8 Days A Romantic Bali Sojourn Tour Package

Duration: 8 Dys / 7 Nights
Priced From: $1,610 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Apr - Mar /09


 

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly USA to Denpasar

Day 2 Cross the Dateline

Day 3 Arrive Bali
An English-speaking representative will be holding a sign with your last name on it and greet you as you enter the public Airport Arrivals Hall. You will be taken to your vehicle nearby and transferred to your hotel.

The island's friendly people, Hindu culture, rhythmic dances, volcanoes, sculptured rice paddies, beautiful jungle and mountain scenery, and spectacular beaches-combined with a wide array of accommodations-make it one of the most fascinating places in the world. It's a magical place-despite the ever-expanding, crowded and commercialized tourist spots on the southern coast.

The best way to see the 'real' Bali is to head inland, past rice terraces and across the lush countryside. Any of the resorts can be used as a base to explore the island's sights, but bear in mind that Bali is not a small island, and unless you want to spend all day traveling, it is a good idea to limit day trips to within three hours of where you're staying.

Once you're away from the crowds of tourists, you'll have the best chance of encountering one of the islands many festivals, colorful weddings or ceremonial cremations. Much of Bali's charm is serendipitous, and many of its interesting sites and villages are somewhat off the beaten path, so a flexible, spontaneous attitude is necessary if you want to get the most out of your visit.

Bali is famous for its handicrafts-its own as well as those it draws from all over Indonesia. Most of the Balinese handicraft production is focused in the Ubud area and the larger Gianyar region in the south. Each village specializes in a different craft-Celuk in gold and silver, Batuan in miniature paintings and Pengosekan in larger, more boldly colored paintings of traditional village life. Most of these villages are on the way to Ubud from Denpasar.

Day 4 Royal Temple, Monkey Forest and Tanah Lot (Afternoon Tour)
Private Sedan Tour

This afternoon tour will initially take you to the outskirt of Denpasar, Bali's Capital, to visit a Batik making center. The art of Batik, which incorporates a delicate process of drawing, waxing and dyeing is an ancient art indigenous to Indonesia. The fabric, which was once the exclusive accessory to royal families, are now a national pride of the entire population. The tour will proceed to the village of Mengwi with the 17th century Taman Ayun temple, a legacy of its glorious kingdom's era. Visit the nearby sacred monkey forest of Alas Kedaton. The afternoon will be ended with a spectacular sunset at Tanah lot temple.

Days 5-6 At leisure, Jimbaran
Today is at your leisure, no arrangements have been made.

Day 7 Transfer Jimbaran to Ubud
Private Sedan

An English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby at a predetermined time and transfer you overland to your Ubud area hotel.

The fast-growing town of Ubud is Bali's cultural center and one of the highlights of the island, although development has transformed the central town into a commercial strip. But Ubud still has a wonderful atmosphere: The main streets are energetic without being tiring, and the people are laid-back and friendly. Turn down any side street and you will be away from the bustle and traffic and in the heart of Balinese village life.

If you're at all interested in art, you'll want to visit a number of Ubud's museums and galleries. Ubud has also become a center for fine food, with a number of world-class restaurants that have created a distinctive cuisine blending Balinese, other Indonesian and Western elements. The locations are often just as spectacular as the food.

Be sure to leave time for exploring the many sights around Ubud. Walk through the Monkey Forests (a treat in itself, but watch your possessions-the monkeys are prone to theft) to the adjacent village of Nyuhkuning, which is lined with the shops of wood-carvers. We particularly enjoyed renting bikes and cycling past rice fields and out-of-the-way villages. The area between Ubud and Denpasar is thick with even more craft villages, each with its own specialty.

Day 8 Culture, Nature and Active Volcano Full Day Tour
Private Sedan Tour

This full day sightseeing designed as an orientation on the insights of Bali featuring its natural, cultural, and artistic aspects. The tour begins with a stop at the village of Batubulan where you will attend a cultural performance of Barong and Keris Dance, which depicts the story of the eternal battle between the good and the evil. Proceed to the artisan villages of Celuk, Mas and Ubud, known as the center of Balinese gold and silver jeweler industry, wood carvings and art paintings respectively. Drive up through rural villages and vast area of beautifully terraced rice fields in Tegal Lalang and drive by hundreds of village temples before a visit is made at the 17th century holy-spring Gunung Kawi temple at Sebatu. Enjoy a cool break at the mountain village of Kintamani with its cool breeze and breathtaking vista of the still-active Mount Batur and its crater-lake. On your return trip will visit pure traditional village at Panglipuran.

Day 9 At leisure, Ubud
Today is at your leisure, no arrangements have been made.

Day 10 Fly Denpasar to USA
An English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby at a predetermined time and transfer you directly to Denpasar Airport.

• Jimbaran Puri
• Hotel Tugu
• The Legian Bali

• Ubud Hanging Gardens
• Maya UbudResort
• The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah

3/09