Farewell Bali Island!

Today is our last day at Bali Island. Our flight back to Singapore was on 12.55pm. During check out from the Harris Kuta Resort, we witnessed this Flying Fox activity in the resort! And it was fun! Haha!

The string was from the roof of fourth floor of the building all the way to the poolside. I saw this little young child slide down with Full of excitement and satisfaction on her face! :)

There were preparing for the kid at the fourth floor of the Resort

Ready? 1...2...3...GO!

Look at her exciting face! haha!

The staffs from the resort were help her to got down from the string at the end

After settle everything from the resort, we headed to Ngurah Rai International Airport to catch our flight! The 5 days at was passed too fast! We enjoyed the trip, the peoples, the nature and the foods of Bali! Yes, we will be back probably in the year 2011. Bali, we miss you!

Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2) 
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2) 
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3) 
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)  
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4) 
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4) 
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4) 
* Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)

Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes

We were hired a driver cum tour guide during our Bali's trip. I found this information from the Tripadvisor.com. The person I contacted was Mr Agung Wijaya, and we decided to choose him because of the speedy respond through email and VERY reasonable charges.

I decided to blog about this because this was our last day at Bali and the driver (Mr Agoes) who made our Wonderful Trip will not pick us tomorrow to airport. It will be replace by another driver because he gonna drive another group of visitors tomorrow...

When we reached the Ngurah Rai International Airport of Bali (Day1), Mr Agoes (assigned by Mr Agung Wijaya) had waiting for us at the arrival hall. I found this guy was friendly and humble! His friendly smile is always on his face! Great!

During our 5 days 4 nights Bali's trip, he was really helpful on our request, all of us believe he made our Pleasant Holiday! Yes, without this responsible driver...we might not really enjoy the whole trip! He was very puncture on every morning during the pickup at our resort, not even late for 1 minute!

Along the journey, he was knowledgeable to explained about the history of the places we visited and walked with our group. Especially during our visit to Uluwatu Temple, he was holding the tree branch to protect us from the naughty monkeys and he even carried the 2 children who were too tired to walked back! The children Like him very much! He was GREAT!

Mr Agoes and the Suzuki APV

I was regretted that I didn't take the handsome photo of Mr Agung Wijaya...! :(

I will STRONGLY recommend this driver to all my friends who intend to visit Bali! You will never regret! So, please contact the boss - Mr Agung Wijaya now if you are going to have a vacation at Bali Island!

Mr Agung Wijaya (recommended Bali's Driver)

URL : http://mydriverinbali.blogspot.com/

Email : agung_wijaya25@yahoo.com
Mobile phone : + 62 - 81 353 085 225


Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2) 
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2) 
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3) 
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)  
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4) 
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4) 
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4)

Prague -- New Kosher Shop

There's a new kosher shop in Prague, which Dinah Spritzer writes about in the New York Times. It is located in the Old Jewish Quarter at v Kolkovne 4, around the corner from the kosher King Solomon restaurant, which is run by the same management, the Gunsberger brothers.

As only a few thousand Jews currently live in Prague, the store initially targeted temporary residents who struggled to find Passover staples like matzoh and gefilte fish. But now the Günsbergers want their deli to be a hot spot for anyone seeking a taste of something Jewish, like rugelach (stuffed and rolled pastries), babka (cakes filled with chocolate, cinnamon-nut or almond paste) and kishka (beef intestine stuffed with matzo meal).

“We are especially popular with kids going to schools in New York who are spending a few months here,” said Michal. “They don’t care about the kosher part, but they love that we have Israeli cookies and huge pickles.”

The shop also carries a mix of packaged products like crackers, goat cheese and (milk-free) chocolate from France, Britain, Israel and the Czech Republic.

Read full story here

Hungary -- Bankito festival coming up

My latest article for JTA looks at Budapest's progressive Jewish music scene, as a sort of preview to this year's Bankito Jewish culture festival, held near Budapest August 5-8.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to get to Bankito -- I'm going to southern Italy with my father and brother to attend a conference on the art work that my mother carried out in a small Calabrian village in the 1970s and 1980s.

But the Bankito line-up looks good -- and fun.

Jewish fusion music key to Budapest’s ‘Jewstock’ festival

By Ruth Ellen Gruber · July 22, 2010

BUDAPEST (JTA) -- Flora Polnauer, 28, tilts back her head, half closes her eyes and hums a few bars of a song by her hip-hop/funk/reggae band HaGesher. The song is "Lecha Dodi," the Shabbat evening prayer -- sounded over a Yiddishized version of the Beatles song "Girl." It's just one of the many unconventional songs of the band, whose vocalists rap their own lyrics in Hebrew, Hungarian and English.

"It's modern Jewish music because it's influenced by Jewish things, but it's not the replaying of old Jewish songs," says Daniel Kardos, 34, a composer and guitarist who plays with Hagesher and several other bands. "I pick up many things and mix them."

Hagesher is one of about half a dozen bands in this city of European Jewish cool blending jazz, hip hop, rap and reggae with Israeli pop and traditional Jewish folk tunes and liturgy to form an eclectic urban sound.
"It's a big mix of contemporary Jewish musical identity," said vocalist Adam Schoenberger, the son of a rabbi. "All of us find Jewish culture very important. Hagesher is a platform for us to articulate musically our different musical interpretation of Jewish cultural heritage."

As the program director of the popular Siraly club, whose dimly lit basement stage is a regular venue for Hagesher and other groups, Schoenberger, 30, is a leader in Budapest's Jewish youth scene. He is also one of the organizers of Bankito, sometimes referred to as "Jewstock" -- a youth-oriented Jewish culture festival Aug. 5-8 on the shore of Bank Lake, north of Budapest.

Bankito includes concerts, exhibitions, performances, workshops, seminars and lectures, a poetry slam, sports events, movies, and Jewish and interfaith religious observances. A number of events at this year's festival will highlight Roma, or Gypsy culture, and focus also on social and civic issues such as the rights of the Roma and other ethnic minorities.

Music is a highlight of Bankito. Hagesher, the Daniel Kardos Quartet and other Jewish bands such as Nigun and Triton Electric Oktopus will perform. "We're at a fascinating moment in Jewish music: It's hip again," said Michigan's Jack Zaientz, who authors the Teruah Jewish music blog. "There's an amazing gang of musicians who are young, smart, urban and Jewish, and making their Jewish identities a core part of their music and stage identities."

Read full story at jta.org

Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali

Lia Cafe (S8 46.218 E115 10.128) at Jimbaran Bay is a Balinese Seafood Restaurant in Bali. We chose this restaurant was because of the Good reviews from the internet. Our driver - Mr Agoes not sure about the restaurant location initially, so I asked him to follow our GPS device. :)

There was a row of seafood restaurant beside the beach, Lia Cafe is the second shop at the end of the row. This was another Best Dining experience we had in Bali. The tables are all arranged on the beach, moonlight on the sea and accompany with a small Un-Plug band! The planes was continuously landing at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, one of the busy airport. You may catch the beautiful sunset over here if you come before 6pm.

Dining on the beach - Jimbaran Bay

We ordered the first package of rp.380,000 which came with lobsters, crabs, prawns, clams and 2 bottles of Bintang Beer. Second package was rp.800,000 which came with lobsters, crabs, fish, clams and A bottle of Red Wine.

The Beer and the Red wine were served first, follow by the Balinese Seafood Cuisines...about 15 minutes, that was fast enough!

Candles on our table with the alcohol drinks

Every table will only have a candle light, which was romantic enough? But I felt a little bit dark...

The first package of Balinese Seafood

The second package of Balinese Seafood

I was a bit late...everyone was Hungry! Haha!

All of us really enjoy the Balinese seafood! It was tasty and Yummy! I like the gravy! We took more than 2 hours to enjoy the seaside environment! It was a 'Fantastic' dinner! The only comments were the crabs were not as big as Johor. Some of my friend said the Jimbaran Bay seafood was not good, maybe they haven't try the cuisine from Lia Cafe.

The Damage : rp.1,360,000 (MYR493.00 / USD 147.00) for 6 adults and 2 children included extra 2 bottles of Bintang Beer. That was about MYR80.00 per person. It was reasonable because of the Beer and Wine.

Rated : 4.8/5

We will MISS you!

The row of lights behind was the Ngurah Rai International Airport of Bali

Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2) 
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2) 
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3) 
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)  
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4) 
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4) 

Location map of Lia Cafe at Jimbaran Bay, Bali 

View Larger Map
 

Lviv Klezmer Festival next Sunday

    




The second "LvivKlezFest" will take place Sunday in and around the inner Jewish quarter of L'viv, near the ruins of the Golden Rose synagogue -- a final late-night concert will take place in the square next to the ruins.

Participating bands come from Poland, Germany, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine, and there will be workshops, guided tours and other participatory events as well as concerts.
It's wonderful to the the (rather crumbling) district used in this way.



Here's the press release:

The Festival of Klezmer music “LvivKlezFest”  will welcome its guest for the second time on July 25, 2010 from 10.00 a.m. until 23.00 p.m.

You will enjoy the theatrical Jewish wedding procession on the streets of medieval Jewish quarter which will be adorned by playing of  Klezmer groups from different countries. Then the ceremony will fluently turn into a great long-lasting gala-concert on the ancient square near the legendary synagogue “Golden Rose”.

You will be also offered the master-classes on Jewish dance and handicrafts, walking tours in Jewish quarter and, certainly, you will taste traditional Jewish cuisine.

Those who will visit this big holiday of Jewish culture in Lviv  in the very heart of Eastern Galicia will get unforgettable feelings due to the combination of natural scenery in conjunction with unique Klezmer music.

The Festival is organized and supported by  All-Ukrainian Jewish Charitable Foundation  “Hesed-Arieh” (Lviv),   “Joint Center”(Kiev), Company of Emotions “!Fest”(Lviv).

ALL LOVERS OF JEWISH MUSIC, DANCES AND SONGS ARE WELLCOMED!

The Schedule of «LvivKlezFest-2010» (July 25, 2010)

10.00–13.30     Every half-hour free tour walks in  the Jewish quarter  of the city (the tour walks will start  from the cafe "Diana", Rynok square)

from 12.00  -  Theatrical performance "А hаsеnе in Galitsie" - "Jewish wedding-party in Galicia" accompanied by  Klezmer orchestras - (cafe "Diana", Rynok square); Treating, master-classes on Jewish handicrafts  -  (Br.Rogatyntziv street); Jewish workshops - (Staroyevreyska street).

14.30–23.00    Gala-concert ”Muzl Tov!” - “Happiness”! with participation of klezmers from Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Poland (Arsenalna square, across the  synagogue “Golden Rose”).

Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple (S8 49.762 E115 05.185) at South Bali Island is One of the Must Visit Tourist Attraction in Bali. The temple is located just right at the Sharp Plateau of Bukit Peninsula of Bali.

Once you pay the entrance fee, you will be given the 'Sarong' or a 'Waist String'. To respect to the Holy Temple.

The Sarong

Caution : You are advise NOT to bring any snacks and keep all the sun glasses, hair clip in you bag or keep in the car. Take extra care of your Compact Camera! Because beside the famous temple, the area also Famous with Naughty Monkeys!

 

The monkeys spotted once you step into the entrance

There are pathway and staircases to climb before you reach the Temple. Children are advise not to run within the area.

The Kecak Dance performing platform

About 5-10 minutes walked, we reached the Famous Uluwatu Temple of Bali.

The Uluwatu Temple of Bali

"Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the SW, in which dwell major deities, in Uluwatu's case; Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures. Bali's most spectacular temples located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu lies at the southern tip of Bali in Badung Regency. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. This is a popular place to enjoy the sunset. Famous not only for its unique position, Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur (literally high temples or ascension temples) which become the focus for massive pilgrimages during three or five day odalan anniversaries. The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple, Goa Lawah, is also Pura Luhur. Not all Pura Luhur are on the coast, however but all have inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water." Source from Uluwatu Temple Tourism.

On the right side, we were impressed by this Breathtaking view of the cliff!

Breathtaking view from Uluwatu Temple

"Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast."

You be able to walk till the end of the cliff but we did not, because we need to protect the kids from the monkeys! :) (Advise not to leave the kids alone in the temple area)

I took some portraits of the Famous Naughty Monkeys

We witnessed the monkeys continuous trying their best to grab the stuffs from tourists, especially from the ladies! Beware! I did captured one of them holding the hair clip from one of the Japanese tourist!

The monkey's hand was holding the clip which grabbed from the tourist

Our driver - Mr Agoes was Kind enough by holding a tree branch and standing beside us! He said, once you hold something on your hand, the monkeys Dare Not get close to you. Haha! That was a Great experience!

We spent more than an hour within the temple because of waiting for the beautiful sunset. But the weather was Not on our side again! It was same as the Tanah Lot sunset! The Red Ball was covered by thick clouds! What A luck

And so did the monkeys and the sunset!

Tourist, monkeys and the sunset - Uluwatu Temple

We left the place after dark, during that time...the Famous Kecak Dance show has began...we gave it a miss because we were planned & heading to our dinner at Jimbaran Bay! :)

Bye! Uluwatu Temple of Bali

Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2) 
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2) 
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3) 
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)  
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4) 
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4) 
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4)
*  Farewell Bali Island! (D5)

*  Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)

Location map of Uluwatu Temple at Bali, Indonesia

View Larger Map

Ukraine -- Hebrew University research expedition to Galicia begins

Researchers from  Hebrew University in Jerusalem have begun another foray into Ukraine as part of the ongoing Jewish Galicia project. The group, headed by Dr. Vladimir Levin, will document Jewish heritage sites, including former synagogues, around the town of Nadvorna.

I posted about the project last year, after I met  Levin at a conference in Vilnius. Click HERE for that post.

Read a story about the expedition in Jerusalem Post story by clicking here

Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (S8 48.541 E115 10.043) located about 12KM South bound from Bali Caollection Nusa Dua. The entrance fee was rp.50,000 per person. (Which was the highest entrance fee among the tourist attraction in Bali)

"Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana, or Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is a private cultural park on the Bukit Peninsula at the southern end of the island of Bali in Indonesia. Bukit is a limestone plateau with Uluwatu to the west and Nusa Dua  to the eastern.

It is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the mythical bird who is his companion.

Currently, the statue of Vishnu is 23 m high, although the original plan was for a 146 meter gold plated Vishnu riding Garuda on top of an 11 storey entertainment complex. The idea was not without controversy, and religious authorities on the island complained that its massive size might disrupt the spiritual balance of the island, and that its commercial nature was inappropriate." Source from Wiki.

Limestone surrounded the Cultural Park

The Flying Fox activity also available over here. After the main entrance, we walked pass the lime stone and a huge statue of bird appear on our left! That was the Mythical bird - Garuda Statue.

The Garuda Mythical Bird statue, which was the companion of The Hindu God - Wisnu

"The statue and its pedestal will be surrounded by more than 240 hectares cultural park which was once an abandoned and unproductive limestone quarry." Source from Here.

Garuda - The Mythical Bird. It was made from tons of copper and brass

This was really a good photography spot. The weather was cooling in the Cultural Park even the sun was direct shine on us, I believe it's gotta do with the Huge Limestone surrounded.
On the left on the Garuda, we continued to climb up the staircase and reached the other Huge statue - The Hindu God Wisnu.

"Designed and built by Nyoman Nuarta, one of Indonesia’s foremost modern sculptor, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue or GWK and its pedestal building will be standing 150 meters tall with its wings span 64 meters across. Made from more than 4000 tons of copper and brass, the statue is picturing Lord Wisnu, as the source of wisdom, riding on the back of the mythical bird Garuda as the manifestation of conscience toward Amerta, the perennial goodness." Source from Here.

From this Giant copper and brass statue, you can see the Jimbaran Bay from far....yeah, the place we gonna have our seafood dinner tonight.

There were many souvenir shops in the Cultural Park, and some Cultural Dance which I miss it! Because once I step into the last souvenir shop, I was not able to come back to the performing stage! Oh! What a Miss!

My purpose to this Cultural Park was about photograph. It took an hour for me to finished shooting...And this was also my first time to taste the Indonesia Famous Sosro Tea - Teh Botol. It serve in the bottle and taste like normal tea without milk.

Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2) 
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2) 
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3) 
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)  
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4) 
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4)
*  Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)
*  Farewell Bali Island! (D5)

Location map of Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula, Bali

View Larger Map

Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali

We visited one of the Souvenirs Center at Denpasar to buy some souvenirs for friends. And I learn the words 'Oleh-oleh' in Indonesian mean 'Souvenir'. :)
Then follow by this Bali Collection Shopping area (S8 48.092 E115 13.748) at Nusa Dua, Bali. The Nusa Dua area was Totally different from others place within Bali, nice, clean road and different class. Yes, prepare for the high price! :)

By entering Nusa Dua, our car had check by the securities and scan with the metal detector! Tight security!

Security check at Nusa Dua, Bali

Most of the Luxury Hotels and Resorts are located in Nusa Dua, Bali. No wonder the area was Clean and with the very strict securities and ensure all the visitors safety.

"Bali Collection Nusa Dua is the shopping complex set up for the many resorts that are located in the area. With the Grand Hyatt Bali to the south, the Melia Bali Sol to the north and the twin ‘islands’ of Nusa Dua only 400 meters to the east, the complex is easy to find. Nusa Dua itself feels like Beverly Hills, with manicured lawns, sprawling properties and a distinct lack of anything local. The Bali Collection has the feel of an outdoor mall in California, complete with small restaurants with outdoor dining, palm trees and a tranquil vibe." Source from Here.

The Bali Collection Nusa Dua was a bit special to us, because it's Not a Complex. It was actually many shops and restaurants gather in a same protected area. As you can see from the photos below...

But the weather was killing! I believe it would be different if we visit it during night time...
We popped into a Handicraft Center called The Art Market Of Bali Collection.

Well, most of the handicraft in the Art Market were familiar, which we saw most of them at other souvenirs shop. But...the prices surprised us! It cost about 3-4 times higher with the same item we saw from other market! This called 'High Class Handicraft'?! :) Doesn't matter, I'm not gonna buy it.

Beside all the Branded apparel shop and restaurant, there were nothing much attraction...

The roof design of every shops

The Recycle Area

PLEASE take note of the praying stuff on the floor and every door of the shops, Don't step on it!

Hanged around the area for about an hour, we continue to our next destination - Garuda Wisnu Kencana of Bali.

Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2) 
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2) 
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3) 
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)  
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3) 
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4) 
*  Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)
*  Farewell Bali Island! (D5) 

Location map of Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali

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India -- Jewish Heritage Trail here, too!

The Jerusalem Post runs a lengthy article by Shalva Weil about a nascent Jewish heritage trail in southern India. It is pegged to the situation of the 17th century synagogue in Parur, which is currently being renovated by public authorities after remaining abandoned and somewhat derelict for decades.

Last month, the government of Kerala, India’s southernmost state, armed with a matching grant from the central government, started the reconstruction of the Parur synagogue that used to be frequented by Cochin Jews before they came on aliya, largely in the 1950s. The last of the community immigrated in the 1970s, leaving behind a mere handful of people, and the synagogue has remained in disuse since then. Today, fewer than 40 Cochin Jews remain on the Malabar coast.

The conservation is progressing at such a pace that the chief architect in charge of the project, Benny Kuriakose, believes it will be completed by the autumn. This governmental and federal project could be a beacon for other countries, which pay lip-service to the preservation of Jewish heritage.

“I was very excited to hear that the Kerala government is renovating the Parur synagogue and restoring it to the glory of its past,” said Tirza Lavi, a native of Parur, and a today a curator of the Heritage Center for Cochin Jews at Nevatim, south of Beersheba. “We hope that Parur will be a showcase to the younger generation, displaying our communities’ rich and interesting history. I am sure that Cochin Jews in Israel will be glad to take part in the project and share their knowledge and memories.”

Weil writes that the Jewish heritage trail and Parur synagogue are part of a much larger project.

The reconstruction of the Parur synagogue is only a small cog in the wheel of a huge project called the Muziris Heritage Project, which includes archeological excavations and the reconstruction of other historical monuments in the area, such as temples, churches and mosques. The idea is to create a tourism trail from the ancient port of Muziris, today known as Kodungallor, through Cochin, Parur and other nearby areas, and develop the already-existing tourism boom. Today, Kerala is the eighth most favorite tourist destination in the world.

The seeds of the monumental project were planted only a few years ago. The beautiful Paradesi synagogue in Jew Town, Cochin, constructed in 1568, has been a well-known tourist site ever since Indira Gandhi attended its quatercentenary celebrations in 1968 and the Indiangovernment issued a special commemorative stamp on the occasion. In more recent history, however, the Kerala government agreed to undertake the renovation of another abandoned Cochin Jewish synagogue belonging to the Malabari Jews in the village of Chendamangalam, near Cochin. In February 2006, the synagogue was reopened with an exhibition on the Cochin Jews, and the synagogue has become a popular tourist destination.

Read full article here

The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali

We did the 2KM walked after our dinner at Kuta. Walked through all the shops and the night life areas...
This will let us more understand the name of 'Sleepless Kuta' created. It's actually all happen within the Jalan Legian (street) of Kuta, Bali. (S8 43.333 E115 10.528) The coordinates provided is the start point of Jalan Legian.

This post  is more on night photos along the street toward the Harris Kuta Resort, that where we stayed. Do enjoy the photos...

From Jalan Pantai Kuta (Kuta Beach Road) :-

Starbucks Coffee located at Jalan Pantai Kuta

Bar and Restaurant

There's KFC Fast food operated 24 hours located at the junction of Jalan Pantai Kuta and Kuta Square street. You will know where to grab your fried chicken after midnight!

Apparel shop

The Batik shop that we almost stuck for an hour...

Nice handicraft in the batik shop

Common deity statue in Bali Island

Minimart - The 24 hours convenience stall, similar to 7-11 in Malaysia. Everywhere in Bali. This was also the shop I bought my Bintang Beer every night! :)

Along Jalan Legian, there were MANY souvenirs shops...which I'm not gonna snap...
After about 600 meter walked from the junction of Jalan Pantai Kuta & Jalan Legian, we reached the Happening Area of Legian! This is called 'The Sleepless Kuta'! Especially that time was the Worldcup 2010 season!

Pubs, Bars and Disco Lounge were Everywhere!

And the 2002 Bali Bombing Memorial is right situated in the area! (S8 43.040 E115 10.468)

The area was FULL of Security person and Police Officer! Every entertainment areas were secure by Securities guards. You will be Safe to enjoy yourself! I witnessed one of the young boy entered the pub with his backpack and Immediately being PULLED out by 2 of the Securities and check utterly on his backpack beside the street before they let him go! That was impressed!

Police Officer guarding along the Legian Street of Kuta, Bali

There were Many Restaurant & Bar within the area even after the Happening hotspot!

This was the Trusted Money Changer at Kuta. Some of the money changer were Hide at the narrow alley behind the building are Always not Advisable! These are well known!

The money changer shop also was our landmark to turn and walked into a alley opposite it that direct us back to the Harris Kuta Resort. Along the alley, I discovered this restaurant and like the setting very much! It's named - The Balcony. (S8 42.754 E115 10.234)

Everyone in the restaurant were watching the Live Worldcup match, as you can see from the projector screen...

After the alley, we reached back the Jalan Pantai Kuta. And we took about 3 hours to complete the 2KM journey and back to the resort with Bintang Beer on our hand...

Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2) 
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2) 
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3) 
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4)
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4) 
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4) 
*  Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)
*  Farewell Bali Island! (D5)