This trip offers an in-depth excursion into the culture of Bali through the eyes of the Balinese, for those who wish to observe, appreciate, and experience alternative healing methods, at the same time enhancing their own health with traditional massage.

The Balian: Besides visiting a western-style doctor when ill, the Balinese consult a Balian, a traditional healer. These men and women work in different ways: some mix herbal remedies; some create drawings of magical inscriptions and symbols to protect the wearer; and some, while in trance, communicate messages from the Bali Hindu deities that dictate the creation of certain offerings and ceremonies. Visits to traditional Balian's will be central in our healing arts experience. Our resident professional health care worker will help to put our experience into context.

Physical Medicine: Massage is regarded as an important healing art on the island of Bali. Almost every family includes one member who practices this art, and there are many professionals on the island. These Balian Tulang are similar to doctors, and are called upon in emergencies to set broken bones or dislocations. Many of the Balian's have received their knowledge from a parent or grandparent, while others have acquired their skills directly from the Hindu deities. During the trip each participant will receive three massages from three respected practitioners, with enough time to schedule repeat sessions.

Herbal Medicine: Every Balinese knows how to make the simplest medicines for common colds, flu, headaches and wounds. Made from basic ingredients found on the island, these remedies have proven over the centuries to be effective in any country in the world. Most Balinese grow their own herbs, but they can also be found in the local markets. We will go on a herb walk, learn about mixing herbal medicines, and observe the use of these medicines during visits to Balinese healers. We will also learn the art of making a temple offering.

Mystical Medicine: Purification ceremonies are an important part of Bali Hindu religious cycles. Usually held during times of stress, plague, transgression, or purification, these ceremonies many times involve sacred masks, and most are held within the villages temples. During the rituals, those who fall into trance communicate the wishes of the high and low spirits to their attentive observers.

Rituals and Ceremonies
In Bali, art is part of religion and in some cases, healing. This trip includes performances of Balinese music and dance. Some are private, and some part of regular tourist performances, and some take place at temple festivals. All are of the highest quality. In several cases, you will meet the artists and performers.

"I'll remember Bali and the Balinese, our guides' love for the country and each other. The warmth and beauty of the people, the magnificence of the countryside, the depth of spiritual practice and community. And, of course, our fellow travelers of talent, good humor, awareness, care, progressive interests, fun—casual and classy. And last, but not least, the student sponsorship programs and other pioneering you've undertaken in Bali."
—Linda Wollcott-Moore, Mill Valley, CA. Healing Arts of Bali 1999

"Another great trip—thanks so much. I enjoyed seeing new parts of the island, as well as learning the 'inside' view of Balinese life."
—Debra Paskind, Chicago, IL. Art & Healing 1998 & 2000

"It was great to participate in the everyday lives of the Balinese. We were taught the language basics, how to respect the culture, and provided the opportunities to practice what we learned. I liked meeting the artists and crafts people, and learning about their history.The group was special. Judy and Surya are the Best People and this was my best ever holiday."
Gary Schick,
San Francisco CA. Healing Arts in Bali 2002

Thanks so much for a marvelous trip! I am still integrating what I learned into my life and suspect that I will be for quite some time. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and am very greatful to have had the opportunity to participate.
Patty Toccalino, Kirkland WA
Healing Arts Aug. 2002

The Healing Arts of Bali Itinerary
July 6-20 2009

Mon. July 6: Travel day Depart USA BLD aboard regularly scheduled Airlines . As all flights to Asian depart after midnight, you will need to arrive at the airport the night before (Sunday). Cross international date line and lose one day, which is made up on your return.

Tues. July 7: Sanur. BL Arrive in Bali where you are met by your guides and rapidly transported to your beach side hotel, for an optional light dinner and a comfortable night's sleep.

Wed. July 8: Munduk. BD Enjoy our hotel swimming pool or take a sunrise walk on the beach. Buffet breakfast, followed by an introductory session with Made Surya, your local guide with focus on basic Indonesian manners & customs. The remainder of the morning is at leisure. After lunch, depart Sanur for the mountain village of Munduk, stopping along the way at the fruit and flower market, where you have a chance to sample some of Bali's unique tropical fruits, and peruse the variety of spices the islands produce. Arrive in Munduk and settle in to your beautiful bungalows with views of Bali's volcanos and the Java Sea. Afternoon talk on Bali Hinduism, followed by dinner.

Thur. July 9: Munduk: BD Following breakfast, a guided tour of natural medicinal herbs both growing wild and cultivated in the hotel herb garden. Then take off for an easy walk to Bali’s tallest waterfall with a chance for the adventuresome to take a dip. Lunch, downtime, and massages begin. Late afternoon orientation session, focusing on the caste and banjar systems and introduction to the art of making temple offerings. Group dinner together.

Fri. July 10: Munduk. BD Breakfast, followed by transport by bus to Lake Tamblingan for a walk past several important temples, tropical forests, and flowers plantations. Return to hotel for lunch. Massages continue. Late afternoon language session and talk focusing on Rites of Passage and temple festivals, followed by group dinner.

Sat. July 11: Munduk BD Breakfast is followed by a hike through the neighboring countryside: small villages, rice fields, coffee and clove plantations, culminating at the magical Growing Stone. After lunch, massages continue. Late afternoon third language session and seminar on the Balian, local traditional healers, followed by dinner.

Sun. July 12: Munduk. BD Morning visit to the home of an esteemed local Balian for an interview. Afternoon observe a dance class by village children. Late afternoon talk on Bali's history. Evening farewell to Munduk ristaffel and performance of music and dance by the village Gamelan group.

Mon. July 13: Ubud. B Depart Munduk for Ubud, Bali's "Cultural Center," stopping at two temples along the way-- the state temple of Mengwi surrounded by a beautiful moat, and Pura Ulun Danu, Bali's most stunning temple floating on a small island in a volcanic lake. We wind our way through the towering volcanoes and Bali's fruit and vegetable basket, ending our travels in Ubud.

Tues. July 14: Ubud. B Your guide has a day off and you are free to explore. Appointments for second massages begin.

Wed. July 15: Ubud. B Early morning departure to visit (and perhaps bathe) in the Sacred Springs of Tampaksiring, believed to have healing properties. There will be a purification ceremony for those who wish to participate. We will also see the ancient monuments at Gunung Kawi , an ancient Buddhist temple. Return to Ubud for lunch. Evening performance of the Kecak dance by torch light, and the Fire Trance dance.

Thur. July 16: Ubud. B Visit to the home of another local Balian (healer) to watch him practice and perhaps have a "checkup." Finish massages. Late afternoon discussion of healing techniques. Evening performance of Legong classical dance.

Fri. July 17: Ubud. B Island tour to East Bali, taking us through striking visions of terraced rice fields and craggy mountains, ending up at the aboriginal village of Tenganan to watch the double ikat weaving process (created only two places in the world), and a demonstration of Balinese lontar or palm leaf books being made. Lunch overlooking the rolling surf in Candi Dasa. Our next visit is to Pura Kehen, a beautiful and important temple in Bangli village. Our last stop is the "Elephant Cave" at Goa Gadjah (a 9th century temple).

Sat. July 18: Ubud. BD Free day for last minute shopping or healing treatments, then late afternoon visit your guides home for happy hour party . Farewell to Ubud feast--an elaborate ristaffel banquet, and performance of the Frog Dance.

Sun. July 19: Ubud. BL 9:00 Depart for a performance of the Barong dance, the struggle between the forces of good and evil, in Batubulan village of stone carvers. Then Visit to the Capitol city of Denpasar and tour the anthropological museum, and hear about the power of sacred masks. Onward to the traditional family compound of your guide. A guest Physician and Professor from the medical department of the University whose father was a traditional Healer will be on hand to talk about the difference between East/West medicine.

Mon. July 20: Travel Day USA. BLD Rest and relax before beginning your journey back to the real world or stay on and enjoy more of Bali or Indonesia. You arrive in the USA on the same calendar day.

Itinerary may change subject to unplanned opportunities. Although no one is required to attend any activities, there will be no refunds for missed activities. Anyone who leaves the tour at any time, for any reason, is on their own.

Trip Package Includes:

Not Included: RT Air, laundry, visa fee ($25.00), airport taxes (currently $17.00), overweight fees, additional sightseeing, tips, meals not noted.

Cost: $3200.00 based on two persons sharing a room with bathroom. Single supplement available. Minimum 8, maximum 16 participants. The cost of the trip may be affected by fluctuations of airline fuel surcharges.

Roommates: Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a shared basis; roommates can be chosen from other tour members. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a single supplement: $295.00 extra.

Deposit: A deposit of $350.00 per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. Deposit, minus a $75.00 cancellation fee, is refundable until 45 days prior to departure. No refunds will be made after departure.

Passport, Visa, and Health: A passport, valid six months from date of entry with proof of onward transportation is required for entry into Indonesia. Visa on arrival with payment of a $25.00 fee valid for 4 weeks. If you wish to stay longer, apply to the Indonesian Consulate for a 2 month visa prior to arrival. No inoculations are required or advised. Everyone participating in this trip is expected to be in good health and able to walk at least three miles unaided.

Trip Organizer/Leader: Madé Surya B.S. is a professional tour organizer and has been leading study tours in Bali for 22 years. He has translated and worked with scholars and educational film and video crews, including National Geographic, and lives in Bali half the year. He was senior research assistant for several scholarly books relating to the Balinese view of the After Death. He is on the advisory board for Sacred Sites International, and has been a contributor to Hinduism Today. Surya first conceived and led Healing Arts tours to Bali in 1987.