Bali: First Post

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy-All Rights Reserved

I've been in Bali since Wednesday afternoon, and having been able to shrug off some of the jet-lag and its resultant disorientation, I've been quite busy in Ubud and its environs. For starters, I'm working on a feature covering a famous Wayang Kulit in Sukawati and other projects.

In the meantime, Komang (my driver and fixer) suggested that I attend a small Balinese wedding close to Ubud, which we just chanced upon it as we were driving. While the wedding itself was not a tremendously "visual" event in itself, I am always amazed at the generosity and hospitality of the Balinese who, despite of us being nothing more than wedding crashers, welcomed us with open arms, and plied us with food and beverages. This is my fourth trip to Bali, and this never ceases to amaze me.

Most of the 9 participants in the Bali: Island of Odalan Photo~Expedition will be converging at our Ubud hotel tomorrow where, after an hour of orientation, we will start the adventure. It's particularly exciting as we expect to hit the ground running since there are various temple anniversaries all through the 2 weeks of the photo~expedition/workshop.

The above photograph is an out-take of the groom after having been made up for the official wedding portraits. The hand is of the make-up artist who couldn't stop adding final touches even as I was photographing!

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)
Email :
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)


Foundry Photojournalism Workshop's Stats


It's been almost a month since the wrap-up of the very successful Foundry Photojournalism Workshop (FPW) in Istanbul, which achieved an impressive degree of multi-ethnicity amongst its participants...a veritable United Nations of photojournalism.

According to Neal Jackson, FPW Istanbul was attended by about 130 photojournalists (excluding instructors) from 41 countries.

The largest contingents were from the United States (30), host country Turkey (15), India (8) and Romania (7). Notably, 8 Middle Eastern countries were represented, fielding 16 photojournalists including 1 from Palestine/Gaza.

A tremendous achievement by all concerned; its founders, its staff, its instructors and its participants....and Istanbul.

On My Way: Bali!!!



I'll shortly be on my way to Bali to lead my Island of Odalan Photo~Expedition™, which officially starts on August 1 to August 15. I'm in London for a short stop over, then on to the Thai Airways flight from Heathrow to Bangkok and onwards to Denpasar.

I'll spend a few days before the start of the photo-expedition in Ubud where I'll work on a short two-day assignment, renew my friendship with this delightful small town, and with Bintang beer.

I will be joined in Ubud by 8 photographers, but this is my last photo~expedition with such a high number of participants. Those who follow my blog know I've recently decided to limit my forthcoming trips/workshops to 5 participants, and to further enhance their photo-journalism component and multimedia story-telling.

I've tried cramming all my gear in my Lowepro backpack (a non-roller), but found it too uncomfortable to carry...not only was it very heavy, but also sort of awkward. Consequently, I will use my small Domke F-8 and the no-name messenger bag combination. This way, I'll be able to spread the gear over two bags....one for each shoulder when I need to. And this configuration is easier to get through any pedantic check-in agent. However the 70-200 2.8 will have to travel in my checked-in luggage.

It still allows me to carry a Canon 1D Mark II along with my 5D Mark II, a 28-70 2.8, a 17-40 4.0 and a 24 1.4, my Marantz audio recorder, and a couple of hard drives and my Macbook Pro 13". The rest of the electronic paraphernalia will travel in my checked-in luggage. Better that than risk a dislocated shoulder.

Oh, and no room for a Holga...but my Panasonic GF1 is trotting along with me, so we'll see how it performs in Bali as a walk-about camera.

Since internet access is ubiquitous in Bali, I will try to post some updates on the trip but there will a hiatus for a few days.

In the meantime, for those missing out on joining my photo expedition and workshop on this lovely island, I leave you with this short movie commercial for a new Sony Handycam filmed in Bali.

POV: Robert Fisk Is A Mensch


What does Robert Fisk of The Independent have to do with photography? Probably nothing, but he's a mensch, which in Yiddish means "a person of integrity".

And why do I think that? Well, it's about his opinion piece on Octavia Nasr of CNN (or I should say, previously of CNN) and the British ambassador to Beirut, Frances Guy (still at her post, as far as I know).

Here's a quotation from this opinion piece published in The Independent of July 17, 2010:
"I loved the "controversial" bit – the usual "fuck you" word for anyone you want to praise without incurring the wrath of, well, you know who. The Foreign Office itself took down poor Ms Guy's blogapop on old Fadlallah, thus proving – as Arab journalists leapt to point out this week – that while Britain proclaims the virtues of democracy and the free press to the grovelling newspaper owners and grotty emirs of the Middle East, it is the first to grovel when anything might offend you know who."

Read it. And if you're interested in the Middle East, and why we are where we are now, you may want to read his incomparable The Great War For Civilization.

I am amazed at the number of younger photojournalists/photographers who "parachute" into Iraq and Afghanistan with only a rudimentary knowledge of history, and who tell me that after having 5 cups of tea with an Afghan family, they "understand" the culture.

This book has all they need to know and will set them straight...alas, it's a thick volume, so I'm not holding my breath.

Mongolian Racer


Reading and posting Stan Greene's excellent interview yesterday will probably satisfy my photojournalism interest for this week, so for a change in pace here's a lovely travel multimedia piece titled Mongolian Racer by The Guardian photographer Dan Chung, and narrated by Tania Branigan. (click the arrow).

The multimedia piece is on a horse trainer and his 10-year-old jockey who face the biggest day of their year at Mongolia's Naadam festival, which dates back to before Genghis Khan's time and celebrates the 'manly sports' of wrestling, archery and racing.

The Mongolian traditional festival of Naadam is also called in the local dialect as "the three games of men". These are Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery. The festival is held throughout the country during the midsummer holidays, however the largest is in Ulaanbaatar.

For the geeks, the piece was shot using Canon 1DmkIV, 5DMkII, 550D and GoPro HD camera, and a load of ancillary gear which is described in length in Dan Chung's blog DSLR News Shooter.

Apart from it being gorgeous videography, I noted the simple and clean font used for the title of the piece, and how it's placed against the dark cloud in a red sky...nice touch, that. And I also liked how the voice-over expertly blended with the ambient sound/voice.

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 

LENS: Stanley Greene Talks To Michael Kamber

Photo © Stanley Greene/Noor-All Rights Reserved


Stanley Greene’s Redemption and Revenge on the New York Times' LENS blog is one of the most interesting (and candid) interviews with a photojournalist/photographer I've read in a long time.

Having met Stanley Greene in Mexico City, I don't think I'd be wrong in describing Stanley as an iconoclast, as someone who doesn't mince words and who doesn't imitate. His opinions and responses as expressed during this interview confirm my view. This interview is a no platitudes no bullshit zone...and may rile some "lemmings", but for those who appreciate iconoclasts, it's a must read.

Excerpts that particularly resonate with me:
"When journalists start to distort reality, then I have a real problem with it. And when everything starts to look like a cartoon, I have a problem with it."
"When we get to the point where we start digging up graves to make photographs, I think we are in trouble."
"You need to be able to communicate with people. You should know a language. But even if you don’t know a language, you should at least be decent enough to understand what you are about to photograph, instead of just going, “Pow, pow, pow.” Because when you do that, then you are a vulture, and then you are what a lot of N.G.O.’s call us: “Merchants of misery.”
"I don’t own an apartment. I don’t own a house. I don’t own a car. I don’t have any stocks and bonds. All I own are my cameras. That’s it. And some cowboy boots."

Michael Kamber has worked primarily as a conflict photographer and covered a dozen wars including Afghanistan, Somalia, Liberia, Darfur and the Congo. He photographed the war in Iraq for The New York Times between 2003 and 2010. His photos have been published in nearly every major news magazine in the USA and Europe. Michael is the winner of a 2007 World Press Photo award, the Missouri School of Journalism’s Penny Press Award, American Photo Images of the Year and an Overseas Press Club award. He has been nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize–twice for photography and once for reporting.

As I said, one of the best interviews I've read in a while.

Jacob Maentz: The Infanta Penitents

Photo © Jacob Maentz-All Rights Reserved

I've been terribly remiss in covering the Philippines on this blog, but Jacob Maentz's fine work on this Asian nation will go a long way to rectify this.

Originally from the United States, Jacob is based in the Philippines from where he does considerable amounts of travel, working on freelance assignments and shooting stock photography. His travels to Latin America whilst in college is where he discovered his passion for the camera. He was brought to the Philippines in 2003 when he joined the United States Peace Corps and has found himself repeatedly drawn back to this part of the world since then.

Most of his galleries are of the Philippines, and I chose to feature the very interesting Infanta Penitents here.

Jacob writes that "Self flagellation practices were adopted by Filipinos during their Spanish colonization almost 500 years ago. Flagellants are practitioners of an extreme form of mortification of their own flesh by whipping it with various instruments. Today, you can still see some Christians practicing flagellation in the Philippines as a form of devout worship and personal sacrifice, sometimes in addition to self-crucifixion. In the Philippine province of Quezon there are still a number of men who wear elaborate costumes while preforming their act of self flagellation."

When you've looked the Infanta Penitents, continue exploring Jacob's galleries. I did, and learned much about the cultural wealth of the Philippines.

The 710th Google Follower


My list of Google Followers have now grown to over 700 people. This list is distinct from my Twitter and Facebook followers and/or friends, Feed subscribers or from the subscribers to my newsletters.

To commemorate this milestone, I've decided to feature the 710th Google Follower whose screen name is Ruma2008. There not much on background information on his/her blog except that she or he is probably from Japan, likes Japanese calligraphy and landscape photography.

The Ruma2008's blog is titled Calligraphy In The Landscape, and thank you for following The Travel Photographer's blog!

Sulawesi Surprise: Looking beyond the Greenery

You'd probably like Tana Toraja if you like some quiet and greenery. At one point, when I was taking a stroll near the Prince Hotel, I saw lush crops growing along the roadside that I started to think that anything could grow here. It thus struck me as queer that the Dutch who had in the 17th century, established trade and political control on Sulawesi through the Dutch East Indies Company, ignored this mountainous area not just because acess was difficult but the land here is said to have little productive agricultural value. It was only in the late 19th century that the Dutch, being concerned about the spread of Islam, stood up and became interested in the people here. Before the 20th century therefore, the Torajans, being untouched by the outside world, live and practised animism in autonomous villages. The early Dutch missionaries did face strong opposition among Torajans. Afterall, they were running from the Muslims in the first place. Enroute to Tana Toraja, we had passed a Muslim settlement whom the guide had said were probably the same stock as the Torajans. In ancient times, when Islam was spreading, the animists had the options to convert or move out and the diehard animist just moved further upland. Even when the Dutch moved some Torajans to the lowlands to control them, conversion was low initially. Only 10% of the population converted to Christianity in 1950 but in the 1930s, when the Muslim lowlanders attacked the Torajans, conversion became widespread as the people began to align themselves with the Dutch for political protection. Probably, there was not so much quiet or greenery before...


It seems all quiet and green...





Traveling Tip: Look beyond the greenery!

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


PBS Features "Starved For Attention"


PBS' Need To Know is featuring a Starved For Attention slideshow with 19 large photographs by Marcus Bleasdale, Jessica Dimmock, Ron Haviv, Antonin Kratochvil, Franco Pagetti, Stephanie Sinclair, and John Stanmeyer.

It's based on the extremely well produced multimedia campaign by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and VII Photo which exposes the neglected and largely invisible crisis of childhood malnutrition.

As an aside, I also noticed on Need To Know an article by Kavitha Rajagopalan on the buffoonish remarks made by Palin on the plans to erect a mosque and Islamic center near Ground Zero.

All I have to say is that it is New York and its inhabitants who suffered on September 11, 2001....and it's they who have the voice in this.

No one else.

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


Andrea Pistolesi: The Rohingya Refugees

Photo © Andrea Pistolesi-All Rights Reserved

Andrea Pistolesi is a pro in the full meaning of the word...a my kind of guy...a photographer who fuses travel and editorial imagery, and who's candid enough to say that professional travel photography as it existed is now extinct, and that travel publications and ancillary glossies are a dying breed. He espouses the view -like I do- that interesting visual stories are all around us, but that we need to broaden our scope by creating new ways of distribution (think of the new VII Magazine, as an example).

Andrea was born and lives in Florence, and studied geography at the local university, evolving in a travel photographer specializing in geographic and global social reportage. He published books on exotic destinations (Indonesia, New Zealand, Morocco, South Africa, The Land of Buddha, Hinduism, Eastern Christianity), and amongst others, has recently published a book on prayers of major religions.

He was widely published in CN Traveller (Italy), Delta Sky, Departures, Elle, l'Espresso, Figaro Mag, Gente Viaggi, Geo, Gulliver, Hemispheres, Islands, LATimes Mag, National Geographic, NYT Sophisticated Traveler, Photo, Rutas del Mundo, Smithsonian Mag, Time, Travel & Leisure, and many others.

Andrea's website is a cornucopia of travel and editorial photography, which is bound to give viewers hours of enjoyment, and provide photographers immense inspiration and ideas.

I spent a while on his website, trying to decide which of his galleries to feature on this blog. It was difficult, and I changed my mind often. Finally, I chose the brilliant reportage of the Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh.

As Andrea describes them, the Rohingya are the unwanted of southwestern Asia. An ethnic Muslim minority, they have no rights in Burma and try to flee across the borders with Bangladesh where only a few earn a refugee status. For others, it's a life of squalid illegal camps, an unending odyssey falling prey to human traffickers, to organ traffickers, to sex rings and to pedophiles.

Also read Andrea's blog post Requiem For Travel Photography. And don't miss his work on the Nats (spirits of Mynamar) and on the Bugis Seafarers.

Highly recommended as a photographer to follow.

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