Etihad Airways' first direct flight to Bali touched down at Denpasar International Airport this morning at 11.35am local time.
Departing from Terminal A at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi at 10.25pm on Tuesday, Flight EY476 arrived at the busy Bali airport after a journey of nine hours and ten minutes.
The inaugural flight in the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner begins the UAE’s national carrier’s weekly service to the Indonesian island. Flights will depart every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Return flights on EY477 will be on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, departing Bali at 6.45pm and arriving back in the UAE capital at 11.45pm.
The National was invited on board for the inaugural journey. The aircraft was full and many passengers celebrated the event by posing under a special archway at the departure gate in Abu Dhabi. Passengers also took photos with cabin crew and Etihad employees while holding up signs commemorating the occasion.
The flight was led by captain Lutfi Alhashmi, who was piloting an inaugural flight for the first time in his 16-year career.
Speaking about how proud he is to be piloting the airline's first flight, he says: “It’s such an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to reach Bali. I’ve never been, so I’m looking forward to sightseeing, seafood and the beach.”
Passengers were treated to Bali-themed gifts, including stickers and a finjan (a small cup without a handle usually accompanying Arabic coffee).
Indonesian dishes were added to the in-flight menu, including udang baladao (spicy Indonesian shrimps) and soto ayam (Indonesian chicken and noodle soup) for starters. Mains included ayam gorent (coconut rice, spicy dry shrimp), while dessert featured Bahami cake (Indonesian layered cake with mango).
Upon landing at Denpasar International Airport, the flight was greeted with a water cannon salute and a presentation from Bali representatives that included speeches, songs, cake and a traditional dance.
This is the fourth destination in Indonesia served by Etihad, following Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya.
Bali’s popularity with tourists
Bali has long been a tourist hotspot, drawing travellers thanks to its natural beauty, culture and attractions.
The island boasts pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, lush green rice terraces and majestic volcanoes. The island's rich cultural heritage is also evident in its temples, dances and festivals.
Activities on offer include surfing, diving, yoga retreats and spa treatments, making Bali a popular destination for those seeking tranquility and excitement alike.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Bali welcomed 5.3 million visitors last year, exceeding its 4.5 million target. Another record high is expected this year.
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Two products to make at home
Toilet cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1 cup castile soap
10-20 drops of lemon essential oil (or another oil of your choice)
Method:
1. Mix the baking soda and castile soap until you get a nice consistency.
2. Add the essential oil to the mix.
Air Freshener
100ml water
5 drops of the essential oil of your choice (note: lavender is a nice one for this)
Method:
1. Add water and oil to spray bottle to store.
2. Shake well before use.
The Kingfisher Secret
Anonymous, Penguin Books
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
