who like to be thought of as the most beautiful

Maura, who like to be thought of as the most beautiful and powerful queen of Arabia, had many suitors. One by one she discarded them, until her list was reduced to just three sheiks. The three sheiks were all equally young and handsome. They were also rich and strong. It was very hard to decide who would be the best of them. One evening, Maura disguised herself and went to the camp of the three sheiks. As they were about to have dinner, Maura asked them for something to eat. The first gave her some left over food. The second Sheik gave her some unappetizing camel’s tail. The third sheik, who was called Hakim, offered her some of the most tender and tasty meat. After dinner, the disguised queen left the sheik’s camp. The following day, the queen invited the three sheiks to dinner at her palace. She ordered her servant to give each one exactly what they had given her the evening before. Hakim, who received a plate of delicious meat, refused to eat it if the other two sheiks could not share it with him. This Sheik Hakim’s act finally convinced Queen Maura that he was the man for her. “Without question, Hakim is the most generous of you” she announced her choice to the sheiks. “So it is Hakim I will marry”.

compose both recount and narrative text

Something which happened in the past is the main resource to compose both recount and narrative text. In writer's point of view, the thing is an experience. It can be what the writer has done, hear, read, and felt. Composing recount and narrative is retelling the experiences of the past event to be a present event. What does recount differ from narrative? The easiest way to catch the difference is analyzing the generic structure. Recount text presents the past experiences in order of time or place; what happened on Sunday, then on Monday, the on Tuesday. In simple way, recount describes series of events in detail. It does not expose the struggle on how to make them happen. The event happened smoothly. On the other hand, narrative introduces crises and how to solve them. Narrative text always appear as a hard potrait of participant's past experience. It reveals the conflict among the participants. Cinderella's conflicts with her step mother and sister are the example. The conflict is the most important element in a narrative text. Narrative without comflicts is not narrative any more.

in a small village near the beach in West Sumatra

A long time ago, in a small village near the beach in West Sumatra, a woman and her son lived. They were Malin Kundang and her mother. Her mother was a single parent because Malin Kundang's father had passed away when he was a baby. Malin Kundang had to live hard with his mother. Malin Kundang was a healthy, dilligent, and strong boy. He usually went to sea to catch fish. After getting fish he would bring it to his mother, or sold the caught fish in the town. One day, when Malin Kundang was sailing, he saw a merchant's ship which was being raided by a small band of pirates. He helped the merchant. With his brave and power, Malin Kundang defeated the pirates. The merchant was so happy and thanked to him. In return the merchant asked Malin Kundang to sail with him. To get a better life, Malin Kundang agreed. He left his mother alone. Many years later, Malin Kundang became wealthy. He had a huge ship and was helped by many ship crews loading trading goods. Perfectly he had a beautiful wife too. When he was sailing his trading journey, his ship landed on a beach near a small village. The villagers recognized him. The news ran fast in the town; “Malin Kundang has become rich and now he is here”. An old woman ran to the beach to meet the new rich merchant. She was Malin Kundang’s mother. She wanted to hug him, released her sadness of being lonely after so long time. Unfortunately, when the mother came, Malin Kundang who was in front of his well dressed wife and his ship crews denied meeting that old lonely woman. For three times her mother begged Malin Kundang and for three times he yelled at her. At last Malin Kundang said to her "Enough, old woman! I have never had a mother like you, a dirty and ugly woman!" After that he ordered his crews to set sail. He would leave the old mother again but in that time she was full of both sadness and angriness. Finally, enraged, she cursed Malin Kundang that he would turn into a stone if he didn't apologize. Malin Kundang just laughed and really set sail. In the quiet sea, suddenly a thunderstorm came. His huge ship was wrecked and it was too late for Malin Kundang to apologize. He was thrown by the wave out of his ship. He fell on a small island. It was really too late for him to avoid his curse. Suddenly, he turned into a stone.

there was a kingdom in Priangan Land

Once, there was a kingdom in Priangan Land. Lived a happy family. They were a father in form of dog,his name is Tumang, a mother which was called is Dayang Sumbi, and a child which was called Sangkuriang. One day, Dayang Sumbi asked her son to go hunting with his lovely dog, Tumang. After hunting all day, Sangkuriang began desperate and worried because he hunted no deer. Then he thought to shot his own dog. Then he took the dog liver and carried home. Soon Dayang Sumbi found out that it was not deer lever but Tumang's, his own dog. So, She was very angry and hit Sangkuriang's head. In that incident, Sangkuriang got wounded and scar then cast away from their home. Years go bye, Sangkuriang had travel many places and finally arrived at a village. He met a beautiful woman and felt in love with her. When they were discussing their wedding plans, The woman looked at the wound in Sangkuriang's head. It matched to her son's wound who had left severall years earlier. Soon she realized that she felt in love with her own son. She couldn't marry him but how to say it. Then, she found the way. She needed a lake and a boat for celebrating their wedding day. Sangkuriang had to make them in one night. He built a lake. With a dawn just moment away and the boat was almost complete. Dayang Sumbi had to stop it. Then, she lit up the eastern horizon with flashes of light. It made the cock crowed for a new day. Sangkuriang failed to marry her. She was very angry and kicked the boat. It felt over and became the mountain of Tangkuban Perahu Bandung.

Narrative Text in Romeo and Juliet's

Narrative Text in Romeo and Juliet's Romantic and Tragic Story In the town of Verona there lived two families, the Capulets and the Montagues. They engaged in a bitter feud. Among the Montagues was Romeo, a hot-blooded young man with an eye for the ladies. One day, Romeo attended the feast of the Capulets', a costume party where he expected to meet his love, Rosaline, a haughty beauty from a well-to-do family. Once there, however, Romeo's eyes felt upon Juliet, and he thought of Rosaline no more. The vision of Juliet had been invading his every thought. Unable to sleep, Romeo returned late that night to the Juliet's bedroom window. There, he was surprised to find Juliet on the balcony, professing her love for him and wishing that he were not a "Montague", a name behind his own. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Romeo was ready to deny his name and professed his love. The two agreed to meet at nine o-clock the next morning to be married. Early the next morning, Romeo came to Friar Lawrence begging the friar to marry him to Juliet. The Friar performed the ceremony, praying that the union might someday put an end to the feud between the two families. He advised Romeo kept the marriage a secret for a time. On the way home, Romeo chanced upon his friend Mercutio arguing with Tybalt, a member of the Capulet clan. That qurreling last caused Merquito died. Romeo was reluctant no longer. He drew his sword and slew Tybalt died. Romeo realized he had made a terrible mistake. Then Friar Lawrence advised Romeo to travel to Mantua until things cool down. He promised to inform Juliet. In the other hand, Juliet's father had decided the time for her to marry with Paris. Juliet consulted Friar Lawrence and made a plot to take a sleeping potion for Juliet which would simulate death for three days. The plot proceeded according to the plan. Juliet was sleeping in death. Unfortunately, The Friar's letter failed to reach Romeo. Under the cover of darkness, he broke into Juliet's tomb. Romeo kissed the lips of his Juliet one last time and drank the poison. Meanwhile, the effects of the sleeping potion wear off. Juliet woke up calling for Romeo. She found her love next to her but was lying dead, with a cup of poison in his hand. She tried to kiss the poison from his lips, but failed. Then Juliet put out his dagger and plunged it into her breast. She died

Cinderella

Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Cinderella. She lived with her step mother and two step sisters. The step mother and sisters were conceited and bad tempered. They treated Cinderella very badly. Her step mother made Cinderella do the hardest works in the house; such as scrubbing the floor, cleaning the pot and pan and preparing the food for the family. The two step sisters, on the other hand, did not work about the house. Their mother gave them many handsome dresses to wear. One day, the two step sister received an invitation to the ball that the king’s son was going to give at the palace. They were excited about this and spent so much time choosing the dresses they would wear. At last, the day of the ball came, and away went the sisters to it. Cinderella could not help crying after they had left. “Why are crying, Cinderella?” a voice asked. She looked up and saw her fairy godmother standing beside her, “because I want so much to go to the ball” said Cinderella. “Well” said the godmother,”you’ve been such a cheerful, hardworking, uncomplaining girl that I am going to see that you do go to the ball”. Magically, the fairy godmother changed a pumpkin into a fine coach and mice into a coachman and two footmen. Her godmother tapped Cinderella’s raged dress with her wand, and it became a beautiful ball gown. Then she gave her a pair of pretty glass slippers. “Now, Cinderella”, she said; “You must leave before midnight”. Then away she drove in her beautiful coach. Cinderella was having a wonderfully good time. She danced again and again with the king’s son. Suddenly the clock began to strike twelve, she ran toward the door as quickly as she could. In her hurry, one of her glass slipper was left behind. A few days later, the king’ son proclaimed that he would marry the girl whose feet fitted the glass slipper. Her step sisters tried on the slipper but it was too small for them, no matter how hard they squeezed their toes into it. In the end, the king’s page let Cinderella try on the slipper. She stuck out her foot and the page slipped the slipper on. It fitted perfectly. Finally, she was driven to the palace. The king’s son was overjoyed to see her again. They were married and live happily ever after. Notes on Generic Structure of Narrative Text Orientation: it means to introduce the participants or the characters of the story with the time and place set. Orientation actually exists in every text type though it has different term. In this story, the first paragraph is clearly seen to introduce the participants of the Cinderella Story. They were Cinderella her self as the main character of the story, her step mother which treated Cinderella badly, and her steps sister which supported her mother to make Cinderella was treated very badly. Cinderella was introduced as a hero in this story. She struggled against the bad treatment from her step mother and sisters. Complication: it is such the crisis of the story. If there is not the crisis, the story is not a narrative text. In a long story, the complication appears in several situations. It means that some time there is more then one complication. In this Cinderella story, we can see clearly that there are Major Complication and Minor Complication. The second paragraph is the major complication of this Cinderella story. Cinderella got bad treatment from her stepmother. It is the bad crisis which drives into several minor complications which Cinderella has to overcome. Resolution: it is the final series of the events which happen in the story. The resolution can be good or bad. The point is that it has been accomplished by the characters. Like complication, there are Major Resolution and Minor Resolution. In the last paragraph, it is said that finally Cinderella lived happily. It is the happy resolution of the bad treatment.

Early History of Bali

Since Adhiraj covered modern history of Bali, I have covered here early history of Bali. Also, did you know that the Balinese calendar system consists of 210 days? I tried to understand how this system works but it is so confusing..

Early History

The early history of Bali can be divided into a prehistoric and an early historic period. The former is marked by the arrival of Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) migrants beginning perhaps three to four thousand years ago. The Austronesians were hardy seafarers who spread from Taiwan through the islands of Southeast Asia to the Pacific in a series of extensive migrations that spanned several millennia. The Balinese are thus closely related, culturally and linguistically, to the peoples of the Philippines and Oceania as well as the neighboring islands of Indonesia.Though precious little is known about the long, formative stages of Balinese prehistory, artifacts discovered around the island provide intriguing clues about Bali's early inhabitants. Prehistoric grave sites have been found in western Bali, the oldest probably dating from the first several centuries B.C. The people buried here were herders and farmers who used bronze, and in some cases iron, to make implements and jewelry. Prehistoric stone sarcophagi have also been discovered, mainly in the mountains. They often have the shape of huge turtles carved at either end with human and animal heads with bulging eyes, big teeth and protruding tongues.

Stone seats, altars and big stones dating from early times are still to be found today in several Balinese temples. Here, as elsewhere in Indonesia, they seem to be connected with the veneration of ancestral spirits who formed (and in many ways still form) the core of Balinese religious practices.

Also apparently connected with ancestor worship is one of Southeast Asia's greatest prehistoric artifacts - the huge bronze kettledrum known as the "Moon of Pejeng." Still considered to have significant power, it is now enshrined in a temple in the central Balinese village of Pejeng, in Gianyar Regency. More than 1.5 meters in diameter and 1.86 meters high, it is decorated with frogs and geometric motifs in a style that probably originated around Dongson, in what is now northern Vietnam. This is the largest of many such drums discovered in Southeast Asia.

Hindu-Javanese influences

It is assumed (but without proof so far) that the Balinese were in contact with Hindu and Buddhist populations of Java from the early part of the 8th century A.D. onwards, and that Bali was even conquered by a Javanese king in A.D. 732. This contact is responsible for the advent of writing and other important Indian cultural elements that had come to Java along the major trading routes several centuries earlier. Indian writing, dance, religion and architecture were to have a decisive impact, blending with existing Balinese traditions to form a new and highly distinctive culture.Stone and copper plate inscriptions in Old Balinese are known from A.D. 882 onwards, coinciding with finds of Hindu- and Buddhist inspired statues, bronzes, ornamented caves, rock-cut temples and bathing places. These are found especially in areas close to rivers, ravines, springs and volcanic peaks.

Balinese society was pretty sophisticated by about 900 AD. Their marriage portrait of the Balinese King Udayana to East Java's Princess Mahendratta is captured in a stone carving in the Pura Korah Tegipan in the Batur area. Their son, Erlangga, born around 991 AD, later succeeded to the throne of the Javanese kingdom and brought Java and Bali together until his death in 1049.

At the end of the 10th and the beginning of the 11th centuries there were close, peaceful bonds with Indianized kingdoms in east Java, in particular with the realm of Kadiri (10th century A.D. to 1222). Old Javanese was thereafter the prestige language, used in all Balinese inscriptions, evidence of a strong Javanese cultural influence. In 1284, Bali is said to have been conquered by King Krtanagara of the east Javanese Singhasari dynasty (1222-1292). It is not certain whether the island was actually colonized at this time, but many new Javanese elements manifest themselves in the Balinese art of this period.According to a Javanese court chronicle known as the Nagarakrtagama (dated 1365), Bali was conquered and colonized in 1343 by Javanese forces under Gajah Mada, the legendary general or patih of the powerful Majapahit kingdom who established hegemony over east Java and all seaports bordering the Java Sea during the mid-14th century. It is said that Gajah Mada, accompanied by contingents of Javanese nobles, called Aryas, came to Bali to subdue a rapacious Balinese king. A Javanese vassal ruler was installed at a new capital at Samprangan, near present day lUungkung in east Bali, and the nobles were granted apanages in the surrounding areas. A Javanese court and courtly culture were thus introduced to the island.

The separation of Balinese society into four caste groups is ascribed to this period, with the Satriya warrior caste ruling from Samprangan. Those who did not wish to participate in the new system fled to remote mountain areas, where they lived apart from the mainstream. These are the so-called the “original Balinese”, the “Bali Aga” or “Bali Mula”. They still live separately in villages like Tenganan near Dasa Temple and Trunyan on the shores of Batur Lake, and maintain their ancient laws and traditional ways.

When Majapahit in East Java fell in 1515, the many small Islamic kingdoms in the island merged into the Islamic Mataram empire, Majapahit's most dedicated Hindu priests, craftsmen, soldiers, nobles and artists fled east to Bali, and flooded the island with Javanese culture and Hindu practices. Considering the huge influence and power of Islam at the time, it is worth pondering why and how Bali still remained strongly Hindu and Buddhist.

Around 1460, the capital moved to nearby Gelgel, and the powerful "Grand Lord" or Dewa Agung presided over a flowering of the Balinese arts and culture. Bali reached the pinnacle of its Golden Era under the reign of the Batu Renggong, the great god ruler. Bali's decline started when Batu Renggong's grandson, Di Made Bekung, lost Blambangan, Lombok and Sumbawa. Di Made Bekung's chief minister, Gusti Agung Maruti, eventually rebelled and reigned from 1650 till 1686, when he in turn was killed by Di Made Bekung's son, Dewa Agung Jambe, who then moved the court to Klungkung, and named his new palace the Semarapura, Abode of the God of Love.

The Balinese Calendar

The Pawukon calendar system is believed to be indigenous to the Balinese, possibly rooted in the thousand-year-old rice-growing cycle of the island. There are six months to a Pawukon year, and 35 days to a Pawukon month. So a Pawukon year is 210 days. Each Pawukon month is divided into many shorter cycles (weeks) that run concurrently. The calendar consists of 10 different concurrent weeks of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 days. On the first day of the year it is the first day of all the ten weeks. Because 210 is not divisible by 4, 8, or 9 - extra days must be added to the 4, 8, and 9 day weeks.The most important weeks are the 3, 5, and 7 day weeks. Out of 210 days, there are more than 200 days of ceromonies and celebrations!

Ubud!

Researched by Ariel & Molly

Ubud is a town that is sandwiched between the rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. It is located 35 km northeast of Bali's International Airport and only 15 minutes away from the beach (although most travelers do not recommend it as a beach going spot). Because of its location at the base of the mountains temperatures are slightly lower than in the lowlands, and year-round rain showers help to grow lush tropical vegetation. Ubud is the epicenter of art in Bali. It is a place where the most accomplished dancers, musicians, painters, weavers and carvers live and work. As such there are a multitude of museums and art galleries throughout the town. While it was once a haven for cosmic seekers, backpackers, artists and bohemians (sort of like the hippies of Ithaca!), Ubud is now a hot spot for "literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs."1 Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. The town has a modest population of about 8,000 people, and there are many who claim that the towns rising expansion is making it more difficult to distinguish the town itself from the villages that surround it. This development has come in the form of art, souvenir and handicraft shops that line the road, as well as many restaurants and cafes. Yet, there are others who contend that the culture of Ubud is too strong to be masked under the new additions and expansions. This location will give us a unique opportunity to truly see the art and cultural legacy of Bali in a relaxed and less chaotic atmosphere in comparison to some of the other cities in Bali.

Location in Bali

Map Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

Ubud History

Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word “Ubad”, which is a kind of medicine. Originally, the town was famous for providing medicinal herbs and plants. Legend tells that Ubud’s important religion role originated in 8th century, when a Javanese priest founded the Gunung Lehab temple on the valley floor (where Ubud is now), and it still remains a pilgrim destination. In the late nineteenth century, the lord who owned Ubud supported the village’s increasingly renowned arts scene. Later, Walter Spies and other painters such as Willem Hofker arrived in Ubud, they not only taught painting, music and dance by themselves, but also brought in some of the greatest artists from all over Bali to teach and train the Balinese in arts. After that, Ubud became the cultural centre of Bali and the tourism developed gradually. In 1960s, Butch painter Arie Smit made great contribution to the new development of Ubud’s arts development. In the development of the Young Artists movement, many museums such as Museum Puri Lukisan and the Agung Rai Museum of Art were founded around that time.

Tell me More about Ubud history

Role of Religion & Culture

Balinese Hinduism permeates life throughout the town, even more so than some of the other villages. Ubud is recognized as one the more traditional towns in terms of maintaining the manifold and tenants of Agama Hindu Bali. According to one visitor, “Everywhere you look, every single day, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred offerings. All of this is carried out in Ubud with a level of devout attention and meticulous care that is rarely exceeded elsewhere.” It is supposed to be a very enlightening experience to be able to witness or participate in one of these ceremonies, so we may want to consider visiting one of the following temples while in Ubud:

Pura Desa Ubud - The main "town temple" in the centre, across from Ary's Warung.

Pura Puseh - The "temple of origin" devoted to Ubud's honoured ancestors.

Pura Dalem Ubud - The temple for the dark side of things. On the north side of Jalan Raya before the road descends to Campuan.

Pura Taman Saraswati - Part of the Puri Saraswati complex, devoted to Dewi Saraswati the goddess of learning, literature and the arts, Features a fine padmasana (lotus throne). Beyond the lotus pond in back of Cafe Lotus.

List of Ubud Temples

Art & Where to Find It!

There will be plenty of opportunities here to purchase the local crafts. Prices are typically extremely flexible, meaning it is acceptable and encouraged to barter and haggle over a price. Each town in Ubud is uniquely known for different types of crafts. Notably, the road from Peliatan to Pujung, which is dotted with woodcarving galleries and other craft shops. In Tegallalang and surrounding villages you will find Bali's best Garuda and Singga carvers, among the cheesy pop-art wooden souvenirs. Small woodcarvings of every sort are widely available in Ubud, Tegallalang, Pujung, Nyuh Kuning, Mas, Teges, and in abundance at the Sukawati art market, about twenty minutes south of Ubud. You can get pieces in naturally-finished woods representing animals, religious figures, people and so forth. Throughout the Ubud area, you can pick up inexpensive small paintings which make excellent decorative accents back home. Other crafts in the towns surrounding Ubud include weaving (Gianyar area), stone carving (Batubulan), basket making (Bona), bamboo and rattan work (Sakah and Bona), jewellery (Celuk), bone and coconut carving (Tampaksiring), batik, furniture making, bronze casting, and, decorative metalwork. The entire Gianyar district is densely populated with craftspeople in every imaginable medium. The majority of them love to create and design a piece specifically for you, so start planning now if you want something personalized made. Simply bring along a sketch, sample, or magazine clipping. Alternatively, if you like what you see in a showroom, but have an idea how it could be improved, explain what variation you have in mind. Don't forget to agree on a price in advance. At the main crossroads we'll find the Ubud market, a conglomerations of stalls and shops that sells everything from paperclips and papayas to saffron and sarongs. Mornings are the best time to catch the market buzz, as locals buy all the components for the daily meal and daily offerings. Afternoons are calmer, but hotter. The "official' market day for Ubud falls on "Pasah" which occurs every three days. I tried looking this up online, but had no luck… so perhaps we can find someone who can tell us when we arrive. On "Pasah" in the morning, there are more local shoppers and heaps of fresh produce and other foodstuffs.

List of Ubud Museums and Galleries

Popular Tourist Destinations:

The Ubud Monkey Forest, which is approximately 27 acres (10 square kilometer), is home of 340 Crab-eating Macaque monkeys and 115 different species of trees. It locates near the southern end of Jalan Monkey forest. The forest is also a temple complex including Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple, a "Holy Spring" bathing temple and another temple used for cremation ceremonies.

The Museum Puri Lukisan, opened in 1957, is the oldest art museum in Ubud. It’s the home to the finest collection of modern traditional Balinese paining and wood carving on the island. Its collection includes important examp

les of all the artistic styles in Bali from 1930 and afterwards.

List of Palaces

Below is a shopping walking tour that I found online, which if we have the time could be a lot of fun! I’m posting it here so it doesn’t get lost and so we can decide if it is worth the time to do!2

Tour the Best of Monkey Forest Road - Walking South from the Main Crossroads by the Market

After a random mix of shops, you'll find Toko Lagi on the west side of the street, with no sign, just a cryptic object hanging from its rafters, and pale blue-green stones in front. It sells hand-selected museum-quality antiques and textiles from around Indonesia, as well as custom-designed useful objects made by traditional craftspeople, It's owned by the architect of Ibah Hotel, who also runs Toko, a few paces further down the street. Toko has interesting clothes, carefully chosen ikat fabrics, and a large collection of extremely well designed and made original jewellery. Walk on, to Sakti to see a hand-picked collection of primitive artefacts, clothing, essential oils, bath products and incense by Utama Spice. Next stop is Le Chat, across the street, with very wearable and tasteful men's and women's clothing, charming gifts and decorative objects. Displays feature wittily worded cards by the manager, Oka d'Putra, an alarmingly literate and cultured young man. Great music. Continue on to visit Bead 'n' Bali, with its huge selection of beads of all kinds, and materials to make your own bead jewellery, You can do beads for hours if you like. Also sells pieces already made up. Across the street is Wardani Textiles, Ubud's best textile emporium, with thousands of fabrics for sale by the metre, sarongs, sashes and casualwear. Check out their fine ikat, Balinese cotton chambray in endless colours and patterns, cotton and silk batik, plus silk and linen fashion fabrics. Stroll further to Kamar Sutra, an elegant boutique with original designs in gorgeous double silk. Also handmade silk batik worked in powerful and deeply traditional motifs. Further down, and across the road is Senang-Senang, a stylish little clothing boutique with boldly simple designs for women, which are sexy and at the same time demure. Next is Casa Alam, an exquisitely designed shop in a beautiful building set back a little from the street (which in itself is a relief). Fine goods from natural materials, including baskets, stationery, decorative, and useful objects. Also very fine clothing in natural materials and high quality hand made batik. Gross to the west side again, and continue walking south to Argasoka Gallery. This place is worth walking all the way from the market to visit. A marvellous collection of antique (really) batiks from Java, including fine Pekalongan, Cirebon and (of course) Solo and Yogya pieces, Perhaps even more exciting is the collection of new batiks, handworked in silk and cotton, the clothes made up from their original batiks in clear, natural colours, are works of fine art.

Find more information about Ubud:

The following websites provide a thorough background information of Ubud, and suggestions of where and how to enjoy Ubud’s Palaces, Museums, Spas, Cultural performances, Yoga, Rafting and nightlife…

http://www.ubud.com/

http://www.wikipedia.com

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ubud

http://www.indo.com/active/ubud.html

http://baliwww.com/destination/index/category/1355.html

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[1] http://www.indo.com/active/ubud.htm

[2] excerpted from http://www.indo.com/active/ubud10-1.html#market

Terrorism in Bali -- Lissa & Binita

• History of Indonesia
  
  · 7th century Indians brought Hinduism and Buddhism to Indonesia
  
  · Muslims arrived in the late 13th century, and by the end of the 16th century it was the most dominant religion in the country
  
  · Europeans arrived in the 16th century looking for spices
  
  · Dutch dominated Indonesia until WWII when the Japanese occupation pushed the Dutch out
  
  · Declared independence 2 days after Japan surrendered in Aug 1945
  
  · Attempted coup in 1965: 500,000 killed
  
  · 1997 Asian financial crisis devalued Indonesian Rupiah 80% causing riots; AFC caused most damage to Indonesia
  
  · 1998 bloody violence and riots in response to leadership
  
  · Now a democracy – President is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

• Terrorism in Indonesia
  
  · 2000 – Jakarta stock exchange
  
  o Car bomb exploded in underground garage
  
  · 2000 – Christmas Eve bombings
  
  o Targeted churches throughout Jakarta & surrounding cities
  
  · 2002 – Bali bombings
  
  o October 12th, 2002 in Kuta
  
  o Used car bomb, suicide bomber and small bomb
  
  o Two nightclubs in Kuta & US embassy bombed
  
  o 202 people killed & 209 injured
  
  o Majority foreigners (especially Australians) killed
  
  o Members of Jemaah Islamiyah, violent Islamist group, convicted
  
  (Osama Bin Laden said it was direct retaliation for Indonesia’s support of US War on Terrorism and the East Timor conflict)
  
  · 2003 – Marriott hotel bombing
  
  o August 5th, 2003 in Jakarta
  
  o Suicide bomber and car bomb outside lobby
  
  o Marriott hotel
  
  o 12 people killed & 150 injured
  
  o 8 Indonesians killed, 1 Dutch, 1 Danish, 2 Chinese
  
  o Hotel was chosen because of its American brand name
  
  o Al Qaeda claimed responsibility of the attacks and bomber was member of JI – attack came 2 days before verdict in 2002 Bali bombing trials
  
  · 2004 – Australian embassy
  
  o September 9, 2004 in Jakarta
  
  o Suicide bomber & car bomb
  
  o 9 killed & 200 injured
  
  o JI claimed responsibility for attacks because Indonesia didn’t release their head
  
  · 2005 – Bali bombings
  
  o October 1st, 2005 in Jimbaran & Kuta
  
  o Coordinated suicide bombers (3) and car bombs
  
  o Food courts and warungs that foreigners frequent
  
  o 20 people killed & 129 injured
  
  o Majority foreigners (Australians)
  
  o Same day that gas prices rose 675% and 11 days before anniversary of 2002 bombings
  
  o Believed to be orchestrated by same group as 2002, JI
  
  · July 2009 – Jakarta hotel bombings @ JW Marriott & Ritz-Carlton
  
  o July 17th, 2009
  
  o Suicide bombers who checked into the hotels days earlier
  
  o Bombs went off 5 minutes apart from each other, first was at JW Marriott
  
  o 9 killed, including the bombers – 16 injured
  
  o Thought to be orchestrated by a former member of the JI, Noordin Mohammed Top, who set up his own splinter cell Tanzim Qaedat al-Jihad
  
  · Detachment 88 is the Indonesian government’s anti-terror group which is funded, trained and equipped by the US
  
  o Formed in 2003 after Bali attacks
  
  o 400 employees
  
  o Assisted by Australian and other Western forces
  
  o Can use US special forces to wiretap and read text messages of Indonesian civilians

• Why Target Bali?
  
  · Indonesia is the world’s most populated Islamic nation, yet Bali is predominantly HINDU (so an attack there wouldn’t kill as many Muslims)
  
  · WESTERN tourist destination and can cause financial ripples throughout the economy – also does not have a significant military presence like the rest of Indonesia, making it an easy target
  
  · One of the wealthiest parts of Indonesia due to the heavy tourism industry, whereas most of Indonesia is dependent upon manufacturing and agriculture
  
  Results of Bali Attacks
  
  · Direct international tourist arrivals declined dramatically
  
  o Compounded by “unsafe” domestic airlines
  
  · Wide-spread loss of revenues to the tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, bars, retail & other vendors, taxis)
  
  · More domestic tourists as opposed to foreign, which resulted in lowering of rates
  
  o The domestic tourists also spent 50-75% less than the foreign tourists per day and stayed for an average of 7 days less
  
  · Negative impact on Bali’s image amongst Westerners
  
  · Indonesia placed on Western country’s watch lists
  
  · BHA formed to standardize procedures with Bali for hotels to cope with various situations such as tsunamis, terrorist attacks, etc.

• Potential Threats
  
  · Places with high concentrations of Western visitors
  
  · Brand names associated with Western lifestyles (hotels, fast food, etc.)
  
  · Western symbols such as embassies and consulates
  
  · Places which do not conform to the moral standards of strict Muslims (i.e. bars)
  
  · Airports/Airplanes

• Recovery period for tourism industry
  
  · Economy started bouncing back as quickly as 2003/2004
  
  · Just as Bali was recovering from the 2002 bombing, another bombing occurred in 2005 – causing concern amongst tourists
  
  · However, in 2008 the US took Bali off the terror watch list causing an influx in the number of American tourists
  
  · 2009 should have been a good year for the island, however due to the global financial crisis, many visitors have postponed their trips
  
  · The tourism industry of Bali is looking forward to 2010 and 2011
  
  · Has not fully recovered yet

• What are hotels/restaurants/clubs/bars doing about it?
  
  · Increased security
  
  · Must maintain balance between luxury and security
  
  Metal detectors, pylons, CCTV, security cameras
  
  · No parking zones in front of hotels and restaurants
  
  · Contact and flow of information between government agencies and hotels (embassies, local and federal governments)

• How to be safe on our trip
  
  · Be vigilant and identify risks before they become reality
  
  · Avoid major Western/tourist hotspots without security

Sources: www.wikipedia.org & Alexander Kespar (BHA)

(sorry about the formatting, tried to fix it -- this was the best)

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Continuing with our earlier posting and responding to Sherri’s comment, Mr. Michael Burchett referred us to Mr. Alex Kespar from Bali Hotels Association who helps coordinate safety and security efforts amongst Bali’s hotels.

Mr. Burchett commented that “today’s travelers expect a high level of security, and for it to be visual, but not intrusive.” Therefore, hotels must maintain this delicate balance and focus on surpassing safety and security standards while respecting the personal space of the guests.

The following provides more insight into managing terrorism and threat countermeasures in Bali:

Most Recent Warnings of Terrorism Attacks

- According to BBC News on 31 December 2009, there is confusion between Bali governor and US Embassy over an alleged warning of an “indication of an attack” on 12/31/2009. Bali governor, Mangku Pastika, denies issuing a warning, both verbal and written. This confusion put authorities on “full alert.” Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8435900.stm

- The methods of attack are becoming increasingly high-tech and difficult to detect. For example, a baby-simulator has been used to smuggle explosives.

What are hotels/restaurants/clubs/bars doing about it?

- Maintaining constant communication with Bali Hotels Association, which corresponds with embassies and other entities, and then distribute regular updates and alerts to BHA members.

- Increasing security and threat countermeasure equipment: secured property entrances with pylons and boom gates, CCTV cameras and recording equipment, under-car detection equipment, bomb detection devices, shatter proof glass on the ground floor, restricted parking in front of entrances, metal detectors, personal screening devices and beach towers.

- Monitoring and improving safety and security standards and threat countermeasure equipment.

- Working with local communities to detect and report suspicious behavior.

- Emphasizing to the communities that professional searching and security must be incorporated into the local culture because of these terrorist events.

- Communicating and posting information via public websites, embassy alerts, and trip registration announcements.

o Bali’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism (BUDPAR) will launch an online security and safety website for tourists to access relevant and up-to-date information.

The Legian @ Seminyak

GHM
GHM (General Hotel Management Ltd) established in 1992, a Singapore based company seeks to conceptualize, develop and operate an exclusive group of hotels and resorts worldwide. Current portfolio of hotels seems to suggest that the company’s core competency is in upper upscale resort development with a strong focus and placement of their properties in Asia’s destination locations. “A style to remember” the company’s brand mantra embodies each of the GHM property and prides to be one of a kind, possessing distinctive concepts and design elements that is blended with the location and the culture.

Seminyak
Seminyak is located within the Kuta district in the north of the area and is a more sophisticated area than its southern counterparts. Here there are no large cheesy clubs but instead you will find smaller more refined clubs, restaurants and wellness establishments. Seminyak is located only 20 minutes form the international airport and has excellent access via the Sunset road and the By-pass road to many of the areas of interest in Southern Bali including Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Uluwatu.



The Legian



One of the two collections from GHM in Bali is pride to be one of the best luxury resorts in Bali. Strategically located along the chic Seminyak luxury resorts strip on Bali’s southeast coast, the 66 rooms all suite resort charms its visitors with the unobstructed breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean, its contemporary mod meets traditional Balinese style deco and its uncompromising standards of luxury service.



Views of the pool from the 3rd floor

Resort Configuration

	Size (SQM)	No. of Units	Rates (USD)
Studio Suites	99	15	450-550
One Bedroom Suites	110	36	500-750
Two Bedroom Suites	155	13	750-950
The Seminyak Suites	274	1	1,300-1,700
Two Legian Suites	364	1	1,500-1,900
Two Beach House	800	1	2,300-2,900

Beach facing facade

Most suites are equipped with the same facilities which include a large bathtub, separate shower, enclosed W.C. double vanities and dressing area. The 2 designer suites (Seminyak and Legian) are also entitled to private butler service. Beach house guests will be entitled to a personal chef on request and chauffeur on top of all other benefits enjoyed by The Legian guests.


The Club at The Legian
Housed within The Legian’s compound is The Club at The Legian, an adjacent wing with 11 private villas set majestically among a scented garden. Each villa is equipped with a 10m private pool and an appointed butler for the ultimate personalized service.

	Size (SQM)	No. of Units	Rates (USD)
One Bedroom Villa	450-490	10	900,1,100
Three Bedroom Suites	730	1	2,000-2,300

General reviews
The resort ranked number 2 in Seminyak has received 129 reviews to date with an average of 4 ½ rating and 96% thumbs up.
The only two poor ratings that the resort has received was an alleged discriminative pricing against foreigners in '05 (or perhaps revenue management at best?:) ) and a neglected couple during peak season at ’07. Resort is generally very well received among couples and family travellers.

Quoting tinaWH contribution made on Tripadvisor on Jan 26 2010
“However, if you are interested in the ‘Club’ section, I can say that we had a terrific stay. The butler service was genuinely attentive – we stayed in Amanusa two weeks later and while we are Aman fans, the service there did not measure to Legian Club’s.”

Healthy competition between Liv and Carla!

Potential comp set

1) The Samaya, located just next to The Legian is the number 1 choice on Trip advisor with its 44 all villa resort. Very competitive price point, facilities and product offerings. F&B outlet Breeze in The Samaya is also one of the top rated dining outlet on Trip advisor

2) The Oberoi, located slightly further away on the same beach offers an authentic Balinese experience. A secluded cluster of luxury villas laid among a very well maintained tropical garden


Things to do around while we are in Seminyak
Since there isn’t a specific topic for Seminyak and we will be spending a night there, I’ve included a few option for the evening.

Swanky option


Ku De Ta – Located close to the Legian, This swanky restaurant, bar and lifestyle venue is the perfect location for a pre-dinner drink on a bed day to catch the famous Seminyak sunset. Very extensive selection of bizarre in house mixed like black pepper and grilled pineapple martini. Ask the resident mixologist! Moderately priced.

Cultural option


Beach walk and try to catch a sunset ceremony.
Walk along the beach front (Turn right after stepping into the beach from The Legian). Slightly north west of the Seminyak beach beachfront is the Petitenget beach, an expanse of black sand beach where the Pura Petitenget temple is and where they sometimes practice their sunset beach ritual/ceremony.

Recession proof option


Take 5 in the inhouse infinity pool. You are in one of Bali's finest resorts afterall :)


Reference
www.ghmhotels.com
www.hotels.com
www.tripadvisor.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.kudeta.net
www.thesamayabali.com

History of Bali Tourism

Part I - Timeline

1597
The first western account of visiting Bali by Dutchman Aernoudt Lintgens.

Early 20th Century
Tourists reached by steamship from Java landing in the port of Buleleng (Singaraja).

1926
The first tourist hotel (The Bali Hotel) was opened in Denpasar.

1932
Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes, one of Bali’s famous expats, based himself in Sanur.

1936
Bob Koke and his wife Louise opened the Kuta Beach Hotel, creating an informal (for the period) type of accommodation and atmosphere for visitors.

1960's
The emergence of Sanur on the SE coast.

1969
Bali’s international airport, Ngurah Rai in Tuban (although referred to as Denpasar) opened.

1970's
The idea for Nusa Dua started with a stretch of mangrove and white sand beach on the eastern Bukit being transformed into a line of 20 luxury resorts.

1980‘s
Mass tourism started to make headway in with Legian emerging as the place to be and Seminyak the next in line.

2002
A bombing by militant Islamists in the tourist area of Kuta killed 202 people, mostly foreigners.

2004
The Indian Ocean Earthquake brought Bali many tourists who planned to go to Phuket or Maldive.

2005

Another bombing by militant Islamists in Jimbaran and Kuta.

2008
The American government lifted its travel warnings.

2009
The Australian government still rates it a 4 danger level on a scale of 5.

2010
The Indonesian Tourism Ministry expects more visitors arrivals, whose target for visitor arrivals is aimed to be the highest ever.

Sourse:
Wikipedia

Why Go Bali



Part II - Statistics

As illustrated in the table, number of foreign passenger arrivals grew at a rate of 8.0% from about 491,000 in 1990 to around 2 million in 2008. Between 1990 and 1997, the compound annual growth rate is 14%. This dramatic growth is due to Bali’s growing status as a resort destination in the world. Because of the Asian financial crisis in 1998, visitor arrivals declined by 3.5%. Nevertheless, the number recovered soon and reached 1.36 million high in the next year. However, foreign arrivals began to fall from 2001, dipping to approximately 993,000 in 2003. Furthermore, events such as SARS also impacted the travel demand.

Between 2003 and 2007, the number of foreign arrivals to Bali fluctuated significantly because of the two terrorist attacks.

International visitor arrivals in 2008 hit approximately 2 million, 18.3% higher than in 2007. The growth is mainly due to a variety of promotional activities launched for new markets while maintaining the traditionally strong markets. Even though the number of foreign arrivals was influenced by the financial crisis, the year to date (YTD) August 2009 is still strong as almost 1.5 million, 12.8% higher than YTD August 2008.

Part III - Tourism and Its Impacts on Bali

Here is an interesting article on the impact of tourism on Balinese culture, written by Stephanie A. Thullen. This article is apart of her writing entitled Tourism and its Impacts on the Environment