BALI (INDONESIA): THROUGH AN ARTIST’S EYE

Experience the best of rural Bali in a rare combination of luxury and deep interaction with nature.  Learn about the arts and rituals that are interwoven in the daily life of the Balinese people.  Sit with a talented wood carver in his garden home studio.  Visit museums, textile galleries, and temples, including the holiest “Mother Temple.”  Stop at weaving villages and hike along the black sands of less visited seaside communities.  Visit an ancient walled village where musical gamelan instruments, palm leaf manuscripts, and double-ikat grinsing cloths are crafted.  View the impressive frescos at the Hall of Justice and explore the work of elephant handlers at a world renowned elephant camp.

Relax in a lovely Balinese-style boutique in the mountain village of Ubud, known for its artisans and painters, and a wealth of historical sites.  Stay in a charming home and walk in the surrounding countryside overlooking plunging river gorges and tier upon tier of rice paddies with unsurpassed vistas.  Enjoy a variety of theater and music performances.  Try on a Balinese sarong (wrap) and leisurely walk through the rainforest to learn about different natural herbs, teas and age-old remedies.  Stay at a quiet beach in the wild northwest, on a scenic cove overlooking coral-fringed islands.

Festivals:  Galungan is one of the most important festivals as it symbolizing the victory of Virtue (Dharma) over evil (Adharma).  A tall bamboo pole exquisitely decorated with woven young coconut leaves, fruits, cakes and flowers known as a Penjor is set up on the right side of every home.  People rejoice and dress in their finest.  It is an exceptional time to see the craft and decoration making for which the Balinese are famous.  Kuningan, that occurs 10 days after Galungan is a time when the whole family comes together and prays to their ancestors and the Gods to keep them happy and to bless them.  It marks the end of a series of festive rituals, when the deified ancestors return to the heavens above. Nyepi Day, Bali’s day of silence is celebrated throughout the island.  On the night before there are colorful processions and celebrations in the streets.

Destinations

Ubud * Bedugal * Rice Paddy Villages * Elephant Camp * Sanur

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