Bali International Convention Centre (BICC)

COP9 of the Basel Convention was held at the  Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) on 23-27 June 2008. The BICC is situated in the self-contained resort area of Nusa Dua, which is just 10 km from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is also connected through an air-conditioned shopping arcade with the Westin Resort (the main venue hotel) and surrounded by some of Bali's finest five-star hotels and resorts (Ayodya Resort, Inna Putri Bali, Grand Hyatt, Melia Bali, The Laguna Resort & Spa, and Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa),and within walking distance of fantastic shopping, entertainment, restaurants, a championship golf course and a host of other recreational facilities.

Indonesia

Situated between two continents and two oceans, the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago comprising some 17,508 islands that stretch across the equator for more than 5,000 miles. Straddling the equator, Indonesia is distinctly tropical with two seasons: dry and rainy season. With its geographical location in South East Asia, Indonesia is accessible for the delegates regardless of the region they are from. Being the fourth largest population in the world with nearly 88% of its 220 million citizens of the Muslim faith, peace-loving Indonesia welcomes the opportunity to host COP9 of the Basel Convention. Indonesia is also a melting pot of different communities, benefiting from centuries of peaceful coexistence. Indonesia is great place to visit, as it offers superb natural beauty, cultural, artistic wealth, and warm hospitality. The diversity and authenticity of cultures, arts, as well as flora and fauna represents the precious treasures that can be found throughout different parts of Indonesia.

Bali

Bali is located just off the eastern tip of Java, from which it is separated by the Bali Strait. On its north and south side, the island is flanked by the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean, respectively.The island occupies an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers and lies on a latitude of 8° south of the equator, having population of around 3.5 million. Bali is one of Indonesia's provinces, with Denpasar as provincial capital. Endowed with great natural beauty and rich culture has made Bali globally known as an island of paradise. Bali's spectacular beaches, volcanoes, lakes, temples, and terraced rice fields -- combined with its deeply artistic roots and its legendary hospitality -- have made it one of the most visited places on earth. The religion and culture of Bali are unique in the world, and the Balinese have preserved their traditions in spite of the island's growing tourist industry. Bali International Airport, Ngurah Rai, is the nation's eastern gateway, served by numerous
International airlines and charter flights.

Living Cost

Cost of living in Bali is reasonable. For three times of daily meals (incl. food and drink) at local restaurants will cost at around USD 15 to USD 20 per person. Food and drink at better hotels cost about the same as in the same category of hotel anywhere else in the world. Breakfast is USD 8 to USD 30, lunch and dinner USD 20 to USD 70 or more per person - and that does not include any wine which can be very expensive. On the other hand, restaurants outside the large hotels are often 60% to 80% cheaper.

Customs

Customs allow on entry at maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They
must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotic drugs, pornography, trans receivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.
While there is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Indonesia, those who bring into the country currency worth more than 100 million Rupiah must be declared to customs upon arrival at the first port of entry.

Climate

Bali enjoys warm, tropical weather all year. Temperatures average is between 21 to 33 C (68 to 93 F) year round. In the mountains, however, it can go as low as 5 C at night. Humidity varies between 60% and 100%. In general, Bali experiences two seasons: moist and wet. The dry season is normally from May to October, whereas the rainy season is normally from November to April, during which it can rain for several hours each day. The rain tends to be intermittent, however, with plenty of sun in between. There is comparatively little difference between the daytime and night time temperatures. All conference sessions will be held in air-conditioned venues.

Time Zone

Bali is in the Central Indonesian Timezone, which is GMT+8hours.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Currency

The Indonesian currency is Rupiah (IDR). The currency exchange is approximately USD 1 = IDR 9,175. Most foreign currencies are easily changed at airports, banks, hotels or money changers. The currency exchange rate fluctuates regularly. Check with your bank for the latest exchange rates. Banking hours are from 08.00 am to 14.00 noon Mondays to Fridays, and from 08.00 am to 11.00 am on Saturdays. Bank in hotels usually stay open longer hours while money changers are generally open till the evening. ATM is available in many places, provides VISA, MASTER, ALTO and more.

Travelers'checks & Credit Cards

Travelers' checks are accepted by leading banks and hotels in principal cities, including Bali. The use of travelers' checks in Indonesia is as popular as in any other countries. Diners Club and American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and pubs. According to
Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards should be charged in local currency.

Electric Current

The electric current in use throughout Indonesia is 220-230volts at50Hz. Most hotels can provide transformers and adapters. POWER PLUG 220 V

IDD (International Direct Dialing)

Country Code (Indonesia): 62 City code (Bali): 361

Security Arrangement

Strict security measures will be provided at the conference venue and all designated hotels. Security is provided at places outside the conference venue and hotels where official activities are held.

Businesshours

Business and government offices are open either from 08.00am to04.00pm or09.00 to 05.00pm from Monday to Friday.

Clothing

Dress is normally casual and light clothing is advisable due to the hot, humid climate. Trousers or slack and shirts are generally considered appropriate but a jacket and tie are required for formal occasions when making official calls. For certain formal occasions, long-sleeved batik shirts are acceptable. For travel to mountain areas, a light sweater or jacket is recommended. Halter tops and shorts are frowned upon in most places except around sport facilities or on the beach,proper decorum should especially be observed when visiting places of worship.

Gratuities

Tipping is not encouraged in hotels and restaurants if 10% service is already included in a bill. Extra tips from satisfied customers are for encouragement. At most hotels a service charge of 10% is added to the bills. An airport porter expects 15,000Rupiah per bag.

Shopping

The major cities have shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. They start open from 09.00 am to 09.00 pm everyday and some eve non Sunday. At small shops bargaining might be necessary. Bali has various shopping spots. Main tourist roads are often lined with shops and stalls selling crafts of all types. Ubud (25kmNorthofDenpasar) and the surrounding villages of Pengosekan, Mas and Batuan are breeding grounds for arts, ranging from 'wayang style' paintings, polished woodcarving and antiques to traditional Balinese Carvings made from volcanic purnice. For those who do not like to wander too much
From the beach, Kuta and Legian have more modern shopping areas.

Sightseeing

Places of interest in Bali include Ubud, Bangli, Batubulan, Bedugul, Besakih, Celuk, enpasar, GoaGajah, GoaLawah, JimbaranBay, Lovina, Kintamani, Klungkung, Kuta & Legian, Mas, Menjangan Island, Nusa Dua, Peliatan, Sangeh, Sanur, Tampak Siring, TanahLot, Tenganan, Trunyan, Yeh Saneh, Sanur Beach.

Must See

Balinese popular dances are Kecak, Baris, Barong & Rangda, Legong, Sanghyang Trance Dances and Topeng (Mask) Dances.

Worship Places

Worship places for Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims as well as Protestants are available in Bali.

Clinics/Doctors

International standard clinics are available in Bali. To name of some of them: Bali International Medical Center (BIMC), Nusa Dua Medical Service, Kuta Clinic, Ubud Clinic and SOS Medika.

Security

During the conference period, the Bali International Convention Centre will be under UN jurisdiction with security system managed by the UN.