THE BALINESE WAY OF LIVING | HARMONY, SPIRIT AND COMMUNITY
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Join Cross Cultural Journeys on an amazing journey to experience the beautiful and enchanting Isle of Bali. Explore the Balinese practices of Tri Hita Karana, a Hindu saying meaning, "to live in harmony with the natural world, community, and spirit." From the cultural and artistic hub of Ubud, travel to remote villages nestled in lush rice paddies, to sacred Mount Agung, and to beaches along the north coast. Observe traditional ceremonies and rituals that the Balinese celebrate in joyful expression of reverence for their ancestors, gods, families, and the beauty of the natural world that surround them. Trip leaders have a long-term relationship with Bali, and through their friendships they are able to provide unique opportunities to unlock the secrets of Bali's deeply spiritual island way of living. You will return home with your world changed forever.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive Bali. You will be met at the airport and whisked away to our beautiful, luxury garden accommodations in Ubud for dinner and a good night’s rest. ARMA Resort (D)

Day 2 | Ubud Group orientation and a walking tour of Ubud to orient ourselves. Visit a local NGO (non-governmental organization) working with textile weavers on Bali and the adjoining islands. Learn about the spice trade history and the importance of weaving to the islands. ARMA Resort (B/L)
 
Day 3 | Ubud Following breakfast we are guests at the family compound of
a renowned 9th generation mask maker for a private demonstration of sacred mask carving followed by a Balinese lunch prepared by his wife. After lunch, we learn about Gamelan, traditional Balinese music, its significance, and enjoy a demonstration of how it is played. In the evening we watch a traditional Kecak fire and trance dance performance. ARMA Resort (B/L)
 
Day 4 | Ubud Today is spent with a well-known and esteemed Balinese traditional healer. We will observe his healing technique with local Balinese, and have an optional healing session with him. Free leisure time in the evening. ARMA Resort (B/L)
 
Day 5 | Ubud Today half the group will spend the early morning with Agung Rai, the founder of the ARMA Museum. As the sun rises, we explore on foot and by vehicle the Balinese landscape, village life and spirit world. A talk about Tri Hita Karana will be given by a young Hindu Priest who is also a remarkable healer using chakras, auras, and palmistry. Optional healing sessions available. ARMA Resort (B/D)
 
Day 6 | Ubud In the morning the second half of the group will join Agung Rai. We will have a talk and demonstration on traditional Balinese dance. In the evening we enjoy the Peliatan Legong Balinese dance performance. ARMA Resort (B)
 
Day 7 | Ubud/Balinese village We drive to the far North coast of Bali to a remote village that has re-instated sustainable, organic farming, and created a retreat center with Hindu meditation and yoga. We stay in guest cottages and join in with their village life. (B/L/D)
 
Day 8 | Balinese village Continue activities from the day before. (B/L/D)
 
Day 9 | Taman Sari Resort Today we drive north passing rural landscapes as we make our way to the Taman Sari Resort and Coral Reef Restoration Project. Glass bottom boats take us on a sunset cruise to see the restored coral.  Taman Sari Resort (B/L/D)
 
Day 10 | Taman Sari Resort The day is for relaxation with free time to swim, take a guided forest hike, sit by the pool, have a massage, read a book, or scuba or snorkel in the world-renowned clear waters off northern Bali. Our evening dinner guest will be the founder of the Coral Reef Restoration Project. He’ll explain the extraordinary work being done to restore coral in the local waters. See The Tactics of Hope, by Wilford Welch, for further description of his project. Evening puja at a local Hindu temple. Taman Sari Resort (B/D)
 
Day 11 | Tabanan Beach near Tanah Lot We drive south to a luxury beach hotel near the airport, stopping along the way at a butterfly farm. Group discussion of all we have seen and done in the past days, followed by a gala farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
 
Day 12 | Bali departure With mixed emotions our group says farewell and departs for the airport and our international flights home. Or, stay on to enjoy a few days more in Bali on your own. (B)