| Bali Sacred Spirit
with Sedona Soul Adventures
October 4 to 17, 2008
Detailed Itinerary*
Day 1: Saturday, October
4 & 5
From the States, departure for Bali usually takes place either
from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Unless you live near one
of these cities, you will spend the first part of the day traveling
to make your departure connection. Depending on the airline
and its particular schedule, you will depart for Bali either
very late on October 4 or very early in the morning on October
5. Be sure and contact Sedona Soul Adventures before you finalize
your reservations so we can advise you on your departure date
and time.
Day 2: Monday, October
6
Since there are no direct flights to Bali from the U.S., we
have a stopover very early on Monday morning. Depending upon
the airline, this might be in Taipei, Hong Kong or Singapore.
After the change of planes, the final leg of the journey brings
us into Bali in Monday afternoon.
Upon clearing customs, we are welcomed with flowers
and beautiful Balinese smiles. From the airport, we take the
short drive to Nusa Dua, a beautiful town on the east coast
of the Bukit penninsula. We are staying at the Ayodya Resort
Bali, formerly the Bali Hilton.
As we arrive, we’re greeted by glorious
fountains and a grand central lagoon where the heron dive for
fish and lizards swim. With its majestic lobby filled with statues,
spectacular grounds and a beautiful beach, the Ayodya is our
home base for the next three days while we decompress from our
trip, acclimate to the energies of Bali and explore the Eastern
part of the island. In the evening we share a welcome dinner
together.
Lodging:
Ayodya Resort Bali
Included:
Welcome dinner
Day 3: Tuesday, October
7
 Today,
we initiate what will become our daily morning routine. Before
breakfast, for those who choose, there is a 45 minute yoga session
followed by breakfast. After breakfast, we all gather for a
morning meditation. Today is a leisurely day to rest up from
the long flight and begin to tune into the vitality and spirit
of this place. You may want spend time at the pool or have a
leisurely lunch and massage on the beach.
If you’re feeling energetic, you may want
to get right out and explore Nusa Dua or the old nearby trading
port of Tanjung Benoa with its Chinese Temple. Late in the afternoon,
we have a presentation on Balinese textiles, religion and spirituality
and a demonstration of how to dress when we visit the temples.
Lodging:
Ayodya Resort Bali
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Not Included:
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4: Wednesday, October
8
After yoga, breakfast and morning meditation, we have a full
day of exploration of the east coast of Bali. We start off with
a bit of a drive as we wind along the coast toward the beautiful
and peaceful water palace of Tirtagangga. On the way, sit back
and soak in the sights - the lush green countryside with abundant
rice fields terracing the hills, the dense rainforest and the
open expanse of the sea.
'Tirta' means blessed water, and 'Gangga' derives
from 'Ganges', the holy river in India. At Tirtagangga, a spring
rises up from under a big banyan tree at the foot of a stony
hill on which the local community built their village temple.
The water here has always been regarded as holy and is often
used for religious ceremonies.
At Tirtagangga we have lunch and then it’s
on to Tenganan, the walled village of the Bali Aga, descendants
of the earliest Balinese people. Tenganan is famous for its
"double ikat" woven fabric called gringseng, which
is supposed to possess magical powers protecting the wearer
from harm.
After Tenganan, we make our way to the famous
1000 year old bat cave temple at Goa Lawah and then back to
the hotel.
Lodging:
Ayodya Resort Bali
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Lunch
Tirtagannga
Tenganan
Goa Lawah
Not Included:
Dinner
Day 5: Thursday, October
9
 Optional
Yoga session, breakfast and morning meditation. Today we leave
the Ayodya Resort Bali and wend our way toward the village of
Ubud, the artistic and cultural heart of Bali.
This village is world renowned for its many artists
- painters, dancers, musicians and sculptors. Three art museums
have both traditional and modern paintings and sculpture on
display. While we're here, you won't want to miss the Ubud market
with its vast array of locally produced handicrafts. The nearby
Monkey Forest has a temple in the midst of a jungle famous for
its many mischievous monkeys.
While in Ubud, we stay at the Komaneka Resort
Hotel nestled between running streams and rice terraces. Surrounded
by lush tropical vegetation and an abundance of exotic plants,
the hotel is a veritable oasis in the midst of Ubud's bustling
activity and picturesque Monkey Forest Road. After settling
in to the Komaneka, we have the afternoon free to begin exploring
Ubud. You can check out the galleries, spas, market, shops,
museums and temples. In the evening we’re off to a performance
of the dramatic and highly stylized Kecak Dance.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Kecak Dance
Not Included:
Dinner
Day 6: Friday, October
10
After our usual morning routine, we meet with a Balian which
is the Balinese term for a traditional shaman and healer. Balians
use a variety of natural healing methods and remedies derived
from ancient esoteric texts as well as an enormous variety of
herbs and other natural materials. We are very fortunate to
meet with Bapak Cokorda Rai, a very well known and well respected
Balian, for a healing demonstration.
Later in the day, we visit some of Ratih's favorite
craft villages. We start off with a visit to the village of
Mas, which has a long tradition of mask making by the Brahman
clans who are known for their wood carving skills. Originally
all the carvers worked only on religious projects but in the
1930's a new styles of wood carving developed and began to flourish.
We will be visiting the studios and shops of some of Mas’
most innovative mask carvers.
Then it’s on to another village renowned
for its silver jewelery making. Here you can see artisans at
work and visit the show rooms filled with beautiful jewelry
ranging from traditional pieces in highly decorative filigree
style to stunning contemporary pieces. In the evening, after
dinner, we attend a Legong Dance. Ratih, our guide, is a famous
Legong dancer and she will be performing for us with her troupe.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Balian Meeting
Craft Village Tour
Not Included:
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7: Saturday, October
11
 After
yoga, breakfast and meditation, it’s another full day
of exploration. We start with a visit to the most important
and sacred ceremonial site on the entire island, the Mother
Temple of Besakih. Pura Besakih is grand complex of 22 temples
spread over 1 square mile rising on the flanks of the sacred
volcanic mountain of Gunung Agung where the Balinese people
believe the spirits their ancestors live.
After Pura Besakih, we make our way to Pura Ulun
Danu Batur, a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess of Lake
Batur, which is located on the rim of the huge caldera or volcanic
crater of Mt. Gunung Batur. Pura Penataran Agung Batur is the
principal temple, with five main courtyards. Later, traveling
along the caldera's edge, we enjoy a lunch with stunning views
dominated by the still active volcano.
Heading back toward Ubud, we arrive at the Holy
Springs Temple at Sebatu. Just beyond the entrance, on our right,
is a large pool filled with koi and a lovely little pavilion
perfect for a quiet meditation. Shrines fill the main temple
with delightfully painted images of gods and demons. Known for
its bathing pools and sacred waters, the Holy Spring is a site
for Balinese pilgrims.
We end today’s journey at the Elephant Cave
or Goa Gajah. The Elephant Cave is believed to have been carved
from a hillside as a monastery in the 11th century, though it
wasn't rediscovered until 1923. The name of this cave is probably
taken from the nearby Petanu River, which at one time was known
as Elephant River, or possibly because the entrance to the cave
resembles an elephant. It is used by the Balinese as a holy
place for the worship of the Hindu God Shiva and his elephant-headed
son Ganesha. This evening, you are free to enjoy dinner and
Ubud's nightlife as you please.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Lunch
Temple Tours to
Besakih, Pura Ulun Danu Batur, Sebatu and Goa Gajah
Not Included:
Dinner
Day 8: Sunday, October
12
Yoga, breakfast and meditation. Today you're free to enjoy a
day of optional activities such as the Bali Bird Park and the
Elephant Safari Park. The Bali Bird Park is a magical oasis
bursting with lush tropical plants and a profusion of exotic
wildlife. It is a fascinating world filled with exotic sights
and sounds. A cast of hundreds of the world's rarest and most
beautiful birds greet you as you stroll through the amazing
tropical gardens. Meet some new feathered friends but watch
out for the Komodo dragons!
Elephant Safari Park is not only a sanctuary for
the protection of the endangered Sumatran elephant, but is also
a total elephant experience not duplicated anywhere else in
the world. All the elephants at the park were rescued from deforestation
in Central & Southern Sumatra. Not only can you get up close
and personal with these beautiful creatures, you can also go
on an Elephant Safari Ride. Imagine yourself sitting high atop
an elephant in a teak wood chair watching for birds and monkeys
in the forest canopy as your mighty steed meanders through the
cool shade of the jungle floor.
Elephant riding not your cup of tea? Then spend
your day however you please. Maybe you would love to learn to
play the gamelan. Take some lessons. Are you fascinated with
the elegance and beauty of Balinese dance? Step to it. Does
white water rafting intrique you? Paddle away! Maybe today is
your day to do a total immersion spa experience, pampering yourself
with an extended massage, body wrap and facial. Give yourself
permission. If you're still looking for ideas, there's always...
shopping! Today is your day - go for it!
This evening we learn about the tradition of Balinese
shadow puppets - Wayang Kulit - one of the oldest forms of dramatic
entertainment. This is a performance of flat leather puppets
in the hands of a mystic storyteller, the dalang, who casts
their shadows on a backlit screen. After an informational presentation,
demonstration and opportunity to purchase puppets, we experience
the magic of Wayang Kulit in a private performance.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Not Included:
Lunch
Dinner
Optional activities
Day 9: Monday, October
13
 After
the morning meditation we head up to Bedugul and Ulun Danu Temple
on serene Lake Bratan. Veiled in mist Lake Bratan fills the
ancient volcanic crater of Mt. Bratan. As we leave Ubud, the
landscape changes from flowing tiers of rice to motley patches
of onion, cabbage and papaya grown in the cool climate of the
highlands. The road climbs and winds its way around steep cliffs
hung with ferns, wild flowers and elephant grass.
On the way we visit the colorful market of Pasar
Candi Kuning which sells fruit, vegetables and an amazing array
of spices. At Pura Ulun Danu the people of Bedugul honor Dewi
Danu, goddess of the waters, in the temple Ulun Danu on a small
promontory on the lake. On our way back to Ubud we stop for
lunch at a restaurant with beautiful vistas of the terraced
rice fields.
 In
the late afternoon, we visit Bali's famous seaside temple of
Tanah Lot. This temple is one of the most beautiful, most visited
and most photographed sites in all of Bali, with pilgrims and
tourists alike attracted to its serenity and tranquility. Tanah
Lot rests upon a huge sentinel rock, away from the shore, which
has been carved by tides, wind and rain. If the tide is low
we can walk across the exposed rocks and receive from the temple’s
priests holy water from a fresh water spring and blessings.
This evening, you are free to enjoy dinner and Ubud's nightlife
as you please.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Ulun Danu Temple
Lunch
Tanah Lot Temple
Not Included:
Dinner
Day 10: Tuesday, October
14
Today is a very special day for the Balinese Hindus. All across
Bali the temples are abuzz with preparations for today’s
full moon ceremonies. Women are making offerings and men are
preparing the temples. It’s a festive, social atmosphere
and everyone is working together. After our usual routine, we
have the rest of the morning free to pursue shopping, visit
the Monkey Forest, experience an extended spa treatment and
massage or whatever your heart’s desire.
In the afternoon, Ratih honors us with a tour
of the Puri Agung Peliatan, her ancestral home. “Puri”
in Balinese means palace and Peliatan was one of the 8 kingdoms
of Bali that existed before and during Dutch colonial rule.
Ratih’s grandfather was the last king of Peliatan. After
exploring the Puri Agung Peliatan, we take a short walk to the
residence of a Hindu Dharma priestess who leads us in prayer
and performs a full moon blessing.
Then it’s back to the palace for a wonderful
dinner followed by the rare and wonderful Frog Dance accompanied
by a bamboo orchestra.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Palace Tour
Blessing & prayers
Dinner at the Palace
Frog Dance
Not Included:
Lun
Day 11: Wednesday, October
15
After morning meditation, we take a lovely drive through the
countryside of central Bali for a visit to the studio and jewelry
workshop campus of a world famous artist and designer. John
Hardy with his wife Cynthia are the creators of an international
luxury brand of designer jewelry, sold widely in America in
high-end department stores such as Nordstrom’s, Neiman
Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
The studio and workshop campus are also an organic
farm complete with rice fields and livestock. The food grown
here is used to feed their 700 employees a healthy organic lunch
daily. Buildings on the campus are low-impact structures employing
renewable local materials such as bamboo, thatch and adobe.
Oh, and there’s also the John Hardy store where you can
purchase his jewelry at prices significantly lower than in the
U.S.
 In
the afternoon we have another wonderful experience planned for
you. Have you read Eat Pray Love,
the best selling book by Elizabeth Gilbert featured on Oprah’s
Book Club? If you haven’t, you may want to before you
arrive in Bali. The book is a profoundly funny and spiritual
memoir of a woman whose life is falling apart and how she finds
herself again. It all begins and ends in Bali with her connections
to her teacher and spiritual guide the balian, Ketut Liyer.
This afternoon, we are very pleased and excited
that we will be meeting with Ketut as a group and will receive
a blessing from him. For those who so desire, you can also arrange
for an optional individual, one-on-one session.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Tour of John Hardy Workshop & Store
Group Meeting with Ketut Liyer
Not Included:
Lunch
Optional Individual Session with Ketut Liyer
Dinner
Day 12: Thursday, October
16
Our day begins as usual with yog, breakfast and meditation.
We then have a free morning to relax and enjoy the beauty of
the Komaneka, visit a local spa for some pampering and bodywork
or maybe there’s still some shopping that needs your attention.
This morning is yours to do as you please.
After lunch, we’re off for an exploration
of south Bali and the Bukit peninsula. Our most important stop
is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of Bali’s most sacred places
of worship and one of the most beautiful examples of classical
Balinese temple architecture. In the 11th century the temple
was built on a high cliff above the surf, projecting out into
the Indian Ocean. Until the beginning of the 20th century, only
the royalty of Badung Kingdom from Denpasar were allowed enter
and worship here.
Then it’s on to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana
cultural center. The center is meant to be a showcase for Balinese
culture and tourism, although at this time only 15% of the park’s
master plan has been realized. Situated on a limestone hill
above Jimbaran, the centerpiece of the park will be a 140 meter-high
statue of Wisnu (Vishnu) riding the Garuda bird. Ultimately
intended to be taller than the Statue of Liberty, at this time
only the upper torso, head and arms of Wisnu and the head of
Garuda are complete. Even in it’s unfinished state, the
massive statue is spectacularly imposing.
Since this is our final evening in Bali, we are
celebrating the time we’ve spent together with a farewell
dinner overlooking beautiful Jimbaran Bay. Jimbaran is known
for it’s spectacular sunsets and it’s fresh seafood
and tonight we experience both.
Lodging:
Komaneka Resort Hotel
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple Tour
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Farewell Dinner
Not Included:
Lunch
Day 13: Friday, October
17
On our final morning we get up early for our last yoga session,
meditation and a final walk through the beautiful gardens of
the Komaneka. After breakfast, on the way to the airport for
our morning departure, you may realize that, although you are
looking forward to going home, you're also very sad to say goodbye.
Bali has affected you in some deep and subtle
ways that you don't, as yet, fully understand. On the flight
home, you have lots of memories, feelings and insights to explore.
Because we are crossing back over the International Dateline,
we regain a day and arrive in the States on the same date as
our departure from Bali.
Included:
Yoga
Breakfast
Meditation
Transportation to Airport
*Please understand that this itinerary is subject
to change without notice.
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