BALI

Island of the Gods....

"PULAU Dewata," or "Island of the Gods." An appropriate nickname for this island of twenty thousand temples and a million shrines, where religion permeates every aspect of life.

Hinduism migrated to Bali from Java in the 13th century, mixing with the existing "animist" religion to form a spellbinding culture rich in ceremonies, arts, music and crafts. Long, colorful temple processions; an astonishing number of dances - from the elegant and stately Legong, to the raucous Kecak, to the trance-inducing Daratan; shadow puppet plays of Hindu epics; ethereal gamelan performances accompanying every ceremony, dance, drama and procession; and centuries-old craft traditions in wood and stone carving, mask making, weaving, and silver and gold smithing are all a part of the everyday fabric of Bali's vibrant culture.

This culture is set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Towering volcanoes, palm-lined beaches, verdant rice terraces sculpted into the valleys and mountainsides; off-shore reefs teeming with tropical fish of all colors, dense rainforests, and turquoise-blue crater lakes await the traveler to Bali.

As if all this weren't enough, the Balinese are among the friendliest and most outgoing people in the region. Meeting new people and making new friends is one of the highlights of a trip to Bali.

Your World, Your Way Travel features two scheduled, small group programs to Bali. Bali, Off-the-Tourist-Track introduces our guests to the best of Bali, focusing on many of the island's "secret spots," culture and traditions. This not-to-be-missed tour is going to be particularly special in 2005. Bali's two most important holidays, Galungan and Nyepi, are set according to two different calendar systems. Next year, the two calendars converge and these two holidays, each a spectacle in itself, take place days apart! We take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a truly exceptional and memorable program built around experiencing the ceremonies and rituals associated with Galungan and Nyepi. Adventure! Bali is an active program with an emphasis on walking, mountain biking and snorkeling - taking you to remote, roadless villages; across spectacular rice terraces; through tropical forests and along deserted coastlines - all in a high degree of comfort.

Please note that many of Your World, Your Way's tours are scheduled around major holidays on Bali - this is when the island is at its most colorful and welcoming!

Group tour not your thing? We have twelve years experience designing custom travel itineraries to Bali and throughout Indonesia! Our custom itinerary planning service enables travelers - from solo travelers to large groups - to combine the advantages of a more independent style of travel with that knowledge and expertise that Your World, Your Way Travel has to offer, at a reasonable cost.