Bali to vaccinate 400,000 dogs against rabies

BALI, Indonesia — Indonesia will vaccinate 400,000 dogs against rabies on the resort island of Bali, officials said Tuesday, as they cranked up efforts to wipe out an epidemic that has killed dozens of people.

Local authorities — who have been overwhelmed with reports of dog bites — came under heavy criticism earlier this year after they started killing stray dogs by the tens of thousands.

They said they could not afford mass vaccinations recommended by the World Health Organization and others.

Bali's governor, Made Pastika, said thanks to funds provided by a global alliance of animal welfare organizations, "we now have a humane alternative for protecting our people and our animals."

He and others said they hoped to see Bali rabies-free by 2012.

More than 80 people have died from rabies this year alone — including several young children. With another 30,000 others bitten, hospitals across the island of 3 million people have on several occasions found themselves out of free post-exposure vaccines.

The epidemic got so bad that several countries, including the United States and Australia, had to advise vacationers to consider getting pre-exposure rabies vaccinations before arriving and to stay clear of dogs roaming the island's white-sand beaches.

Copyright © 2010 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Chris Anderson: How YouTube is driving innovation

Spa Resort Thailand: Tao Garden Wellness Retreat

Nestled in upcountry Thailand, south of the lush foothills of those nourishing Himalayas, just outside the delightful city of Chiang Mai, is Tao Garden, an oasis of dynamic healing practice, blending the most exciting new medical developments of Holistic Western Medicine with traditional Eastern arts such as Taoist Massage, Acupuncture, 5 Element Chinese Healing Systems and Ayurvedic practices from India.

Fantastic video of Bali - The Superb Jewel Villa

The Jewel Villa offers spectacular 180-degree views of Bali from the edge of the Jimbaran hill. Watch the sunrise in the east over Nusa Penida, with views of Benoa Harbour and the majestic range of Bali's volcanic mountains in the background. In the evening, the sun sets behind Jimbaran bay and the silhouettes of fishing boats. As night falls, the island comes to life again in the twinkle of lights.

Tourist Injured by M-Bargo Employee in Kuta, Bali

Tourist Injured by M-Bargo Employee in Kuta, Bali

Employee Attacks Customer at M-Bargo Disco as Kuta Suffers Another Blow to the Declining Security Reputation of Bali's Nightlife Sector.

(9/4/2010) Beritabali.comreports that the M-Bargo Discotheque was the scene of an attack on a 26 year-old customer, Australian Christopher Mark Kelso, by several of the bar's employees.

The attack took place on Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at 2:30 am when Kelso in the company of a female companion visited the busy local nightspot. During the ensuing drinking session the Australian reportedly refused to accept drinks delivered to the table while he was absent from the table, using the rest room.

According to a police investigator, "the victim refused the drinks while stroking the waiter's head." While it's unclear if the waiter was upset by the refusal to accept his drink order or at his head being stroked by a stranger, the waiter retaliated by hitting the Australian. Within moments other employees of the bar joined the fracas, hittin Kelso repeatedly.

A policeman called to the scene said: "The victim admits he was hit by other employee. There were 3 attackers." The man reportedly fled the scene going directly to the police to report the assault.

As a result of the attack, the man suffered a torn lip, a bruise on his left cheek, and an abrasion below his eye. His female companion took him to a local hospital for treatment.

Police continue to interview employees of the nightspot and other eyewitnesses to the incident.

The latest chapter in a growing reputation for violence in Kuta's night-life Mecca, this attack reminds that police have yet to make an arrest in the brutal murder of an employee of The Red Room Bar on July 14, 2010, which followed street violence between gangs at the Sky Garden Discotheque three days earlier.

Despite its small size, Bali offers great diversity through its many towns

Throughout the years Bali has proved to be a popular tourist destination among holidaymakers, owing to its rich culture and unique opportunities. Taking full advantage of this tropical wonderland however is something that takes most people years to discover, yet in this small article I will show you how simple planning can make sure you make the most of your Bali holiday.

Despite its small size, Bali offers great diversity through its many towns. Popular destinations for those chasing both the shops and the nightlife remain large towns Seminyak and Kuta. Kuta in a particular has long been referenced as one of the surfing hotspots of not only Bali, but of the globe. If you’re more interested in discovering the rich cultural history of Bali, then you should head to the central town of Ubud. Situated in the mountains, Ubud has long been considered the cultural hub of Bali; offering visitors a unique and unparalleled view into the traditions of this remarkable people.

If the lights of the big towns are not your thing, then you can head to the smaller, rural towns such as Canggu. Only two hours north of Seminyak, Canggu offers a distinct view in today’s Balinese people; along the peace and quiet that some people look for in a holiday. Canggu also boasts amazing surfing conditions, which are probably one of the best kept secrets in the whole of Bali.

No matter which part of Bali you choose to visit, one thing that you need to consider heavily is what accommodation you are to stay in. Throughout the years it has been commonplace to stay in hotels, but in recent years there has been a noticeable swing towards the more traditional Luxury Bali Villas. Aimed at those wanting to fully steep themselves in the local culture, Bali Villas combine style and space to offer the perfect base camp for your Bali adventure.

As Bali is such a popular tourist destination, you are always likely to experience some headache concerning crowds. The summer holidays in America, Japan and Europe run between June and September; so expect larger crowds at these times. You should also consider the weather conditions, which are at their best during the wet season; which takes place between April and September.

Once you have decided the when, where and shelter of your Bali experience, you are that much closer to the perfect holiday. Make sure you take each of these factors into deep consideration, as they can be the difference between a memory, and a nightmare.

Stuart Rangers has traveled extensively throughout South East Asia and is passionate about sharing his love of the region and his knowledge of the best locations and best deals for a family on vacation. Stuart’s blog is at http://villadibucubali.com.au