Nusa Ceningan: ‘‘The Hidden Pearl’’

Nusa Ceningan is a small island located to the south of Klungkung city. The island is flanked by other two other islands (Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan). It’s about a 1 hour 15 minute journey on a fast ferry from Tanjung Benoa.

The natural potential of the island is no less interesting than Nusa Lembongan that is much more recognized by the tourist. Perhaps less promoted than Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan affords the visitor a special uniqueness. Villagers on the island consist mainly of fisherman and seaweed farmers.
Behind its barren façade hides several interesting maritime tourism attractions. The calm waves and white sands give a magnificent attraction of this island. Nusa Ceningan is like a hidden pearl. “People like to be here. They usually come over unintentionally. Surely this island is under promoted,” said Made Astawa one village figure.
Within investor’s eyes, the island is unique and attractive. The uniqueness showed by the under sea panorama view and white sand make Nusa Ceningan compete with other maritime tourism destinations. “Before I invested here, I was traveling around Bali. I become interested in this barren land, because of its natural and worthy to be promoted. Beside that, the local people are very warm and very welcoming,” said the Finance Controller, PT. Bali Cahaya Travel (BCT), Muliadi Sukito together with the group of press reporters while visiting Nusa Ceningan Island recently.
It said that his side would develop this island as a maritime tourism attraction, which has the potential of another water sport venue in Bali. Accommodation facilities and infrastructure will be included in the planned construction.

Water Sport & Fishing
Even because of its dry and stony geographic position, water sport activity is still an interesting activity in Nusa Ceningan, lately visited a lot by the Taiwanese.
Several water sport activities are provided here. Beside ‘banana boat’, snorkeling, diving and canoeing, fishing also becomes an attractive sport for the tourist. Each day, about 120 Taiwanese visit Nusa Ceningan. “We are still working on the Taiwanese market. In the future, we will try to expand the market up to America, Europe and Australia,” he said to Bali Travel News.
A variety of tourist travel packages are offered in accordance with the tourist’s needs. Because of this, according to Muliadi, the tourist will feel much pleasure in visiting Nusa Ceningan. (BTN/013)

Group Participant of Puputan Badung March Race

Commemorating the 97th Puputan Badung Anniversary, a march race involving the student, sekaa teruna (youth group) and organization groups from Denpasar city and Badung regency was held last Friday (5/9). This annual event took the route from Pujaan Bangsa Candi Pahlawan Margarana Park, Tabanan and finished at Puputan Badung Park. A distance of about 28 Km. The 10 hour race, started in the morning with the runners being released by Vice Governor Alit Kalakan.

This 29th march race by 82 participant groups with the total prize money of Rp 114,6 million. The participants comprised 10 groups of Junior High School female category, and 18 groups male category, together with 14 groups of Senior High School female categories, and 19 groups of male categories. The general public category comprised 4 groups of females and 17 groups of males. Each of group participated free of charge, which was all funded by the Administration of the Badung Regency.
Years ago, the race that begin in 1974 was also attended by other regencies in Bali, such as Tabanan, Gianyar, and Bangli.
The jury consisted of 85 people who were responsible on the field and several positions along the route. The assessment aspects were speed, totality, uniformity, discipline, and line tidiness. Besides the money, the winner also received a trophy of Keris Puputan Badung. (BTN/015)