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Archive for July, 2010
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Saturday, July 31st, 2010Bali Villa Rental Guide to Your Bali Holiday Environment
Saturday, July 31st, 2010It is the first day of your Bali holiday and your first night at a Bali rental villa.
Welcome to the paradise called the Bali Island.
However, unless you have been living in the tropics for a while, welcome to what I call the ‘mini-environmental culture shock’. Well, at least if you have chosen a good villa in a non-urban setting, you are in for some new, exciting and really interesting sights, sounds and experiences.
This free travel guide is intended to help you most of your Bali holiday, and the new sights, sounds and smells that await you.
Rice Terraces
Balinese rice terraces are an art form in themselves, which has taken centuries to perfect.
Quite likely, around your rental villa, you will be surrounded by rice terraces which are still being tended by the local community, using the traditional techniques.
The wonderful climate of Bali allows for up to three sets of harvests to take place every year.
Depending on what time of the year you are in Bali, you are going to experience one of the following:
Preparation of the Terraces
This is when the fields look like layers of serene lakes, shimmering in the sun.
Planting of the Saplings
An exciting time, when local farmers will be working busily, planting young saplings, with an amazing speed and technique. If you have a video camera with you, this is the time to get close and personal with the locals community. Most will respond to your request to photo/film their activities with a pride and a smile.
Growing & Protecting
During this period, you will note the farmers continuously in the fields from sun-rise to sun-set. They will either be mending and managing the terraces, or trying to protect their crop from the birds. Protection of the fields from the birds tends to attract the whole community, especially the young and the elderly. You will see interesting home-invented contraptions being put up to scare the birds away, and hear old ladies trying to personally scare the birds away making some very interesting (and obviously time tested) sounds
Harvesting
Given the nature of the rice plant, this is typically a very rapid process. One which is followed by the very labour intensive and slow process of separating the rice from the chaff, manually, by hand, using again centuries old methods.
Cleaning Up
Once the rice harvest has completed, you will note the local community collecting the stalks, and burning them in preparation for the next plantation.
During this final period you may see smoke towering from the fields. Please note that there is no need to be alarmed, as these are controlled fires which take place in the middle of the rice terraces, surrounded by water.
If you have never had the chance to do so, we would highly recommend that you take a stroll through the rice terraces. You will find the local farmers very friendly and welcoming, and if you wanted to take some photos, some will even go out of their way to pose for you!
However, please note that it takes a lot of effort and sweat to keep the rice terraces in working condition. Please keep to the ‘foot-paths’ between the terraces, and avoid walking into the actual water-ways themselves. Also, we would recommend wearing soft shoes (sandals/flip-flops) to minimise damage (to the rice fields). Or like locals do, you may want to go barefoot!
The Local Community
The local community in Bali is organised around a very strong network of Banjars (local councils/cantons).
However, unlike the western concept of councils, each local community is locally managed and run, and is almost a state onto itself, with its own local values, rules and guidelines. So much so, that it can actually be up to the local Banjar to decide if a new building can be built or not, or what purpose should the new developments have.
Typically your Bali villa will have close relationship with the local Banjar, and the local community. Many of your villa staff will probably be from the local village.
The Local Religion in Bali
Like most of the rest of Bali, at Mia Villa we live in a Hindu community.
Balinese Hinduism is a fascinating subject in itself, enshrined in local culture and tradition. We would urge all our guests to track down a temple ceremony and experience this festive religion first hand themselves. (Typically, your Villa Manager will be more than happy to advise you on where the next/nearest public ceremony is likely to be.)
In like with the local traditions, many villas have their own full size temples or at least a mini-temple attached to a wall (quite likely near the kitchen area).
It is perfectly alright to take pictures of the temple, and the villa staff praying, making offerings at the temple. However, as a show of respect to the local traditions a level of respect does indeed go a long way. Using the temple as a towel rack (you would be surprised what some people will do!), allowing children to climb the temple or play with the offerings, and being in the nude around the temple are best avoided.
You will note that, every single day your villa staff will visit the villa temple, making offerings and prayers. These prayers are made to protect the villa, its guests, and its staff from harm and negative forces, and to keep the evil spirits away from your Bali villa.
Balinese Hinduism is a very open minded and accommodating religion. If you wanted to find out more about it please do not hesitate to ask your villa staff, who will often share the subject with you very willingly.
Sights of Nature
Most Bali villas enjoy extensive tropical gardens, and you will be surrounded by a wonderful range of tropical trees and flowers.
Whilst, some like the Heleconia and the Lotus Flowers are easy to spot and appreciate, there are many other smaller varieties of plants that you will come across which provide subtler insights into a tropical garden.
If you want to take certain varieties back home, and try growing them, please do not hesitate to speak to your Villa Gardener or your Villa Manager who will be happy to introduce you to some of the better nurseries on the island. (Of course, please first check that your destination country does allow for import of tropical plants.)
Sounds of Nature
The Gecko
Permanent and non-paying residents of most Bali villas is the Gecko (lizard-like creatures).
Totally harmless to humans and pets, the gecko are welcome guests as they feed on ants and small insects, providing a natural and environmentally friendly pest control.
Gecko also provide the signature sound-bite of the tropics. You will hear the very distinctive call of the Gecko on a regular basis. (It is said that if you count a Gecko call up to seven times in one go it will bring you good luck.)
Possibly the only down-side of Geckos is that they tend to eat a lot, and as a result pooh a lot too! So if you come across small droppings on the floor, you know who the guilty party is.
Some gecko can grow to quite large sizes (30 cm / 1 ft)+, and become quite a bit louder. They are still totally harmless to humans. However, if you find that you are bothered by the louder gecko, you will need to raise this with your Villa Manager.
The Kodok
Another permanent resident of Bali is the Kodok, or frogs as we know them in the English speaking world.
The Kodok are such a big part of the life in Bali (as a result of the rice terraces), that you will see their statues throughout the island, often depicted as mischievous and fun loving characters.
Needless to say, the Kodok are totally harmless, and more often than not, heard rather than seen. (Unless it has been raining, when they will be brave enough to come out for a shower.)
Local Ceremonies
Some evenings you may hear gentle rhythmic drums, and chanting at a distance. (Especially during full moon or dark moon.) These are the sounds of the ceremonies being held at the local villages around you.
Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than, turning off the TV/music, grabbing your favourite drink, and enjoying these ceremonies from a distance. I believe this is one of the most pleasurable benefits of staying at Bali villas.
Traffic, Motorbike, Night-Club Noises
If you have chosen the location of your Bali rental villa correctly, you should hear very little (if any) of noise.
However, if you are having withdrawal symptoms; Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak do indeed provide that bright-lights / big city experience to rival most holiday resorts in the world.
Hopefully, armed with these insights, you can now ease into your new rental villa in Bali, and enjoy your holiday in this island paradise.
Many happy returns…
Joanna M Lawson is an independent travel writer based in SE Asia and splits her time between London and Bali. Ms Lawson is not directly affiliated with Bali Villa Rental. To reuse this article you are required to link to the site above.
Apartments for sale in Calabria
Saturday, July 31st, 2010
Brand new high quality video of one of the newest Pizzo property investment apartments for sale in Calabria. Le Terrazza di Pizzo, a luxurious development of apartments where you can choose from one and two bedrooms either with spacious gardens on the ground floor or with roof top terraces on the top floor. Watch Video then download brochure from www.experience-international.com
UK Investment Property
Saturday, July 31st, 2010The United Kingdom And Property
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) is a made up of four countries of immense diversity, tradition and culture. Beautiful countryside, islands, moors, craggy mountains and cliffs, rolling hills, shorelines and beaches, it has scenery as varied as its people. The UK investment property may include any one of the four individual countries that make up the United Kingdom: England; Scotland; Wales and Northern Ireland. There are also a number of islands, in particular the Scottish island groups of the Shetlands and the Orkneys, the English Scilly Isles and Isle of Wight and the Welsh island of Anglesey. The British Isles are to be found off the western extremity of continental Europe, separated from it by the English Channel and the North Sea. The climate is temperate in nature, and in the words of William Blake, you see “England’s green and pleasant land”. All of these complicated factors make UK investment property very lucrative.
Of the four countries England has the largest population at 50 million of the total 60 million people and consequently is the busiest.
The UK is steeped in history and tradition, with a respected Monarchy and is the home of democracy. It’s is as much known for its culture as for its music and festivals, inventions, sport, art and literature, fashion and films and television. It is sometimes called “Cool Britannia” and many a trend has started in the UK.
Throughout the four countries there are many cultural sights with stately homes, castles, palaces and accompanying grounds in abundance. Many of these are run by different organizations such as the National Trust, Scottish Trust and the National Park Trust. Wherever you are in the UK you are never far from something of significance or of historical value.
Major cities, such as London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle and Manchester offer impressive galleries, museums and theatres giving the traveller a multitude of activities to pursue.
Outside of these metropolitan areas there are still many towns and cities with historical value such as Bath, Salisbury and Harrogate. Peaceful village life is also an option with rural communities abounding across the majority of all of the countries.
UK Property Investment Market
Prior to the election of the present Labour Government, the UK property market had tended to move in very cyclical patterns with significant (short term) boom and busts episodes. Over the last 10 years this particular trait has faded and the UK property investment market has been on a general upturn for some time. The release of significant numbers of social housing over the last decade has helped to flatten the natural boom and bust curve.
As the UK continues to attract significant overseas property investment the UK property investment market around the major cities have tended to lead the way with regards to price rises (particularly London property and the South East). Where the major cities lead, the smaller cities and towns have followed – although there is often a time lag as the factors affecting the general market slowly spread far and wide.
While the UK market has been prone to short term, often volatile, swings, there is no doubt that the return on UK Property over any significant period has been significantly higher than those of mainland Europe. The UK has always been a very much purchase driven market, however as the international profile of the country continues to grow, a prosperous rental market has been created – with particular emphasis on London which has led the way in Europe with regards to financial markets in particular (The Stock Exchange, Petroleum Exchange, Metals Exchange, etc).
There are a number on anomalies with regards to property transactions in each of the four individual countries, and these should be assessed at the time of any transaction. In the main the differences relate to how bids are entered and how they are chosen.
As the financial institutions continue to increase their lending to the mortgage industry, it is now possible to obtain mortgages based upon up to five times your income. This recent increase in the basis has further helped to fuel what was, and continues to be a buoyant area of investment.
Buying Investment Property in the UK
While the UK continues to retain a strong sense of tradition and history, there is no doubt that London in particular is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. It is the employment hub of the UK, and has particular strengths in the financial arena, e.g. The London Stock Exchange, etc. This has, and continues to attract significant overseas investment, which is in turn feeding a growing economy. As the economy grows, so does the demand for housing and buying investment property in the UK.
While the weather in the UK can be unpredictable there is a massive influx of tourists from all around the world, although a vast number of them arrive from Japan and the US. Impressed with the tradition and variety of the society, many have chosen to invest in holiday homes, second homes. It also helps that London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, and offers access to all major cities of the world.
The current climate of low interest rates, low inflation and increased infrastructure spend bodes well for the future of the UK. The UK has also been chosen to host the 2012 Olympic Games which will put the worldwide spot light on this beautiful, diverse group of countries.
The Future of UK Property Investment
While the release of further housing stock over the last decade has helped to control the ongoing property boom, demand still far out weighs supply – especially in the more affluent south of England, where the majority of overseas investment is applied.
However, over the last few years we have seen areas such as Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland; continue to increase their profile which has resulted in some fairly large property price rises in these areas. This pattern has been repeated in a number of the more business central areas of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
One of the main attractions to tourists to the UK seems to be the great and varied history of the land, which has links as far afield as Pakistan and India who are members of the ever expanding Commonwealth of the United Kingdom.
The UK also has a very thorough infrastructure, where it is possible to travel between the likes of London and Glasgow (in Scotland) within a couple of hours – carrying you from the hustle and bustle of the big city, to the verges of the beautiful Scottish countryside complete with Lochs, Golf Courses and miles of National park.
Travel within the UK is very easy as there are no passport restrictions when moving between the four countries United Kingdom.
The author of this article moderates at Totally Property – a Real Estate Forum that specialises in UK Investment Property.
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Bali Villa Holiday Guide to Family Holidays in Bali
Saturday, July 31st, 2010A rental villa in Bali is a great way to spend your well earned few weeks with family members.
However, whether you go for a luxury Bali villa or a standard private Bali villa, how you spend your holiday, and what you do will almost invariably be defined by the number and ages of the children in your family.
This quick guide is intended to provide you with insights into Bali for families, with Bali travel tips and tricks.
Of course, we will start our list in priority, with the most important people, the young ones. If you wish, you may want to scroll down to the right age group for your children.
Infants
A Bali villa holiday is an ideal choice to make (over hotels and the like), if you are traveling to the island with an infant.
At a rental villa you have greater flexibility, support, and often much needed space.
Invariably, Balinese adore children, especially the younger ones. At your Bali rental villa you will more than likely get eager support to look after the little ones whilst you take a much deserved dip in the pool.
Today in Bali, most of your infant’s and your own needs will be met readily. Clean bottled water should be available at your villa, at no extra cost. Most rental villas will offer a microwave, so handy for warming up bottles. Some will even provide child friendly cutlery, so you don’t have to carry your own. Needless to say, as a favourite international tourist destination, Bali offers some very good international standard hospitals and English speaking doctors, if the need arises.
If your little one (or you for that matter), have a particular make of infant formula that you prefer, you may want to get your Bali Villa Manager to check availability for you before you arrive. Whilst there is an increasingly wider choice of baby formulas and ready-made fruit/vegetable purees available in Bali, you may not always be able to find the specific brand that you are familiar with. Of course, the same goes for disposable nappies. These are available at most supermarkets, but possibly not exactly the right brand you may be after.
The great thing about taking your own baby formula, and disposable nappies to Bali is that, having used these up in Bali, for your return trip home, you are left with much more space/weight allowance for all the shopping you will have done in Bali!
For your supplies, you may wish to try Bali Deli, Bintang Supermarket Bali. For a good selection of inflatables drop in at Matahari Bali at Bali Galleria.
Toddlers
Toddlers will love Bali and the Balinese people, since they are absolutely wonderful in interacting with the young ones.
If you want your toddler to make the most of your Bali villa pool, then you can find a variety of inflatable swimming support equipment at department stores, malls and pharmacies. Of course, it is worth noting that when buying these types of devices in Asia, one needs to pay careful attention that it meets international safety regulation. Also, as all inflatable equipment intended for children should clearly state, -these are not life saving devices and should always be used under the supervision of a competent adult swimmer-..
Also, it is worth noting that, many good villas in Bali, will actually provide some basic toys for your toddlers. Again, it is worth checking that these do meet international safety standards, as some cheap knock-offs may have small pieces or sharp edges.
If you are in need of some nap time stories, there are numerous bookshops in Bali which carry a good selection of English language children’s books. You will find that especially those printed in Indonesia are very reasonably priced.
You may want to try Peripulus Bali or Gramedia Bali, both of which seem to have suitable book selections for the young ones.
Older Children
In my experience, older children will have a ball in Bali and quite likely very happily tire themselves out between the villa swimming pool and the daily excursions.
If you have chosen one of the more spacious Bali villas, it is worth noting that the Balinese do enjoy playing football/soccer as much as the next nation. The rental villa staff will probably need only a tiny bit of encouragement to start playing ball with your young ones.
Similarly, your female villa staff will be more than happy to play-house with your little girl for many hours. What a better way for the young ones to get to learn a new culture, and may be pick up a word or two of the local language whilst having fun!
Of course, once you manage to drag yourself out of your Bali holiday villa, the options for the young ones are even more numerous.
Here is a quick list for starters:
1. Waterbom Park Bali
A genuine must during your Bali villa vacation. Suitable rides for children of all ages.
2. Horse Riding
From chaperoned rides on ponies to full galloping experience on the beach.
3. Cruising
A selection of boats, and family cruises to choose from.
3. Lovina Dolphin Watching
Bit far away from most Bali villas, but still well worth the trip.
5. Elephant Safari Park
With some great conservation and animal rescue efforts.
6. Go-Karting
For those with the need for speed.
Teenagers
I regularly get asked, if it is safe to mix Bali with teenagers. In all honesty? The answer is an absolute and one hundred percent, yes.
Bali is essentially a very safe place.
Over a million people visit Bali every year, with tens of thousands of teenagers traveling to Bali with their families, or on their own, and in majority of the cases, no one ever feels threatened or in any form of risk.
There are numerous restaurants, bars, and night clubs in Bali, and probably all are essentially safe places for anyone with some common sense.
Three simple guidelines apply in Bali, as with any other holiday destination.
- Keep away from illegal substances.
- Drink alcohol in moderation (especially in the heat, as one will already be dehydrated)
- Think twice before renting a motor-bike (or certainly, riding one under the influence of alcohol)
Once these three basics are addressed, you will find Bali to be one of the safest holiday destinations for your teenagers.
For You
Of course, last but not least, if there is any time left, you yourself will want to enjoy your Bali villa to the fullest.
The great news is, you have your own private swimming pool in your own villa. (Almost all Bali villas come with private pools.) Also, quite likely a wonderful sun-deck from which to soak up the rays.
Most Bali rental villas come equipped with a TV and Satellite/Cable connection. So if you want to catch up on the news, or sports, or just enjoy a DVD, you will not feel out of touch.
Many rental villas in Bali will also provide a library service, providing all sorts of fiction/non-fiction books for your reading pleasure whilst in Bali.
If you want to be a bit more adventurous, and can actually bring yourself to leave your newly found haven, here are a few things you may wan to try:
1. Dance Performances
Try to catch one of each of:Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least.
2. Designer Shopping
In the recent years, Balinese design scene has been experiencing an amazing renaissance.
3. Diving
Different courses and organised dives exist to meet all needs.
4. Fishing
Fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)
5. Golfing
A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali, many with great views.
6. Helicopter Tours
Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget.
7. Kite Boarding
Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental are available at Nusa Dua beaches.
8. Surfing
If you are experienced, you will know where to go. If you want to learn, head for the Kuta beach where you can catch beginners’ lessons.
9. Paragliding
Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces into the Indian Ocean!.
10. White Water Rafting
Enjoy a thrilling ride through 8 kilometers of rapids!
Once you have done it, you will agree that, Bali villas offer an amazing setting to enjoy your family holiday. The great thing is, you get to have a great Bali holiday, together, but each enjoying their own space, flexibility and freedom.
Hopefully, armed with these insights, you can now ease into your new Bali rental villa, and have a spectacular holiday in this island paradise.
Many happy returns…
Joanna M Lawson is an independent travel writer based in SE Asia and splits her time between London and Bali. Ms Lawson is not directly affiliated with Bali Villas. To reuse this article you are required to link to the site above.
Property in Phuket – Investors Turn to the East
Saturday, July 31st, 2010With recent months seeing relative instability and poor returns from overseas property investment, the past twelve months have seen property investors going through a period of reflection, as they look to see which international markets will offer them the long term returns of investment they are looking for. Issues such as increasingly fragile economies and oversupply in traditional markets, have seen investors starting to look at markets such as Phuket with a view to them offering higher yields over the next few years.
Larger than Singapore, and located approximately 860 kilometres south of Bangkok, Phuket is one of South East Asia’s premier tourist destinations. Friendly locals, good infrastructure, exceptional cuisine and a tropical climate have resulted in large numbers of international property investors moving into Phuket. As such, the island is rapidly becoming a regional hub of international property investment, offering relative stability in uncertain times.
Recently Phuket has seen some exciting, and genuinely innovative property development projects being launched on the island. Projects such as the Royal Marina and the Laguna Village are well conceived developments, which prove attractive to overseas investors. These projects offer a genuine lifestyle choice for people, offering waterside living in a beautiful and friendly environment.
As well as the favourable local conditions for investors, the second factor affecting this growth in demand for property in Phuket is the increasing acceptance of overseas property investment in Thailand by the local authorities. At present, Thai law states that a foreigner may not own the freehold to the land, however they are able to purchase a freehold title for the building which sits on the land. In effect, the resulting purchase agreement will see the purchaser buying the freehold title for the property, and a separate 30 year lease on the land itself. In this instance, it is common for the contract to provide an option to extend the lease a further two times, each for thirty years, effectively giving a 90 year lease.
Property legislation in Thailand is slightly different for investors wishing to purchase a condominium, where a developer is likely to offer the purchaser both a leasehold and freehold option. Under Thailand property law, foreign ownership of a condominium must be under the allow limit of 49%, and in this instance ownership on a freehold basis can be offered. However if the block is currently over the 49% foreign ownership quota, then the property will be offered on a leasehold basis with the option to extend twice for periods of 30 years.
Whilst this method of property legislation may seem time consuming and complex, it is commonly practiced throughout Thailand, and it is believed that the authorities are currently looking at streamlining this process. As with all property purchases overseas, the requirement for a solid understanding of local legislation makes the choice of a good, multi-lingual solicitor a key factor to a smooth transaction.
These more favourable conditions, coupled with the stable political and economic climate currently being experienced in Thailand, investors are seeing long term returns from a market which currently represents good value in the property market.
The market for property in Phuket is gaining popularity, but still has a long way to go before reaching maturity. With a range of property on offer in the region, Phuket has something to cater for every budget and taste.
Mark Burns is a Partner at Property-Dubai.tv, a global property website, offering a wide selection of property in Phuket and a range of Thailand real estate.
Plot for sale in Salema, Vila do Bispo, Portugal
Friday, July 30th, 2010
www.overseasproperty24.co.uk Plot (Plot) for sale in Salema, Vila do Bispo, Algarve Portugal Type: Plot Plot Area: 9120 Swimming Pool: No Price: EUR 325000 UPDATED – Plot of land in Salema Plot of land of 9120sqm in a good location in Salema in the western Algarve. It would be possible to build a house of 120sqm. The plot has water and electricity. Properties are sold on a daily basis, please contact us to confirm availability and price. Thousands of properties at www.overseasproperty24.co.uk overseas property ads
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Twin House for sale in A dos Negros, Silver Coast, Portugal
Friday, July 30th, 2010
www.overseasproperty24.co.uk Twin House (House) for sale in A dos Negros, Silver Coast, Norte, Silver Coast Portugal Twin House 2 Bedrooms Ref: TOP393e Location: A dos Negros District: �idos Frontground floor Front EURO � 155.000 document.write(emprojecto) — — 87.64 square meters 199.98 square meters Zone: — Condominium “Quinta dos Aromas” consisting of 13 semi-detached houses located in Casais da Areia just metres from the dam of the river Arnoia. 5 minutes from Caldas da Rainha and 1 hour from Lisbon. Caldas da Rainha or �Queens Spa� is one of the oldest spa towns in Europe with its own city council. Nearby the centre lies an attractive park with a lake, an ideal place to relax. There are a variety of shops, bars, restaurants and a daily fruit and vegetable market selling local fresh produce. There is a communal swimming pool with shower area and a playground. The houses are equipped with central heating, video surveillance and a fully fitted kitchen. If you would like Thousands of properties at www.overseasproperty24.co.uk overseas property ads