Weekend in Bali

Planning a weekend in Bali? Then look further than the tourist magnet of Kuta Beach, which has suffered from the easy access that its location near the airport affords. Instead, spend a few more minutes in the taxi and head for Seminyak. This seafront town easily charms with its laid-back vibe and great restaurants. Here’s our itinerary for the perfect Seminyak break. (Read “A Greener Education in Bali.”)

FRIDAY: After checking in at one of the many luxury villas available in the area (see a selection at www.elitehavensbali.com),

Emerald Award for Six Hotel

This year, the accreditation team of Tri Hita Karana (THK) Tourism Awards issued four Emerald Awards respectively for Sofitel Seminyak; Nusa Lembongan Resort; Waka Di Ume Resort & Spa; and Tanah Lot. They are entitled to received Emerald Awards as the highest medal of the THK Tourism Awards since they all have accomplished Gold Awards three times in succession namely in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Another two Emerald Awards were presented to Matahari Beach Resort & Spa and Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort for the second time.

The presentation of the THK Tourism Awards & Accreditation took place at the Bali Art Center, Denpasar, Thursday (4/12). Present on this joyful event, amongst others, were the Representative of Minister for Tourism and Culture and Representative of Minister of Environmental Affairs. In Addition, hundreds of stakeholder members of Bali tourism also looked on during this prestigious event. Meanwhile, the Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika and other high officials of Bali Province and Regencies/City across Bali were also present to witness the annual event organized by Bali Travel News as English language tourist publication in Bali.

The complete recipients of the THK Tourism Awards 2006 are as follows: Emerald: Sofitel Seminyak; Nusa Lembongan Resort; Matahari Beach Resort & Spa; Tanah Lot; Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort; Waka Di Ume Resort & Spa; Hotels 5 Stars and Plus: Sofitel Seminyak (Gold); The Laguna Resort & Spa (Silver); Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa (Bronze); Hotels Four Star: Novotel Benoa Bali (Gold); Alila Manggis (Silver); Puri Santrian (Bronze); Hotels 1-2-3 Stars: Nusa Lembongan Resort (Gold); Risata Bali Resort & Spa (Silver); Inna Sindhu Beach (Bronze); Jasmine Hotels/Home Stay: Waka DiUme Resort & Spa (Gold); Puri Lumbung Cottages (Silver); Villa Kubu Seminyak (Bronze); Boutique Hotels: Bali Tropic Resort & Spa (Gold); Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa (Silver); Bulgari Hotel & Resort Bali (Bronze); Special Tourist Objects: Tanah Lot object tourism (Gold); Sangeh object tourism (Silver); Goa Lawah object tourism (Bronze).

Celebration at Home: Jazzed up With Layered Abug

Beyond the ritual session, Christmas also denotes a good opportunity to gather the family members. Such an annual celebration usually brings together the family living afar. Some drinks and traditional cakes can be served then like layered abug. Though they are traditional cakes, it does not necessarily mean that the celebration will lack merriness. However, it will much depend on how we could capture the spirit of celebration and the meaning behind it. Here is the recipe for layered abug.

Ingredients: 500g sticky
rice flour, grated coconut (obtained from 1/2 pc), 200g sugar, 2 different food
coloring agents and 1 tsp salt.

Method:

• Mix the sticky rice flour well with grated coconut. Knead until it is evenly blended and add the salt and sugar. Mix again.
  
• Prepare a square mould bybrushing with small amount of palm oil so that the mixture will not stick.
  
• Divide the batter into three parts and color each part with different coloring agents. One green, one red, and the remaining part is left white.
  
• Firstly, put the batter into the mould. Steam it for some 10 minutes, then add the white batter on top of the green one. Steam for another 10 minutes. Finally, add the red batter onto the previous one and steam it for around 30 minutes until cooked.