Carving Wood for Balinese Craftsmen is critical

Balinese craftsmen are encountering severe shortages of wood, such as albesia, needed to meet the demands of the local and international markets for hand-carved products. Albesia, a preferred wood for carving among Balinese craftsmen, is normally harvested from Bangli, Karangasem, Tabanan and Jembrana. Of the 5,000 cubic meters produced annually in Bali most is now exported outside the island.

The head of the Gianyar (Bali) branch of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (KADIN), Wayan Gde Asyana, told the press: "Nowadays, it is easier to find gold than wood." He met with Bali's governor Made Mangku Pastika on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, to share his concerns over a lack of raw material for Bali's large carving industry.

This has resulted in a situation where 70% of Bali's carving wood requirements are now imported to the island. This has also been a concern in real estate industry, especially hotels and villas. Most equipment and decorations in villa Annora are using woods, for example floors, walls and bedrooms.

Annora means "Light" in Greek. Built on 2000sqm of land and designed by young talented architect Leo Sumiko, Annora Villas Bali fuses modern contemporary design with Balinese ethnic and emphasize on traditional Indonesian architecture to create a new exciting concept in Bali Villas. Establish in December 2000 and renowned as Amarta Villa, the resort was totally refurbished and re-launched in June 2008 as Annora Villas Bali.

There are choices of accommodation include Deluxe Suite, One-Bedroom Pool Villa and Two-Bedroom Pool Villa. Each villa is having its private pool while shared pool is also available, as well as Spa, Gazebo relaxation pavilion and restaurant with outdoor dining area.