Travel and Party Time

The 6 Ways To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

2008-02-09T01:31:00.000-08:00

I know, you wish you didn't have to put that mortgage payment in the mailbox each month, so what if you could take that mortgage payment and put it into your pocket instead? Well you can and I'll show you how. The bottom line is this, if you aren't trying to pay off your mortgage early or adjust your mortgage payment you're leaving MEGA-BUCKS on the table.

There are really only 6 ways that you can make a mortgage payment that will help you pay off your mortgage early. Some are good, some are not. It really just depends on your financial situation and how much you're willing to sacrifice.

Regardless of your situation there is ALWAYS a method or two that will work perfectly for you. So here are your options:

The 6 Ways To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early:

1 - Take advantage of the 'mortgage payment loop hole' that has recently been uncovered (free report below)

2 - Use a biweekly mortgage payment plan (doesn't seem like much but works well)

3 - Make an additional mortgage payment to the principle each month (3% rule)

4 - Refinance (I know you probably have a million lenders calling you EVERY day about this one) at a lower rate and keep the monthly mortgage payment the same

5 - Make a lump sum mortgage payment to the principle (maybe with a salary bonus you get)

6 - Refinance to a 15 year mortgage (the mortgage payment increases but it gets the job done)

The most important thing to remember about choosing a mortgage payment to pay off your mortgage early is to understand what it will do for you financially in the future, and then to be able to compare that to what the mortgage payment method is doing to you financially right now.

Often, making the decision on which mortgage payment method to use comes down to your family and lifestyle. Ask yourself the following questions before deciding which mortgage payment method makes the most sense for you.

Do you have a retirement set aside?

Do you have a college fund for your kids?

Do you need/want a new car?

Does your spouse want to go on a vacation?

How much money do you want to save and how badly do you want to pay off your mortgage early?

It may seem hard to choose which one of these mortgage payment options will work best for you, but if you're truly serious about taking control of your financial life it won't be tough. This is just an overview of all the mortgage payment methods that pay off a mortgage early, but I've written several other articles on these methods that you can look up if you want to go into detail on a certain method.

Home Equity Loan: What You Need to Know

2008-02-09T01:30:00.000-08:00

The idea of getting a home equity loan while interest rates are low to help you pay off your bills, buy a car, or even pay for your child’s education may seem like a great idea. However, you should educate yourself first so you know exactly what a home equity loan is and if it is really right for you.

The basic idea of a home equity loan is that you can borrow against the current equity in your home, so the more equity you have the larger home equity loan you can receive. In essence, to receive a home equity loan you are using your home as collateral, or the basis, for the home equity loan. If you do not pay the home equity loan back, then your home is at stake and may be foreclosed upon. This is sobering news many people are not aware of, so getting a home equity loan requires some thought and the ability to repay the home equity loan as well.

However, you might be reading this and actually interested in a home equity loan, but have no idea what equity is or if you have any. Equity is how much of your home you have paid for. So, you take the home’s current value and subtract it from the amount you still owe, and that is how much equity you have in your home and what will ultimately be used to approve or deny your home equity loan application. For example, your home is currently worth $400,000 and you have $280,000 left to pay on your mortgage. Your current equity is $120,000.

You will need to know all of this information before you apply for a home equity loan to know if you have enough equity to even apply for a home equity loan. Plus, the more you know about applying for and negotiating rates for a home equity loan the better deal you will receive. Remember, knowledge is power and the more home equity loan knowledge you have the more powerful you will be able to negotiate.

Home Equity Loans Offer an Opportunity to Be Debt Free

2008-02-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

Getting home equity loans are fairly easy nowadays. If you are paying high rate of interest on secured loans, home equity loans can be a worthy option. Home equity loans are the loans secured against the equity in your home. Actually, equity means the value of your home after deducting your outstanding mortgage balance.

It is most likely that you might have built some equity in your home, if you have been a homeowner for quit some time. Now, you can borrow this money against this equity in the form of home equity loans. Homeowners often choose these loans as a way out to eliminate their credit card debts. Home equity loans have lower interest rates than most of the credit cards.

Popular features of home equity loans:

· Home equity loans are very popular because of low interest rate

· They provide an opportunity to finance a home improvement project

· It is a perfect opportunity for becoming debt free

· Your home equity loans is secured against your home’s equity , it is very likely that your application will approved by the lenders most aptly

Obviously, the amount that can be borrowed through such loans depends upon the value of you home. So, you should offer high equity collateral in case if you want to avail a low rate home equity loans.

However, it will be unwise to apply for home equity loans in presence of bad credit. On the contrary, a good credit history along with impressive collateral can ensure a good rate of interest.

Travel Insurance - Ensuring Total Peace Of Mind

2008-02-09T01:26:00.000-08:00

The best and most precise definition of Travel Insurance comes from Wikipedia which says that it "is the insurance that is intended to cover financial and other losses incurred while travelling, either within one's own country, or internationally." The coverage of this insurance depends on the nature of the loss and the subsequent liability of the Insurance Company.

Most people think that their 'normal' Life, Household goods and Personal Accident policies are enough for them, without paying additional premium for the complicated Travel Insurance, when they travel. Unfortunately, they come to know that they have been very wrong after discovering the hard way. It is not only a valid need, it is compulsory as well, when you travel internationally.

Most of policies cover some specific risks and leave the rest. It is your job to read the fine print and decide whether it contains all the coverage you might potentially need. For example, a particular low cost travel insurance might insure you against any medical emergencies arising when you are away from your home, travelling. But do enquire whether they also cover the cost of evacuating you to your city, in case of worst scenarion, or cover the cost of travel of your near ones who might have to fly in to take care of you, when you are sick.

There are many clauses and you need to get several quotes from various insurance companies, before you judge what is best for you. The best resource remains the internet and once you make up your mind, online insurance is the best bet to save your time and cut back on the cost of huge agent commissions. The insurance industry in UK is a bit complicated and you need to read a lot before you figure out what and what not your "free" travel insurance along with credit card of capital a/c includes. More often than not, you will find that the best and comprehensive coverage rarely comes under the tag of "cheap travel insurance" But in the long run, peace of mind is the most precious commodity and any cost for this elusive entity is justified.

Travel Insurance - Family Travel

2008-02-09T01:24:00.000-08:00

When preparing to travel with a family, there can be a multitude of different things to sort out - from tickets to taxis to the airport, as well as packing clothes, equipment and toys in between.

In amongst all the hassle of packing, arranging and ensuring your young ones will have enough to keep them occupied until you get to the hotel or resort at your destination, the thought of arranging insurance for your holiday might slip to the back of your mind.

Checking that you have adequate travel insurance before your trip is essential in order to ensure that you and your group are covered in the event of accidents and theft during your holiday.

Annual travel insurance policies can be purchased for longer periods of time, should you be making multiple trips during a short period of time.

Such deals can often work out cheaper than single-trip travel insurance and can help cover all members of your group during your holiday your family from a range of factors.

When searching for cover it is important to shop around, research different policies and the type of cover that they offer and, most importantly, to read the small print to check for any snags which could affect any claims.

Factors will depend on location and any planned activities during the holiday. Whilst activity holidays can be fun for all, but it is important to make sure you're covered for sports such as jet-skiing and other activities that have an increased risk of injury.

It is also essential to ensure that your possessions are covered for the duration of your trip in order to protect against any financial loss as a result of theft, luggage and passport loss, travel delays and any other legal expenses.

There are also a wide range of companies that specialise in and offer family travel insurance. These policies can be catered to meet the needs of your holiday and help to cover costs should you or your children require any medical assistance during your trip.

The Most Common Risks That Are Covered By Travel Insurance!

2008-02-09T01:22:00.000-08:00

Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover financial, medical expenses and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally.

Travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from (most often) travel agents, travel insurance companies or directly from travel suppliers such as cruiselines or tour operators.

Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

And in addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:

• high risk sports
• travel to high risk countries
• pre-existing medical conditions

Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.

So Find right travel partner to give you complete details and assistance for your travel insurance requirements.

Online Travel Market UK - 20.1 Billion EUR In 2008

2008-02-09T01:18:00.000-08:00

K online market is booming in its pace. It is really rapid in nature. The UK online travel market already passed 13.6 billion EUR in 2006 and it is expected by 2008, the online channel is expected to comprise 48% of the overall market, but growth rates as per projection it will grow 20% range.

The UK e-travel market has been influenced by the supply side fueling an ongoing demand side boom for travel service & products that will sustain for long term. Not only that the experience-based shopping and research, the online travel market where small players become threat for bid players, the globalism, the government policies, the easy way travel makes this industry a huge boost up.

The countries like UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy are the countries which are going to enjoy the boom. The future travel industry will be so productive and the industry where people can earn good amount of money. So, if you are are associated with business areas, or if you are an self employed person so enjoy the new area of business that is the travel industry and your target market may be UK, Germany.

So, don't waste your time just go for travel industry and earn as much as you can. The travel industry associate with travel insurance, travel loan, travel secure loan, travel package, holiday package, make trip, travel discounts, airport parking, bargain hunters, car higher information, compare travel, holiday planner, online travel, secure travel loan, travel deal, travel deals, travel help, travel insurance, travel loan, travel packages, traveling loan, traveling insurance, U.K. travel, unsecured travel loan and many more so go for it.

Fly To Bali

2008-01-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

Can I fly to Bali direct?

The Sunday Times opens its travel clinic on a daily basis to answer your holiday queries. Today: how to travel independently to Indonesia

I want to visit Bali next April, but do it myself, rather than use a tour operator. What's the best and cheapest way to fly there direct? Jamie Bell, London

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: Currently, all Indonesian airlines are banned from entering European Union airspace, so there aren't any direct flights from the UK to Bali.

Garuda (0871 222 3313), the national carrier, did used to fly from London to Jakarta, with good connections on to Bali, but for now it is only able to offer flights with Malaysian Airlines to Kuala Lumpur, and then Garuda on to Bali, from about £580.

Holiday Trip

2008-01-12T21:51:00.000-08:00

Holidays and carbon footprints: our lust for foreign travel should be quelled

writes Richard Hammond

United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon said that "climate change is the moral challenge of our generation" at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali.

While many of us are doing our bit for the planet - by insulating our homes, installing low-energy lightbulbs and recycling religiously, our willingness to live a low carbon life is often at odds with how we choose to go on holiday. And social care staff are no different, see www.communitycare.co.uk/Polls/List.aspx

The number of British people travelling abroad has more than tripled over the past 20 years, due largely to the cheaper cost of flying, although there is a heavy carbon cost of jumping on a jet. One return flight from London to Australia emits about four tonnes of carbon dioxide a person and even a short hop from Edinburgh to Malaga emits more than half a tonne of carbon dioxide for each person. With just one short flight you are likely to emit the equivalent of all the carbon dioxide you may have saved in the home throughout the year.

What then are the alternatives? Mile for mile, some cars with one person on board emits similar proportions of carbon dioxide to a plane, although with more passengers this comes right down.

Trains - as long as the line is electrified - emit far less carbon dioxide per person a return train trip from London to Edinburgh emits just 50kg of carbon dioxide, less than three times that produced by driving or flying the same distance.

There are lots of fantastic places you can reach by rail, such as the Scottish highlands, Penzance where you can catch the ferry to the Isles of Scilly, and Holyhead for the ferry to Dublin. And now that Eurostar is plugged into the European high-speed network you can reach many destinations on the Continent in a day. With rail, however, prices vary enormously depending on when you book, in the manner of air travel.

Low-impact holidays, such as camping, have had a renaissance because of the improvement to tent designs as well as the growth of "luxury campsites", such as Feather Down Farm Days in Hampshire and Canvas Chic in France. And there are now greener options available for most types of holidays, from city breaks to summer holidays.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme has certified more than 1,400 tourism businesses in England and Scotland - from B&Bs to five-star hotels that use energy and water more efficiently, send less waste to landfill and source local, seasonal and organic food.

You can do several things on holiday to make it greener. Small actions, such as turning off the lights, air-conditioning and heating when you leave your hotel room, can make a major difference to your holiday's environmental footprint.

So too will using a bike instead of a car. In the UK most people live within a mile of the National Cycle Network. For details of your nearest routes visit the website of the sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Green places to stay in the UK

● Apex Hotel, Edinburgh (0845 365 0000)

A four-star hotel in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, which has the gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme for its commitment to reducing energy and water use and using environmentally friendly chemicals.

● Mossgrove Hotel, Cumbria (01539 435251)

A Victorian mansion in the heart of the Lake District that has been refurbished as a modern, eco-friendly hotel, including beds made from sustainable wood sources and a restaurant that serves fair trade and organic food.

● Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall (01637 860555)

A large, family-friendly hotel on the north Cornish coast that has energy key card readers for the rooms, low-energy lightbulbs and a new eco-friendly spa.

● Ecocabin, Shropshire (01547 530183)

A cosy solar-powered lodge in the Shropshire hills. The cabin is built out of wood, wool, reeds, lime and clay and has everything you need for a week's self-catering, including a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, utility room, lounge and bathroom.

● YHA Midlands (0870 770 8868)

The Youth Hostel Association's newest hostel in the heart of the National Forest has a range of eco-features, including solar water heating and a wood-fuelled boiler that uses sustainable wood chips sourced from the forest.

Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel opens its new Club Floor

2008-01-08T22:54:00.000-08:00

Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel launched its new and exclusive Club Floor late last week, featuring 42 Club Rooms and Suites and also the Plaza Club Lounge.

The extensive renovation has seen all the rooms styled with a modern contemporary look and contemporary Balinese furnishings. It also represents a milestone for the hotel industry in Bali, as the Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel is the first 4 star resort in Bali to have a Club Lounge and dedicated Club Floors.

The new Club Floor was designed to specifically cater for the Corporate, Government, Meetings and Incentive markets, as well as the leisure traveller.

Kuta House

2008-01-07T07:11:00.001-08:00

Get Your Satay on at Kuta House

Mention the word Kuta to a surfer or a globetrotter and the first thing that comes to mind is the Balinese fishing village turned beach resort. The folks behind Kuta Satay House & Wine Bar are looking to get the same name recognition from diners with their new spot on the Lower East Side.

With a menu that gives shoutouts to various Indonesian locales and a dining room decked out with Balinese masks, it's clear where Kuta's heart lies. Like an ambitious Peace Corps worker, Kuta's bill of fare also makes stops in Korea, Thailand, India and Malaysia -- and that's just the satay page.

Gothamist's ordering strategy on our first visit skewed heavily toward the list of a dozen skewers. Peppery chunks of chicken tandoori were super tender, though a sidecar of cucumber relish could have used a bit more zing. Soy-brushed Indonesian chicken madura was good, but couldn't touch the stellar tandoori.

Lombok spicy seafood mix is named for the island that's home to the restaurant's namesake city of Kuta. And what a mix, the combination of chili lemongrass tiger shrimp, scallop and cuttlefish crammed onto the skewer was so good we briefly considered packing our bags and heading to Bali to learn how to surf. The sole disappointment among the satay was the Indonesian beef Madura, bits of tough chewy flank steak slicked with peanut sauce and topped with crispy shallots.

We also tried the Jimbaran crab cake, named after a Balinese city renowned for its fresh seafood. The gigantic disk of crab meat packed was a powerhouse of Indonesian spices and barely needed the chili aioli sauce. We had high hopes for the Kuta burger, but were disappointed. While it was a good burger, the only thing Asian about it was the spicy dipping sauce. If the chef could get the meat to sing with the same flavor as that crab cake then Kuta would have a burger tasty enough to make any surfer shout, "Cowabunga!"

Bali Hotel, Dynasty Resort

2008-01-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Bali Dynasty Resort

Sunday, January 06, 2008

If you are looking for accommodation that combines the beautiful surroundings of Bali with exciting nightlife and local hot spots then look no further than the Bali Dynasty Resort in South Kuta. Situated within beautiful tropical gardens and located near a beach front, this hotel caters for both families and couples.

Bali Dynasty Resort features not only an adult’s only pool and the famous Gracie Kelly pub also a kid’s pool equipped with a 56 metre waterslide and an Enchanted Garden Kids Club. There is also a wide variety of rooms to choose from, with rooms sleeping up to five people.

The hotel also combines a local Balinese architectural feel with international standard décor, giving guests a unique experience with the comforts of the familiar.

Some of the activities within the resort include: an exercise room, kids playground and tree house, a hair braid and tattoo artists and even a professional photographer. Parents can rest assured that their kids will be taken care of with the baby sitting service available and an on call 24 hr doctor service. There is also a list of daily activities that guests can choose from seven days a week. And essential amenities in the hotel include high speed internet access, meeting & banquet facilities for up to 300 people and a same day laundry and valet service.

Guests can choose from a selection of five different restaurants and bars to dine in and have a fun night with friends. Guests can also ease their tensions at the resort’s Dynasty Spa Villa with two “Royal” suits available with a massage bed.

Couples can also book a double massage room to unwind together. A massage bale is also available outside the main spa next to the lazy pool.

The hotel can also cater for your very special wedding day, providing an experienced team of people who will provide a priest and all the ceremony details. Married couples can also choose to renew their special vows at the resort.

This hotel not only features all the essential facilities that you could think of but also adds that extra touch to make your stay all the more special. Whether you are on your honeymoon or taking the family away for the holidays, experience the best that Bali has to offer with Bali Dynasty Resort.

Barong Dance

2008-01-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Barong dance

Barong is character in Bali mythology. It is king from souls and also symbolise kindliness. He represent enemy Rangda in Bali mythology. Banas Pati Rajah is soul consorting a child in life. Banas Pati Rajah trusted as soul moving Barong. Sebagai of Protector soul, Barong often be presented as a lion. Folk dance in Bali Depicting encounter of between Barong And Rangda is very famous and often be showed as attraction wisata

Barong Lion is one of the five forming Barong. Di of Bali Island of each;every shares of Bali island have protector soul for land and its forest each. Each Barong from deputizing described as certain district of different animal. There are forest pig, tiger, snake or fragon, and the lion. Form Barong as very popular lion and come from Gianyar. Located here Ubud, representing famous tourism place. In Calonarong or Bali dances, Barong use its witchraft to defeat Rangda.

Barong dance tell a story about kindliness versus badness in the world. When there is a kindliness hence there is also the badness and both always present in human life. By the end of demonstrating there is a extreme attraction, a human being jabed with sword and really the sword is not even a little hurt him.

Nusa Dua Beach and Hotel

2008-01-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

Nusa Dua Beach And Hotel

This is the Best! You will regret if having the day off to Bali do not visit this coast. Its situation which is in Bali south, and enough far from Kuta, making this coast is silent enough the visitor. Though, beauty of this coast without a parallel

Water which the transparent, calm, joined by white sand, representing most place engross to discharge all tired after job one week

Coast of Nusa Dua have the two isle which nowadays have one with coast. that Coastal second only contain grove and just just grass. Multitudes go to this coast, it is possible that most moment preoccupy. And surely going there both only with your couple..!

In Nusa Dua you can try several water sport, for example banana boat, paraselling, motor boat, diving, etc. At Nusa Dua also built many hotel and restaurant with provide high class services.

Bedugul

2008-01-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

Bedugul Wanajaya

Bedugul is a countryside name. But the many people which of opinion other; dissimilar with word Bedugul. A lot of which spell out members That Bedugul is lake name, temple name or even the market name. But in balinese language, bedugul mean "penis", this is strange, right???

That ascription emerge probably because besides as a countryside, Bedugul also is a complex. In a area which more or less have diameter 5 km, there are some kinds of place drawing to be visited. Started from Desa Bedugul itself, Kebon Raya, and Lake Beratan ( second biggest lake in Bali), Pura Ulun Danu, and Traditional Market Candi Kuning

Wide fair to middling Existing Kebon Raya here. Even if according to myself, far flung. From back part to back part of Kebon Raya if we walking can pass the time 20 minute. Here there are hundreds of plant species, start from beautiful for example flower rose till which ’ thormy horo’ and also there.

Lake Beratan according to very attractive me also. Besides its water is fresh, we can rent speed boat which can be brought by self or can also rent guide to usher us. Its own boat are immeasurable. There are rowing boat, boat of machine or motorboat

Traditional Market Candi kuning is a place which suited for buying present especially fruit. Bedugul known as a fruit producer. There are strawberry, maize, markisa, etc. All in one "deh"...

Actually, most matter draw in Bedugul is its air is very chilled. Others its landscape is which can see almost entire/all Bali. If in java, Bedugul possible loo like Puncak (West java, Indonesia)

Bali Guide

2008-01-01T02:25:00.000-08:00

GUIDE TO BALI

This BALI GUIDE is maintained and updated regularly by foreign residents living in Bali, usually once a week – sometimes more often. You're invited to visit frequently and to bookmark this page.

You'll find on this site current information on the island of Bali in Indonesia and down-to-earth advice, sometimes biased by personal experiences but never influenced by commercial considerations. (The server space is provided by Balivillas.com/Bali.com Ltd as a free service to all visitors to Bali.)

BALI — THE "ULTIMATE ISLAND"

In spite of many changes caused by the rapid development of Bali's economy, local and international tourism, and communications (television, fax, pagers, GSM hand phones, Internet), the influx of people from other Indonesian islands, and the strong influence of the government and "big business" in Jakarta, the island of Bali in Indonesia is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world.

Bali's wide variety of attractions, the physical beauty of the island, and the year-round pleasant climate make Bali a place regarded by many visitors as the "Ultimate Island".

The friendly people and the absence of any serious criminal activities guarantee visitors a totally relaxing stay – which is a very pleasant surprise for guests who repeatedly felt threatened in Barbados, Jamaica, and other "dream islands" in the Caribbean.

Honeymoon destination

2008-01-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas, Nevada. The city that never sleeps, Las Vegas's bustling nightlife ensures you'll find something to entertain you and your loved one. With great food, wonderful attractions and entertainment that cannot be found anywhere else, Las Vegas is a supreme honeymoon destination anytime of the year.

The Caribbean. If you truly want to feel pampered, the tropical Caribbean offers everything couples could want for a romantic honeymoon. Beautiful beaches, tropical islands and wonderful shopping will entice and enchant you and your partner at this honeymoon location of a lifetime.

Ireland. A country

rich with history, Ireland offers a truly unique honeymoon experience. Beautiful landscapes, towering cliffs and amazing ocean views are the perfect setting for your romance. Tour an ancient castle, have a picnic on the beach or watch the sun set over the water and you'll truly feel in paradise.

Paris, France. What better place to spend your union as husband and wife? Visit the Eiffel Tower, tour the various historic landmarks and take in the scenery at a sidewalk cafe or bistro. Truly romantic, Paris will delight you and your significant other with fine dining, shopping, tourist attractions and luxury hotels.

Italy. If you enjoy fabulous cuisine, picturesque landscapes and a climate that seems perfect year round, you'll want to visit Italy on your romantic honeymoon. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the shopping cannot be beat. Tour old ruins to understand the country's history or take a seaside walk by a looming medieval castle. You'll definitely remember this honeymoon long after it's over.

No matter where you decide to spend your honeymoon, you'll find the perfect romantic spot is a place that will be special to both of you; a trip you'll remember for the rest of your life.

By Denise Shively

Spend your holiday in bali

2007-12-31T23:46:00.000-08:00

Kuta Bali

Kuta in addition to being the Sunset Site Number One, with its daily spectacular sunsets, it is also the centre of night life activities in Southern Bali and a shopping mecca, with its lines of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Restaurants line up the streets as well as the Bachfront,Hotels, ranging from a small, inexpensive homestay to a luxurious resort, will ready accomodate you.

The beach of Kuta is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport’s runway, which gives you a breathtaking landing experience. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, waves will invite you to test your surfing

Kuta is very short drive away from the airport, and transportation is readily available to take you from and to Kuta to and from anywhere else in Bali.

Sanur Bali

Luxury resorts in Sanur area include The Grand Bali Beach, Bali Hyatt, and Sanur Beach. These hotels are equipped with convention facilities, swimming pools, sports facilities, and a selection of restaurants, night clubs or discotheques, and beach fronts.

On the comfortable and moderate range, you can find hotels like the charming Laghawa Beach Inn, and Shanti Village Beach Hotel. Their rates vary from US$ 30 to US$ 75 a night.

To continue this Web site (since you all like it - thanks to all who have dropped us email. We love getting them) and to serve you even more, a number of hotels have placed their information with us, offered you generous discounts, and agreed to sponsor this Web site through commissions. Please patronize them: make your reservation through Bali Online and stay with them in Bali. And in the words of Bartles and Jaymes,

Lovina

To the west of Singaraja a string of secluded black sand beaches offer a peacefull alternative to the bustling hotel resorts of the south. A long coral reef runs parallel to the shore, and the clear waters, as calm as lagoon, offer excellent snorkling, sailing, wind-surfing and dolphin tour.

Nusa Dua Bali

Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts to which your exhausted bodies, after a Barong performance at Batubulan and a long climb of the steps of the Mother Temple Besakih, will want to rest. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua Bali. You can relax in the Thalasso spa of the Grand Mirage Resort after a day of surfing or diving. Or you can tee off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Art galleries and numerous shops surround them.

In Bali, Nusa Dua is the place to stay in style.

Ada Bau Ikan Di Sekitar Sini…

2007-12-29T02:13:00.000-08:00

Mengapa ikan menebar bau amis yang khas ikan??

Ini merupakan pertanyaan yang konyol, tetapi menarik untuk di jawab.

Orang cenderung menghubungkan bau amis ikan dengan pasar dan restoran karena menurut mereka, di mana lagi mereka dapat mencium bau amis ikan? Akan tetapi ikan tidak perlu berbau amis, yakni jika ikan itu betul-betul segar.

Ketika baru beberapa jam diangkat dari air, ikan, kerang, dan udang tidak mengeluarkan bau. Mungkin masih ada “aroma laut yang segar” tetapi tanpa bau yang tidak menyenangkan. Ketika bahan makanan asal laut ini mulai mengurai barulah aroma “amis” merebak ke mana-mana. Dan ikan mengurai atau membusuk jauh lebih cepat daripada daging-daging jenis lain.

Daging ikan – otot ikan – terbuat dari jenis protein yang berbeda dibanding sapi atau ayam. Daging ini mengurai lebih cepat, tidak hanya karena dimasak, tetapi juga karena aksi enzim-enzim dan bakteri. Dengan kata lain, dengan kata lain daging ikan membusuk lebih cepat. Bau amis ikan berasal dari hasil penguraian (dekomposisi), terutama amonia, berbagai senyawa belerang, dan bahan kimia yang bernama amina yang merupakan hasil penguraian asam-asam amino.

Hidung manusia kebetulan sangat peka sekali terhadap bahan-bahan kimia ini. Bau tersebut sudah muncul jauh sebelum bahan makanannya sendiri menjadi tidak sehat untuk dikonsumsi, maka bau amis sedikit hanya menunjukkan bahwa ikan kita tidak sesegar – atau senikmat – kalau baru diambil dari laut atau kolam, tetapi tidak selalu berarti ikan itu berbahaya.

Amina dan amonia adalah basa, yang dapat dinetralkan dengan menggunakan asam. Itu sebabnya orang menggunakan irisan buah lemon, yang mengandung asam sitrat, ketika menghidangkan masakan dari produk laut. (Jika kamu membeli sejenis remis yang baunya aduhai, cuci dahulu dalam air jeruk atau cuka sebelum memasaknya. Akan tetapi jangan direndam, sebab remis menyerap air seperti karet busa dan air itu akan meledak-ledak ketika dipanggang atau digoreng). Cara terbaik untuk menguji kesegaran makanan hasil laut adalah meminta izin untuk membaui atau mencium bau ikan yang akan dibeli. Tetapi kita juga harus hati-hati karena di pasar ikan tertentu (biasanya yang bonafide) hal ini dianggap sebagai suatu penginaan, So, ingat kalo mau mencium baunya harus lihat-lihat dulu….

Alasan kedua mengapa ikan lebih lekas membusuk daripada daging lain adalah karena, di alam bebas, kebanyakan ikan memiliki kebiasaan menyantap ikan-ikan yang lebih kecil (hokum rimba juga berlaku di bawah sana lho…he..he..). Oleh sebab itu, mereka dilengkapi dengan enzim-enzim pencerna yang efektif sekali untuk mencerna daging ikan. Setelah ikan ditangkap, jika ada enzim ini yang keluar dari usus ikan akibat penanganan yang kasar, enzim tersebut akan dengan cepat bekerja pada daging ikan itu sendiri. Itu sebabnya, ikan yang telah dibersihkan isi perutnya lebih tahan lama dari pada ikan yang masih utuh.

Alasan ketiga, bakteri pembusuk dalam dan pada ikan lebih efisien dibanding pada hewan darat karena bakteri tersebut dirancang untuk hidup laut yang dingin. Hangatkan sedikit saja, bakteri itu akan bekerja lebih giat. Untuk mengentikan kerja kotor mereka, kita harus mendinginkan ikan lebih cepat dan lebih cermat dari pada mendinginkan daging hewan berdarah panas (homoioterm).

Itu sebabnya es merupakan teman nelayan yang paling baik. Es tidak hanya menurunkan temperatur, tetapi menjaga agar ikan tidak menjadi kering. Ikan tidak mau kekeringan, bahkan setelah mereka “meninggal”.

Alasan keempat, pada umumnya daging ikan mengandung lebih banyak lemak tak jenuh daripada daging hewan darat. Itu sebabnya kita lebih menghargai makanan hasil laut di zaman serba kolesterol ini. Akan tetapi lemak tak jenuh lebih lekas menjadi tengik (karena teroksidasi) dibanding lemak jenuh yang juga lebih lezat pada daging sapi, misalnya. Oksidasi terhadap lemak mengubah mereka menjadi asam organic berbau tidak sedap, yang pada gilirannya menambah aroma tidak menyenangkan.

Jika Anda tidak tahan dengan bau amis di restoran makanan hasil laut, maka sebaiknya Anda lekas-lekas mencari hamburger atau ayam goreng. He..he..he…

Hypospadia

2007-12-24T01:11:00.000-08:00

HIPOSPADIA adalah salah satu kelainan bawaan (congenital) pada anak-anak yang lumayan sering ditemukan dan untuk mendiagnosanya pun terhitung mudah. Hanya saja pengelolaan penyakit ini harus ditangani oleh dokter yang benar-benar berkompeten agar hasilnya pun dapat maksimal.

Hipospadia sendiri berasal dari dua kata yaitu “hypo” yang berarti “di bawah” dan “spadon“ yang berarti keratan yang panjang.

Penyebabnya sebenarnya sangat multifaktor dan sampai sekarang belum diketahui penyebab pasti dari hipospadia. Namun, ada beberapa factor yang oleh para ahli dianggap paling berpengaruh antara lain :

Gangguan dan ketidakseimbangan hormone

Hormone yang dimaksud di sini adalah hormone androgen yang mengatur organogenesis kelamin (pria). Atau bias jiga karena reseptor hormone androgennya sendiri di dalam tubuh yang kurang atau tidak ada. Sehingga walaupun hormone androgen sendiri telah terbentuk cukup akan tetapi apabila reseptornya tidak ada tetap saja tidak akan memberikan suatu efek yang semestinya. Atau enzim yang berperan dalam sintesis hormone androgen tidak mencukupi pun akan berdampak sama.

Genetika

Terjadi karena gagalnya sintesis androgen. Hal ini biasanya terjadi karena mutasi pada gen yang mengode sintesis androgen tersebut sehingga ekspresi dari gen tersebut tidak terjadi.

Lingkungan

Biasanya faktor lingkungan yang menjadi penyebab adalah polutan dan zat yang bersifat teratogenik yang dapat mengakibatkan mutasi.

Hipospadia sering disertai kelainan penyerta yang biasanya terjadi bersamaan pada penderita hipospadia. Kelainan yang sering menyertai hipospadia adalah :

Undescensus testikulorum (tidak turunnya testis ke skrotum)
Hidrokel
Mikophalus / mikropenis
interseksualitas

Ada beberapa tipe atau pengklasifikasian hipospadia menurut letak muara uretranya antara lain :

Anterior yang terdiri dari tipe glandular dan coronal
Middle yang terdiri dari distal penile, proksimal penile, dan penoscrotal
Posterior yang terdiri dari tipe scrotal dan perineal.

Untuk saat ini penanganan hipospadia adalah dengan cara operasi. Operasi ini bertujuan untuk merekonstruksi penis agar lurus dengan orifisium uretra pada tempat yang normal atau diusahakan untuk senormal mungkin. Operasi sebaiknya dilaksanakan pada saat usia anak yaitu enam bulan sampai usia prasekolah. Hal ini dimaksudkan bahwa pada usia ini anak diharapkan belum sadar bahwa ia begitu “spesial”, dan berbeda dengan teman-temannya yang lain yaitu dimana anak yang lain biasanya miksi (buang air seni) dengan berdiri sedangkan ia sendiri harus melakukannya dengan jongkok aga urin tidak “mbleber” ke mana-mana. Anak yang menderita hipospadia hendaknya jangan dulu dikhitan, hal ini berkaitan dengan tindakan operasi rekonstruksi yang akan mengambil kulit preputium penis untuk menutup lubang dari sulcus uretra yang tidak menyatu pada penderita hipospadia.

Tahapan operasi rekonstruksi antara lain :

Meluruskan penis yaitu orifisium dan canalis uretra senormal mungkin. Hal ini dikarenakan pada penderita hipospadia biasanya terdapat suatu chorda yang merupakan jaringan fibrosa yang mengakibatkan penis penderita bengkok.

Langkah selanjutnya adalah mobilisasi (memotong dan memindahkan) kulit preputium penis untuk menutup sulcus uretra.

Uretroplasty

Tahap kedua ini dilaksanakan apabila tidak terbentuk fossa naficularis pada glans penis. Uretroplasty yaitu membuat fassa naficularis baru pada glans penis yang nantinya akan dihubungkan dengan canalis uretra yang telah terbentuk sebelumnya melalui tahap pertama.

Tidak kalah pentingnya pada penanganan penderita hipospadia adalah penanganan pascabedah dimana canalis uretra belum maksimal dapat digunakan untuk lewat urin karena biasanya dokter akan memasang sonde untuk memfiksasi canalis uretra yang dibentuknya. Urin untuk sementara dikeluaskan melalui sonde yang dimasukkan pada vesica urinaria (kandung kemih) melalui lubang lain yang dibuat olleh dokter bedah sekitar daerah di bawah umbilicus (pusar) untuk mencapai kandung kemih.