BALI SACRED SPIRIT
…exploring the heart and soul of Bali
September 9 – 18, 2019
Early Arrival Is Highly Recommended!
What is Early Arrival? It’s an extra day in paradise prior to the tour to rest and relax from the lengthy travel you’ve just completed. After all, you’ve literally journeyed half way around the world to be here in Bali. Including travel to and from the airport, domestic travel, international travel, layovers and waiting for flights, you’ve probably been on the move anywhere from 24 to 36 hours. Whew!
Why not take an extra day to catch up with yourself? You can use that time for relaxing at the beach, pampering at the beautiful hotel spa or maybe just for some much needed rest. We will be happy to arrange an extra day for you at the hotel. Just let us know. You will feel so much better when the fun begins Monday night and Tuesday morning!
To take advantage of Early Arrival, plan your international flight to arrive in Bali on the afternoon of Sunday, September 8.
Regular Travel Without Early Arrival
International Travel Days: Saturday and/or Sunday, September 7 and/or 8
Day 1: Monday, September 9
Since there are no direct flights to Bali from the U.S., you will have a stopover very early on Monday morning. Depending upon the airline, this might be in Taipei, Hong Kong, Inchon, Sidney, Narita or Singapore. After a layover and change of planes, the final leg of the journey brings us into Bali on Monday afternoon.
Very important! Please plan your flight to arrive in Bali on the afternoon of September 9 no later than 3:30 PM.
Upon clearing customs and immigration, we are greeted by our guide Ratih and welcomed with beautiful Balinese smiles. From the airport, we take the 90 minute drive to Candidasa, a beautiful, sleepy resort town on the east coast of Bali. We are staying at the Rama Candidasa, right on the ocean.
As we arrive, we’re greeted by the Rama Candidasa staff in an open, spacious lobby from which we can view the spectacular grounds and through the trees a glimpse of the beautiful Bali Sea. The Rama Candidasa is our home base for the next three days while we decompress from our trip, acclimate to the energies of Bali and explore the eastern part of the island. In the evening, at 6:55 we will gather in the lobby and then on to the hotel’s very excellent ocean view restaurant to share a welcome dinner together.
Included:
Welcome dinner
Lodging:
Rama Candidasa Spa Resort
Jl. Raya Sengkidu Karangasem Bali
Indonesia
Telephone: +62 363 41974
Day 2: Tuesday, September 10
This morning you have an open, unstructured block of time. For anyone who didn’t take advantage of Early Arrival, it’s the perfect morning to sleep in and get caught up on any travel related sleep deficit. For those who are more energetic, it’s a fine morning to experience the hotel’s wonderful spa, explore the grounds, have a massage on the beach overlooking the ocean or even take the short walk into town for some exploration and shopping.
After lunch, early in the afternoon, Mary will lead an opening ceremony and introductions of all members of our group. Later we have a presentation from our guide, Cok Ratih on Indonesian and Balinese textiles, Balinese religion and spirituality and a demonstration on how to dress when we visit the temples. You will have the opportunity to choose sarongs, sashes and blouses to wear in the temples. Traditional dress is an important mark of respect that we show for Balinese culture. The Balinese, in turn reciprocate by welcoming us into their temples and holy sites.
Evening Program: Group Clearing With Susan Carollo
Included:
Breakfast
Lodging:
Rama Candidasa Spa Resort
Day 3: Wednesday, September 11
After breakfast and meditation, we start our exploration of Bali with a visit to the most important and sacred ceremonial site on the entire island, the Mother Temple of Besakih. Pura Besakih (‘pura’ means temple) is a grand complex of 22 temples spread over 1 square mile rising on the flanks of the sacred volcanic mountain of Gunung Agung. Mt. Agung is Bali’s highest peak where the Balinese people believe the gods and spirits of their ancestors live in the heavenly realm above the mountain.
Here at Gunung Agung, dressed in our traditional temple outfits and bringing offerings of flowers, fruit and incense, we will be welcomed into the inner sanctum of one of the larger temples. Guided by the temple’s priest and Cok Ratih, we will learn the Balinese way of praying, making offerings and receiving blessings. Prayers in Bali, especially at Pura Besakih, can be very powerful when guided by your gratitude and pure intentions.
After Pura Besakih, on our way home, we take a beautiful drive to have lunch at a lovely restaurant with a spectacular view overlooking Gunung Agung.
Included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Lodging:
Rama Candidasa Spa Resort
Day 4: Thursday, September 12
After our usual morning routine of breakfast and meditation, we have a relaxed day of exploration of the east coast of Bali. We start with a visit to Tenganan, the walled village of the Bali Aga, descendants of the earliest Balinese people. Tenganan is famous for its “double ikat” woven fabric called gringseng, which is supposed to possess magical powers protecting the wearer from harm.
Leaving Tenganan, we have a scenic and enjoyable drive as we wind along the coast toward the beautiful and peaceful water palace of Tirtagangga. On the way, sit back and soak in the sights – the lush green countryside with verdant rice fields terracing the hills, the dense rainforest and the open expanse of the sea.
‘Tirta’ means blessed water, and ‘Gangga’ derives from ‘Ganges’, the holy river in India. At Tirtagangga, a spring rises up from under a big banyan tree at the foot of a stony hill on which the local community built their village temple. The water here has always been regarded as holy and is often used for religious ceremonies.
Then we wend our way back to the hotel where we have some free time in the late afternoon.
Dinner is on your own at either the hotel or in town.
Included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Lodging:
Rama Candidasa Spa Resort
Day 5: Friday, September 13
Breakfast and morning meditation. Today we leave the Rama Candidasa and make our way toward the village of Ubud, the artistic and cultural heart of Bali.
This village is world renowned for its many artists – painters, dancers, musicians and sculptors. Three art museums have both traditional and modern paintings and sculpture on display. While we’re here, you won’t want to miss the Ubud market with its vast array of locally produced handicrafts. The nearby Monkey Forest has a temple in the midst of a jungle famous for its many mischievous monkeys.
Arriving in Ubud, we make our way to the resplendent, 5 star Komaneka Bisma hotel nestled along a hillside in the Campuhan River valley, with amazing views of the river, terraced rice fields and surrounding coconut groves. Only a five-minute walk from the center of Ubud’s bustling activity, this stunning hotel is a veritable oasis of luxury and serenity.
After settling into our rooms at the Komaneka Bisma, we have the rest of the afternoon free to relax at the pool, enjoy the spa facilities or begin exploring Ubud.
In the evening, after an early dinner, we attend a Legong dance performance. Ratih, our guide, is a famous Legong dancer and she may be performing for us with her troupe.
Included:
Breakfast
Lodging:
Komaneka Bisma Hotel
Jalan Bisma, Ubud, Gianyar 80571, Bali, Indonesia
Tel : (+62} 361 971933 Fax : (+62) 361 971955
Day 6: Saturday, September 14
After breakfast and meditation, we’re off to southwest Bali to visit the famous seaside temple of Tanah Lot. This temple is one of the most beautiful, most visited and most photographed sites in all of Bali, with pilgrims and tourists alike attracted to its serenity and tranquility.
Tanah Lot rests upon a huge sentinel rock, carved by tides, wind and rain and separated from the shore. Only when the tide is low can we walk across the exposed tidal flats to the base of the temple. There, among the foundational rocks, a fresh water spring bubbles forth. Pilgrims collect this holy water for temple and household ceremonies and priests use it to offer blessings. Here, tourists are welcome.
But that is as far as they are allowed. Tour books will tell you that no visitors can enter the actual temple. However with our guide Cok Ratih, our offerings and our traditional temple dress, we are welcome to climb the steps and enter Pura Tanah Lot’s inner sanctum to say prayers, make offerings and receive blessings.
After visiting the temple, we have time to visit the extensive market that everyone must pass through as they enter the temple precinct from the parking area. Yes, there are lots of gaudy trinkets, tacky souvenirs and kitsch but there are some surprisingly good deals on handicrafts, leather goods, textiles and footwear – if you’re willing to bargain.
Evening Program: Group Channeling led by Mary
Included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Lodging:
Komaneka Bisma Hotel
Day 7: Sunday, September 15
After breakfast and meditation, it’s another full day of exploration. We take a beautiful drive north into Bali’s central highlands toward the town of Kintamani and the volcano Gunung Batur. Kintamani is perched on the rim of a huge caldera or bowl shaped crater, 3.5 miles across. Inside the caldera are the still active, still smoking volcano and next to it, beautiful Lake Batur. This overlook is recognized as one of the most spectacular scenic views in all of Indonesia. In this inspiring setting, we enjoy a relaxed and leisurely lunch.
After lunch, we make our way to one of Bali’s holiest sites, Pura Tirta Empul, the Holy Water Temple. At the heart of the temple precinct stands a ancient banyan tree. Gushing forth among its roots a sacred artesian spring spills its holy water into a series of descending pools. One of these pools is dedicated by the Balinese for blessings, ablutions and a spiritual purification ritual. Cok Ratih will guide us in experiencing this powerful ceremony as well as saying prayers in the temple.
Included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Lodging:
Komaneka Bisma Hotel
Day 8: Monday, September 16
Today after breakfast, we forgo our usual morning meditation in order to get an early start. For our first experience, we have planned a meeting with a very popular and very busy Balian which is the Balinese term for a traditional shaman and healer. Getting an early start means not having a long wait in line for our group to meet with him. Balinese traditional healers use a variety of natural healing methods and remedies derived from ancient esoteric texts as well as an enormous variety of herbs and other natural materials. We are very fortunate to meet with Bapak Cokorda Rai, a well-respected and world renowned Balian for a healing demonstration and individual sessions. Group members will have an opportunity on our free day to schedule additional sessions.
After our morning session with Bapak Cokorda Rai, we head back into Ubud for a leisurely lunch at the Clear Cafe. The trendy, cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with healthful, innovative cuisine has made it a popular hangout for hipsters, yoginis, world travelers and expats.
In the afternoon, it’s on to our second stop. Have you read Eat Pray Love, the best selling book by Elizabeth Gilbert featured on Oprah’s Book Club? If you haven’t, you may want to before you arrive in Bali. The book is a profoundly funny and spiritual memoir of a woman whose life is falling apart and how she finds herself again. It all begins and ends in Bali with her connections to her teacher and spiritual guide the Balian, Ketut Liyer. We are very pleased and excited that we will be visiting the home of Pak Ketut Liyer where we will receive a group blessing from his son, I Nyoman Lantra. Last year Pak Ketut died after a lingering illness. At the time he was well over 90 years old but no one knew his exact age – not even Pak Ketut himself. His son continues the work of his famous father providing divination and healing services to his community and the visitors from around the world who still come to honor his father.
In the early evening we’re off to a special performance of the dramatic, mesmerizing and highly stylized Kecak and Fire Dance.
Included:
Breakfast
Lodging:
Komaneka Bisma Hotel
Day 9: Tuesday, September 17
Breakfast and meditation. Today you’re free to enjoy a day of optional activities. Have you scheduled a private appointment with Mary? Today is a great day to have one or more healing sessions.
You might also want to consider other optional activities such as the Bali Bird Park and the Bali Elephant Camp. The Bali Bird Park is a magical oasis bursting with lush tropical plants and a profusion of exotic wildlife. It is a fascinating world filled with exotic sights and sounds. A cast of hundreds of the world’s rarest and most beautiful birds greet you as you stroll through the amazing tropical gardens. Meet some new-feathered friends but watch out for the Komodo dragons!
The Bali Elephant Camp is a sanctuary for the protection of the endangered Sumatran elephant. All the elephants at the park were rescued from deforestation in Central & Southern Sumatra. Not only can you get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures, you can also go on an Elephant Ride. Imagine yourself sitting high atop an elephant in a teak wood chair watching for birds and monkeys in the forest canopy as your mighty steed meanders through the cool shade of the jungle floor.
Elephant riding not your cup of tea? Then spend your day however you please. Maybe you would love to learn to play the gamelan. Take some lessons. Are you fascinated with the elegance and beauty of Balinese dance? Step to it. Does white water rafting intrigue you? Paddle away! Maybe today is your day to do a total immersion spa experience, pampering yourself with an extended massage, body wrap and facial. Give yourself permission. If you’re still looking for ideas, there’s always… shopping! Today is your day – go for it!
In the very late afternoon, Ratih honors us with a tour of Puri Agung Peliatan, her ancestral home. “Puri” in Balinese means palace (and pura, remember, means temple) and Peliatan was the capital of one of the 8 kingdoms of Bali that existed before and during Dutch colonial rule. Ratih’s grandfather was the last official king of Peliatan. After our guided explorations of the palace, we sit down together for a farewell dinner and royal feast. The evening includes a Frog dance performance accompanied by a bamboo orchestra. What a wonderful way to celebrate our last night together in Bali!
Included:
Breakfast
Farewell Dinner at the Palace
Lodging:
Komaneka Bisma Hotel
Day 10: Wednesday, September 18
Morning meditation with special group Farewell Ceremony. After breakfast, you will have time to finish packing and to take a final walk through the beautiful grounds of the Komaneka. On the way to the airport, you may realize that, although you are looking forward to going home, you’re also very sad to say goodbye.
Bali has affected you in some deep and subtle ways that you don’t, as yet, fully understand or appreciate. On the flight home, you have lots of memories, feelings and insights to explore. Because we are crossing back over the International Dateline, we regain a day and arrive in the States on the same date as our departure from Bali.
Included:
Breakfast
DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions and would like to speak with the Tour Leader and Sponsor, Mary Margrave, about the trip, please call Mary at +1 928 300-9779. You can also speak to our Tour Organizer and Co-Leader, Tom Margrave, who lives in Bali by sending him a call request by email to Tom@BaliSoulAdventures.com. Tom loves talking about the Bali Sacred Spirit Tour.
Decide NOW to join us on this incredible journey!
