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COMMENTS FROM FORMER TRAVELERS:
"There are so many wonderful memories, it is hard to pick the best. The feeling of the people being so generous and gentle continues to stay with me. The highlight of the trip was the honor of having a meal and touring your family home."
Dorothy Tarrant, Pacifica CA. "Bali Behind the Mask'08
"I wanted to take the chance to thank you for a wonderful experience in Bali. Had I tried to do this trip on my own I would never have learned a fraction of what I did about the culture, religion or art of Bali. The second half of the trip was good, too, but only because I had the perspective given by the time I spent with you. After seeing much of the rest of Bali, I have to say that centering the trip in Ubud is by far the best idea. Such an easy-going blend of culture, religion, art, and what great food and shopping! Of all the hotels I stayed at in Bali, Oka Wati's was the best and most personally friendly.
Anyway, I really can't thank you enough for all your help, patient teaching, and bailing-out along the way. I had a great experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
George Angell, Hillsdale MI. "Bali Behind the Mask 2008
"You bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and living to the work that you do. This gives those fortunate enough to have found you the opportunity to have fun, stretch themselves, and change themselves by traveling with you. I was very happy to have the chance to travel with you again and this time ot have such a treasure trove of experiences!"
Jean Santi, Arcata CA. "Bali Behind the Mask 2007"
"What I will remember about this trip will be the beauty of Bali and the Balinese --seeing the community at work....and in their homes, and talking with them at our accommodation. In my spirit I carry a sense of the beauty of this place which has to do as much with the place as the people."
Jean Santi, Arcata CA. Bali Behind the Mask 2007
"I liked the time spent with local people, meeting and hanging out with them, especially the carvers. The colors, the people, temple celebrations, cremation, all woven together to create a magical memory carved in this western block of longing"
Jeffrey Clifton Carmel, CA. Bali Behind the Mask 2007 |
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Itinerary
March 1-April, 2008
Thur. March 19: Transit.
Late evening depart USA aboard regularly scheduled Singapore Airlines from San Francisco, LA, or NYC. Your flight includes several meals, drinks and films. Cross international dateline and lose one day, which is made up on your return.
Fri. March 20: Sanur
Arrive in Bali where you are met by your guides and transported to your rooms in the cultural center of Bali. A brief meeting to go over the next days session, before a light meal and sleep.
Sat.. March 21:
Ubud Morning free to enjoy Sanur beach, your buffet breakfast, and the swimming pool. Check out at noon, followed by group lunch. Then transfer to Ubud, and check into our hotel. First orientation session focusing on basic Indonesian manners & customs, followed by a walking tour of Ubud village to acquaint you with local amenities and culminating at a shop where we will purchase our traditional sarongs and temple scarves, required gear for attending religious events. Evening performance of the Classical Legong dance and Gamelan performed by an outstanding group.
Sun. March 22:
Ubud After breakfast, meet in restaurant for second language and orientation session focusing on the Bali/Hindu religion and caste system. Afternoon visit to the homes and studios of the areas most outstanding mask makers. After lunch, luxuriate in a traditional massage and herbal body treatment for which Bali is renown. Evening performance on the Kecak (Monkey dance) by torchlite, and the Fire Trance Dance.
Mon. March 23:
Ubud Hari Melasti (Purification by water) Early morning departure to visit (and perhaps receive a purification if you wish) the elegant temple and Sacred Springs of Tampaksiring, believed to have healing properties. Return to Ubud for lunch. In the afternoon we travel south to watch hundreds of Balinese in their finest apparel and with their sacred objects march in procession to the sea where an authentic trance ritual is held. You may join them in prayer if you wish .
Tues. March 24:
Ubud Meet in restaurant for third orientation and language session, focusing on Bali/Hindu Rites of Passage, and the religious holidays which have just begun. Then travel to Singapadu village for your first mask carving class, preceded by your class in Balinese mask dance. On the way back to Ubud, visit your guides house for a tour of our collection of traditional masks and Happy Hour.
Wed. March 25:
Ubud Mecaru Festival Day (Purification by fire) Late afternoon a trip to Denpasar to visit to your guides traditional family compound, and enjoy an early ristaffel dinner, prepared by his family. A short distance is the main street of Denpasar, where we enjoy the Gamelan and torch lit parade of over 200 giant demonic puppets constructed by the cities youth organizations. Return to Ubud.
Thur. March 26:
Ubud Hari Raya Nyepi. New Years Day. A day for meditation and contemplation. No one is allowed to work or cook or leave their compound (in your case, the hotel grounds). Small meals will be served at the hotel. It will be a wonderful day to read, write post cards, work on your mask, or relax and enjoy the pool.
Fri. March 27:
Ubud Manis Nyepi Depart for an island tour to North Bali and volcano country. We wind our way through Bali’s “agricultural basket” to Bedugul where we visit the fruit and flower market and Ulun Danu, Bali's most beautiful temple dedicated to the Goddess of Lakes and Streams. After lunch, a visit to the state temple of Mengwi, surrounded by a beautiful moat. We return to Ubud and visit the Neka museum, home of Bali’s best collection of paintings. Dinner on your own.
Sat. March 28:
Ubud Second mask dance classand mask carving class. In the afternoon receive the second of your traditional massages. In the evening, a private performance of Wayang Kulit shadow puppet theater.
Sun. March 29: Ubud Depart for Singapadu, where you will have your third mask carving class and Balinese mask dance class. Evening performance of the (masked) Frog Dance.
Mon. March 30:
Ubud Morning depart for Singapadu village for another mask carving and dance class. After lunch, journey to the nearby compound of an esteemed healer, for a seminar on the role of traditional healers in Bali, followed by an optional "checkup."
Wed. March 31:
Ubud Morning depart for Cokorda Raka Tisnu’s studio in Singapadu, where you have your fifth mask carving class and Balinese mask dance class. In the evening, a performance of Topeng, Balinese mask dance.
Thur. April 1:
Ubud Final mask dance and carving class. Afternoon free to finish up personal business, get a massage, go shopping, or relax. Evening Farewell to Bali dinner together.
Fri. April 2:
Ubud Transit Depart for airport and your return flight home, or stay in Bali for more adventures!
Other situations will arise that cannot be predicted until we are in Bali. There is a very slight possibility that flight schedules might change. You may attend whichever tour activities you wish, however there will be no refunds for missed tour activities. Anyone who leaves the tour for any reason is on their own.
TRIP COST includes:
- Round trip air fare from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York (New York departures estra) to Bali. Open return to 2 months. Note: fares may rise with rising fuel charges..
- 1 night at Sanur beach
- 12 nights of village accommodations in Ubud, the cultural center of Bali.
- 12 classes of instruction in traditional mask dance and mask carving (Gamelan music and shadow puppet making or may be substituted) with some of Bali’s finest working artists.
- A visit to a traditional healer, with opportunities for a “checkup.”
- 2 days of island tour excursions to classic temples, markets, volcanic lakes, museums, remote villages.
- 6 short excursions to ancient sites, terraced rice fields, nature reserves, homes and studios of artists and crafts people.
- 4 Performances by nationally acclaimed dance and Gamelan performing groups.
- Farewell feast and private performance of masked dance.
- Introductory classes in basic Indonesian and seminars in customs and culture, religion, dance, sacred masks, history, rites of passage, etc.
- Attendance at Melasti purification rituals at Sanur Beach.
- Attendance at Mecaru parade of over 200 giant puppets in Denpasar .
- Breakfast every day and two dinners.
- Services of guides and teachers.
- 2 traditional massages
- Plus possible village festivals, ceremonies, authentic feasts, time for exploring, shopping and relaxing.
Not Included: Tips, Airport Departure Tax, Most meals, Visa fees.
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CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
TRIP COST AND FEES:
$1750.00 without air. Current air fare from the USA: $1250.00.
The trip price is based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath ( hotel with hot water, western toilets, swimming pool). Full breakfast, excursions listed in the itinerary, classes, services of Balinese and USA guide, several orientation and language sessions. The price includes land arrangements and air, but air fare may rise, due to fuel hikes. NYC departures slightly higher.
DEPOSIT:
A deposit of $350.00 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. Limited to 16 participants.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
For the flight portion, cancellation will be governed by the rules and regulations as listed in the flight contract by the participating airline. For the land portion, a cancellation fee of $75.00 is assessed up to 30 days prior to departure. A fee of $100.00 will be charged between 30-7 days prior to departure. Once air tickets have been issued, cancellation fee subject to airlines rules. No refunds will be made after departure. Trip cancellation and medical evacuation insurance is recommended.
BAGGAGE:
Two (2) pieces of luggage, not exceeding 62 inches. Each cannot exceed 70 lbs.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
All accommodations are based on two persons sharing a twin bedded room with private, western-style bath. Single supplement available for $285.00.
ROOMMATES:
Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a share basis and will be assigned a roommate as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $285.00.
MEALS:
Full American Breakfast daily. One lunch and traditional dinner. Although meals (excluding breakfast, the final feast and dinner at family home) are not included in the trip, we do organize some group meals at the start of the trip to familiarize you with local dishes and acquaint you with our favorite, cost-friendly restaurants.
SIGHTSEEING AND EXCURSIONS:
All sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary will be carried out by air conditioned motor coach. All admission fees are included.
TIPS AND TAXES:
Tipping is not customary in Indonesia, except in western-style hotels where service is charged. Optional gift will be collected for drivers and bungalow staff at the end on the tour.
PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
A passport, valid six months from date of entry to any country visited with proof of onward transportation. An Indonesian visa valid for 4 weeks will be given on arrival with $25.00 fee. Those wishing to stay longer than four weeks should apply for a 60 day visda from any Indonesian Consulate. No inoculations are presently required or suggested TOUR ARRANGEMENTS: By Danu Enterprises. www.danuoturs.com KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: A packet of information will be sent to all participants. Additional handouts on site.
TRANSPORTATION:
Round trip air transportation will be regularly scheduled Singapore Airlines between San Francisco, New York, or LA and Bali. Possible optional return stopovers.
TOUR ARRANGEMENTS:
By Danu Enterprises.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Extensive pre-trip packet is sent to all those enrolled.
Call toll free 888-476-0543 or email for further information.
Contact Danu Enterprises today and escape the ordinary!
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