Sacred Mandala Pilgrimage to Bali - Itinerary
$4995, includes round-trip international airfare between Los Angeles and Denpasar, Bali. Double occupancy.
$800 single supplement.
30MAR 2008 Depart Los Angeles aboard Singapore Air (1:05 AM)
31MAR 2008 Arrival at Denpasar, Bali
Transfer by air-conditioned motor coach to Nusa Dua
31MAR-6APR: 6 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT NUSA DUA BEACH SPA & RESORT (SUPERIOR ROOM)
The Nusa Dua is a stunning full-service hotel with a private beach, 6 restaurants, 4 bars, a cultural pavilion and a private Hindu temple.
1APR (B/L) MORNING AT LEISURE
LUNCH & ORIENTATION MEETING AT NUSA DUA HOTEL’S KERATON ROOM
Howard and Mary welcome you to this wonderful soul adventure! After a sumptous lunch we will bring in local vendors to make sarongs, sashes and traditional Balinese dress available (these are mandatory for entrance/prayer/offerings at the Balinese temples’ inner courtyards) – long-term rentals will be arranged for those who don’t wish to own a sarong and sash. The prices are very cheap and the materials and workmanship are beautiful.
DINNER ON YOUR OWN – You’re free this evening to enjoy any of the Nusa Dua’s fine restaurants. For those who feel adventurous, we can make recommendations to places a little further afield.
2APR (B/L/D) 6:30AM-12:00 NOON TOUR TO VISIT PURA BESAKIH
FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT (Puri Boga) AND SUNSET DINNER CRUISE
Besakih is “The Mother” temple – the most important temple in all of Bali. We have made special arrangements for the group to make an offering (“daksina”) and to receive a blessing and join in a brief Balinese Hindu ceremony with one of Besakih’s High Priests. Besakih is dedicated to Siwa (Shiva) – but it also houses a number of other temples which mirror the temples around the entire island.
So we will spend the morning traveling around the Besakih complex to visit each of these smaller directional temples – creating the sacred mandala pilgrimage in miniature.
AFTERNOON FREE
EVENING SUNSET DINNER CRUISE aboard a BALI HAI CRUISE ship.
As the sun sinks below the horizon we'll enjoy a world famous Bali Hai Dinner Cruise.
3APR (B/L/D) 9:00AM FULL DAY TOUR: RURAL CHARM OF BALI AT GULINGAN VILLAGE, FOLLOWED BY BABI GULING LUNCH (roast suckling pig) AT GULINGAN
We’ll experience the country life of traditional Bali in scenic Gulingan
village – set amongst rice fields and forests – where we’ll
learn about how temple offerings are made from the beautiful local plants and
flowers. Then we’ll be treated to a traditional meal of “Babi Guling” the
famous Balinese roast suckling pig (vegetarian food will also be made available).
AFTERNOON VISIT TO SANGEH MONKEY FOREST AND TANAH LOT TEMPLE (SUNSET)
Next we visit the Sacred Monkey Forest of Sangeh and then head to Pura Tanah
Lot, one of Bali’s most picturesque and revered temples – one of
the “Sea Temples” founded by the monk Niratha in the 16th century – If
the tide permits we will cross the tidal pool and visit the inner courtyard.
DINNER AT NUSA DUA BEACH HOTEL
4APR (B/L) 6:30 AM TOUR TO ULUWATU TEMPLE, FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AT MEMEDI RESTAURANT
Pura Uluwatu is one of the Bali’s most powerful sites – sitting atop a sheer cliff that drops hundreds of feet into the pounding waters of the Indian Ocean. Dedicated to Rudra, Pura Uluwatu is both a “directional temple” (forming the mandala around the island) and one of the six Balinese “Temples of the World.”
Like Sekhmet in Egypt, Rudra has a dual aspect as both destroyer (he is called “The Dissolver of Life”) and as healer.
We will offer a daksina from the group at the inner courtyard and can receive a blessing/prayer from the High Priest. Uluwatu is a very hot site, so we’ll be going very early in the morning to beat the heat. Uluwatu is also home to some very cranky monkeys.
AFTERNOON, COMPLIMENTARY SPA TREATMENT AT NUSA DUA BEACH SPA & HOTEL
Time for some pampering: choose from a complimentary facial, Balinese massage or reflexology treatment at the world-class Nusa Dua Spa. This is our treat to you.
DINNER ON YOUR OWN - An evening off to enjoy one of Nusa Dua’s several excellent restaurants.
5APR (B/L/D) 8:30AM FULL DAY TOUR TO VISIT LEMPUYANG TEMPLE, and GOA LAWAH TEMPLE, LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT. EVENING: BBQ DINNER AT JIMBARAN BAY
Today we visit two very significant directional temples: Pura Lempuyang (East – dedicated to Iswara) and Pura Goa Lawah (Southeast – dedicated to Mahesora).
Lempuyang is a beautiful site, not frequented by tourists, on the slopes of Gunung Lempuyang. There is a bit of a steep walk to reach this temple – but it has been built to allow worship for those who can’t handle the 3 hour trek uphill to the “proper” temple on the summit of the mountain (like us!) We can make a large group offering in the inner courtyard, and Howard and Mary will lead us in a private ceremony in one of the outer courtyards.
Goa Lawah is known as the “bat cave” since the inner court of the temple is exactly that, a large, open-faced cave inhabited by thousands of bats. This is one of the most sacred sites on the island to devout Balinese. It is believed that the cave stretches for miles from Goa Lawah (which is on the coast) all the way to Besakih and is said to contain the great cosmic naga (dragon-snake) Basuki. The beach opposite is often the site of the “middle step” in the complex series of Balinese cremation ceremonies that occur for years after a person passes on.
In the evening we go to a terrific Warung (nothing too exotic - it just means
"restaurant") on Jimbaran Bay – BBC (Bali Beach Club) – for
a wonderful ocean-side barbeque of fresh local seafood (veg & non-fish
meals will also be made available).
6APR (B/L/D) TRANSFER FROM NUSA DUA TO UBUD
ENROUTE VISIT UBUD MARKET AND AYU MAS PAINTING GALLERY, LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT
6-11APR: 5 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT MAYA UBUD RESORT (SUPERIOR ROOM)
http://maya-ubud.com/index.htm
Today the energy of the trip shifts gears as we head to the artistic, cultural and spiritual heart of the island: Ubud, where we'll check into the sumptuous Maya Ubud Resort. Set in 25 acres of hillside gardens, the Resort features 108 Guest rooms and Villas, each with spectacular views of the river and fertile rice terraces. Along the way we'll stop at one of the islands most respected galleries and visit the bustling stalls of the Ubud market.
The Ayu Mas is a huge, privately owned, art gallery filled with hundreds of original paintings by dozens of local artists. There’s often a small group of artists working out front. The owner is a charming fellow who’s very knowledgeable in the various local “schools” of painting (i.e. Ubud style, traditional style, etc.) and the staff is friendly and efficient. We have negotiated a special group discount at Ayu Mas.
Then once we’re in Ubud (and you've acquired some stunning new paintings), we visit the market for rough-and-tumble local shopping (any discounts here will be left to the individual’s own bargaining power).
DINNER AT MAYA UBUD.
7APR (B/L/D) 8:30AM FULL DAY TOUR TO VISIT BATUR TEMPLE, SARI BATU, LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT NEAR KINTAMANI
Today we visit the northern directional temple – Pura Batur – dedicated to Wisnu and situated on the slopes Agung Batur. This temple is not frequented by tourists and protects Bali from the North (spiritually, at least).
Each morning the drum in the Kulkul tower at the gates to the temple is sounded 45 times to honor the 45 gods worshipped there.
On the way down the mountain, we’ll stop at a wonderfully lush garden farm, Sari Batu, to experience local spices, coffee and fruit – all grown on the premises and packed for travel, or available on the spot. Nothing like a hot cup of Balinese coffee brewed from beans that were roasted by hand an hour before.
DINNER AT MAYA UBUD.
8APR (B/L/D) 8:30 AM FULL DAY TOUR TO VISIT GOA GAJAH, SEMARA DHARMA SILVERSMITH, BATIK STUDIO, LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT (TEPI SAWAH)
Today we visit the world famous, yet inaccurately named, Elephant Cave (the
carving over the entrance, while it does resemble an elephant, is actually
either the earth god Bohma, the witch Rangda, or both). This is a large site
that dates from at least the 11th century and houses both Hindu and Buddhist
relics. The cave itself is very small, and contains meditation niches, a tri-linga
(signifying the Hindu triad of Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa) as well as a carving
of Ganesh. Lower down on the site are some Buddhist relics (that require managing
a fair number of steps).
In the afternoon we hit a couple of terrific local craft studios offering hand-made batik fashions and silver and gold jewelry. We were very pleased with the quality of the crafts on offer and have negotiated a group discount at both establishments.
DINNER AT THE FAMOUS LOTUS CAFE IN UBUD: Hosted by Mary and Howard.
9APR (B/L) 8:30AM FULL DAY TOUR TO VISIT BATUKARU TEMPLE,
LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT (ESPA), VISIT BALI BUDAYA WOOD CARVING STUDIO
Today we visit one of the most peaceful and beautifully spiritual temples on the whole island (and that’s saying something). Batukaru is the last of the directional temples (as well as one of the “Temples of the World”) – completing the mandala via the west. Batukaru is dedicated to Mahadewa.
On the way back to the Maya Hotel we’ll stop at an amazing wood-carving
studio called Bali Budaya to watch local artisans and maybe... do a little
shopping. This studio offers stunning, original carvings in a variety of sizes
and price-ranges. We have negotiated a very substantial discount for the group.
You're free this evening to enjoy some of Ubud's exceptional restaurants.
10APR (B/D) DAY AT LEISURE
Lunch on your own this afternoon.
OPTIONAL EXTRA ON THE DAY OFF
We’ve arranged for a visit to I Wayan Ritug – Bali’s greatest living Kris master. The “Kris” is a wavy-bladed dagger/short-sword, peculiar to Bali and Indonesia, which possesses great magical qualities and mystical significance. I Wayan Ritug’s family compound easily has 1000 antique kris in it (as well as tons of other cool, amazing things). Ritug’s Kris sell for as little as $100 up to $1000 or more (the President of Indonesia recently purchased an antique Kris from Ritug, apparently). This is a pretty specialized stop, so we thought we’d offer it on a first-come-first-served basis, up to the capacity of a mini-bus.
EVENING FAREWELL DINNER: AT MIRA ROYAL COMPOUND (PRIVATE VENUE)
A fabualous evening awaits! Tonight we will feast like the royal families of old. Dinner at the beautiful, private Mira Compound - a sumptuous dinner experience will be served “Raja” (royal) style and will feature traditional Balinese food and dance, a royal procession and more.
11APR (B) TRANSFER FROM UBUD TO AIRPORT
AIR ITINERARY - Singapore Airlines
SQ 027 G 30MAR LAX-SIN HK40 01:05A 11:35A+1
SQ 946 G 31MAR SIN-DPS HK40 4:40P 7:10P
SQ 943 G 11APR DPS-SIN HK40 1:05P 3:35P
SQ 028 G 11APR SIN-LAX HK40 5:15P 7:40P
G/N/Q/H CLASS OF SERVICE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MILEAGE CREDITS
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
Economy Class Airfare – AS INDICATED ABOVE
Transfers and Sightseeing - by motorcoach, as specified in itinerary; all admissions and entrance fees to places visited as per the itinerary.
Hotel Accommodation - room accommodations are provided at the hotels indicated, in deluxe/garden view category. Accommodations are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room or king bed with private bath. Single rooms are available upon payment of a single room supplement.
Tips and Taxes - all local taxes and tips on room accommodations, porterage and meals are included in the cost of the tour, except airport taxes and gratuities to local guides.
Tour Price Does Not Include - documentation costs, Bali, Indonesia departure tax, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, inoculations or vaccinations, beverages not on the menu of table d'hôte meals, optional tours not specifically included in the itinerary, laundry, insurance, or any other item of a personal nature not specifically mentioned herein.
DEPOSIT AND FULL PAYMENT
A deposit of US$1,000.00 is required upon registration. Final payment is due at least 60 days prior to departure date, at which time tickets and vouchers will be issued.
CANCELLATION
If Canceled before January 1st, 2008 there will be a $300 administration fee.
There will be no refunds for cancelations after january 1st, 2008.
We STRONGLY encourage you to buy travel insurance to protect yourself in the case of cancelation or some unexpected circumstance.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All travelers need a passport valid for at least six months after the date of entering the country of intended visit. Please note that this rule is enforced by Indonesia. Holders of American Passports are required to obtain visa to visit Indonesia. Visa can be obtained at the airport upon arrival for US$25 per person.
BAGGAGE
Between North America and Asian destinations, each passenger is allowed two pieces of checked baggage. The total dimensions of both pieces must not exceed 107 inches, with the largest piece not to exceed 62 inches. Cabin baggage is limited to one item and the sum of the three dimensions must not exceed 45 inches.
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