Should all pictures not load - click on "REFRESH"
The KHO News is published monthly
for friends of John and Jamal, covering
news and their life and times in Bali.
September 2007
Jakarta Post: Indonesian soccer fans who want to watch English Premier League matches this season will have to sign up to Astro payTV service, after local stations lost the right to broadcast the games. 
JAMAL LIVID
Jamal cannot believe they can do this -  he is a Soccer fanatic and a 
die hard Liverpool fan. "It is ridiculous that we have to sign up to ASTRO and pay over Rp 200,000 per month (A$25) year round, plus installation just to watch the EPL season. That's Rp 2,400,000 p.a. (A$300), more than an average working  family pays for accommodation." said Jamal.
From Aug. 11, the day the new season kicked off Astro began its EPL coverage.
Later this year a whole new era in civil aviation will begin, when AirAsia launches it's first long range AirAsia X flights. The first airline to
seriously attempt it since Freddy Laker flew trans Atlantic with his SKYTRAIN service in the 1980's, has anyone tried a long haul Low
Freddy Laker
Cost Carrier (LCC) service. Many have said the long range LLC 
model is flawed, including, a few years ago, Air Asia CEO and majority owner Tony Fernandes. The British Laker 
 Fernandes
operation failed in the 1980's recession. However Mr Fernandes has obviously changed his mind and believes with his new found experience running the world's cheapest carrier Air Asia, Air Asia X will be a winner....... More Page 12
John Flew Laker to NYC
Back in 1981 John was on holiday in London and flew the £59 Laker Skytrain to New York on a DC-10.
Laker Douglas DC-10
In those days before internet booking Laker sold tickets only at Victoria Station and a downtown office in New York. I remember waiting over 3 hours in freezing cold before I got my £59 seat for that night's flight to New York.
Out of Fuel
The flight across the Atlantic in the middle of winter was interesting. Due to headwinds, we made an unscheduled re-fuelling stop at Bangor in the state of Maine, just 642 kms short of New York. The flight took 10 hrs across and only 5 back - those were strong winds.
Kerobokan Home Office News - June 2007
Page 2
 
Birthday Eve party at Warung Sobat for John and Jamal's builder Fendi, who both have their birthday on the same day. Friends Onney and Luke came over from Lombok and Pak Made hired some musicians to entertain us. Onney, Jamal and Irma also sang. A great night was had by all.
Kerobokan Home Office News - June 2007
Page 3
 
FRIDAY AUG 17: Thousands of red and white Indonesian flags flew all along the streets to celebrate Indonesian Independence Day. We celebrated at Warung Sobat, where Pak Made had Red and White wine on special for the occasion.
History of Independence
When Japan surrender, revolutionaries Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed Indonesian independence on Aug. 17, 1945. 
Painting:  David Armstrong-Australia
There followed a bitter war for independence, The transfer of sovereignty took place in Amsterdam on Dec. 27, 1949. 
AUGUST 9: 01:04 am BALI TIME -
a huge 7.5 earthquake hit north of the Java coast, just near Jakarta.
Jakarta residents panicked as the quake violently shook buildings and private houses. The quake was at a depth of 285 km subsequently there was no tsunami threat. 
At The KHO
875 km away the KHO earthquake detector rang into action with a precision only it understands it's self and  rang continuously for 5 minutes, then rang on and off over the next 10 minutes, no doubt from the after shocks. 
I was immediately woken up by the Earthquake Detector bell and could
feel the bed shaking. I sprang out of bed to find Jamal fast asleep on the sofa, no doubt lulled to sleep by a gruesome horror movie. I was surprised to see the alarm had not woken him, however cat Suzi had jumped up on him in terror. No deaths or injuries were reported,
7.5 Quake and Jamal slumbers.
BALI AUG 28: At 7pm we were on the KHO balcony waiting for moonrise. Things were not looking good with around 6/8ths cloud cover over Bali. Eventually around 7:56 we caught a glimpse of the moon through a break in the clouds and were able to take the above historic photograph.
Kerobokan Home Office News - June 2007
Page 4
 
Jamal, Ayu, Gede, Ketut, Rob, Pak Made, Win, John, Kadek, Putu 
00:00 HOURS AUG 4: The staff of Warung Sobat gathered around to wish Robert a happy birthday as Pak Made opened a vintage bottle of Kamus to toast the occasion.
In Sydney, Robert's mother Joan, threw a huge party with over 60 guests in his honour at her harbour side home. Robert 
Rob's mum Joan
was not able to attend  due to visa restrictions. However thanks to his brother Malcolm's ingenuity, Robert was able to blow out the cake by remote control. A balloon which Robert had blown up, was flown
by DHL express down to Sydney. 
When the lighted cake arrived, Malcolm carefully aimed the balloon at the candles adjusting the pressure,  evacuated Robert's breath while avoiding the unpleasant balloon deflation sound.
In a flash al the candles were dramatically extinguished.
The assembled guests heartily sang Happy Birthday, then  mum Joan proposed a toast to Rob's good health and longevity. In Bali, Robert, beer in hand and Wiwin by his side joyously listened into the proceedings over the phone.
BALI: A shake-up of Indonesia’s customs agency, aimed at cleaning up the corrupt institution, has shut down a once-thriving black market has left many big hotels and restaurants running low on alcohol during the peak August season. A Customs crackdown in Bali earlier this year had found more than 
58,000 bottles of alcohol with fake import stickers all of which 
were impounded. The shortage has been triggered by the collapse of the complicated quota system that controls alcohol imports. The system requires distributors to obtain quotas every six months. Last year the state audit agency discovered significant amount of under invoicing, now they have closed down the system.
Retailers in Bali said they were stunned by the move, as they thought they were buying alcohol legally......... some maybe?
Wilhelm has Accident
Gerder & Wilhelm - Belgium
BALI WED AUG 22. Whilst crossing the road from Warung Sobat's new car park, long time visitor Wilhelm was hit by a passing motor bike. The bike cart wheeled down the road after hitting Wilhelm and the rider was flung into the air, he landed on his head and was found unconscious, Wilhelm had a nasty gash in his leg which would not stop bleeding. The motor bike rider meanwhile regained consciousness and was ok, except for an extremely sore head. He said he remembered nothing of the accident. Pak Made rushed Wilhelm to the BMIC Clinic where they were able to treat him and stop the bleeding. Wilhelm and Gerda spend six months of every year in Bali and six months back home in Belgium. Wilhelm although over 70 is a keen aviator and pilots light aircraft. We wish Wilhelm a speedy recovery.
Kerobokan Home Office News - June 2007
Page 5
 
Indonesian Tourists
BALI: In the first half of this year, Malaysia had over 900,000 tourist arrivals from Indonesia.
Poor Aussie Dollar
The value of the the AUD to the Indonesian Rupiah fell 12.3% in August. Although it now recovering.
Hard Rock Aids Dogs
Hard Rock Bali is not unaccustomed to dogs, to celebrate they are giving their support to the non- profit Bali Street Dog Foundation and their program to assist the suffering street dogs in Bali by allowing them to sell T-shirts at a stall outside their venue Wed's and Thurs from 1 pm- 7 pm,
With Wayang - not a street dog
Jamal at Work
although he is the boss, he is actu- ally helping out with the painting.
Gede's Birthday
Jamal, Gede and John
SUN AUG 12: Warung Sobat trainee Gede celebrated his birthday by working. By 11pm he was able to stand still long enough for us to wish him happy birthday.
Ines Flies To Europe
AUG 13: Well known Bali Ex-pat
Ines flew home to Belgium for 3 weeks on a well earned holiday from her charity work. She flew on a Garuda/ KLM code share via
Jakarta, Singapore & Amsterdam.
Mon Aug 6: Three fishing ships burnt anchored together in Benoa Harbour it is believed the fire started from a faulty generator.
Monsieur Gerard (3rd from right) with his family, John & Jamal at Warung Sobat.  "The best restaurant in Bali" said Monsieur Gerard.  Now that IS an endorsement, coming from a Frenchman.
Kerobokan Home Office News - June 2007
Page 6
 
Bali Agro Biz
Although tourism makes up 80% of Bali's economy and employees 40% of the workforce, agriculture is very important to the Balinese. 
Bedugul Produce Market
Agriculture only contributes 20% to the Bali economy but it creates work for 60% of the workforce.
The land in Bali is very fertile and suitable for productive plants, ranging from rice,  coffee, vanilla,  strawberries and other vegetables.
Thrashing Rice
The mountainous Bedugul area is particularly suitable for temperate crops.  If your ever there drop by the market, strawberries @ only Rp 5,000 (A$ 65c) are our favourite. Many farms are now producing high quality organic produce aimed at the hotel and export market.
Is 'Bali Style'- Dying?
NUSA BALI: has questioned the lack of Balinese architecture along Kuta's Sunset Road. A local law states that every building must reflect Balinese values. The main focus of Bali style is founded on the principle of Tri Angga - a reflection of the basic composition of the human body. While commercial and private buildings in Bali are not permitted to duplicate the look of religious temples, they are expected to incorporate proportions and ornamentations in keeping with local cultural traditions. 
Reflecting a possible official lack of genuine concern for the strict application of codes requiring Balinese architectural values, an official said "just adding Balinese ornaments to their building will comply with local laws." 
Carrefour's  on Sunset Road
These days, people travelling Kuta's busy Sunset Road, could easily forget they are still actually in Bali.
Bali Travel Insurance
TONY CORDATO a Sydney travel law specialist has warned that Australian government advice about travel to Indonesia may technically invalidate travel insurance for trips to the holiday island of Bali. Even though insurers continue to cover travellers to Bali, Cordato believes the Department's advice for travel to Bali triggers the exclusion clause in travel insurance policies that disqualifies covering anyone who ignores the warnings.
ATR 72
INDONESIA'S Low Fare Carrier, Batavia Air has ordered 10 70 passenger ATR 72 prop-jet aircraft and signed options for 10 more with the French manufacturer. List price per aircraft is +/-AU$30M.
New Airport Lombok
LOMBOK: The long awaited, new Lombok International Airport got a boost last week when a Dubai group, Emaar International, confirmed that they will invest US$800 million in a new tourism resort development in Lombok. The project will occupy a 1175 ha site in Central Lombok owned by a State owned company. The Emaar Group said that they will steer Middle Eastern visitors to the new resort by diverting Emirate flights from Bali to Lombok, to stay at the 2 huge resorts. The complex will include a massive Mosque to be built by the Dubai investors.
Emirates A380 to Lombok?
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 7
 
 
BALI: Early November John and Jamal will head off for a week to Kuala Lumpur and Phuket. Naturally we booked on-line 
with our favourite airline AirAsia. John spent hours planning the trip, downloading all the airfares around the planned travel dates.
John at KHO on-line to AirAsia
Fares vary incredibly eg: DPS-KUL A$74-$259. It really pays to do your home work before booking.
We finally managed to get KL-Phuket for A$109 return making the total for the four legs A$258ea. That's 4.9c/Km, Not bad.
Phuket - Thailand
Patong Beach - Phuket
In Phuket we will stay at Patong beach famous for it's German restaurants with large sausages and it's vibrant nightlife where almost anything goes, usually at a price especially those with no sausages.
Patong Nightlife - Phuket
Indonesian Air Safety
Four Indonesian airlines Garuda, Adam Air, Lion Air and Mandala have all decided to join the IATA Safety Audit program. The carriers have committed to the program, after the EU July ban on all Indonesian registered aircraft, in the hope of reinstatement.
Australians Ignorant
Australian author Kerry B. Collison who made a name for himself writing factually detailed novels about Indonesia 
has criticized the Australia Howard government on his website.
"Australia's Prime Minister John Howard applauds the strength of his government's relations with Indonesia and our other Asian neighbours. It is unfortunate that such grand gestures have not been matched by a commitment to promote greater knowledge of Asian languages and cultural awareness. In the past decade Australia has become increasingly enmeshed in Asia, but our knowledge of our neighbours, their culture and society, has remained embarrassingly limited. This lack of understanding and awareness is no more apparent in the delicate and at times strained relations with the countries in our region, particularly Indonesia. Given the growing complexity of Australia's socio-economic and security relations with Indonesia, the need to understand our 
neighbour is as great as ever. Yet a poll conducted last year by the respected Lowy Institute for International Affairs, found that the majority of Australians felt that Indonesia was still controlled by a military dictatorship and that Australia is right to worry about Indonesia as a military threat -- attitudes that have remained unchanged since the Soeharto era.
He actually does - John Howard with President RI Yudhoyono
This popular distrust of Indonesia is clearly born out of ignorance. In the 11 years that the conservative Howard government has been in power, the number of Australian students enrolled in Indonesian studies has plummeted."
Read the full article
Collison's Books
The KHO has in it's library Collison's The Timor Man, Merdeka Square and Crescent Moon Rising. All excellent reading for anyone interested in Indonesia.
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 8
 
 Home Office News 
Stayvol Modification
Modified  KHO Stavol
At the KHO we have a STAVOL (AC Voltage Stabilizer) connected to our emergency 12 volt power inverter/charger. At times the voltage from the State Electric company PLN can be as low as 180 volts, some 40 volts below the Indonesian 220 volt standard. 
Recently the cheap plastic power outlets on the Stayvol
broke so we changed it with a single normal solid power point.
How the Stavol Works
The Stavol controls the voltage with a small servo motor driving a wiper on a transformer coil to either + or - the voltage. The servo motor is driven by a sensor circuit 
that keeps the output voltage at exactly 220 volts. Stayvols come in various wattage's starting at 500 watts.
Transformer
Ex-pat Stayvol Myths
"I need a Stayvol on my Tv"
NO, modern computers, television sets, and DVD's etc. use Pulse Power Supplies which are rated from 100  to 250 volts and are self regulating. A Stavol is most useful on appliances continuously using electric motors, e.g. a refrigerator.
"My Stavol stops Power Surges"
Wrong Norell, the motor driven wiper arm is far too slow to react to a sudden power surge and then the Stayvol is only capable of adjusting the voltage +/- 40 volts. Power surges can be in the order of 400 volts or more. You need a Power Surge protector.
Kiki Departs
AUG 5: Kiki departs for the Bus Station with Fendi, Jamal's builder.
KHO Frozen Meals
Since Kiki went home to Bandung we no longer have anyone to cook meals. So we have prepared lots of Instant microwavable Frozen Meals.
Note the freezer space saving ex-Ansett Airlines meal dish
KHO MET Station
(1) The Fowler's Vacola thermometer presented to the KHO by John's mum Nancy in 2003.
(2) The KHO ships chronometer originally from
the Royal Brighton Yacht club, in Brighton Victoria 1987.
Royal Brighton Yacht Club
(3) The original Dunklings barometer from Dunklings the Jewellers,  Bourke Street in 1968.
Bourke St, Melbourne 1960's
Click for Bali Weather
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 9
 
 KHO Bali Sport
BALI: In a remarkable coup for the biggest women’s tennis event in South-East Asia, the popular 2005 
 Bali champion Lindsay Davenport is to compete again just months after giving birth to her first child.
Davenport’s opponents at the Grand Hyatt resort, Nusa Dua, Sep.  9-16 will include world No:3 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova and Swiss Patty Schnyder. 
Bali Tv/Vitazone Run
The theme of the 10 kilometre run was "Run with the Stars" which featured 50 local personalities. More than Rp. 500 million (A$ 63,000) in in prizes were awarded across 10 separate divisions of male and female runners.  People's Representative Council Chairman Agung Laksono fired the starting pistol along with Governor of  Bali Drs. Dewa Beratha who waved the colourful starting flag. 
John Warming Up
The aim of the annual run is to promote tourism in Bali. The main sponsors were Local Tv station Bali Tv and Vitazon a new health bar from New Zealand.
50,000 Runners in the Bali 10k
BALI Tv the local Bali commercial Tv station which broadcasts many 
programmes in the Balinese language and promotes Balinese culture, began transmission in 2005.
Bali Tv Transmission Area
Bali Tv has 2 transmitters a 10 KW in Jembaran and a 1 KW transmitter in Singaraja. The signal is also  available on the Palapa C2 satellite. 
Catholicism in Bali
The Prefecture Apostolic of Denpasar was established in 1950, at that time there were 10 priests  and 8 parishes, a total of 1,531 Catholics were recorded, 0.1% of population. Today it is estimated there are 33,000 (0.4%) Catholics in Bali spread over 21 parishes, with 41 priests. The current Denpasar Bishop is Bishop Benyamin Yosuf  Bria, he was appointed in 2000. Other religions in Bali are; Balinese Hinduism 93%, Islam 5.7%, Protestant 1% & Buddhism 0.6%
Bali Arrivals
New figures released by Indonesia's Statistics Bureau show that Bali saw an increase of more than a third during the first six months of the year, with 781,059 arrivals.
Single ASEAN Visa
MALAYSIAN NEWS: Malaysia is pursuing a single visa entry among ASEAN member 
countries to boost tourism in the region, forecast to be 30% of the projected 1 bill. tourists globally by 2010. "We are pushing for single visa entry for Asean whereby a tourist visiting a member state will not need to apply for multiple visas should they want to visit other states," The Malaysian Tourism Minister told Malaysian journalists at a meeting of the Indonesian tourism industry in Pontianak.
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 10
 
 Travel
Michael & Linda's
Hong Kong/Bali Tour
As we reported last month, friends Michael, Linda and their 2 girls came to Bali for a months holiday after visiting Hong Kong & China, here are some of their photo's.
Michael & Linda in Hong Kong
At Disneyland - Hong Kong
At Tiananmen Square - Beijing
The Pool at the Villa - Bali
Playing at the KHO - Bali
Michael & Parrot - Ubud
 With Nancy - Padangbai Bali
With Onney's Family - Lombok
With Amang's Family - Lombok
To Gili Trawangan - Lombok
 Linda with Dolphins - Bali
At the Beach - Bali
Rowing in Bedugul - Bali
Farewell at Warung Sobat
 Leaving For Airport & Home
Kerobokan Home Office News - June 2007
Page 11
 
  Bali History
Kamasan Artists
The history of Bali's painting  started long before Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet came to Bali. It started in the 15th century in the golden age of the Gelgel Kingdom, when the painter started to become famous in the palaces. You can find examples of these classic paintings
in 2 places in Klungkung, first the well known Hall of Justice, Kerta Gosa. 
Hall of Justice, Kerta Gosa
During his reign, King Dewa Agung Made, the king of Gelgel, ordered paintings based on wayang puppets and thus Kamasan painting was born. When the Dutch came, many of them bought Kamasan paintings to take home. The second place to enjoy Bali's classic painting is Gunarsa Museum, Banda Village, Klungkung, where you can see some of Bali's painting that had been shipped abroad. 
 Gunarsa Museum
This is the private collection of Nyoman Gunarsa, a painter from Klungkung, who spent his money and time to bring back many of the
paintings to their homeland. "I want the next generation to enjoy their heritage works and to learn about their ancestor's rich culture." Nyoman Gunarsa said. 
While thousands have been to for dinner, not so many have had the pleasant experience of lunch at Warung Sobat. It is rarely crowded at lunch time and the atmosphere relaxed, so nice just sitting in the shady area with the fresh sea breezes wafting through. 
Cashier Ketut taking it easy
One doesn't realize how beautiful the restaurant actually is until you see it in the daylight. The most popular lunch dish is the Sobat Salad served with a glass of white wine. Great for a business lunch or just for a bit of peace and quiet. For Bookings call 73 8922
Ornate Side Entrance
Kerobokan Home Office News - June 2007
Page 12
 
Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines thinks ex-employee Tony Fernandes can succeed, with AirAsia X, he is so confident that on August 10 he flew to Kuala Lumpur 
and invested in 20% of the new airline saying at a news conference “Virgin will spend whatever is necessary to make AirAsia X a success.” 
Branson
Fernandes declined to indicate the sale value, he did say that Branson was offered shares “at par.” About US$8M at the current share price.
OCTOBER LAUNCH
AirAsia X will take to the skies early October, 4 times weekly, to the Gold Coast in Australia,  followed by flights to Melbourne, Hangzhou, Japan, India and  London. Fernandes said fares would range from A$30 to A$633 RT  inc. taxes.
Air Asia X - 330-300's
Air Asia X will commence services with one leased Airbus A330-300 until their 5 new aircraft arrive from Airbus late next year, those aircraft are the medium range, 8,340 km, high density seating model.
AirAsia are planning high density 3x3x3 seating rather than the usual Airbus configuration of 2x4x2, 
AirAsia 3x3x3 9 abreast seats 
The 3x3x3 seating allows for 396 passengers rather than the usual 335 including 28 seats in the XL premium class. Tony Fernandes said "We have been working with a seat manufacturer for almost a year on the nine abreast seating, it will be more comfortable than many others with the eight seats across," 
We Meet Mr Fernandes
Flying to Macau from KL on Apr 25 Tony Fernandes came on board before departure and asked the passengers including us,
"Is everything ok."  I managed to snap this photo of him as he left the aircraft.
It has been publicized that Tony spends an hour each day on the line - he even unloads baggage.
Ingredients
Joints chicken, no skin 
150g
shallots, peeled -left whole
25g
butter (French)
5
cloves of garlic, crushed
150g
streaky bacon, cut thickly
350g
button mushrooms
500ml
good red wine
500ml
chicken stock
2 tbsp
balsamic vinegar
1 cup
parsley, chopped,
thyme, salt, ground black pepper 
Method
Heat a thick-bottomed saucepan, add butter, shallots, garlic & cook gently until just browned. Add the bacon & thyme - cook for 3 mins.  Add mushrooms, turn up the heat, add red wine, chicken stock & vinegar. Add chicken pieces,  simmer gently for about 25 mins until the chicken is cooked. Add the parsley, together with a knob of butter. Correct the seasoning and serve with a dressed green salad and olive oil mash potatoes.
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 13
 
AN  EXCLUSIVE   KHO   TRAVEL  FEATURE
*Airfares only -  Travel Feb '08
Singapore based Low Cost Carrier Tiger Airways are now flying to Melbourne, via Darwin and also to Perth, this opens up a whole new way to come to Bali and have a round-asia holiday on the way at an airfare less than JetStar direct.
You can make a DIY Round-Asia holiday and see all those places you have dreamt of, but thought you could never afford for less than the JetStar  fare direct to Bali. 
A One-World Alliance Round Asia fare costs a whopping A$1,999, thanks to KHO DIY Travel and low cost airlines you can now do it for a fraction of the cost.
How Do I DIY?
All you need is an internet connection and your in business, you become your own travel agent and make all the bookings yourself.
Tiger Airways
Tiger Airways is  a Low Cost Carrier (LLC) and began operations late 2004. The airline is 49% owned by Singapore Airlines, Tony Ryan the founder of Ryan Air (Europe) 
owns 16%. The airline flies to 17 destinations in six countries around the asian region. The airline operates 9 Airbus A320 180 seat short haul aircraft in Asia. Late 2005 Tiger commenced flying to Darwin Australia, followed by Perth and now Melbourne. 
Melb-Darwin-Singapore
March 2007 Tiger received approval from the Australian government to start Australia's 3rd domestic airline based at terminal 4 Tullamarine airport, Melbourne, making our KHO DIY Circle Asia program possible. This is great news because although LCC's have been operating in Asia for some time, the big hurdle has always been how to get out of Australia at a reasonable cost.
AirAsia
AirAsia is a a Low Cost Carrier (LLC) and began operations late 2001. The airline is owned and was founded by by former Time Warner executive Tony Fernandes's company Tune Air.
The airline operates 22 Airbus A320 
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 14
 
180 seat short haul aircraft and 32 148 seat Boeing B737-300's and has 128 A320's on order.
Huge Asian Network
AirAsia flies about 200 flights a day, to 48 destinations in 10 countries.
The KHO DIY Tour
Melbourne-Singapore Kuala Lumpur-Bali
To get you started we have put together a A$651 (airfares only) tour for you, first flying to Singapore, by land to Kuala Lumpur, then fly down to Bali. The tour begins in Melbourne with  Tiger Airways to Singapore via Darwin. For a few extra dollars you can even stop over in Darwin.
The Tour Route
Singapore
In Singapore we recommend the Hotel 81 chain at Sing$59 (A$43). These budget hotels are the best value in Singapore. We usually stay in Hotel 81 Palace in Geylang, only 10 mins walk from the Aljuned MRT station on the airport line.
It is extremely easy to navigate your way around Singapore on the extensive SMRT city rail and bus network. Free transport maps are available at the airport. You can easily spend a few days in Singapore. Orchard Road 
 Singapore's Orchard Road
"The Chanzelize of the East" as John calls it has some of the world's best shops. Peoples Park in China Town for bargain hunters. Sim Lim Square for electronics right next to Bugis where there are great bargains and food courts. Go to Santosa Island via cable car. Enjoy a Singapore sling at Raffles, don't miss the museum at the gift shop, 
To Kuala Lumpur
Next leg on our journey is to Kuala Lumpur, the cheapest way is the bus. If you take a bus from Singapore you will pay the Malaysian 30 Ringgit fare in Singapore dollars ie: SIN $30 (A$24) as against A$11 in Ringgit. Take a local bus to Jahore Baru, then only pay the Ringgit fare to KL. The bus trip is well worth while and you will cross the famous 
causeway into Malaysia and see lots of countryside. Your bus will arrive at the KL China Town bus station. 
KL China Town
China Town is the most exciting and cheapest place to stay in KL, endless street stalls and restaurants, especially on Jalan Petaling where usually we stay in the China Town Inn Hotel RM 99 (A$35) per night. Other recommended hotels in the area The Swiss In and Mandarin.
Jalan Petaling Kuala Lumpur
Sightseeing KL
There is lots to do and see in KL, most people head straight for the Petronas Twin tower building viewing platform to get their KL bearings, it is easily accessible by the MRT rail transit. For shopping visit the Petronas shopping centre or out of town at the Mid-Valley Shopping Mall - MRT from Sentral or the Bukit for up-market shops and expensive restaurants. 
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 15
 
The Twin Petronas Towers
Masjid Jamek
Back in China Town area, visit Masjid Jamak one of KL's oldest Mosques, The nearby moorish Government buildings, on around the old Central Railway Station, taking in the huge National Mosque
Old Central Station
Drop into Central Market for brik-a-brack and good food court.
Central Market
In the evening dine Alfresco in one of the many street cafe's in China town, some even serve Deer, John's favourite.
China Town Street Eat
For the adventurous check out the Cafe' at the Coliseum Hotel. 
Coliseum Cafe'
Then finish up with a drink at the Reggae Bar back in China Town.
Deviating From the Tour
At this point you may want to add to our tour and explore other parts of Malaysia easily accessible by bus, train or on AirAsia's domestic. 
KL - AirAsia's Base
Kuala Lumpur is Air Asia's base, from here you can travel to many asian destinations. Get yourself a 
map and check their website. Best fares are usually 3-6 moths ahead
Just think, maybe you would like to visit Penang, Bangkok, Phuket, Cambodia, hanoi, Hong Kong (Macau), China, Laos, Philippines or Myannamar, you won't believe the Cheap Return fares from KL
Down to Bali
Whether you are just coming via KL or you have been doing some tour deviations it's finally time to travel to Bali for a week or two and relax, soak up some sun and enjoy
To the Airport
AirAsia has their own terminal at Kuala Lumpur Airport, know as the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).
AirAsia A$3 bus service to and from their LCCT to to KL Sentral.
Kerobokan Home Office News - September 2007
Page 16
 
from Pasar Seni MRT station (China Town) or an A$1.50 taxi  ride. Best to allow a good 2 hours from your hotel to the Airport and try and arrive 2½ hours before your flight to have a stress free experience.
The flight to Bali take 3 hours have your US$25 ready for the Indonesian 30 day Visa-On-Arrival (VOA). They also accept foreign currencies at a bad rate or major credit cards. Fixed rate Taxi's are available at the airport to your Bali destination.
We shall not cover your stay in Bali because you have no doubt been before. If you are a first timer, we have extensively covered Bali in past editions, check them out.
Back to Kuala Lumpur
Bid farewell to Bali and head back to Kuala Lumpur. You might only plan to stay one night before heading back to Singapore. For something different maybe take the day or a sleeper on the night train. Malaysian Railways Kareta Tanah Melayu (KTM) and book on-line.
First Class Seating KUL-SIN
Also check the Man in Seat 61 for full Malaysian train network. A first class seat will cost you A$24. 
 More Deviations 
Maybe you would like to spent a couple of days relaxing at Malaysia's only Casino complex, high atop a mountain 50 km north of KL - Genteng Highlands,
Genteng Highlands
riding the Cable Car to the top and staying in the world's largest hotel with 6,200 rooms. You can take in a show, ride the roller coaster or have a flutter in the casino.
Busses depart from Sentral Stason, cost A$3 including the cable car.
More AirAsia Fun 
Maybe you have decide to take another AirAsia excursion so many destinations to choose from.
Back to Melbourne
At last it is time to travel back to Melbourne with Tiger Airways from Singapore - you have probably had a couple of last days in Singapore for last minute shopping. getting to the airport is easy, just take the SMRT train direct to the airport only costs about A$1.20.
Booking Information
It is best to plan your holiday 3-6 months ahead, check AirAsia's and Tiger Airways websites regularly for special offers, we do this and have had some great bargains.
Now you should be fully equipped to start planning your own KHO Circle Asia Holiday and take a Cooks Tour to Bali.
Airfares quoted were found by the KHO on-line Aug 10 for travel  February 2008. 
Fare Calculations
MEL-SIN Tiger fare A$
288
KUL-DPS AirAsia fare A$
71
DPS-KUL AirAsia fare A$
63
SIN-MEL Tiger fare A$
229
Total Fare    A$ 651
*Airfares only,  for travel Feb '08
Perth readers can get together a similar trip by flying Tiger Airways from Perth to Singapore.
Fare Calculations
PER-SIN Tiger fare A$
211
KUL-DPS AirAsia fare A$
71
DPS-KUL AirAsia fare A$
63
SIN-PER Tiger fare A$
173
Total Fare    A$ 518
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