty to walk.  But he always found a way to greet me in the most courteous way for which I am grateful.

To cut a long story short, On one morning I took an early trip out and on my return there were a number of motor bikes outside his home.   My immediate reaction was that he had died, which came to pass as being true as he had indeed died that morning at the local hospital.  Shortly afterwards his body was returned to the family home for the Hindu spiritual blessings and ceremonies to begin.

For my understanding he was laid on a bed of Ice, dry or wet whilst a suitable day is found on the Hindu calender making for the appropriate passing to the next world.  As it happened the day was marked as the following Monday which meant a four day lay in wait at the home of his family community.

Here the the gatherings begin as the community must gather around the family and stand in guard over the body for the course of the next four days.  So over the next four days the entire community would gather together and form a rotor as to who and how many would be at the bed side.  As you can imagine this amounted to several hundred people.  What I noticed for good or for bad and I think perhaps good, is that as the days passed the event became more happier, by the fourth day it was no longer the solemn event that prevailed over the previous Friday.  Great teams of people sat and kept watch throughout the days an nights as they waited for the appropriate day.  They played cards throughout the night, they chatted and ultimately they laughed, is there any better way to help a family grieve that this. 

By the fourth day the body was placed on a colourful makeshift alter, made from Bamboo and draped in silk the bed was of a thin mattress covered in white cloth over the body was a bamboo roof.  the body then sits about 1.5 metres above a larger bamboo raft about 2 mtrs * 2 mtrs.  the raft is then elevated by several pall bearers who the march the body to the nearest cemetery, there is no privacy in the death.

On arrival at the steel gate of the cemetery the body is then taken in still on its bamboo alter.  It should be said that this cemetery does not resemble a cemetery as we would know it as it has no bodies incarcerated within it, for it is just a green piece of scrub land. the chariot is then placed upon more bamboo.

Here the ceremony begins as it is considered that the body must be returned to the elements of the universe and so the the framework is then set alight and the structure along with the body is cremated.

Hindu funerals in Bali are intense ceremonies, exhibiting great cultural and religious significance. The chariot is an elaborate vessel and characterized by a large following, the funeral is centered on cremation of the body, known as ngaben or pelebon.

It is considered through this practice known as essentig i.e. the 5 elements making up the microcosm of the human body are to be returned to their original residence, the universe's macrocosm.

The five elements: Panca Maha Bhuta, are the earth (pertivvi), water (apah), fire (teja), air (bayu), and ether (akasa). Since the primordial dimension can only be attained through water and fire, the ashes are dispersed in the waters of the sea or if the distance is too great, in a river.

The funeral ceremony is generally led by a priest and punctuated by a lavish offering of gifts. For the occasion, a large bullock-shaped wooden structure is built and then entirely covered with white drapes if the deceased belongs to a priestly caste; in black, if not.

The ashes are then collected and the ceremony moves towards the sea where the ashes are returned to the Universe, for the afterlife to begin.

A fitting end to a great person.













Monday, 9 July 2012

Web Building Sunnier Climes






It has been some time since I have posted here on these pages. However, I have not been idle as I have completely revamped a number of websites which are within my control. Mostly the sites concern Bali Private Villas and Villas in Seminyak. 1) theleadingvillasofbal.com 2) bookingvillasinbali.com 3) budgetvillasinbali.com 4) thevillas-bali.com and lastly statura.co.uk which remains a work in progress.

Whilst doing this I began to realize how much fun it is to be creative with your design and layout of the various pages.   However, what I also found is that you can get carried away in adding gizmo's better known as gadgets, dressing the pages with colour schemes that look stunning but are totally useless when you overlay text. All in all a fun experience when it comes down to the finished product although much of the process was really quite mundane - As for the fruits of my labours well you can be the judge of that.

Not been as mobile around Bali as I would have liked as I am in the process to complete a house so that I can build my life here on this wonderful Isle. What I have started to do is walk my dog along Pettitenget beach which flows onto double six.  I always turn at a point well along double six returning to Mano Beach cafe for a swift beer as well as, I have to say some of the best tapas that I have enjoyed anywhere.  I have no wish for people to flock there as they have few seats along the decking which is closest to the beach and I would still like to enjoy my time there as the sunsets.

As for the sunsets, I have on occasions posted some spectacular sunsets on the pages of my face book but I have since curtailed this activity as I'm English and the recipients of my flourishing array of photos are mostly north of the English channel.  For anyone who is interested in climate change you only have to look at the news as the weather in the UK has been appalling since April, it is the wettest period on record with over 100 flood alerts across the kingdom. So to post pictures of our spectacular sunsets is I fear a little in-sensitive.  However, I will intersperse these tombs with some colourful images taken from Double six beach Seminyak.

I wont bore you all with too much on this occasion other than to say I hope you find my sites a pleasure to see and the pictures posted here are encouraging enough for you to book a Bali Private Villa through one of the sites that I have had the pleasure to build.

The Villas are in Seminyak, Canggu, Umalas, Sanur, Jimbaran and Ubud. all are spectacular, elegant and stylish.

In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com
This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com
Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com


 

 

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