Bali an economic miracle

Bali Home to Exclusive Villas in Bali and Now Home to the Exclusive Apec Club of Nations

Bali is again a focus for good; here within these idyllic shores the Apec conference will hold their 2013 economic meeting.  That is; 23 countries and possibly 23 heads of state from the region as well as on the other side of the pacific, including the US will descend on Bali in order to discuss greater economic cooperation between their individual markets.

Given that the world's most populated countries are within these confines it should be no surprise that this is a formidable meeting, making Bali a formidable venue.  In these economically difficult times it is no surprises as to how important such alliances are to the global economy.

It should be noted that not only are the most populated countries here, they are also home to a demographically important age group of under 25's making them the largest members of the population groups.  
  

It's no secret, as many financial pundits are prophesying that the world will soon enjoy an economic growth the likes of which will be bigger than any growth seen before.  That period will be fuelled by the under 25's and will come from the emerging markets, most of which are represented at this Apec venue.

The west, predominantly Europe should really get on board here otherwise they will lose out in this expansion, America has embraced Apec and are well positioned to benefit due in part to their innovation and sophisticated technology, Germany will be fine as they have the overt end of the luxury car and products market,  Italy with Ferrari, Maserati and apparel, France with their chic fashion and colognes.  It is really difficult to see where the UK fits into this equation, other than London is a place to be seen to own an expensive apartment which benefits no British person as few can own such places.  Jaguar and Range Rover will figure in the evolution of these growth markets, but the beneficiary of course is Tata India.

I digress, Bali is a beautiful Island of 3.5 Million smiles, and needless to say it is an island that sits within the Indonesian archipelago that forms a significant part of the economy of Indonesia, an oasis of Hindu calm, frequented by the populations of the world over.

Happy holidays in Bali - if you need advise or some guidance then I can be reached through the comments section.

 

In the meantime take a look at 'The Leading Villas of Bali' range of luxury villas http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

For other villas look to the pages Booking Villas in Bali http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com
Look also at http://www.thevillas-bali.com 

Due their superb pricing this collection will soon be added to: http://www.budgetvillasinbali.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

Bali's eco friendly hub - Pinge Tourism Village in the district of Tabanan

Bali's eco friendly hub  - Pinge Tourism Village in the district of Tabanan

Pinge is a beautiful hamlet nestled in the hills of Bali, with a stunning backdrop provided by the elegant conical peak of Batu Karu.  The village has been designated an eco friendly tourism village, one of several and soon to be 30 such places in the district of Tabanan. 

The Village boast a plentiful supply of home stay rooms all of which are amongst the locals own home compounds.  The village has the comfort of a more inclement weather pattern in so far as it is sunny in the mornings albeit cooler than Bali's lower coastal regions with less humidity.  At 3pm almost by clockwork the clouds settle overhead and a liberal sprinkling of rain emerges providing further respite as well as to damp down the area, bringing life to the vibrant colours from the local tropical vegetation.

The home stays are stunning, albeit indigenous to the homes of the local community.  Their number are 27 rooms in total and have operated since 2010.  Since this time; this single village has enjoyed the attendance of 1,041 people. In 2011, 1,408 visitors of which 146 stayed overnight at the villagers homes. Meanwhile, among 749 tourists visiting the village in 2012, 187 stayed overnight - the trend is growing and will soon be a must see when visiting this area.
   
Happy holidays in Bali - if you need advise or some guidance then I can be reached through the comments section.

In the meantime take a look at 'The Leading Villas of Bali' range of luxury villas http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

 

For other villas look to the pages Booking Villas in Bali http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

Look also at http://www.thevillas-bali.com

Due their superb pricing this collection will soon be added to: http://www.budgetvillasinbali.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

 

"The Lady" Aung San Suu Kyi an awesome women.

The face of right, the face that  humbles us all.

The Lady - Aung San Suu Kyi

I am deeply humbled by the true story portrayed by the film "The Lady", for it is an account as to the struggle of Aung San Suu Kyi as she battled the tyranny of the Junta that held her country hostage for so long.  

Let this be a lesson to all the despots around the world. for their stupidity there will always be an Aung San Suu Kyi to focus the world's attention.  As history has recorded with such names as "Nelson Mandela", "Gandhi" "Benazir Bhutto" (for anyone who doubts the resolve of Benazir Bhutto should read the book "Daughter of the East") etc..  I have written about this remarkable lady, "Su" on 2 other occasions and I wish nothing but the best as she brings humility and dignity to the Burmese people.  There is also another lesson to the Junta's, you may feel secure in what you do!  You will always by irking democracy, face sanctions from the west, gain the support of less sensitive nations as the Burmese did with China. Let's be clear in the case of the Burmese it was that support that undid them for they took many years to understand, the support from China was indeed what we know as cupboard love, i.e. their [China] interest was purely in Burma's assets, history will show that the straw that broke this tyranny was the power plants built by the Chinese with Burmese labour, fueled with Burmese resources, yet the  output only benefited China.  Thank God there was an Aung San Suu Kyi to pick up the pieces and bring a sensible face to the table of nations. 

I am in awe as to the achievements that "Su" made but I am also impressed by her husband's commitment to her cause and the support that he gave to "Su" under incredibly difficult circumstances.   I am also somewhat disgusted by the way the Junta behaved as they toyed with the phone calls that were allowed to and from him during, well any time but made worse during his dieing days.

History will show a vain dangerous fool

I have for many years taken an interest in Burma / Myanmar as I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time there during the late 90's.  However, I do this with a heavy heart as I was involved in some small way in their telephony emergence on to the mobile world stage.  However, had I not played a part then some other organization perhaps the Chinese or Alcatel would have benefited.  

I am so pleased that events have now normalized to some degree and I wish the Burmese and Aung San Suu Kyi, and her two boys the very best, as for Mikey may he rest in peace. 

A needless, senseless shadowy world

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A needless, senseless shadowy world 

I would like to devote some of my free time to bringing a greater awareness as to a senseless handicap that is inflicting the children of the developing world, many of which are right here in Indonesia. There are over 20M people who suffer from cataracts causing blindness /visual impairment and for just $20 many can have their sight restored. 

As the world emerges from the catastrophic recession, my hope is that we are able to bring humanity from the ashes of greed.  If we can do this; then a great place to start would be to restore the eyesight of so many children and adults alike that suffer needlessly, children who are in the main from all parts of the developing world.

I have lifted these two articles which explain this tragedy in more detail.

I am using my incredible vast audience who regularly visit my Bali Villas blogs in the hope that this article can be FB liked and shared in order to bring greater awareness to this miserable, senseless handicap.

Article 1:

Priority eye diseases

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Cataract

Definition

Cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye which prevents clear vision. Although most cases of cataract are related to the aging process, occasionally children can be born with the condition, or a cataract may develop after eye injuries, inflammation, and some other eye diseases.

Magnitude

According to the latest assessment, cataract is responsible for 51% of world blindness, which represents about 20 million people (2010). Although cataracts can be surgically removed, in many countries barriers exist that prevent patients to access surgery. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness. As people in the world live longer, the number of people with cataract is anticipated to grow. Cataract is also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries.

Prevention and treatment

Reduction of cigarette smoking, ultraviolet light exposure may prevent or delay the development of cataract. Diabetes mellitus and high body mass index are identified as additional risk factors.
The treatment of cataract is surgical, very successful in restoring sight. The opaque lens is removed and replaced by an artificial intraocular lens. In many remote parts of the developing world, people remain blind from cataract, due to a lack of access to eye care.

Article 2:

Cataract Surgery Techniques

While, many causes of illness require long-term treatment (medication, monitoring, hospitalization), cataract does not. Cataract surgery is a one-time, low-cost procedure yielding dramatic results.

Protocol for Cataract Surgery Optimized for Use in Developing Countries, as designed by the Himalayan Cataract Project and the Tilganga Eye Centre

To allow widespread delivery of cataract surgery in developing countries, innovations that continue to decrease cost and complexity while preserving the highest level of safety and visual outcomes are urgently needed. HCP is dedicated to creating and implementing solutions to the barriers that impede delivery of cataract care in underserved parts of the trans-Himalayan region. For example, low-cost, portable, and robust operating microscopes and YAG lasers have been developed at TEC.
Source: "Fighting Global Blindness"

The HCP is committed to training surgeons and support staff in the developing world in the highest quality surgical techniques that are sustainable in their countries or context. To accomplish this, we continue to be a leader in the innovation of cataract removal techniques, including improving patient access and teaching advanced technology (such as phacoemulsification), facilitating access to quality low cost consumables, and developing increasingly efficient models of surgical delivery.

HCP Performs Cataract Surgery in a Small Nepalese Village

Recounted by Dr. Geoff Tabin:

“For the next three days, 12 hours a day, Dr. Ruit and I perform surgery side by side in a makeshift operating room without any high-tech equipment besides our microscope. When the generator fails, we continue using the microscope to work on eyes illuminated by flashlights, which our dedicated assistants hold.
Technicians, whom Dr. Ruit and I trained, inject local anesthetic to numb the patients' eyes and prepare them for surgery. When an operation is finished, the patient is rolled off one side of the table and the next patient is rolled on. The new patient's face is painted with antiseptic and surgery continues. The turnover time between patients is less than one minute. Dr. Ruit has no trouble sustaining a rate of seven perfect surgeries per hour for a 12-hour operating day.
For a cost of about $20, these patients get approximately the same surgery that was state of the art in America 10 years ago.”

Please share this article and help in some way, I'm not asking for donations only to get this issue out in the open so that it can be dealt with.

Many Thanks from the leading villas of Bali - we hope to do our bit. 

Bali - How To Stay Safe And Book A Bali Private Villa Safely

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 Bali - How To Stay Safe And Book A Bali Private Villa Safely

There are many ways to book a villa holiday here on the wonderful serene island of Bali, I will outline the choices and risks throughout this blog.  

An upfront simple rule is to; always use a Jasa Properti registered agent.  Such an agent is there to ensure that you receive what you paid for, their business depends on a quality of service as well as giving you access (a voice) to a third party, other than the villa owner following up any issues that may arise from your villa accommodation.

1. Via an online booking agent - such as Agoda, Booking.com etc..
• These agents encourage bookings through the misconception that their rates are cheaper. They're not some of these agents charge 25% commission to the villa owner just to list their villa on their site.
• None of these agents visit the villas to do an inspection so any villa owner can list here. In fact all of these companies operate outside of Bali from as far away as the UK. Non have staff here on the ground and nor do they care about the Villa accommodation.
• Review process is flawed, many villa owners book 1 nights accommodation through these companies thus ensuring that they are invited to review villa - result well you can guess.
• These operations are great when booking hotels with recognized chains such as the 'Marriot' 'Hilton' etc.
2. Direct to the Villa owner via their glossy website
• Of course to do this you are wide open to mis-selling as you have no access to a third party to ensure that your holiday is as planned and conforms to a basic level of service.
• You have no voice to the relevant authorities as villa owners are not required to register. A point to note you would not buy a car without a warranty as some of these villa holidays are similar in cost.
• Bali as beautiful as it is, it is not your country so the procedures to seek redress are not familiar.
3. Through an agent - unlicensed, similar in appearance to a high street travel company although they ply their trade unofficially online unregulated.



www.budgetvillasinbali.com

• It is a requirement here on Bali that agents register with the department of tourism thus ensuring that they apply a level of quality service. However, this is not easy to enforce with the result that there are many agents with glitzy web-sites who are not accredited.
• These agents are not invited to inspect the more professional properties and therefore carry on their websites the properties that are perhaps more disreputable and are avoided by the professional agent.
4.  The Safe option: Through a licensed agent with a Jasa properti registration as depicted in the picture below.
• These agents inspect and operate a professional business that ensures that the villa owner conforms to a standard of service applicable to a luxury holiday here on the Paradise Isle.
• These agents have a standing both with the authorities as well as with the management company of the villa and the owners, in short they have 'a voice' and are therefore taken seriously.
• Many agents insist that certain criteria is met in order to list on their sites. ie. 'The Leading Villas of Bali' only look for the more exclusive properties. 'Budget Villas in Bali' seek out value villas who do not compromise service etc..
• A Villa agent can lose their accreditation and therefore their livelihood. In my experience these agents are predominantly Balinese, they come from the hospitality industry and are passionate about their business.

I have tried to outline the risks and rewards of a villa holiday here on Bali.  Bali like everywhere has a  human element which is both good and bad, honest and unscrupulous.  Another point to note is that many Bali villas are owned by foreigners who come from all walks of life, few come from the hospitality industry and all are out for a quick buck.  Booked correctly then you are ensured of a wonderful holiday here on the 'Paradise Isle'. Bali is Hindu in its beliefs and as such is a calm relaxed environment, service always comes with a serenity as well as a beaming smile. 

Look forward to seeing you here on Bali. Meanwhile I have lifted a paragraph from a previous blog on this subject:

How do you know a licensed operator, what do you look for?

A registered agency with a registration granted by "Pemerintah KotaDenpasar" (Government, area: Kota, Denpasar) and that they have a "Dinas Perijinan" registration number, furthermore that their registration identifies them as a "Jasa properti" provider (permitted to provide a property service). If it is not on their website then ask to see evidence of their registration.

Happy holidays in Bali - if you need advise or some guidance then I can be reached through the comments section.

In the meantime take a look at 'The Leading Villas of Bali' range of luxury villas http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

 

For other villas look to the pages Booking Villas in Bali http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

Look also at http://www.thevillas-bali.com

Due their superb pricing this collection will soon be added to: http://www.budgetvillasinbali.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

 

Bali changes cometh - New improved experience.

Follow @Theleadingvilla

Heaven can wait Paradise is here

 

The days come they go, 

Go I must and visit Bali's past, 

As this experience is a treasure to be held, 

Here you will see a mystical aura 

All of which will be loud and clear,  

The days they come they go, 

But here you chill, relax and refresh.

As Bali has a glow through which you will come to know,  

Family and friends are united in sun and surf.  

For Bali is the best place on earth.

I doubt that there are many spots on the globe that can boast large infra-structure projects like that of Bali, filling their days endlessly with progress. 
Needless to say there is real progress on a very large International airport through which will the globe trotters of the world come no doubt.  After which they will be made to feel very welcome indeed, like their predecessors before them.

www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

A new road system is fast in progress with underpasses and flyovers to whisk a weary traveler to the resort of their choice.  Along the way you will see ornate sculptures depicting much of Bali's heritage. Along the central reservation as you travel east you can see whimsical characters all in elegant dance poses a sight to be had I have to say.

On arriving at resort you are and will always be greeted in a unique heartfelt warmth that only the Balinese do so well, as such warmth emanates from their Hindu scriptures. 

The development of this oasis is fast gathering pace as new roads will take you to new resorts such as Candidesa or Uluwatu.  Such places have great surf, beautiful scenery, vibrant colour and a pure relaxing ambience.

Could 2013 be the year of the traveler to visit Bali? if so then ample accommodation awaits you and accommodation to suit all budgets.  There are many new hotels being built, there is an abundance of opulent villas to feel at home within.

www.budgetvillasinbali.com

Make 2013 year for you and come see us here on the paradise Isle of Bali.

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

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

 http://www.youtube.com/user/Nigelsaywell?feature=mhee

Bali holidays a sophisticated choice - frequented by the rich, famous, states men and women as well as you and I

Follow @Theleadingvilla

Bali Open to all - Truly a Paradise Island.

Bali is a fascinating place, steeped in a culture reminiscent of folk law based on old wives tales, but somehow it gives this tropical enclave a certain charm. On one side of the coin you have the mystical beliefs based around karma, godly spirits, hypnosis and a strong sense of communication with the after life. On the other side of the coin you have an island which is fast coming of age with the advent of the Nusa Dua convention centre already seen many expo's and conferences not least the APAC conference at which Barak Obama paid a visit to Bali.  Needless to say President Obama is no slouch when it comes to Indonesia as he, President Obama", spent much of his formative years living and schooling here.

In short what I am really trying to say is this; Bali has a unique charm, rich in Hindu scriptures and behaviours yet progressive in every sense.  It is an island of contrasts, it is an island where holidaying is sacrosanct yet in touch you can be, if you must.  Even with the need of today's busy executive who has to be plugged into the office at home somehow you are still able to chill in an environment where you are at one with your family or friends etc..

www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

Needless to say their is no better place to unwind than at a Bali Private Villa, for here you will have access to all the chilling you need, a gin and tonic or even a martini on tap as and when. A pool refreshingly present at the foot of your private sitting area.  Bedrooms that almost certainly have pool views at no surcharge. In short whether you sit on your laptop, phone or whatever, you are not an annoyance to anybody other than those understanding mortals within your family or party and no doubt they are used to you office needs.  At least you are close by them, no slouching off to hide in a darken doorway for here you are able to sit by the pool and work.  Sup a cocktail whilst negotiating you get the picture....

However, booking a Bali Villa is a painless experience or it should be, if you follow a simple rule and for this I will refer you to another blog, titled "Bali Holidays are the best or are they?": 

Come enjoy Bali at its best, enjoy the culture, the sophistication, its magical sunsets, its humour, entertainment and best of all; its service with a serene Hindu smile.

  

www.budgetvillasinbali.com

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

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

 http://www.youtube.com/user/Nigelsaywell?feature=mhee