Whilst is quite easy to eat very nicely (and cheaply) in Bali, most of that is due to the intense competition of too many restaurants serving too much the same menu. With not much menu differentiation restaurants in Bali have, until recently, competed solely on price. Good for the hungry yobos but where to go for a nice evening and get good value for the money? (btw, good value does not always mean cheap...

Location : Kuta 

Cafe Dulang: Indonesian $$
Comments: Super 'soto ayam' (Indonesian chicken soup) that's almost a meal by itself.
Location: Kuta Square Shopping Centre. 2 shops from Matahari & same side of the street.

Kopi Pot: Mixed menu, Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: Still, after all the years, one of our favorites. A welcome respite in Kuta. 
Location: Jl. Legian, Kuta. Parking Telp. 752 614

Kori: Western $$$1/2
Comments: You won't believe that you're still in Kuta, quiet and serene with a nicely prepared menu.
Location: Jl. Poppies II (Near Tubes)

Made's Warung: Mixed menu, Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: There's a reason the place is a legend; good food, great atmosphere.
Location: Jl. Pantai Kuta / Just west of Bemo Corner Telp. 751 923

Pawon Pasundan: Sundanese $$1/2
Comments: Specialising in Sudanese cuisine (West Java), everything at Pawon Pasundan is delicious. Must tries are the "Flying Grouper" and the ice desserts.
Location: Jl. Kediri No.2 (formerly Jl. Kesatria) - right hand side Telp. 755 833

Pica Tapas Bar: $$$
Comments: Authentic Tapas and Churrasqueria. The real deal for Spainish cuisine in Bali.
Location: Kuta Galeria block River Side No.15 Telp. 769 038 - 769 028

Location : Legian/Seminyak 

Antique Restaurant & Bar: International $$1/2
Comments: The cuisine is described as Pan-Asian fusion, an innovative combination of taste and flavour. Whatever... food is tasty and surprisingly inexpensive.
Location: Jl. Dhyanapura - Abimanyu Arcade 7 Telp. 730 907

Chat Cafe: International $$
Comments: Contemporary cafe with a nice, but limited menu that covers all the bases at very reasonable prices. As well there's free wifi internet access available from 7.00 am - 11.00 pm. Comfortable place to drop in or stay connected.
Location: Jl. Kunti 18 Seminyak Telp. 732 303

Cafe Moka: Pastries and Western Favourites $$1/2
Comments: A nice spot for brunch. Nice bakery, light meals relaxed atmosphere. We also like the casseroles and take-away items for quick home dinners.
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak Telp. 731 424

Earth Cafe: Vegetarian $$1/2
Comments: Small cosy retreat with a surprisingly large menu, well prepared and good portions that will satisfy vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Location: Jl. Laksmana Oberoi, Seminyak Telp. 736 614

Kafe Warisan: French Mediterranean $$$$
Comments: The local perennial favorite for fine dining, Kafe Warisan just gets better and better. Excellent value for money-especially for the daily lunch specials. Absolutely delightful. Reservations recommended especially on weekends and holidays.
Location: Jl. Raya Kerobokan No. 38 Telp. 731 175

Kuni's Bali: Japanese $$$
Comments: Modern and comptempory urban design plus an extensive menu with freshest ingredients at very attractive prices equals excellent value for money.
Location: Jl. Lesmana No. 80, Seminyak Telp. 730 501

La Luciola: Italian $$$1/2
Comments: An all time favourite and one of the few restaurants in Bali where you really should make a reservation - and they'll cook your pasta al dente if you ask nicely. Excellent value for money. 
Location: Jl. Oberoi Seminyak - on the beach Telp. 730 838

Made's Warung: Indonesian & Western $$1/2
Comments: Same owners as Made's Warung in Kuta. It's rare to find a sequel as good as the original but Made's Warung in Seminyak has pulled it off. And there's parking!
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak, (right hand side going north, parking available) Telp. 732 130

Mykonos: Greek $$
Comments: The Greek restaurant in Bali, eating at Mykonos is like eating at home. Presentation may be simple but the atmosphere is fun, the food is delicious and the value is unbelievable. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Location: Jl. Laksmana No. 52 Telp. 733 253

Pizza Club: $$1/2
Comments: The best pizza in Bali. Period. And with several locations around Bali they deliver almost anywhere.
Location: Jl. Laksmana 72B, Seminyak. Telp. 730 614 / Citra Bali, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 23 Jimbaran Telp. 703 294 

Queen's Tandoor: Indian $$$
Comments: Bali's premier Indian cuisine restaurant. A little more expensive than others but well worth the money.
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak No.73 (Gallery Seminyak) Telp. 732 770

Rumors Restaurant: Cafe $$
Comments: The value restaurant on 'Eat Street' in Seminyak Rumours offers a full cafe style menu with an accent on Italian cooking at great down to earth prices.
Location: Jl. Laksmana Telp. 738 720

Sarong Restaurant: $$$1/2
Comments: Delightfully elegant interior that invites guests to linger sets the stage an eclectic menu that is as inventive as it is pleasing to the palate. Portions are very, very generous.
Location: Jl. Petitenget No. 19x, Seminyak. Telp. 737 809

SIP Wine Bar: French $$$$
Comments: The menu is (classic) French, the preparation is faultless and the wine well chosen while the atmosphere is elegant and urbane without being pretentious. A truly delightful bistro.
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak, No. 16A (near Bintang Supermarket) Telp. 730 810

Tekor Bali: Indonesian and Western $$
Comments: With its beach side location, friendly service, great food and down to earth pricing who could ask for more? Always packed, always good.
Location: Double Six Beach, Legian Kaja, Legian Telp. 735 268

The Beach House at Echo Beach: $$$
Comments: Quintessential beach side restaurant. Good food, wide selection, decent prices, friendly staff, live music once in a while and free wifi to boot. Great place to hang out and enjoy the sun and watch the surf.
Location: Jl. Pura Batu Mejan, Canggu Phone (0361) 738471

The Living Room: Continental $$$1/2
Comments: True to it's name, The Living Room's comfortable atmosphere makes you feel right at home. Sharp service and continental favorites with a tropical flair at down to earth prices make the living room a great place to unwind.
Location: Jl. Raya Petitenget, Batu Belig Telp. 735 735

Tommy's Cafe: $$
Comments: The best breakfast spot in Legian. Hearty toasted sandwhiches and large fuit muffins baked to order - yes, muffins baked to order! Hmmm delicious. Great place to wake up and smell the coffee.
Location: Jl. Werkudara No. 520 Telp. 752 836

Trattoria: Italian $$1/2
Comments: A small intimate Italian restaurant serving a surprisingly wide variety of Italian dishes at rock bottom prices. Fine food, excellent value.
Location: Jl. Lesmana No. 104x, Oberoi, Seminyak Telp. 738 720

Ultimo: Italian $$$
Comments: Don't let the contemporary setting with white table cloths put you off, Ultimo offers hearty Italian cuisine at very affordable prices (be sure to check out the special set menus). 
Location: Jl. Lesmana No. 104x, Oberoi, Seminyak Telp. 738 720

Location : Sanur 

Cafe Batu Jimbar: Mixed menu, Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: A long time favourite, drop in for a full dinner or just snack. Very good value for money.
Location: Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 152 Telp. 287 374

Candi Restaurant: Thai $$$$$
Comments: Consistently excellent Thai cuisine.
Location: Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Jalan Hang Tuah Sanur Telp. 288 511

Jazz Bar & Grill: International Favorites $$$
Comments: Don't be put off by the shopping center location. A little bit of this, a little bit that -- all exquisitely prepared and accompanied by live entertainment nightly.
Location: Sanur Raya Shopping Center, Jl. Ngurah Rai Sanur Telp. 285 892

Kopi Bali House: International $$$
Comments: Popular for lunch with its diverse range of International (and a few Indonesian) favourites and air-conditioned comfort. And the only place we know that serves luwak coffee.
Location: Jln. Bypass Ngurah Rai 405-E, Sanur Telp. 270 990

Pergola: International $$$
Comments: Cosy and comfortable, Pergola is pehaps Sanur's most stylish restaurant with menu to match. Simply put, Pergola is just a great place to dine and unwind.
Location: Jl. Danau Toba 2, Sanur

Ryoshi: Japanese $$$
Comments: There are a several Ryoshi Japanese Restaurants - all serve an wide ranging menu, good sushi at down to earth prices.
Location: Jl Danau Tamblingan 150 Sanur Telp. 288 473

Location : Nusa Dua & Jimbaran 

Bumbu Bali: Balinese $$$1/2
Comment: There are surprisingly few restaurants on Bali specialising in Balinese cuisine, Bumbu Bali is one of them and one of the best. Also offers cooking classes.
Location: Jl. Pratama Tanjung Benoa, Telp. 774 502

Faces at The Bale: International $$$$
Comments: New and cool. Exciting menu prepared in a show kitchen that opens onto and is part of the dining room. Faces is the only restaurant we know in Bali serving souffles - and we like souffles!
Location: The Bale Bali, Nusa Dua Telp. 775 111

Nusa Dua Grill: Seafood $$1/2
Comments: Serving up hearty portions of the freshest seafood in Nusa Dua, the Nusa Dua Grill is a where all the surfers come to fuel up before or after a long day on the water. Nothing fancy, just good value for money.
Location: Geger Beach (South Nusa Dua) Telp. 743 4779

Nyoman's Bali: Indonesian $$
Comments: If you staying in Tanjung Benoa area try Nyoman's. Nothing fancy but the food is tasty and the portions are ample. Stick with the Indonesian dishes.
Location: On the left hand side of the road just before the Club Mirage Resort.

PJ's at the Four Seasons: International $$$$$
Comments: It's not that hard to pick Bali's most romantic restaurant on the beach. The food is delicious and creatively presented - but make sure to leave room for the macadamia nut ice cream.
Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Telp. 701 010

The Verandah: Continental $$$
Comments: One of Nusa Dua's best kept secrets is that The Bali International Lawn Bowls Club is open to the public. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the pitch while dining. Nice club menu featuring true imported streaks. Tremendous value for money.
Location: Bali Int'l Lawn Bowls Club. (Behind Matsuri Restaurant & Galleria Nusa Dua) Telp. 776 261

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Arts and Crafts Product in Bali 

Until this century Balinese artists produced work (paintings, stone & wood carving etc.) under the patronage of wealthy kings or as gifts to decorate the local temple. As such the artists were only doing their part as a member of the community and therefore never gave much thought to be recognized for their efforts by signing their work. In addition, art had to follow very stringent guidelines so whilst the quality may have varied the content was quite standard. It wasn't until the arrival of European artists that Balinese artists learned to express themselves individually and then began signing their work. 

Cloth & Textiles

Bali has basically 3 indigenous textiles: Endek, Gringsing and Tenun Ikat. That being said most of the swaths of cloth and fancy printed apparel on sale in Bali are really Batik and native to Java, not Bali. FYI, the intricate designs on Batik cloth are made by applying wax to the fabric prior to dying each time another color is added. 

Inasmuch as Endek is really only popular with the Balinese it is not mass produced - so it is quite safe to say that any endek you purchase will have been hand made. It is a laborious affair. The horizontal threads are laid out and pre dyed with a desired pattern in a tie dye type of operation ( the fabric may be dyed several times with different colors ). Once dyed the threads are dried then woven into the vertical threads on the loom. These vertical threads are only one color -usually black. It is not until the weaving is complete that one knows for sure the quality and clarity of the designer's work. This is just a rough idea how the process works, it's actually much more complicated than this with several people - men included - to make just one bolt of cloth. The finished bolt is about 20 feet long by 3.5 feet wide. It takes about 10 days just to weave one bolt of cloth - so think of the value ! 

Now, if you think that's tricky try it with both the vertical and horizontal threads at the same time. Imagine a weaver must come up with a design then "tye dye" both the horizontal and vertical threads separately 2-3 times depending on the number of colors used. Even the slightest miscalculation when dying the yarn or a mistake by the weaver and months of work are lost. This is basically how Gringsing is produced in the Balinese Village of Tenganan - one of two or three places in the entire world capable of producing this extraordinary textile. As mentioned many times in BaliHotels.com this is one of the best souvenirs available to visitors to Bali. 

The third cloth, tenun ikat is also popular in Bali. Like endek the horizontal threads are dyed and woven into a solid vertical thread on the loom. The difference is that the patterns are solid colored blocks or simple crossing patterns. This cloth is also mostly produced by hand and is very popular in fashionable circles for clothing, home furnishings and accessories.

Traditional Kamasan Art

This is the most traditional of all Balinese paintings. Originating in the Klungkung Regency during the reign Kingdom of Gelgel it was widely admired throughout Bali. The artists specializing in this art form are known as "Sangging". In days gone by these Snagging artists would often be commissioned to travel to other kingdoms to decorate a palace or temple with this style of painting. 

Kamasan is easily distinguished in the market. The paint color is predominately orange (sometimes blue) and the theme always depicts Hindu epics and are based on the Javanese Wayang characters. The characters are divided into two camps: Good, ( those with refined facial features and slim bodies) and Evil, (those with distorted faces, red color and distended bodies). The painting is a large canvas divided up into panels with each panel telling the story of a well known adventure. Years ago Kamasan art was placed primarily in temples as wall hangings, used as curtains, or as banners during festivals. (Go to the Kerta Goa Hall of Justice in Klungkung to see fine examples of this style). The paintings are used much the same way today with restaurants now often using the canvas for menu covers. 

Kamasan still today has Sangging artists dedicated to painting in the traditional Kamasan style. Easily the best known Kamasan artist is I Nyoman Mandra who has his own school, and does restoration work. Bpk. Mandra can be found in Klungkung.

Modern Art

As mentioned earlier starting this century Balinese artists came under more direct influence of Western artists with the arrival of European artists. The most famous of these were German, Walter Spies and Dutchman, Rudolf Bonnet. These two painters taught the Balinese painters new, more realistic and expressionistic art - scenes from every day life, landscapes and the like - which now dominates the paintings produced on Bali. Later on and together with local artist Gede Agung Sukawati the Pitamaha Painters Association was established. Styles which sprang from this effort are briefly described below. When looking to buy keep in mind that prices vary widely depending on the size and the amount and clarity of detail.

Batuan 

These large paintings are easily identified because every square inch of the canvas is filled with tiny figures going about life's daily activities (some quite graphic if you look hard enough). Usually bright colored, these paintings seem to be getting funnier and funnier (or sarcastic depending on your view of video camera tourists being painted into village life) as the years go by.

Keliki 

Keliki paintings are generally the very small paintings you see hanging on pillars and odd spaces in different shops. These too are crammed with little images but look closely though and you will see that the subject matter is very different - usually the subject is the supernatural with fantastically detailed demons.

Pengosekan 

These are the bird, flower and butterfly paintings you see all over. The amount of detail and correct proportion determine the price but works of the best (i.e. I Made Supartha commands up to US$ 5,000 for a good sized painting).

Ubud 

With highly stylized human features -strong lines, long necks, proud posture, and the like identify these paintings to have been influenced by Walter Spies. The paintings are usually large and colorful without being bright. Such artists as Dewa Putu Bedil are always in demand and you may well have to commission the best and wait quite some time before you own one of this style.

Modern 

Nowadays there are many Balinese and Indonesian artists who practice what can best be described as Modern Art. Some like Made Winata, Krijono, and Joko amongst others have achieved a great deal of commercial success combining their Indonesian perspective with abstract figures and new colors.

The Keris

These daggers with their wavy blades are famous the world over. Going back as far as Hindu Javanese of Majapahit in the 13th century, these beautiful daggers are much more than a weapon - they are a revered symbol of the man who owns it and each Keris is deeply believed to have a life and spirit of its own. Indeed there are stories of kings, too busy with affairs of the palace to attend their own weddings, letting the Keris stand in as the groom. And not just any will Keris will do, a Keris must be matched spiritually to its owner to protect him from harm.

Since the Keris is found in many parts of Indonesia, there are correspondingly many different styles of blades, handles and sheaths - none any better than another just personal preference. In Bali the Keris is usually quite large and has a wavy double edged blade ( be careful when you unsheathe it, it's sharp! ) with an ornately carved handle (or hilt) representing one of the gods from the Ramayana epic. Also with the Balinese Keris the area connecting the blade to the handle is embedded with semi precious stones as is the sheath. As a comparison, the Keris from Java are usually smaller and less presumptuous and the Keris from North Sumatra are usually with straight, one sided blades.

An old, valuable Keris can easily fetch US$ 5,000. but an average Keris is about US$ 200 - US$ 500. When buying, attention to detail is everything. Look closely at the area that joins the blade to the handle, does the handle look new and the blade old?, is the blade intricately forged? etc.

Masks

Practically from the time you step off the plane you will see masks of different sizes, shapes and colors. Whilst these days many masks are produced solely as tourist souvenirs not to take masks seriously in Bali would be a mistake. When a Westerner dons a mask at a party it is to pretend he is someone else. For Indonesians - especially Balinese to don a mask is to begin living the life of the mask. Masks used in performances of sacred dances are sacred and as such revered and kept so in temples. You will not find such masks sitting idly in a store waiting to be purchased. That being said, there are still fine masks - all works of art - that are no longer used available for sale (for a price). 

Without going too deeply into (there are entire books devoted to the subject) most masks you will see are representations of Ramayana Epic. The masks with refined features such as a short pointed nose and white face represent Noblemen, while those with garish features - red faces with bulbous noses and missing teeth represent buffoons, idiots, liars and cheats. If you look closely at the eyes you will be able to see Chinese characters as well - they are the ones with the thinner eyes.

Lastly, today masks are being made in modern shapes like a crescent moons and painted abstract colors but these are really only for souvenirs and decoration. A fine mask properly displayed and well lit adds a lot to any home or office. Most of the best masks can be found in the village of Mas.

Stone Carving

Driving around Bali it would difficult not to be impressed with the majesty of the intricate stone carvings that adorn the thousands of temples that dot the island. This stone is known locally as "paras" and is not really stone in the Western sense. Rather paras is volcanic ash mixed with sand and clay and compressed over the centuries into a hard material similar to sandstone or soapstone. As such the material is quite soft, decays easily and moss seems to grow on it overnight - so if you are walking through a rice paddy and happen to see an old, blackened, moss covered statue do not think it is centuries old - it may be 5 or at the most 30 years old !

Traditionally stone has been carved into the shapes of demons and deities to decorate temples and courtyards of royal families - rarely does the average Balinese have any stone relief in his living area. Stone carvers have been around a lot longer than painters and have never been subject to the same strict rules as painters. The imaginations of the stone carvers has always been allowed to run riot i.e. gods with multiple sex organs and even scenes incorporating everyday life with today's technology such as airplanes are now carved into temple relieves.

To get a good idea of the range of items for sale a trip through Batubulan is a nice day spent. Whether or not you are ready to ship a 500 lb. statue back home is up to you but almost any statue would be focal point of your garden.

Wood Carving

Wood carving shares a lot of similarities with stone carving inasmuch as both were used primarily to decorate temples. You can see traditional wood carving used to decorate the pillars and beams used to support the roofs of temples (and lately restaurants as well). However understanding that wood carvings are much easier to transport and have more practical uses in home decorating it should come as no surprise to learn that Westerners have begun to have a strong influence on what is now being produced. Not that that is all bad. Traditionally wood carvers have also had pretty much free reign to experiment and many have become more sculptors than carvers with the best wood carvers turning unusual pieces of wood that most folks would just as soon throw away into masterpieces. However, still the most sought after works are the traditional Ramayana figurines. 

There are many varieties of wood used. As a general rule of thumb all things being equal the softer the wood the faster it grows and the easier it is to carve and hence the price is lower. Popular soft woods are merantie, crocodile and hibiscus. Harder woods such as nangka (jackfruit), and kampor are much heavier and can be more intricately carved. Either way a word of caution - The wood is not always thoroughly dry before being carved and if you take it to a climate with less humidity it may crack. So sometimes it's better to take the older carving that's collected its share of dust and polish it up yourself when you get back home.

Other - Kites 

Whilst maybe not a traditional art form, in fact kites were only recently introduced into Bali by the Japanese during their occupation of Indonesia in World War 2, the Balinese have quickly turned them into an art form. It is not unusual to see a group of men struggling to put a kite 4 meters (yes, 4 meters - some of these contraptions can be down right dangerous to passing aircraft !) into the back of a truck to take down to the beach. In fact there are laws against flying kites too close around the airport. The shapes can be winged eagles or tall ships complete with main mast and sails ! Truly a delight. And when these really big kites are airborne the wind on the string produces a loud, hypnotic humming sound. Serious competitions have begun to be staged with international competitors trying their best against the Balinese. Airworthy small versions make interesting souvenirs for young children.

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The Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards presentation is the Academy Awards of big-wave surfing. But it's not televised live and the winners can't act. 

However, tonight's red-carpet extravaganza at the Grove Theater in Anaheim will air via webcast on the event site, beginning at 7 p.m. And as viewers will discover, the finalists can surf. 

In fact, for them, chasing giant waves is a yearlong passion and occupation. Awards (money) will be presented in six categories, but the premier category is Ride of the Year, worth $50,000 to one of five finalists.

The only Southern California surfer in the running for Ride of the Year is San Clemente's Greg Long, who's also up for the Best Overall Performance award. 

Viewers don't have to wait; the rides and photos are on the event website. 

Who'll capture Ride of the Year honors? Long might for his high-shoulder tube ride last July 26 at Dungeons, South Africa. But my hunch is that the prize will go to Ryan Hipwood for his hellacious air-drop/barrel ride last Oct. 11 at Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania.

Biggest wave? Looks like Mark Mathews has a slight edge for his plunge down a seemingly endless face at Cow Bommie, Western Australia. But it's extremely difficult to judge. All these athletes have turned in impressive performances.

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JOEL PARKINSON is surfing's Picasso. A degree of artistry exists in everything he does. He painted enough flawless lines across epic two-metre waves at Bells Beach yesterday to win the Rip Curl Pro and take a runaway lead in the race for the world championship.

He beat Victorian Adam Robertson in the final as thousands of spectators on the sand and cliff gave the only appropriate response: "Phwoar".

Picasso had his "Blue Period" at the start of the 20th century. His results were sombre and downcast. A hundred years later, Parkinson has occasionally been dispirited by his inconsistent exhibitions given the copious amounts of flair coursing through his veins. But angst is out of the picture now that he's won the first two events of the year.

With perennial threats Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Taj Burrow yet to reach a final this season, Parkinson is hurtling towards a maiden world title after winning Bells and the Quiksilver Pro last month just down the road from his home (sweet home) on the Gold Coast.

"Winning at home is probably the most special win you can have but this [the Rip Curl Pro trophy] is the most special trophy you can have," Parkinson said. "There is not another trophy in surfing that holds the prestige and honour that this has. I took confidence from home and from here I'll take more. People can get caught up in the whole world title race, but I always said I wanted to start the year with some results. I just never thought I'd start this well.

"There are a lot of really hungry, angry surfers that are behind me and will come out so strong in the next events. I've said since the Gold Coast that the world title is a marathon, not a sprint. There are still eight events left."

Finals day at Bells is as good as surfing gets; it's the day that gets the fans' blood pumping. Robertson was trying to become the first Victorian to ring the famous bell. He rode a blank board because he doesn't have a major sponsor. Win one more heat, and he could have named his price. He had an army of supporters on the beach but Parkinson's class shone through.

Beforehand there was the tantalising prospect of fire and ice, Fanning and Parkinson, meeting in the semi-finals. Two irrepressible forces were about to go for a ride but Fanning was knocked out in the quarter-finals by 21-year-old South African Jordy Smith.

Fanning and Parkinson are close mates. When the former won the world title in 2007, the latter celebrated long and hard at the party he helped organise in the car park at Kirra, but in the back of his mind was a nagging thought: "It could have been me."

This year, Parkinson is doing a Fanning. He's fitter than ever. Determined enough to bury his opponents in the sand.

Fanning triggered his shot at the title by winning the Quiksilver Pro then coming third at Bells. Parkinson has done even better. "I think it's his year," Jordy Smith said.

Parkinson's blue period is over.

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Gnaraloo Station has withdrawn its support for the proposed Rip Curl Pro Search ASP World Championship Tour surfing event at the famed ‘Tombstones’ big wave location at Gnaraloo, on the north west coast of Western Australia.

Paul Richardson of Gnaraloo today said that he had informed Rip Curl and Eventscorp, the events arm of the Western Australian Government, of the Station’s decision.

“Gnaraloo Station is not prepared to proceed with the event. Unfortunately, Rip Curl was not prepared to make the full level of investment required for a comprehensive and credible Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study to adequately identify, address and manage the potential environmental and social impacts of staging the event at Gnaraloo,” Paul Richardson said.

“Such an event cannot be undertaken without a preparedness to invest in adequate assessment and protection of the sensitive environmental resources at Gnaraloo. This requires inclusive consultation, comprehensive event planning and responsible environmental protection. This could be demonstrated by a thorough, credible and fully funded EIA”.

“I still strongly support the staging of international level events at Gnaraloo but only on a sustainable basis.” Rip Curl informed Mr Richardson late in November 2007 that Tombstones had been selected as a preferred site to stage a Pro Search event during 2008.

The Gnaraloo team quickly identified and requested that an EIA study be undertaken of the proposed event. Rip Curl agreed initially to make a commitment to some funding for work on the EIA.

Gnaraloo Station is unique as one of the only non-mining owned pastoral stations in Australia with a fulltime senior environmental scientist, Ms Karen Hattingh, on staff since 2005 when Mr Richardson took over the Station. 

The Station’s in-house expertise was therefore considered best equipped to develop the EIA because of the team’s sitespecific knowledge, intensive site work over a number of years and understanding of the local context and regional perspective.

However, during November 2008, when the draft EIA was complete and ready for review before being released for public comment, Rip Curl stated its unwillingness to make the required full financial investment needed to complete the study to the standard, scope and detail required.

Paul Richardson said that as a result, the draft EIA would not be released to any parties and would remain the property of Gnaraloo Station, given its considerable investment of the required resources into its development. “Properly planned and implemented, I always believed the proposed ASP Tour event at Gnaraloo would have been beneficial for the Gascoyne Region and for Western Australia. So I am disappointed with how this has turned out.”

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Brazil's Silva Lima has defeated Australian world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore in the final to win the Rip Curl Women's Pro at Bells Beach.

Lima, 24, claimed her maiden win on the World Championship Tour with a 17.34 points to 13.06 victory, preventing 21-year-old Gilmore from securing a hat-trick of wins in the annual Bells Beach event.

Earlier Lima beat Peru's former world champion Sofia Mulanovich in the semi-finals while Gilmore advanced by beating young countrywoman Sally Fitzgibbons.

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 Jordy Smith continued his run in the Rip Curl Bells Beach Pro presented by Snickers in Victoria, Australia earlier today, defeating Damien Hobgood (USA) in inconsistent but near perfect two metre waves to advance to Round 3 (the last 16) of the second stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour. 

Despite seven lay days since his dominant performance in Round 1and nursing a minor back complaint, Smith, 21, from Durban managed to record scores of 7.50 and 5.50 to eke out a 13.0 to 12.17 point victory over Hobgood. 

“I think there were only three sets all heat and luckily I got two of them,” Smith said after only riding a total of three waves in the 30 minute heat. “I feel lucky to get through to the next round. When I woke up this morning it looked really good and I’m sure throughout the day the waves are just going to get better.” 

Smith’s victory sees him up against giant-killer and wildcard Owen Wright, 19, in Round 3. The Australian caused a huge upset when he beat nine-times ASP World Champion and defending Rip Curl Pro champion Kelly Slater (USA), handing the American his second successive 17th place finish and increasing the pressure on Slater’s bid for an unprecedented 10th world title. 

“I am really happy,” Wright said. “It has been a long week waiting to surf against Kelly. I have just been relishing it and waiting for it. Out there, I just stayed on my own game and really just concentrated on what I was doing. I just got the set waves and surfed them, then the ocean went flat at the end and I kept the win.” 

Wright has been in sterling form in 2009, collecting three ASP Pro Junior event wins as well as the No. 8 spot on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS). Today’s win against Slater was further evidence of the explosive goofy-footer’s world-class form, and a great boost to confidence for the remainder of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. 

Durbanite David Weare, the only other South African still in the event after Greg Emslie (East London) was eliminated in Round 1, has yet to complete his Round 2 heat against No. 16 seed Frederick Patacchia (HAW). The event was moved from Bells Bowl to nearby Winkipop as the tide came up today and then put on hold when unfavourable onshore winds started blowing during heat 12. 

Heats 13-16 of Round 2 will be run when the event restarts and a decision will be made at 7am for a possible 7.30am start tomorrow (11pm today SA Standard Time). 

The Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford New Fiesta was completed on Sunday with Silvana Lima (BRA) claiming her maiden ASP Women’s World Tour crown by beating reigning two-times ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in the final. 

South Africa’s Rosanne Hodge placed ninth in the event when she was ousted by Sofia Mulanovich (PER) in Round 3. The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach pres. by Snickers is webcast LIVE via live.ripcurl.com. For more information, log onto aspworldtour.com.

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(Salinas, Ecuador) - In a dramatic comeback, Hawaii’s Keanu Asing, 15, fought through the repechage rounds to claim gold in the coveted Under 16 Boys division of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championship in Ecuador today. Alessa Quizon took the fourth place copper medal in the Under 18 Girls; Dylan Goodale won copper in the Under 18 Boys; and Team Hawaii finished second overall to Australia to claim silver. The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships is the pinnacle of the sport of surfing for competitors under 18 years of age.

A 10th grade home-schooler in the Elite Element Academy system who maintains a 3.0 average, Asing set his career road map on course last May, on his 15th birthday. His goals were to win the NSSA Nationals in California, an international Pro Junior in Bali, US Championship titles in both the Under 16 and Under 18 divisions, and to qualify for the Quiksilver ISA Championships through the local Hard Rock Café Surf Series. He achieved all, topping it with his ultimate crowning moment today. It’s a solid step toward his lifetime goal of becoming world surfing champion.

The Under 16 division was stacked with talent this year and the battle for gold could easily have gone to any one of the top 16 qualifiers from Brazil, USA, Costa Rica, Peru, South Africa and Hawaii. It was the most closely contested of all the divisions.

Asing was heavily tested along the way having been relegated to the repechage rounds midway through the competition. Coming down to the final heats he adjusted his focus, gave it all he had, and made it clear he planned on going home as the 2009 ISA World Junior Champion.

In the final heat, Gabriel Medina from Brazil fought hard, getting within 0.16 of a point of Asing. Medina also had the highest single-wave score of the heat with a 9.52, but was unable to overtake Asing despite a combined score of 17.38. South African David Brand came in third, needing nearly a perfect 10 for first. Brazilian Jesse Mendes finished fourth. In a great show of sportsmanship, all four surfers embraced and congratulated each other after the heat.

“This is the biggest thing I have ever won,” said Asing. “I am so stoked to have pulled through the repechages. I think the loss in round four actually helped me. It made me more charged up and more focused. I knew I had to get good waves because every heat could have been my last. Coming to Ecuador has been an incredible experience.”

Back at home in Ewa, Keanu’s family is also celebrating having woken up at 3am every day of the eight-day event to watch his progress.

“Keanu plans on just taking his time,” says his father Tommy. “He doesn’t plan on doing any of the pro events until he’s really consistent at this junior level. He’s going to take his time and prepare for that level of competition.

“He’s still a young boy. He’s just 15 years old. He’s still enjoying being a kid. He’s got two more years of school left and he’ll be doing as many amateur events as he can during that time.”

In the overall team division, Australia claimed gold, 2005 ISA World Junior Champions, Hawaii, received silver, Brazil took bronze, and USA copper. France placed fifth overall, South Africa sixth, New Zealand seventh, Tahiti, Peru and Costa Rica came in eighth, ninth and tenth respectively.

In the Boys Under 18 final heat, Hawaii’s Dylan Goodale took fourth behind Dean Bowen (Australia), Miguel Pupo (Brazil), and Maxime Huscenot (France).

In the Under 18 Girls Final, Hawaii’s Alessa Quizon placed fourth in the final behind Australians Tyler Wright and Laura Enever, and USA surfer Courtney Conlogue.

The day concluded with the official medal ceremony with the crowning of the 2009 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Champions. “This is where we show the world that the Olympics of surfing are for real,” said ISA president Fernando Aguerre before the medals were awarded and the national anthems of the winning teams were played. “Muchas, gracias, Ecuador!”

For full results from the 2009 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship and to see photo highlights and on-demand video, visit www.quiksilver.com/isa.

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The Rip Curl GromSearch crew hopped over east of Bali to world famous Lakey Peak in Sumbawa for Gromsearch 3 over the weekend to check out if there were any hot groms around...and they had no problem finding lots of 'em! 

Having already produced such well known groms as Rip Curl team riders Ony Anwar (2008 Coca-Cola ISC Junior Champion) and the notorious surfer /MC Dede Gun, and last year's Rip Curl GromSearch Series winner Gazali Hamzah, Lakey Peak has shown itself to be a veritable hotbed of grom surfing in Indonesia. 

Sunday morning greeted the GromSearch crew and the amping Lakey groms with bright sunshine and a perfect 3-4 foot Lakey Peak lineup, with plenty of both lefts and rights on offer. The tide was slowly ebbing out, creating just the right conditions for a low tide early afternoon finish. These groms have to be some of the luckiest on the planet to be able to surf waves like this all the time! 

First up were the Under 14 groms battling it out in four 5-man heats for a place in the finals, starting at just after 9 am. Charging like there was a world championship at stake were Bomar Presetia, Yasin, Haeril Hu'u, and Ony Anwar's little brother Andri Anwar. These little shredders put on quite a show and aggressively attacked each wave, putting together deep bottom turns with slashing off the tops, gouging roundhouse cutbacks, and airs. 

It was anybody's guess in most of the heats as to who would come out on top, as the competition was so fierce, but in the low tide final Yasin put together a stellar performance to best the late charging Andri for the top spot. Andri seemed be set on going big from the starting horn, but failed to complete some aggressive maneuvers early on, buy then settled down to some solid surfing to get second place over third place Bomar Presetia, leaving Haeril Hu'u to round out the final. 

A special Micro Grom session (under 10 years of age) saw five 8-10 year old's paddle out to take on, what must have seemed like monstrous Lakey Peak! They charged like little legends, leaving all the viewers with a smile and laugh. 

The Under 16 division may have had only six contestants, but they kept the judges busy non-stop all the way to the final. Rip Curl Team rider Muhlis (MJ) Jaffar made it clear that he wanted top spot on the podium and that ticket to Bali, going both left and right and executing big maneuvers in the critical parts of the wave to best Firman, who was virtually matching MJ point for point for most of the final but just came up a bit short at the horn. Both were super stoked to receive their Tickets to Bali, and all the finalists went home with Rip Curl Goody bags packed with prizes from Rip Curl and the GromSearch sponsors. 

"I am really impressed by these young guys surfing ability," said Coca-Cola ISC Tour Head Judge Wayan Pica. "They are really charging, reading the waves and knowing which maneuvers to perform. It's great to see such high performance and bravery in these young kids when surfing this challenging reef break," he added. 

Before the judges and crew left the tower to head back for the games, giveaways, and trophy presentation, Event Manager Yudha called out for the Expression Session to begin. The boys were going big trying to impress the judges, but it was Gazeli Hamzah that got the Best Trick award for his 360 bunny hop, and Tahi won the Best Wave award for a long left hander with a stack of turns, finishing with a 360 on the inside. 

Trash collecting, musical chairs, quizzes, and just being there for the giveaways netted the attendees on the beach, so everybody went home with something! And so another epic GromSearch event came to a close with a happy bunch of people and a beautiful red sunset! 

Results :

Under 16 Final 

1. Muhlis Jaffar 
2. Firman 
3. Ornot 
4. Silipester 


Under 14 Final 
1. Yasin 
2. Andri Anwar 
3. Bomar Prasetia 
4. Haeril Hu'u 

Mini Grom Final 
1. Ompu 
2. Kadet 
3. Rocky 
4. Gilang 

Expression Session 

Best Trick: Gazali Hamzah 
Best Wave: Tahi

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On the 18th of April 2009 starting at 5:30 pm, Coca-Cola Bottling Indonesia (CCBI) will stage a beachside event at the Hard Rock Cafe in Bali to kick off the 2009 Coca-Cola Indonesian Surfing Championship Tour (ISC) season.

The event will start off in classic Balinese tradition with an opening ceremony complete with dancers and gamelan music. Welcoming speeches by Bruce Waterfield from Coca-Cola Bottling Indonesia and Tipi Jabrik from the ISC will follow, then a multimedia presentation and a live surfing demonstration by 2008 ISC Pro Surfing Champion Dede Suryana. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be accompanied by a surfboard giveaway to a special guest, then a live music presentation by Kuta lifeguard and musician Marcello, followed by a door prize giveaway that will end the beachside portion of the event.

A group of select invitees will then cross the street for dinner at the Hard Rock Café, and will be treated to more live music and a look at the X-Dance Film Festival-nominated film Mengejar Ombak (Chasing Waves), a documentary featuring 2008 ISC Pro Champion Dede Suryana from West Java by Dave Arnold.

CCBI has taken its corporate socially responsibility program to a whole new level for 2009, with a huge commitment in Bali to ensure that both the local inhabitants and the visiting tourists have clean and safe beaches, clear blue water, and a generally safe environment in which to live and to holiday. In forming relationships with the Indonesian Surfing Championship Tour, Reef Check Indonesia, Gelombang Udara Segar (GUS), Quiksilver Indonesia, Baliwista (Lifeguard Department), Satgas Pantai Kuta, and others, their goal is to improve the environmental and economic condition of Bali through consistent and sustainable programs that will have a maximum effect both physically and mentally on the people of Bali.

Since Bali is the birthplace of surfing in Indonesia and arguably the most famous Asian destination for both tourist and professional surfers from all over the world, having clean water and great waves to surf is a very important part of Balis economy. Through Balis growth in popularity as a surfing destination, many of the Indonesian boys and girls, and men and women, from Bali and other wave rich islands in Indonesia, have been able to develop their surfing skills and to gain world-wide attention for their high level of performance, thanks in part to the efforts of the ISC over the last 5 years. 

CCBI is proud to provide their support and sponsorship to the ISC in order to help these athletes in their pursuit of their dream to become professional surfers. The first stop on the ISC Pro Tour will start in Bali at Sanur with the Rusty Rumble in Da Jungle from April 26 to May 16 (waiting period). 

The next stop will find the tour in the seaside town of Cimaja in West Java for the Billabong Pro West Java from May 20-23, before touching down in West Sumbawa for the Rip Curl West Sumbawa Pro from June 20-30 (waiting period). The 2009 season will wrap up with the Quiksilver Pro at Keramas in late October. There are many more events on the ISC tour this year, and you can keep on top of all the action via the ISC Tour website at www.isctour.com.

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Primo Island Lager, Hawaii's original beer, dating back to 1897, will bring the aloha spirit and Hawaiian big "Bruddahs" to California for a 10-day tour of top coastal towns and surfing spots. Dubbed "The Primo Big Bruddah Tour," two specially outfitted Primo vehicles, a classic VW Double Cab and a custom woody bus, will hit Santa Cruz on April 25-26 to be part of the Big Stick Surfing LogJam! 2009. Some of Hawai'i's most notorious "Bruddahs" ("brother" or "pal" in Hawaiian pidgin) are coming direct from Hawai'i to help spread the word about Primo Island Lager and some "aloha spirit."

The LogJam!, held each April at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, California, is a little slice of surfing history. Since contest rules require contestants to ride boards made before 1970, and no leashes are allowed, it's an opportunity to see some elegant, old-school surfing, a skillful style born of the era's big, heavy boards and the annoyance of having to swim after them if you fell off. The event has become as much a chance for classic surfboard devotees to show their collections and talk about board design as it is a competition. 

Primo's big "Bruddahs" will also be on hand, including Micah Nickens, Hawaiian Big Wave Champion; Rusty Keaulana (Russ K), three-time Longboard World Champion and part of the first family of Hawai'i surfing; Spam, Primo's official "Bombucha"; and Lanai, a top DJ on 98.5 in Oahu. The Bruddahs will spread a taste of Hawai'i with California native Brad Gerlach, International Big Wave Champion.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 25, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a banquet dinner. 
Sunday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 pm. 

WHERE: 
Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, CA. Contest will be held at the corner of East Cliff Drive and 36th Avenue. 

Primo's "Bruddahs" and the two Primo vehicles will also be hosting "Primo Aloha Night" featuring comedy shows, tasting and music on April 25:
Rock of the Sea - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Corner Pocket - 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
The Crow's Nest - 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
The Hula Bar - 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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