Far from the bustle of our hectic existence lies a tranquil and exotic tropical island, Bali in Indonesia. It 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 program will give you a thorough introduction to the island of Bali, with its colourful traditions, fabulous scenery, and unique handicrafts, architecture and dance. We will visit beautiful villages each with their own unique charm, and travel to remote areas where traditional Balinese life goes on much as it did centuries ago. On the island of Bali urban gentility coexists peacefully with rustic charm. Come explore with us new cultural horizons and meet the warm, gentle people of this magical isle.
ITINERARY
Day 1, Sun. Sep 14 Depart
Depart home city for Denpasar, Bali.
Day 2, Mon. Sep 15 en route
Day 3, Tue. Sep 16 Arrive Bali
Upon arrival at Denpasar airport, transfer to your luxurious hotel in Nusa Dua, a lovely seaside resort area with international flavour and Balinese charm. Welcome cocktails and dinner at the hotel.
D Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Day 4, Wed. Sep 17 Nusa Dua Beach
A free day on the beach to enjoy swimming, relaxing or water sports. You may also choose to shop, play golf, or indulge yourself in the fabulous spa at the hotel.
B Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Day 5, Thu. Sep 18 Nusa Dua/Bedugul
Drive to Bedugul, an attractive mountain resort in the central highlands. En route, we will visit Pura Taman Ayun temple, one of the loviest sanctuaries on the island. This is the state temple of Mengwi, and is surrounded by a moat. On the road to the village of Jatiluwih we will pass by magnificent rice fields. Next we visit Pura Luhur Batukau, one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. Clinging to the slopes of holy Batukau, the temple is in a luxuriant green setting, a haven of peace and coolness. In the midst of tree ferns, bamboo and banana trees stand sculptures that provide a refuge for an extraordinary colony of butterflies. After lunch, we stop at the serene, floating temple of Ulun Danu, a half-Hindu, half-Buddhist complex built by the king of Mengwi on the shore of Lake Bratan in 1633. in the afternoon we arrive at our deluxe villa-style spa resort.
B/L Kalaspa Resort
Day 6, Fri. Sep 19 Bedugul/Lovina Beach
In the morning, we drive to peaceful, scenic Lake Tamblingan, and then follow the winding road to the village of Munduk with its small ageless houses stretching out along the road. Here in the scheduled picturesque highlands of Bali, village life is largely unaffected by tourism. This is a place where the lush tropical rainforest is closes to cascading rice terraces, and the clear rivers flow through the valley floors. You can see the traditional Balinese wisdom of venerating nature, and the proper use of land based on strict and wise Subak regulations. Here we will walk with out trek leader to observe the true heart and soul of ancient Balinese ways. After lunch in Munduk, we will visit jungle and luxurious gardens, this is the perfect setting for relaxation after a trek. There are three pools of varying temperatures to soak in. Continue on to Lovina Beach, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and black sand beaches.
B/L Puri Bagus Lovina Resort
Day 7, Sat. Sep 20 Lovina Beach/Candidasa
This morning we will visit Beji Temple, a Subak temple typical of the baroque architecture of North Bali with its richly detailed facades portraying winged creatures, dedicated to the gods of the rice paddies. Continue along the road to Kintamani passing through breathtaking scenery highlighted by majestic Mount Batur volcano.
In the afternoon we visit the site of Besakih "Mother Temple", Bali's oldest, largest, holiest and most impressive temple complex. The scenic drive continues through a succession of little villages, Rendang, Selat and Bebandem. At the end of the day we arrive at Candidasa, or "Ten Temples", named after a shrine in the eastern part of the village.
B/L Candi Beach Resort
Day 8, Sun. Sep 21 Candidasa/Ubud
Today's theme is "Ancient Bali."
This morning we visit Tenganan village, home of the Bali Aga Tribe, a pre-Hindu Balinese settlement, long a centre of native traditions. Tenganan is known for its unique customs and intricate crafts. It is one of three places in the world that still practices double ikat weaving. Tour the village and observe the tying and dying process of the ceremonial "grinsing" cloth. Drive westward to Klungkung to visit the Kertagosa, the ancient court of justice with its Kamasan painting on the ceiling depicting the after-life according to one's karma.
After lunch we visit the stone relies of Gunung Kawi, the royal tombs and heritage sites located on the banks of the Pakrisan River. The relief figures, which have remained intact, are enigmatic and naturalistic, presenting short vignettes of everyday village life.
At the end of the day we arrive in Ubud, home of Bali's finest artists and renowned for its wood carving workshops and art galleries. At least five different contemporary styles are represented here, with works by both veteran artists and young novices.
In the evening, enjoy the amazing shadow puppet show, or "wayang kulit", whose stories tell about 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 Ubud Village Hotel
Day 9, Mon. Sep 22 Ubud
Today we visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) for a lesson in traditional Balinese painting. Afterwards, take a guided walk through the museum of art's superb permanent collection of traditional paintings. Lunch in Ubud with Afternoon at leisure. In the early evening we will go to Puri Saren Ubud to see Traditional Balinese dance performances.
B/L Ubud Village Hotel
Day 10, Tue. Sep 23 Ubud
Today we will participate in a traditional cooking class. Early morning departure to visit the local market to buy the cooking ingredients, and to learn the Indonesian way of bargaining. After a light breakfast, the cooking lessons will begin. You will learn how to prepare three different dishes of typical Indonesian food. The cooking class provides a fascinating insight into Balinese life, beliefs and culture through learning about its food, cooking and culinary myths. Afternoon at leisure.
B/L Ubud Village Hotel
Day 11, Wed. Sep 24 Ubud/Sanur
Today we explore some lovely art villages outside of Ubud. First we visit 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. Continue on to visit the market at Sukawati, overflowing with batik, fabrics and puppets made of leather. Our final stop is at Celuk, where for generations talented gold and silversmiths have produced delicate filigree jewelry created by using fine metal points. We will have lunch in the capital city of Denpasar. 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/L/D Bali Hyatt Resort
Day 12, Thu. Sep 25 Sanur/Hong Kong
Morning transfer to the airport for departure flight home.
PRICE AND INCUDED FEATURES:
Cost -
Based on sharing twin accommodation $2889.00 CAD / 1989.00 USD per person
Single supplement - $889.00 CAD / 615.00 USD
Included features;
- Accommodations in 4 and 5-stars hotels
- Included meals: breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 2 dinners
- All transportation from Denpasar airport and return to airport
- Guided sightseeing with English-speaking local guides
- Excursions to artist's homes and art museums
- Excursions to temples, archaeological sites and natural wonders
- Evening of Balinese traditional dance performances
- Evening of shadow puppet theatre
- Classes in traditional Balinese cooking and painting
- Bali travel manual
Optional tour to Hong Kong
Day 12, Thu. Sep 25 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 13, Fri. Sep 26 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 14, Sat. Sep 27 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 15, Sun. Sep 28 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 Kong
