TREASURES OF BALI & JAVA:
INDONESIA CULTURAL ADVENTURE

Weekly Departures April –November

Indonesia is one of the most picturesque archipelagos in the world, comprises a total of 13, 677 tropical islands that stretch between Australia and Asia. The fifth most populous nation on earth, Indonesia’s earliest inhabitants date back some one million years. As a result of a series of human migrations over the past five thousand years, there are presently more than 200 ethnic groups influenced by the spiritual practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Animism and Christianity. Bali, in particular, has developed a uniquely beautiful blend of these religious and cultural elements.

During this fascinating 12-day cultural and “soft” adventure trip, you’ll focus primarily on the islands of Java and Bali. Highlights include bicycling down Mt. Batur and along Bali’s picturesque back roads; visiting the home of a renowned teacher to learn the Topeng mask dance and how to play various instruments of the gamelan ensemble; whitewater rafting through unspoiled tropical rainforest; visiting the private studios of celebrated artists (painters, wood carvers, makers of Topeng masks, ikat and batik weavers); hiking through Balinese rice fields and villages; visiting Prambanan and Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple; attending a variety of dance performances; and exploring the site of prehistoric “Java Man”. Indonesia is a truly fascinating country with warm people and a rich cultural diversity.

If time permits, consider extending your trip to Komodo Island, Kalimantan, Lombok, Sulawesi, Sumatra or Irian Jaya.

Note: All included adventures are elective and low intensity.
This adventure includes your choice of two (2) lectures from the topics listed below. Delivered by a regional specialist, these lectures will supplement the information you receive from your top-notch guide. Some lectures may not be available on certain departures.

- Indonesian dance and the gamelan
- Mask making workshop
- Indonesian anthropology
- Balinese Arts
- Balinese culture and customs
- Indonesian cuisine
- Overview of Indonesian History
- Hinduism

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly from Los Angeles to Jakarta, where you will connect with your flight to Bali. Upon arrival on day 3, you’ll transfer to Ubud, the artistic center of Bali. You will then be free to rest after your international flights.

Known as the "Island of the Gods", Bali is a mystical island that is famous for its vibrant culture, religious ceremonies, unique arts and crafts, and music and dance. For the Balinese, religion, a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhism, is inseparable from everyday life. From simple day-to-day rituals to lavish six-month temple festivals, no opportunity is lost to worship God in an unending series of ceremonies that stretch from birth to the afterlife. Every village has its temple and no building of importance is complete without splendid stone and wood carvings. At every temple or shrine there are beautiful artistic offerings. Music and dance provide entertainment for the Gods and contribute to the exotic nature of this beautiful island.Pita Maha (D)

Morning drive to the butterfly park at Wanasari, which showcases hundreds of colorful butterflies from all over Indonesia. You’ll continue to the sacred forest of towering nutmeg trees of Alas Kedaton, home to hundreds of monkeys and groups of large “flying fox” fruit bats hanging from the branches. Then proceed to Pura Luhur, a temple perched half-way up the slopes of towering 7,600 foot-high Mt. Batukaru. Pura Luhur is an unusual complex of shrines with a pool set in the midst of lush tropical forest. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Jatiluwih (“supreme beauty of nature”) which overlooks terraced rice fields, stretching in endless contours over hills and valleys. You’ll then drive to Pacung, which commands a splendid view, for a late lunch. Following lunch, visit Pura Ulun Danu, on the shore of Lake Bartan and the fruit and flower market at Candi Kuning, before returning to Ubud. On your way back, we stop in Mengwi to visit the Royal Family Temple of Taman Ayun, one of Bali’s most beautiful temples. Pita Maha (B,L)

This morning you’ll drive up Mt. Batur, situated 5000 feet above sea level and endowed with a deep crater lake and bubbling hot spring. Arriving at the rim of the caldera, you’ll have time to admire the spectacular scenery before mounting your bicycle and riding back down the mountain, taking back roads to Ubud. After lunch, spend the rest of the day visiting the studios of celebrated artists: Wayan Muka (Topeng masks), Astina, Tilem (wood carvings), Pak Jani’s Place (ikats) and the house of famed artist IGN Lempad. Your day concludes with a visit to the Neka Museum featuring Asia’s most comprehensive collection of Balinese painting. Pita Maha (B,L)

Note: If you prefer another cultural excursion in place of the bicycling, you can see a performance of the famous Barong and Kris dance, visit the home of a high cast Balinese priest and visit the home and workplace of I Made Gebaleran, Bali’s only surviving gongmaker.

Your day begins with a walk through the countryside, along rice fields and through small villages, to experience rural unspoiled Bali. On the way, you’ll see different types of rice cultivation, rustic temples an monuments and stunning scenery. You’ll then drive to Bali Bird Park, which features hundreds of rare Indonesian bird species, including Birds of Paradise. Rest of the day is free to relax, explore the village, or to shop (batik and ikat weavings, paintings, silver jewelry, antiques). This evening, attend a performance of the famous Kecak (monkey) and fire dance, followed by dinner al fresco in the middle of a rice field! Pita Maha (B,L,D)

You’ll drive to the mountain village of Begawan, the starting point of your rafting trip down the Ayung River. The class 2-3 Ayung River flows through unspoiled tropical rain forest, deep gorges and paddy fields, taking you through a total of 25 rapids. You’ll end the trip down river in Sayan, where Ubud’s famous Cafe Wayan serves a delicious buffet at the riverside restaurant. Afternoon is free. Pita Maha (B,L)

Morning visit to the house of a renowned dance and music teacher, I. Kerut Rupa, in the nearby village of Teges. You will receive private instruction at playing various instruments of a gamelan ensemble. Following lunch, you’ll return to Rupa’s house to explore Balinese spirituality with a personal introduction into the Topeng mask dance and other dances. Pita Maha (B,L)

Morning flight to Yogyakarta, Java's ancient capital and present day center of contemporary Javanese culture. For centuries, Yogyakarta was a royal city -- the seat of a mighty Javanese empire as well as a major trade center. Located at the foot of the active volcano Merapi, Yogyakarta stretches from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean in the South.

Upon arrival, stop for lunch before visiting the Prambanan temple complex. Built in the 9th Century, it consists of eight separate shrines with the three largest dedicated to the Hindu Trinity. The main temple, dedicated to Shiva, rises to a height of 130 feet. Before driving back to your hotel, visit newly-discovered Sambisari, which has been completely restored, and Kalasan and Plaosan temples. Rest of the afternoon is free to relax. Sheraton Mustika (B, L,D)

Morning drive to Yogya’s sister city, Surakarta (Solo), which was the capital of the Malaram Kingdom during the 18th Century. Once primarily the domain of nobility, Surakarta still maintains its traditional culture, particularly at Mangkunegaran Palace with its dazzling regalia and art collection.

Next you’ll take an excursion back in time to the village of Sangiran. The area became famous in 1936 when a team headed by Berlin-born G.H.R von Koenigwals unearthed a fossilized skull of the “Java Man” (Homo erectus). You’ll visit the museum and excavation site. Then continue on to Candi Sukuh, a 14th century Hindu temple on the western slope of the extinct volcano Lawu. This temple is fascinating not only because of its wayang figure stone carvings, but it also offers the only sample of a Java temple built in the shape of a stepped pyramid, similar to those of the ancient Maya in Latin America. Return to Yogya. Sheraton Mustika (B,L)

Your morning tour of Yogyakarta will begin in an Andong, a traditional pony-drawn cart. You’ll visit the Royal Kraton (Sultan’s Palace), the famous Pasar Ngasem (Bird Market) with its multitudes of Indonesian birds, and the Batik Research Center, which houses a permanent exhibition of batiks in antique and modern designs. You’ll then proceed to Kota gede, known for its silversmiths.

After lunch, visit the awe-inspiring Borobudur monument. Built approximately 1,200 years ago (i.e. 300 years before Angkor Wat) as a spiritual center for Buddhists, Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist monument, containing over two million cubic feet of stone. It rises majestically atop a hillock in the center of a lowland covered in palm groves and rice paddies, surrounded on all sides by mountains. Buried under volcanic ash and lost in the midst of thick jungle for centuries, Borobudur was rediscovered in 1814 and faithfully restored to its former glory.

This evening, you’ll dine at an authentic Javanese restaurant and attend a graceful performance of Javanese classical dances at the Royal house of Prince Pujokusumo.
Sheraton Mustika (B,L,D)

Morning is free to explore more of Yogyakarta before departing on your flights to Jakarta and the U.S. (B)

Trip Cost Includes:
o Accommodations for 9 nights in
deluxe hotels based on double occupancy
o Private touring with guide
o All elective soft adventures
o 21 meals
o All transfers and land transportation
o Entrance/park fees
o Service and handling charges

Trip Grade: Easy. Emphasis on “off the beaten track” experience. All included adventures are elective and low intensity. Physical activities include hiking, learning Balinese dances, bicycling and rafting. Accommodations are in deluxe hotels. In general, this trip is suitable for anyone in good health who enjoys exploring out of doors.

Climate: Because it sits on the equator, all of Indonesia has a hot, humid, tropical climate. The wet season is from November to February and the dry season, from June to September. Average monthly temperature varies from 82F during May, June and July to 86F in February and March.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in deluxe hotels based on double occupancy; 20 meals as indicated in the itinerary; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; instruction and leadership.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not indicated in the itinerary(6); tips to guides; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports or visas, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return from Indonesia.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy in deluxe hotels. Singles who sign up will be paired with a roommate. If none is available, there will be a single room supplement charge.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip provided the maximum enrollment has not already been reached. All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two travelers. Final payment of the land cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement. NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the trip leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced trip. Full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an trip except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.

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