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More than simply another Yoga Retreat, this personalized
group journey is designed to allow you to gain a range of
insights into this enchanted island, which serves to relax,
challenge and most of all invigorate each of its appreciated
guests. This trip is a rare combination of activities which
focus on appreciating the finer aspects of life - good food,
fine art, traditional dance, daily outdoor activities, yoga
and massage to promote a general sense of well-being.
Below is a detailed description of the itinerary.
If you would prefer to read this at your leisure, please
email us and we'll be
pleased to send you a printable version.
Day 1
· Airport Pick Up · Welcome Massage · Scenic Drive to Central
Bali - Ubud · Check In to Hotel · Free Time · Welcome Dinner
Floating gently into the Island Of The Gods as you are graciously
welcomed by a tropical sunset over the majestic volcanic mountain,
known as "Gunung Agung". You will be greeted and accompanied,
at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, by an English-speaking
expatriate with many years experience handling foreign guests
from all over the world.
Travelling at dusk, we make a speedy journey to our new home
in Bali's Central Highlands, along the way witnessing the
ethereal feel of Bali by night, and the much-lauded Denpasar
moon! Having been escorted to your lavish modern Balinese
style bungalows in central Bali's most famous artist colony,
the village of Ubud, once settled in, the group will venture
out to discover one of Bali's most celebrated restaurants.
Here, you will be treated to a delicious 3 course feast of
the most well known local delicacies and international favourites,
with the grace and calming sounds of the Ubud tropical jungle
in the background. (Dependent on arrival time of flight).
Day 2
· Yoga Session - Morning · Welcome Breakfast · Free Time ·
Orientation Tour: Ubud · Massage or Body Treatment · Free
Time · Ulu Watu Temple Visit · Kecak/Monkey/Fire Dance With
Ramayana Story · Seafood Dinner on White Sand Beach
Rising with the tropical sun for the first of many early
morning yoga sessions, you'll be delighted to raise yourselves
3 levels in the air for a breathtaking view of the lush tropical
rice fields of Ubud and distant mountain ranges of rural Bali.
After breaking off any remaining shackles of "jet lag", we
settle for a healthy breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, muesli,
yoghurt, toast & spreads, fruit juices, traditional "Nasi
Campur" (mixed steamed rice with an assortment of local delicacies),
etc.
In order to orientate you on your journey of self-discovery,
we will give a brief talk after breakfast. The orientation
will cover a little of the history of Bali, geographical orientation,
and highlights of the surrounding tourist attractions both
cultural and spiritual. For example, the nearby Monkey Forest,
Elephant Caves, Gunung Kawi (Rock-Cut Temple), Ulu Watu Temple
etc, and also a briefing on the itinerary & choices for the
remainder or your journey.
As you'll be eager to begin discovering, we guide you on
a casual and educational trek around the village of Ubud,
Central Bali, known as the creative centre of Balinese arts
and crafts. Passing by local schools, lotus ponds and river
gorges we will end our trek in the famous Ubud Market, where
you'll have time to browse around the many incredible handicrafts
created in the surrounding villages, as well as witness how
the locals do their daily shopping. Lunch at whichever place
catches your eye, before relaxing and truly unwinding with
an hour-long welcome massage or session of reflexology.
After a brief siesta, we take a trip to Bali's most southern
shores, to observe a compilation of traditional Balinese dances
at possibly the best venue to witness such an event - the
cliff-top of Ulu Watu Temple. The Dances include parts of
the Ramayana epic, with the local Kecack, Monkey, and Fire
Dances… (naturally, we all try sit upwind of the Fire Dance!)
As one of the nine major temples of Bali, this is a "must-see",
not only for its spiritual appeal, but also the grandeur of
the temple complex poised on the cliff's edge several hundred
feet from the crashing waves below, also famed as one of the
world's top surfing spots! We time our visit to deliver one
of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere!
The day has not yet ended until you sample the fresh seafood
served up at world-famous Jimbaran Beach. Home to the Four
Season's and Intercontinental resorts in Bali, this white-sand
beach offers a unique dining experience… beach shacks on the
sand: famed for their seafood delicacies of fresh lobster,
snapper, crab, squid, steamed mixed vegetables, rice and potato
accompanied with traditional Balinese Bumbu (sauces). Dining
under the starry heavens with the rhythmic sound of the ocean
pounding on the sand beneath your feet will make you fall
in love with this jewel of South East Asia!
Day 3
· White-Water Rafting · Free Time · Yoga Session - Sunset
· Massage or Body Treatment · Free Time
After such an active, fulfilling day we sleep in this morning
- opting instead for an evening session of yoga - allowing
for a voyage to an extremity of the Balinese tropical jungle…
the river gorge! Flowing direct from the source of Holy Mount
Agung, white-water rafting on Bali's eastern Telaga Waja River
is definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Levitating
on an air-filled rubber raft, and a foot or two of flowing
water, whilst laying back and allowing sparrows, kingfishers,
dragon-flies and butterflies, as well as a plethora of nature's
greenest shrubs, trees, and rainforest ferns to float by you
is an experience you simply can't buy back home!
Hailed as the best way to see Bali's remote natural scenery,
rafting is one of the favourite sports introduced to the island
in the past decade, and due to the stunning settings of waterfalls,
cliffs and rice terraces, it is very easy to understand why.
We end the voyage, with a lunch buffet overlooking the steeped
gorges where rough rapids and rice terraces rendezvous!
We conclude this day in a more relaxed fashion, with a sunset
yoga session and your choice of full-body massage, reflexology
or body treatment.
Day 4
· Yoga Session - Morning · Balinese Cooking Classes · Free
Time · Artist Gallery-Estate · Cycling Trip · Massage or Body Treatment · Free Time
Discover the truth behind the phrase: "You are what you eat!"
Where has our Western diet gone wrong, and why do the Balinese
generally radiate a transparent youthfulness and a visible
aura of good health? The answer is in the tasting! Or is it
in the ingredients? Do these age-old recipes and modern variants
provide our bodies with the right balance of sustenance that
a Big Mac just can't match! Our optional cooking class, will
do more than just educate you on the intricacies of Balinese
and Indonesian delicacies, it will go a long way to providing
a fascinating perspective on our nutritional offerings to
our "personal temples"!
Our cooking classes are run by a professional published chef,
specializing in traditional local delicacies, many of which
are served in her own restaurants. Ingredients will be picked
out personally from the local markets, and then prepared and
cooked by the group under professional guidance, for all to
enjoy as a lunchtime smorgasbord.
After your well-deserved feast, and a little rest, we take
a short bicycle ride down the road (literally) to the estate
of Antonio Blanco, one of Bali's original adopted sons! This
Spanish artist, who grew up in the Philippines, led an extraordinary
life, and as such left an extraordinary legacy… His art and
his estate, still taken care of by his devoted Balinese wife,
are a testimony to cross-cultural love, art and understanding.
It is truly an inspirational visit, whether your interest
is in his former abode, his challenging and inspiring artwork,
or simply to take a peaceful stroll around the grounds of
this magnificent estate, which boast an abundance of bird
life, from toucans to peacocks and more! The climax of the
visit would have to be the enrapturing 360 degree view from
the top floor of the gallery, which could easily be claimed
to be one of the best in Bali!
By this stage you could almost be forgiven for floating on
your feet, when once again, we end our day with another fantastic
massage/body treatment, having prefaced it with another invigorating
yoga session.
Day 5
· Yoga Session - Morning · Free Time for Shopping etc · Relocate
to East Coast: Candidasa · Temples Tour - Gunung Kawi (11th
Century Temple) · Snorkel, Swim or Relax at Blue Lagoon ·
Free Time · Massage or Body Treatment · Barong Dance & Seafood
Buffet
Culture, temples, offerings, ritual… there are few things
which more easily identify and separate the island of Bali,
from other tropical, Asian and even Pacific islands. Uniquely
Hindu-Animist, an unhurried meander amongst the centuries-old
temples and rock-carvings sprinkled through this ever-surprising
island, can yield a spiritual enlightening for some and at
the very least a momentary journey to a past world, when spirituality
was still the centre of life's purpose!
After the optional morning yoga session and a freshly prepared
breakfast, our tour takes you to one of the best-kept secrets
of the nine major Balinese temples, Gunung Kawi. Don't let
the lack of Japanese tour buses parked outside confuse you…
Gunung Kawi is perhaps the most genuine and inspiring of Bali's
temples.
The rice terraces surrounding the complex on their own are
breath-taking, but once you witness the gushing tributary
that flows so gracefully under the whimsical little bridge,
linking one major section of cliff-face rock-cut temple to
the other, you then become ensconced in the ambience that
is Gunung Kawi. Afterwards, take a casual stroll down to the
riverside to experience an inner and outer peace that can
last a lifetime! Although quite rare, it is best experienced
during a light tropical sun-shower. There is much more to
discover here than can be explained, but the most significant
thing about being at Gunung Kawi is just being there!
After lunch, we check in to our enticing seaside cottages,
with enough time to explore the nearby hills, beach, or fishermen's
village before settling back for a relaxing massage before
dinner.
Tonight, dinner is served not only as a banquet of vegetarian
& seafood dishes, but also, with a dazzling assortment of
traditional Balinese dances. The Barong (Dragon) Dance will
lead us off, but the highlight is almost always observing
children as young as 6 and 7 mastering the ancient techniques
of Balinese story-telling through dance! With the sea and
Nusa Penida (Bali's sister island) as the backdrop and the
Narcissus-like reflection in the swimming pool in the foreground,
culture, nature and cuisine really come alive this night!
EAST BALI The next few days will be spent lazing away on
white-sand and black-sand beaches, as well as exploring the
true treasures of Indonesia's 14000+ islands, its marine inhabitants!
With the ubiquitous Balinese smile adorning almost every fish,
ray, eel, squid, and sea-cucumber under the Bali sun, a brief
snorkel or swim at the aptly named Pasir Putih (White Sand
Beach) & environs, will entice even the sturdiest of land-lovers.
Multi-coloured coral gardens, thriving in water where the
temperature needs no adjusting for human skin, are a further
attraction for adventure-lovers. Either way, a relaxing gulp
of freshly cut green coconut as you stare blankly at the rolling
waves serves as a reminder of what the Bali Experience is
all about - being care-free!
Day 6
· Yoga Session - Morning · Free Time · Cruising in Local Outriggers
· Snorkeling & BBQ at White Sand Beach · Free Time · Massage
or Body Treatment
Morning yoga to warm you up for another active day full of
sunshine and discovery, followed by an all-you-can-eat breakfast
buffet which will quench any appetite!
Some free time before we take you sailing on the traditional
"jukungs" (outrigger boats) which have been the main form
of inter-island transport throughout the archipelago for hundreds
of years. Although traditionally using only sails and wind
power, modern engines are also used these days to provide
safer and speedier voyages.
The snorkelling here, just a few hundred meters offshore
from our place of abode, is world-class, and everything from
dolphins to turtles, to moray eels, and more have been spotted
here both from above and on the surface of the ocean.
Once satisfied that you've accounted for every single species
of coral and crustacean, we make haste to Pasir Putih, the
famed "White Sand Beach" unique due to its location at the
back-end of centuries of lava flow, which has caused most
of its neighbouring beaches to adopt a darker volcanic appearance!
As the road entrance to this secluded beach is quite treacherous,
the beach is generally only accessed by boat, thus limiting
the number of foreigners lounging on this blessed beach to
just you and your travel companions!
Of course, a sumptuous feast awaits us back at our beachfront
resort, so we head for home and enjoy some free time all afternoon.
Enough to explore the local shops of Candidasa where some
unique bargains can be found.
Day 7
· Volcano Trekking & Thermal Pools · Massage or Body Treatment
· Free Time · Yoga Session - Sunset
An early evening the night before, lends itself to an even
earlier start to this eventful day, with a pre-dawn rise to
witness one of the greatest views you may yet see. Enjoy a
medium grade trek up a still active volcanic mountain to the
summit of the tallest of the three peaks to gaze in wonder
at the panorama below. Beginning the trek from the bottom
of the gargantuan crater left by pre-historic eruptions, (under
good conditions) we shall be able to view the sunrise beyond
the far off rim and over the oceans surrounding Bali and the
neighbouring island of Lombok. If lucky, we may also view
the mist ascending from the lake at the bottom of the vast
crater, as we ourselves make our ascent to the top. A unique
reward for our success, cooking an egg from the Sulphuric
heat of the volcanic summit.
A little coffee or tea, some snacks, some yoga poses (this
time only for photo opportunities) and then we slowly descend
past the crater's edge, and edge our way toward the lake,
where thermal springs provide a soothing post-climb swim,
and Balinese gazebos beckon you for a little meditation by
the lake's edge. Eventually, we head back to the hotel for
a well-earned sleep, with a full afternoon to roam freely
around Candidasa for those who are still restless.
To aid in recovery, a sunset yoga session will be a very
rewarding conclusion to a triumphant day, followed by a sumptuous
dinner to bid farewell to those of the group who must leave
tomorrow…
Day 8
· Yoga Session - Morning · Free Time to pack or shop · Visit
to Ujung - Royal Water Palace Ruins · Swim & Suntan at Tirtagangga
- Royal Spring Water Pools · Lunch at Well-known Restaurant
· Free Time · Tour back to Airport
Having settled in well and truly to our daily discipline
of morning yoga followed by a sensational spread of breakfast
platters, feeling fit, fun, and free spirited, we prepare
ourselves for a sightseeing extravaganza!
Driving east only 20 mins we arrive at a spectacular site:
the ruins of Ujung Water Palace, once utilized by the former
kings of Karangasem, the regency of East Bali (Bali's poorest
regency). The great basin in which the Water Palace was built
slopes gently to the east coast and the ocean beyond, while
the steeped terraces bear resemblance to some ancient gladiatorial
arena of times past! Depending on the mood of the group, we
may try to arrange a yoga session overlooking the magnificent
site and the holy mountains that house Lempuyang Temple in
the yonder horizon.
Once satisfied with the immensity of the site, we continue
our journey northwards to an oasis of relaxation for former
Royalty and their entourage: Tirtagangga. Situated in the
middle of rice fields in almost every stage of harvest, laze
a few hours away dreaming of days gone by and soaking in the
serenity and sunshine whilst gazing to the distant seas. To
really get that burst of freshness and revitalize your body
and soul, take a brisk dip or two in the several spring water
pools scattered throughout the complex. One of the freshest
bathing experiences you may ever have!
We enjoy a final gourmet lunch together overlooking one of
the most spectacular vistas in Bali - the eastern coastal
rice-fields. We then say good-bye to those who will leave
us while the rest of us head back to the Hotel for some free
time and relaxation.
OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION - North Bali
Day 9
· Yoga Session - Morning· Scenic Coastal Drive to Lovina -
North Bali· Free dive at Tulamben - WWII Shipwreck· Free time
for Beach Swim & Discover Lovina
Having rested and refreshed from the midday heat, we ensconce
ourselves once again in the modern-day comfort of an air-conditioned
vehicle for a 1 hour journey along the coastal road to Tulamben.
This is probably the best dive site in Bali in that it boasts
a genuine WWII shipwreck, the USS Liberty, only metres offshore.
For those that are yearning for a little more than just a
bird's eye view, we give you the opportunity to dive at this
amazing site at no extra cost (1 dive included). Those that
prefer to snorkel can still witness its majesty from the surface
as it rests only 7m deep, and with water visibility averaging
over 20m, you'll see most of the ship. On top of this countless
species of colourful coral, as well as other marine life now
call this vestige of history home.
Arriving in Lovina, we are greeted with a picturesque and
aesthetically different Bali from that we have thus far seen.
With gentle mountains sloping down to the sea, and the far
off mountains of East Java, the calm waters of Lovina are
a playground for dolphins, fishermen, snorkelers and swimmers
alike.
We check-in and relax in our coastal boutique retreat, with
ocean view swimming pool and enchanting vistas, before meeting
again later for a relaxed dinner, comforted and cooled by
the gentle winds of the north coast.
Day 10
· Buddhist Monastery & Temple· Banjar Natural Hot Springs·
Free time· Yoga Session - Sunset
Chance for a sleep in today as we set off a little later,
for a very holy site… Bali's biggest Buddhist Monastery and
Candi (Temple). Modelled after the great Borobudur in Central
Java, this eye-catching monastery is used for daily meditation
and worship by local Balinese and foreign Buddhist visitors
alike. All are welcome to visit, pay homage, relax, meditate,
and simply enjoy the serene environment within the grounds!
Once we have absorbed all the peacefulness of the Candi,
we move on to the nearby Thermal Hot Springs of the local
village known as Banjar. Several springs have been created
here from the original source, and several more are being
added to provide even more variety to this energizing and
recharging locale.
Finally we return to Lovina, for a massage/body treatment
and a sunset yoga session to say farewell to the generous
Bali sun. All in all, a very relaxing day, mentally, physically
and spiritually.
Day 11
· Sunrise Dolphin-Watching trip with Jukung Fleet (Local Boats)·
Free Horse-riding trip in North Bali Rice Fields· Scenic Drive
thru Munduk Rice Fields & 3 Lakes Area· Picnic at either Botanical
Gardens or Lake Beratan· Return to UBUD for Final Night
Dolphins leaping playfully out of the calm early morning
waters, a subtle sunrise, and the glorious view of a Jukung
armada, (scores of brightly painted local fishing boats) adorning
the offshore scope, is an experience to be cherished forever.
Here, in Bali's northern and less-ventured coast, dolphins
ignore the much publicized Indonesian concept of "rubber time",
to emerge almost miraculously each morning at the same time
in the same locations.
Back to the hotel for a catch up siesta, before those who
have a tropical equestrian fantasy, can bring it to life with
a ride through Bali's bountiful rice fields (included). A
fantastic way to experience the best of Bali's fantastic northern
landscape, we return midday to pack before heading off for
a picnic lunch at The Botanic Gardens near Lake Beratan, in
Bali's central lakes district.
With plentiful time to relax in the serenity of the garden,
we make our way down to the Temple by the Lake - possibly
Bali's most photographed temple. All will appreciate the coolness
of the climate here in Bali's highland area, as well as the
vastly different feel of this agricultural Eden. Stop off
briefly at the fresh fruit and vegetable market before the
1 hour drive back to Ubud.
Day 12
· Final Yoga Session - Morning· Free time to pack and shop
for souvenirs · Relaxation time & Farewell Massage· Arrive
at Airport for Departure Home
One final yoga session for the enthusiasts, to greet just
one more glorious Bali sunrise before enjoying a last group
breakfast together. Dependent on flight departure times, we
allow plenty of time for all to get some last holiday snapshots,
do some more souvenir shopping, or say "Sampai Jumpa" - "See
You Later" to new friends you'll have met at the start of
your journey.For those that wish to do nothing more than just
relax, a farewell massage will be arranged to prep you for
the only negative part of your trip… the plane flight home!
Small group departures of this itinerary
run throughout the year or if you have your own group, it
can also be run as a tailor-made trip to suit your requirements.
Please contact
us for more details.
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