Far from the bustle of our hectic existence lies a tranquil and exotic tropical island, Bali in Indonesia, with its colourful traditions, fabulous scenery, and unique handicrafts, architecture and dance. We are delighted to add this new destination to our Paint Brush Holidays.
This is an authentic South seas paradise, with golden sunsets, an amazingly rich culture, talcum-powder beaches, coral dive-sites, and warm breezes carried through swaying palms and holy banyan trees. This is landscape that no postcard could ever fully capture, where the sheer natural beauty has earned the island its name: “Island of the Gods”.
Our program –
- 2 nights Nusa Dua Beach
- 7 nights Ubud with excursions to see local dance performances, unique temples and beautiful craft villages which changed little over the past century
- 1 night Sanur Beach
- optional 3-day extension to Hong Kong
ITINERARY
Day 1, Tues. September 2 Depart
Depart hometown for Denpasar, Bali.
Day 2, Wed. September 3 En route
Day 3, Thurs. September 4 Arrive Bali
Upon the arrival at Denpasar airport, transfer to your luxurious hotel in Nusa Dua, a lovely resort area with international flavour and Balinese charm. Welcome cocktails and dinner at the hotel.
D Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Day 4, Fri. September 5 Nusa Dua Beach
A free day on the beach to enjoy swimming, relaxing or water sports. You September also choose to shop, play golf, or indulge yourself in the fabulous spa at the hotel.
B Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Day 5, Sat. September 6 Nusa Dua/Ubud
In the morning we depart for Ubud, home of Bali's finest artists. On the way, visit Batuan, known for its maskmakers, and Goa Gajah, the oldest excavated relic of ancient Balinese art. Continue on to visit Sebatu temple and holy spring located at Tagalalang. In Ubud, you will have an opportunity to visit its renowned art galleries throughout the week. At least five different contemporary styles are represented, with works by both veteran artists and young novices. We will stay at Alam Sari, a beautiful resort in the village of Keliki near Ubud. Keliki is a village renowned for its fine miniature paintings. We will visit artists at work and arrange visits to art galleries, museums and artists homes. This is a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the fascinating culture of Balinese rural life and to see Balinese artists at work.
B/L Alam Sari Hotel
Day 6, Sun. September 7 Ubud
Today we begin our watercolour painting course led by Balinese artist Pranoto. The course is held at your hotel where you will find plenty of inspiration for your paintings in the surrounding environment.
Lesson One: Colour Play
We explore colour theory and watercolour technique and learn about the special properties of mixing colour.
This afternoon participants will visit Pranoto's gallery to view his work, and the works of his wife, Kerry Prendegast. They will provide a guided tour through the gallery and explain the media used in their work. We will tour the village and surrounding area and visit small local galleries.
Day 7, Mon, September 8 Ubud
Lesson two: Composition and Technique
General theories about painting composition and technique, focusing on watercolour in particular, including complimentary colour use and achieving balance to a one-colour painting.
This afternoon we will visit the world-class art museums in Ubud, including Neka and Antonio Blanco museums.
B/L Alam Sari Hotel
Day 8, Tues. September 9 Ubud
Lesson three: Composition and technique
An additional day will be spent expanding on watercolour techniques, including complimentary colour use and achieving a balance in colours in a painting.
After lunch, we travel to Celuk, where for generations talented gold andsilversmiths have produced delicate filigree jewelry created by using fine metal points. Continue on to the village of Mas, famous for its intricate woodcarvings. Here you will see statuettes made of ebony and sweet smelling sandalwood, as well as masks and all manner of furniture.
We also visit the village of Singapadu, famous for its stone carving.
In the evening, enjoy the amazing shadow puppet show, or “wayang kulit”, whose stories tell about Balinese mythology blended into one with historical facts about ancient Balinese kings and their exploits. This is one of the oldest continuous traditions of Storytelling in the world, dating back to the tenth century.
B/L Alam Sari Hotel
Day 9, Wed. September 10 Ubud
Lesson four: Use of Light
We explore the single issue of light, which is so fundamental to a good watercolour painting. We sketch a still life and observe the light in a painting.
Afternoon at your leisure.
In the evening, we will drive to the village of Batubulan to see the famous Kecak and fire trance dance performances. This tells the story of RaSeptemberana who, with the help of this monkey army, tries to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of the evil King Rawana.
B/L Alam Sari Hotel
Day 10, Thurs. September 11 Ubud
Lesson five: Painting an Outdoor Scene
First we learn about doing a painting plan by drawing several thumbnail sketches outdoors. We will use this and the previous lessons learned to create a painting.
This afternoon we visit the site of Besakih “Mother Temple”, Bali's oldest, largest, holiest and most impressive temple complex where every day activity reigns in the maze of courtyards and altars. Continue along the road through undulating countryside interspersed with deep ravines to the weaving village at Sidemen.
B/L Alam Sari Hotel
Day 11, Fri. September 12 Ubud
Lesson six: Painting session
Participants will choose their own subject, or continue painting from day five under the guidance of the teachers.
This afternoon we drive westward towards Klungkung to vist the Kertagosa, the ancient court of justice with its Kamasan painting on the ceiling depicting the after-life according to one's karma.
Continut on to visit the museum of Nyoman Gunarsa at Klungkung. The museun has many of Nyoman Gunarsa's paintings throughout his carrier, and also houses a collection of interesting antiques.
B/L Alam Sari Hotel
Day 12, Sat. September 13 Ubud/Sanur
Morning departure for Denpasar where we will visit a batik factory to see the method of batik processing. Continue on to Sanur where you are free to relax on the beach, or explore the intriguing local cafes and art shops. Farewell dinner in Sanur.
B/D Bali Hyatt Resort
Day 13, Sun. September 14 Depart Sanur
Morning transfer to the airport for departure flights home.
Price and Incuded Features;
Cost -
Based on sharing twin accommodation $2889.00 CAD / 1989.00 USD per person
Single supplement - $989.00 CAD / 685.00 USD
Included features:
- Accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels
- Included meals: breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 2 dinners
- 6 tutored painting classes by renowned Balinese artist
- All transportation from Denpasar airport and return to airport
- Guided sightseeing with English-speaking local guides
- Excursions to artists' homes and art museums
- Excursions to temples and archaeological sites
- Evening of Balinese traditional dance performances
- Evening of shadow puppet theatre
- Bali travel manual
Optional tour to Hong Kong
Day 13, Sun. September 14 Sanur/Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the “City of life” where east meets west. Upon arrival at Chap Lak Kok airport, transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this exciting city.
B Marco Polo Gateway Hotel
Day 14, Mon. September 15 Hong Kong
Today enjoy a full day city tour of Hong Kong. First we travel to Vistoria Peak by Cable car for an unforgettable view of the Hong Kong harbour and the city around it. Visit Sampan village and take a ride in the harbour on a sampan. Visit Man to temple, the village of Aberdeen at the world's largest Floating Restaurant. In the afternoon, we will cross the harbour to Kowloon and visit the wishing tree at Che Kung Temple at Sha Tin. Next we visit the Hong Kong Museum, a modern museum opened in 2000 that gives a visual history of the culture and heritage of Hong Kong.
B/L Marco Polo Gateway Hotel
Day 15, Tues. September 16 Hong Kong
A full day to explore one of the world's most exciting cities. Or spend the day shopping where everything is in abundance, and you will find the malls and designer boutiques offer an amazing contrast to the builting open-air markets.
B Marco Polo Gateway Hotel
Day 16, Wed. September 17 Depart Hong Kong
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cahp Lak Kok international airport for departure.
B
Included features:
- Round trip airport transfers
- 3 nights at a first-class hotel
- Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
- Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Hong
