JOIN YOUR WORLD, YOUR WAY FOR THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!

Due to the convergence of Bali's two calendar systems -- the 354-day lunar year, and a unique 210-day Bali Hindu calendar cycle -- Bali's two most important and colorful holidays take place days apart in 2005. Nyepi, or New Years, sees island-wide purification ceremonies on most of Bali's beaches, followed by raucous evening parades where the island's youngsters march giant papier-mache likenesses of Balinese demons around town before burning them at midnight to symbolically rid the island of evil. Galungan marks the start of a ten-day period of ancestor worship and veneration. Festive decorations adorn every home, street and temple on the island; colorful rituals and solemn ceremonies are performed in every family courtyard and temple; and wild parades featuring barongs -- mythical protective beasts -- and trance dancers fill the streets. As if this weren't enough, it is also the time for one of the island's major temple festivals at Batukaru, where we have the chance to witness a number of traditional dance and entertainment forms in an authentic setting.

We will witness and participate in these holiday ceremonies while taking in the best of Bali, with particular focus on the secret sides and hidden gems of Bali that few other travellers experience!

HIGHLIGHTS

Hidden side of Bali; colorful ceremonies, rituals and processions associated with Bali's two most important religous holidays; artistic performances, arts and crafts; culture; delightful mountain resorts; spectacular scenery.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in Bali. Check in to hotel in Sanur. Sunset tour of Ulu Watu, one of Bali's most important temples, perched hundreds of feet above the sea atop sheer cliffs. Welcome feast.

Day 2 Ubud. Morning at leisure. Transfer to Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of Bali. Afternoon walk through rice terraces and small villages on outskirts of town. Evening dance performance.

Day 3 Ubud. Today is Galungan, Bali's most important religous holiday. Witness ceremonies in households and temples; watch processions and dances.

Day 4 Ubud. Morning at leisure. Afternoon excursion to Batukaru temple to experience "odalan" or temple anniversary festival ceremonies and traditional entertainment. Evening we witness the wild processions marking Nyepi (Balinese New Year's) Eve.

Day 5 Ubud. Nyepi Day. Day at leisure. (Note: Nyepi is a day of silence, contemplation and inactivity for the Balinese. Natives are forbidden from using electricity or fire, cooking, drinking alcohol, and socializing. Visitors to Bali do not face these prohibitions, but are not allowed to leave the premises of their hotel).

Day 6 Ubud. Dive head-first into Bali's art scene. Visit Bali's premiere art museum, as well as the studios of several artists and artisans. A highlight is a visit to the gallery of Symon, Bali's most prominent gay painter.

Day 7 Munduk. We head to the mountains of Central Bali. Visit Pura Ulan Danau, a serene temple on the shores (and partly overwater) of a picturesque lake. Lunch at lakeside, followed by perhaps Bali's finest walk: through thick rainforests and a scenic lake; isolated hamlets with no roads connecting them to the modern worlds; plantations of coffee, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla; and spectacular rice terraces. Overnight in a delightful mountain inn.

Day 8 Munduk. Day at leisure. Optional walk to a beautiful waterfall and small botanic garden.

Day 9 East Bali. Travel via spectacular Mount Batur, Bali's most active volcano. Visit isolated temples and travel via scenic backroads. Overnight at one of Bali's most off-the-tourist-track, small resorts, overlooking miles of rice terraces.

Day 10 East Bali. Morning at leisure. Late afternoon visit to Pura Agung Besakih, Bali's most important temple.

Days 11-12 Kerobokan. Travel to Bali's southern coast. Two days at leisure to enjoy Bali's fine beaches. Optional trip on Day 12 to a delightful man-to-man spa. Farewell dinner.

Day 13 Departure. Transfer to airport for departure flight

Meals
Program includes daily American Breakfast, about half of all lunches and three dinners.