Bali, the justly renowned diamond in the necklace of islands that makes up the world’s largest archipelago, is well-known for its inner and outer beauty. Bali Hinduism is the predominant local religion and one that nurtures and encourages the arts. Bali’s stunning geographical beauty includes majestic volcanoes surrounded by terraced rice fields that gently spill into an azure sea.

Bali is also known for its friendly hospitality. Beyond the high-rise tourist hype found at the resorts on the southern tip of the island are back roads never traveled by the conventional tour bus. There are native villages where a foreign face is still an unfamiliar sight.

Health and fitness are elements too often neglected in our everyday lives. The itinerary of this trip includes physical recreation in a paradise setting nearly every day, allowing participants to expand their bodies, minds, and spirits, in an environment that nurtures all three elements simultaneously.

Excursions will include rice field hikes, treks in national parks, volcano climbs, snorkeling expeditions among tropical coral gardens, walks through coffee and clove plantations, rain forests, and lush waterfalls.

Participants will also be offered seminars on a wide range of topics, from Indonesian language and politics, to sacred masks and their spirit sources. Bali’s spiritual richness is responsible for an abundance of elegantly carved temples, a proliferation of music and dance, and a rich variety of arts and crafts. Visits to temple ceremonies and the home-workshops of artists and artisans will delight and absorb you.

In order to immerse ourselves in this unique culture, we stay where the tourists aren't—-in small, locally owned hotels.  Several meals of tasty Balinese cuisine are included in the package. Former travelers consistently appreciate the high quality of traditional meals we organize.

“Surya and Judy are the best! Loved the isolation of the places we stayed and the fact that we really got to meet the Balinese people and especially Surya’s family will always remember the wonderful smiles of the people and their wonderful hospitality. Fantastic trip!! Loved the flexibility and not being rushed everywhere--that was a plus. Thanks again to you both--I would recommend this to anyone.”

Elaine Case Berkeley CA,
Back Roads of Bali 2007

“I loved the variation and uniqueness of each place--the variety was astonishing. Judy and Made Surya give you an offering that shouldn’t be missed. Go Back Roads of Bali.”

Nina Aoni, Piedmont CA.
Back Roads 2007

“The talks were fascinating, educational & broad in topics. Having seminars provided by Judy & Surya made the educational content even more valuable because of differing, yet complimentary perspectives. I’ve been served a very tasty appetizer of Balinese life. I arrived here stressed and exhausted and had my spirit reawakened and my eyes opened to a beautiful land & people.”

David Needleman, San Carlos CA.
Back Roads 2007

"It was so exciting to see almost the entire island. The highlights you showed us were better than advertised. U loved staying in the various bungalows, rice barns, and contemporary chic. It was all heaven--Really!"

Jane VanderVeer Oakland CA.
Back Roads of Bali Aug. 2005

"The quality of activites were superb! Your choices and tastes just suit me.
The accommodations were higher than expected amd I'll remember the diversity of cultural events offered and the intelligence and scholarship with which they are communicated."

—Martha Crewe Carmel Valley CA
Back Roads of Bali 2002

The Back roads of Bali 2008
Itinerary
June 9-25, 2008

Mon. June 9/ Tues. June 10: Transit.  Depart USA aboard regularly scheduled  airlines  from San Francisco, L.A., or New York.  Flight detail sheet will be sent upon deposit.  Cross international dateline and lose one day, which is made up on your return.  Several meals, films, and free beverages in transit.

Wed. June 11: Candi Dasa.  Arrive in Bali where you are met by your guide and are transported to our seaside bungalows at Candi Dasa beach where you will spend the next 4 nights.
 
Thur. 12: Candi Dasa. Wake up to breakfast served in an open-air pavilion over-looking the sea.  Afterward, take a snorkeling excursion to the "Blue Lagoon," where you will see many varieties of tropical fish among the coral gardens. After lunch, an orientation session will acquaint you with Bali's language and customs.

Fri. June 13: Candi Dasa. Morning hike through the neighboring hillsides to the aboriginal village of Tenganan, where traditional palm leaf “lontar” books are etched, intricate baskets are created, and the famed double ikat (Grinsing) is woven.  A late afternoon seminar on the Bali Hindu religion and temple system and further language instruction concludes the day’s activities.

Sat. June 14: Candi Dasa. Take an early morning excursion to climb Gunung Lempuyang (1058 m.), an accessible yet sacred volcano. Lunch and  afternoon spent at the Raja’s water palace at Tirtagangga, where you may swim in the olympic-sized, spring-fed pools, or wander through the surrounding rice fields. On our return, stop at another of the Raja’s water palaces.  A late afternoon seminar on language, the caste system, and rites of passage in Balinese traditional life concludes the day.

Sun. June 15: Lovina. Excursion through the lava-strewn terraces of West Bali around the east coast of the island, dotted with isolated villages and varying scenery.  On the way, we stop at stop at  the capitol city of Amlapura to visit the Raja's' Palace, and have lunch on Bali's east coast. In north Bali we stop at the crystal-clear pool of Air Sanih overlooking the Bali Sea for a swim.  A stop at one of the north coast’s more interesting temples concludes our tour before arriving at the black sand beach of Lovina for the night. 

Mon. June 16: Munduk. Early departure for West Bali National Park and a world-class snorkeling at adjoining Menjangan Island, where coral reefs drop off into the clear, warm ocean.  Local lunch at Terima Bay Beach or picnic on the boat.  On our way  to Munduk village, relax and soak at the neighboring hot springs. Arrive in volcano country, and our romantic cottages by clove and coffee plantations. 


Tues. June 17: Munduk. Hike to one of Bali's most breathtaking waterfalls through cocoa, vanilla, and banana plantations. Afternoon class in making and playing the Tingklik, the bamboo musical instruments so popular in Bali and we watch a mock cock-fight (no spurs) and learn about local breeding programs. A sunset seminar on Indonesian history and politics before a dinner.

Wed. June 18: Munduk. Morning hike through small villages and coffee plantations, culminating in a visit to the Rock that Grows.  Late afternoon seminar on the water temple irrigation system, and the Subak, Bali's farming co-operative.

Thur. June 19: Munduk. Morning hike to climb Gunung Lesong (5 hours), overlooking beautiful lake Tamblingan. At the top is an exquisite temple populated by monkeys. Another option would be a less strenuous overland hike. Afternoon watch the village children's dance class. Evening performance of dance and Gamelan music with the Munduk villagers.

Fri. June 20: Ubud.  Depart Munduk, traveling south through the heart of the island’s produce basket, visiting the local market brimming with numerous varieties of tropical fruits, vegetables and many species of orchids. Stop at Pura Ulun Danu, Bali's most beautiful temple, floating on Bratan, a flower-draped crater lake. Arrive in the islands cultural center of Ubud, with some free time to explore its many shops and galleries before settling in for the night at our beautiful bungalows.

Sat. June 21: Ubud. Walking tour of Ubud to acquaint you with its amenities. Evening performance of the Kecak (Ramayans Story) and fire trance dance.

Sun. June 22: Ubud Take an exciting rafting trip through the lush rain forests of the Ayung River, followed by an opulent buffet lunch. Afternoon visit to the home/studios of Ubud's artisans and crafts people.
 
Mon. June 23: Ubud. Morning hike from the rice terraces of Tegallalang back to Ubud, passing through Keliki, a village of painters who specialize in miniatures. Afternoon free for shopping or hiking. Evening performance of the Women’s Gamelan with children dancing.

Tues. June 24: Sanur. Depart island tour to south Bali. First be enterained by the lively Barong dance at Batubulan village, followed by a visit to the Bird Park, with many exotic species and lovely landscaping. Travel on to Denpasar for lunch prepared by Surya's family  and a tour of his traditional family compound.  We spend our last night in Sanu, a fishing village with a wide, white sand beach.

Wed. June 25: Transit/Bali/ USA.  Depart Bali for your trip home.  You may elect to stay longer, using your accumulated wisdom to explore this fascinating part of the world. You have six months to return and may use your optional stopovers  on your way back (for a small fee). Arrive back the same date.

Other situations may arise that we can take advantage of--cremation festivities or other rites of passage, temple festival and purification ceremonies. In case any activity must be canceled, another similar activity will be substituted. There will be no refunds for any activities participants do not attend, and anyone who leaves the tour itinerary  at any time FOR ANY REASON is on their own.

Trip Package Includes:

Not Included:
Extra drinks at meals (bottled water only provided). Most  meals, laundry services, extra baggage and overweight charges, passport fees, scuba (must have license) or snorkeling equipment, single room supplement, airport taxes.

Price: $2950.00 based on two people sharing a room with twin beds and a private bath. Minimum 6 participants, Maximum 14.

Single Supplement: Those traveling as singles may choose roommates from among the group. If no roommate is available, the client will be advised before departure, and must pay a Single supplement $280.00.

Maximum:12 people. Minimum 6. A $350.00  deposit  is required to secure space.

Cancellations and Refunds: After tickets are issued, refunds for air fares will be governed by regulations listed in flight contract. For the land portion, a cancellation fee of $75.00 is charged until time of departure. There will be no refunds after departure. Final payments due June 10.

Passport, Visa and Health: A passport, valid six months from date of entry with proof of onward transportation. Indonesian visa for 30 days granted on arrival to US citizens for $25.00 fee. No inoculations are suggested or required.

Call toll free 888-476-0543 or email for further information.
Contact Danu Enterprises today and escape the ordinary!

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