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BALI

Bali: Yoga, Sacred Sites, Full Moon Pooja, Time to Reflect
An Inspirational and Relaxing Vacation
October 4-16

Day 1 Arrival in Bali. Met at airport and transfer to Nusa Dua Beach Resort, a quiet area situated on Bali's southern peninsula, (about 15 min drive from airport). Deluxe rooms. Welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 2 Morning private yoga class at the hotel either in their yard or on their private beach. Day free time to relax--enjoy the hotel facilities: a massage, swim, walk.

Evening attend sunset Kecak dances at Uluwatu on the edge of South Bali. Arrive at approx 5pm. Pura Luhur Ulu Watu is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali - both for its site and for its wonderful carvings. The temple is on the westernmost part of the Bukit- a large table formation in connected to the main island by a narrow stretch of land. It is a raised seabed, emerged from the ocean eons ago, and now gradually being worn down by erosion. The narrow temple site sticks out like a finger 250 feet above the crashing waves. The very end of the temple is where the most sacred inner court is located. And, fittingly, this is the part that is becoming smaller and smaller over the years, as the edge of the outcropping drops into the sea. It's almost as if the temple as a whole is being offered to the sea. The temple is hewn out of black coral rock, which is exceptionally hard. The stone carvings here are particularly fine, and have stood the test of time. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, Pura Ulu Watu is considered one of the sadkayyangan, or six most sacred sanctuaries of the island. It was formerly forbidden to outsiders. The Kecak Dance performance combines many of Bali's sacred dances from trance to Sang Hyang Dedari dance. The story is taken from the Ramayana Epic, where Devi Shinta is kidnapped by the Giant King Rahwana and is protected by Goddess Brahma ( symbolized by fire). The performace takes place at an outdoor theater space while the sun is setting behind the performers.

After the dance performance, enjoy a special traditional dinner at Bumbu Bali Restaurant in Tanjung Benoa adjacent to Nusa Dua. Operated by Heinz von Holzen, the author of the book "The Food of Bali" and former food guru of the Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carlton hotels in Bali, the restaurant is considered the finest authentic cuisine. The ambience, with indoor water fountains, statues of various gods, greenery and music is relaxing and delightful. (B,D)

Day 3 After breakfast transfer to Bali Spirit Resort. Enroute we'll stop at the "Bali Art Market" in Sukawati to bargain for all kinds of handicrafts and textiles. You can buy your traditional Balinese clothing here for wearing at the full moon puja at the temple.

Afterwards, we'll visit Goa Gajah (elephant cave) dedicated to Ganesha and Shiva-also sacred to Budhists. Lunch at the fabulous Lotus Cafe on the banks of the Water Palace. The restaurant serves healthy Indonesian cuisine including organic greens!

Afternoon free to enjoy the facilities at Bali Spirit, a private retreat on the edge of Ubud on the banks of the sacred Wos River. Terraced gardens and sun-drenched pavilions lead to a spring fed pool perched above the rushing river. During your stay, the hotel can offer the following activities upon request: batik painting, balinese painting, temple offering creating, Balinese dance, Balines music anf cooking classes. Additional fees quoted by and paid to the hotel. There is also a complimentary shuttle service to the shopping areas of Ubud. Emerald Suites. Evening, 630-730 pm, attend meditation at Bali Spirit Yoga Studio (approx 15 min drive. (B,L)

Photo Left: Bali Spirit Resort grounds and pool.

Day 4 Purnam Kapat (full moon in October) in temple at Depensar.
Morning vinyasa yoga class 9-1045 am at Bali Spirit Yoga Studio.

Afterwards, attend full moon the ceremonies and festivities. We will want to wear Balinese dress used for prayer: kamben (sarong), kebaya (traditional blouse) and selempot (waist sash) for women and kamben, selempot, jacket, saput (outer cover for sarong) and udeng (head wrap) for men. Purnam Kapat is one of the most sacred full moons for Balinese Hindus. We will attend a tremendous ceremony at the temple with gambelan and dance and many grand offerings. The ceremonies usually begin at 12 noon with a parade in the streets and finish around 11pm.

We will have more details when closer to the date. Here is what we have at this point: The festival starts with the Caru Ceremony, usually held midday, after this ceremony the woman in the temple make Balinese cakes to give to the Seka Gong (Gambelan group). At this point we can go for lunch at one of the local restaurants. After lunch, we return to the temple for the rest of the ceremony. If this full moon is confirmed to be a Nadi ceremony (big ceremony), we will also see the Maecan - a procession with the Rejang Dancer (this dance is performed by a virgin girl) and the trance procession by the Pemangku (second level of priest in Hinduism), who is in charge of the temple. The Maecan procession is usually held arround 7 - 8 p.m, followed by the trance of the Pemangku. After the priest is tranced by the gods and goddesses, he will inform the Penyungsung (the temple society) if the offerings are complete, and tell where it needs to be fixed to complete the offerings.

Day 5 Morning hatha yoga class 9-1045 am at Bali Spirit Yoga Studio. Afterwards, enjoy the resort facilities. The resort offers free shuttle to Ubud (10 min drive) for those wanting to shop or stroll independently.

Afternoon (approx 3 pm) an excursion to Alas Kedaton, one of Bali's Monkey Forests and after a short walk we go to Tanah Lot temple for a beautiful sunset. This is the most visited temple in Bali. The name translates as temple of the earth in the sea, and it's accessible only during low tide. Like Ulu Watu, this is another of the six most holy temples in Bali. (B)

Day 6 Bedugul /Lake Braten (Central Bali)
After breakfast, we will drive about 11/2 hr up to Bedugul in central Bali stopping enroute at a natural hot springs near Wongaya Gede village in Tabanan Regency. Those interested can dip in the hot springs, then we will continue to Bedugul (1 hr drive). After lunch at the hotel we will take a short drive to the lake where we enjoy a motor boat tour around the lake including a look at Ulun Danu Temple, the picturesque floating temple. Pura Ulu Danu was built in the 17th century on highland Lake Bratan. It is one of the kayangan jagat (directional temples) which protect Bali from evil in all directions. This gemlike temple is half on the mainland, half on a tiny island. The complex is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and the god of water, in his guise as Dewi Danu, who protects all living creatures. Small and charming, it comments on the spirit of place without leaving a big footprint. A peaceful, shimmering vision. There is more rainfall around Pura Luhur than anywhere else on very rainy Bali. Moss covers the stones of this temple, and the jungle presses in. You can search for shrines secreted away in the jungle, knowing that the most amazing shrines of all are the orchids and butterflies that live here. The temple represents the spirit of the mountain, which does seem to be especially present here. A hidden treasure. Evening yoga/meditation. Overnight at Pacung Mountain Resort (B, L, D)

Day 7 After breakfast hiking at Kebun Raya Bedugul, a tropical rain forest. Picnic lunch. Evening meditation, relaxation at our resort. (B,L,D)

Day 8 The Mother Temple
Early morning yoga (7am). After breakfast, we'll drive past picturesque rice terraces on the way to Pura Besakih, the island's holiest temple, also known as "The Mother Temple." Our route takes us north to Singararaja, then east to Kubu Tambahan to reach Mt Batur and Kintamani (the volcano). We arrive at about 1030 am to enjoy a spectacular view; tea and snacks are available at Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant near the volcano, if you like.

We continue the drive (approx 11/2-2 hrs) to Besakih. The Mother Temple was built in the 11th. century at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) on the slopes of Mount Agung. All hindu castes come together to worship at Besakih Temple. The temple is named for Naga Basukian, one of the dragon gods that guards Mount Agung - the highest mountain in Bali. The temple has a courtyard of altars and shrines devoted to a number of gods and has the triple shrine which is dedicated to Brahma, Wisnu, and Shiva standing side by side. The elaborate tiered shrine is called a meru and symbolizes the world mountain, Gunung Maha Meru. The meru has a shape similar to the chinese pagoda.

After our visit of Besakih temples, we will drive to the traditional village of Amed on the east coast of Bali (approx 2 hr drive). Lunch at Bukit Jambul Restaurant enroute between Besakih and Amed (approx 35 min drive). This is one of the least densely populated parts of the island and known for spectacular snorkeling and diving. (B,L)

Day 9 Morning yoga. Day free to relax, snorkle from the black sand beach, partake in massages, individual meditation etc. Dive packages can be arranged at additional cost. Overnight Dancing Dragons Resort, beach view and beach front cottages (based on availability). (B)

Day 10 Morning yoga. Independent day. Overnight Dancing Dragons Resort, (B)

Day 11 Morning yoga. After breakfast, return to Ubud, stopping enroute to visit the Goa Lawah (bat cave) Temple. Many people come here to pray and we are likely to see a cremation ceremony or other such important celebration. Overnight Artini CottageII. (B)

Day 12 Morning attend sacred Barong Dances in Batubulan village (starts 930 am). Afterwards, visit stone carving studio in Batubulan and continue excursion to visit other crafts villages around Ubud: Celuk (silver & gold jewelry), Mas (wood carving), and Pengosekan (painting). Or If you are not interested in the craft villages (which do have a commercial angle to them) you may elect: Morning hatha yoga class 9-1045 am at Bali Spirit Yoga Studio (across the street from our hotel) and stroll the center of Ubud independently. Our hotel is in town. ( (B)

Day 13 Morning hatha yoga class 9-1045 am at Bali Spirit Yoga Studio and free time until transfer to airport for flight home.

Price: Please request.

Price is based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, you must pay the single room supplement. If you would like to share accommodations, we will match you with a roommate if one is available.

Participation in yoga classes is optional, therefore we have not included the cost of classes at Bali Spirit yoga studio in the tour price. You may pay the studio directly per class if and when you decide to attend. Classes and meditations during the journey with the accompanying yoga teacher are included whether you choose to participate or not.

Price Includes: accommodations, airport transfers and land transport by ac vehicle, entrance fees during sightseeing, meals as listed, accompanying escort, local guide at Besakih, porterage at hotels for one piece of luggage

Not Included: international flight, visa fee, tips to guides/drivers, phone calls, laundry, trip cancellation/travel insurance (highly suggested; a brochure included in your confirmations packet)

Meals: included meals will be very healthy; fresh salads, vegetables, seafood; lots of options for vegetarians.

Celebrations: In addition to the fullmoon ceremony, some of the temples in Ubud and Denpasar are having odalan (celebration of the temple's birthday) on October 7. Odalan is a sacred ceremony held every 210 days according to the Wuku calender and usually lasts three days. Every five years, it is called Panca Rudra; ten years- Eka Dasa Rudra, and one hundred years-Eka Dasa Wali. Hindus believe anyone who is living during the one hundred year ceremony is blessed by the gods for their life. Hindus and Budhist come to this temple during odalanto give offerings. We are still awaiting news about other special events that may be occurring during our dates such as : Tooth Feeling Ceremony, Ngaben/cremation, and Pawiwahan (marriage) ceremonies.

Weather: Bali is warm and humid year-round (90 max/70 min). The monsoon season is November-March with Dec-Feb being the wettest. The peak times, when it is over-crowded with tourists, are June, July, Dec. We have selected October for our tour date as it is best time to visit with fewer tourists and perfect weather (86 max/76 min) and dry season. Upon booking, you will receive a trip preparations packet with more background information on the places we will be visiting as well as insurance brochure and other information to assist you in preparing for your journey.

Yoga Teacher/Escort: Amy Chramosta has been a student of yoga for over fifteen years. She has studied various styles of yoga including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram, and Anusara and with skilled teachers including Sarah Powers, Baron Baptiste, John Friend, Maritza and David Swenson. Amy teaches an intuitive and athletic style of hatha flow yoga that focuseson the development of breathwork, strength, proper alignment, and flexibility, while encouraging the cultivation of each individual's own personal flow. She combines the basic movements of the Ashtanga primary series with Bikram back-strengtheners and other hatha yoga poses designed to create power in the core of the body. She combines her experience and love of all of these forms to offer a class that is fun, challenging, and beneficial to students of all levels.

Hotels

Nusa Dua Beach Resort is nestled within 9 hectares of lush tropical landscape gardens on a 150 meter private white sand beach. The resort features all the elegance of a Balinese palace, exposing the rich Balinese traditions and culture, yet offering every modern amenity and convenience for a luxurious getaway. Each guestroom and suite offers stunning views of meticulously landscape tropical gardens or vistas of the Indian Ocean from the terrace. We've booked the deluxe rooms.

Bali Spirit Resort and Spa is located in Nyuh Kuning/Ubud, about 15 minutes drive from the center of Ubud. Although Ubud is the cultural center of Bali, it is quite busy and crowded. Bali Spirit Resort has really gorgeous landscaping and creates a very peaceful, inspirational settingwith Balinese decor, large airy rooms with private balconies, a spa, and swimming pool. The Bali Spirit yoga studio is 15 min drive. We've booked the Emerald Suites.

Pacung Mountaint Resort is perched high atop Mt. Batukaru near Bedugul. The resort, nestled amongst some of the most tranquil and lush tropical mountain land you could hope to find, offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and terraced rice fields and continues down the slope of its host mountain with many bungalows situated in the valley. At an altitude of 800 meters above sea level the resort is enveloped in cool crisp air all year around. All rooms feature a private balcony overlooking paddy terraces, private bathroom with bathtub, hot & cold water, minibar, international direct dial telephone and television set with piped-in music. Facilities incude: swimming pool, meditation hall, three restaurants and coffee house, laundry services. Deluxe rooms.

Dancing Dragon Cottages was designed and built by feng shui author Karen Kingston and her Balinese husband Rai, entirely according to universal and Balinese feng shui principles. Situated on Amed Beach, the rooms have marble floors, rattan and bamboo furniture, private terrace, bathrooms with tub and shower. Ocean Front and Beach View Cottages (based on availability)

Artini Hotel is located in the center of Ubud. The decor is a combination Balinese and Buddhist. Facilities include a swimming pool and massage services. This is a convenient location for independent shopping and strolling on the last day of the tour and Bali Spirit Yoga Studio is located across the street from the hotel., Deluxe rooms.

Bali Spirit Yoga Studio is centrally located on Jln Hanoman, situated on the third & top floor of the Kafe, next to the internationally known Tegun Galeri . The second floor houses IDEP Foundation, the non profit responsible for bringing aid to Aceh. The studio features with high ceilings, wooden floors and a rooftop garden. The main wall is mirrored, and the back wall is all glass windows overlooking a Balinese compound and garden.

(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941