MORNING OF THE WORLD
Exotic Festivals of Bali
March 26 –April 3, 2003

STATE OF GRACE

The Sanskrit word “nirvana” refers to the extinguishing of a flame once its fuel has been consumed. It is considered a state of supreme liberation and bliss. For most people, Nirvana has come to suggest a perfect place or idyllic paradise with many wonders to be discovered. It might easily be applied to the island of Bali in Indonesia.
     A friendly and remarkably artistic people, living amid breathtaking panoramas, have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies, making Bali an island almost unreal in today’s hectic and changing world. Terraced rice fields dominate a luscious green landscape, dissected by rivers and small irrigation streams which fill the air with enchanting sounds of running water.
     Bali is divided by a string of impressive and authoritative volcanoes running almost through the center of the island. These peaks are believed to be the home of the gods. Shrouded in mystery and magic, they stretch skyward in majestic splendor. Bali’s main volcano is still active and sometimes explosive. Gunung Agung is considered sacred among local people, as it is believed to be the center of the universe.
     Art and culture are strongly bonded to Bali’s unique form of Hinduism called “Hindu Darma”. The very soul of Bali is rooted in religion, and is expressed in art forms that have been passionately preserved over the centuries. It seems that almost every person is an artist, spending free time applying skills and creating images which have been passed down from generation to generation and taught from a very young age. Whether expressed through beautiful and intricate paintings and dances, extraordinary carvings, superb weavings or even in decorations made for the myriad shrines which can be found in public areas, on roads, in paddy field or in homes—the island is alive with art.
     Even though Bali is increasingly becoming a modern and urban society, one doesn’t get the real feel of the island until one has visited its villages and attended some of its festivals. In fact, the way in which the Balinese practice their frontier Hinduism is still their greatest art.
     One of the most important observances here is the Hindu New Year, called Nyepi. The Balinese spend the entire day in silent contemplation within their homes. “So why,” you might ask, “would Toto Tours organize an adventure which coincides with this annual disappearance? Aren't we going to be bored?” We have two simple answers: First, because the Festivals leading up to Nyepi are absolutely fantastic, and second, because the thrust of adventure travel is not merely to observe but to participate. Having spent a week immersed in the dazzling revelries of Balinese life, we will not disrespect them on their day of quietude.
     Nyepi will be our final day on the island, and it has been purposefully kept clear of activities so that we can spend it relaxing at our luxurious beachfront resort. Our shared silence will eloquently express our fervent wishes that our wonderful hosts will realize a rapid and sustained recovery from the terror which has so recently been visited upon their peaceful land. Knowing that we have done our part will be a source of lasting joy as we return to our own form of civilization.

ITINERARY

Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Leave Home / Flight to Bali

Leave your home city today on a flight bound for Bali. Please allow a minimum of two hours before your departure time for check-in.

Thursday, March 27, 2003
Phantom Day

You will lose an entire day flying across the International Date Line. The lost day will be regained on the return flight home.

Friday, March 28, 2003
Arrival in Denpasar / Transfer to Ubud

Upon arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali today, you will be welcomed and given beautiful tropical flower garlands by two Balinese boys in their traditional costumes. Transfer to Ubud and check-in to our hotel. Because of the extremely long flight, the rest of the day is free to recover from jet lag. In the evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at a Balinese castle with a performance of the Baris Dance by a male dance troupe. Overnight at the Pertiwi Bungalows in Ubud.     (Dinner)

Saturday, March 29, 2003
Ayung River

After breakfast at the hotel, see some of the most beautiful sites along the Ayung River on a whitewater-rafting excursion, escorted by a professional river guide. At the end of the river, a buffet lunch awaits you. Return to the hotel and the rest of the day is free. Overnight at the Pertiwi Bungalows in Ubud.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Sunday, March 30, 2003
Traditional Bali

After breakfast at the hotel, tour Celuk, the center of Balinese silver and gold works, and Mas, renowned for Balinese woodcarvings. Traveling to the Gianyar region (that has given Bali much of its reputation as a focus of creativity), visit a Balinese traditional living compound to see how the Balinese make offerings to their deities, cook their traditional dishes and teach their children to dance and play musical instruments. Enjoy lunch in the home of a local family.
     In the afternoon visit the Besakih Temple, which is the mother of all Balinese Hindu places of worship. Visit the compound and meet the local people. In late afternoon, return to our hotel, and the evening is free to explore. We recommend Dyanapura Street filled with exciting bars, cafes and spa clubs. Overnight at the Pertiwi Bungalows in Ubud.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Monday, March 31, 2003
Seminyak

Very early this morning (around 5am), our group leaves for the sacred beach, where the Melasti ceremony is going to be held. It is a purification ceremony prior to Nyepi Day. See the Balinese purify the symbolic objects of their Gods, and then follow them to the temple where they continue the ceremony. Afterwards, we return to our hotel for breakfast and a late morning nap.
     In the afternoon our group will meet at 3pm to visit the Uluwatu Temple, Bali’s southern-most monument built facing the great Indian Ocean. Just before sunset observe the Kecak Dance at an outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the temple and ocean. This dance is performed by about forty bare-chested young men in a circle, chanting and executing intricate hand movements. Afterwards, we move to Jimbaran Beach for a seafood dinner served right on the white sands. Overnight at the Resort Seminyak.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Tuesday, April 1, 2003
Festival Day

After breakfast, our group departs the hotel (around 8:30am) to see the performance of the Barong & Kris Dance, an epic story of a never-ending fight between good and evil. Continue on to Batuan Village, the center of Balinese stone carving, and then proceed on to the Goa Gajah Cave, a worship place for both the Buddhist and Hindu religions. Drive to Kintamani Highland to see the magnificent view of the Seminyak Lake and Mount Batur. Lunch is served at a restaurant overlooking the lake.
     In the afternoon, tour Tirta Empul, the holy spring palace, followed by a parade featuring the Ogoh Ogoh—huge effigies of monsters to scare off bad spirits. These giant figures require the strength of 20 men to carry them, accompanied by traditional Balinese music and songs. Return to the Resort Seminyak. At midnight, all electricity will be turned off in the town, except in our hotel compound to signal the start of the Balinese New Year.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Wednesday, April 2, 2003
Nyepi / Free Day

Today is Nyepi Day, traditionally a day of total silence for the Balinese to reflect upon their lives. There can be no planned activities in the morning or afternoon. It is a chance for you to just relax, enjoy the hotel facilities, and contemplate all you have seen and experienced in this magical land.
     This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner in the hotel’s compound. Overnight at the Resort Seminyak.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Thursday, April 3, 2003
Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free at leisure until the appropriate time to transfer to the airport for your return flights home. Tour ends officially this morning, but we encourage you to make the most of your long flight and choose one of the following tour extensions.     (Breakfast)

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Package 1::  4 Days / 3 Nights Bali at Seminyak Beach Resort

Inclusions:   3 nights accommodation at Resort Seminyak Bali, daily breakfast, transfer to airport upon departure

Prices:  $295 per person in single occupancy  /  $175 per person in twin share

Package 2:  4 Days / 3 nights Bali at Hotel Alila Ubud

Inclusions:   3 nights accommodation in superior room at the Hotel Alila Ubud, daily breakfast, transfer to Ubud, transfer to airport upon departure

Prices:  $425 per person in single occupancy  /  $245 per person in twin share

Combo Package 3:  7 Days / 6 Nights Bali Seminyak & Ubud

Inclusions:  3 nights accommodation at Resort Seminyak Bali, transfer to Ubud, 3 nights accommodation in superior room at the Hotel Alila Ubud, daily breakfast, transfer to airport upon departure. (This is Package 1 & 2 combined at additional savings.)

Prices:  $700 per person in single ocupancy  /  $400 per person in twin share

Package 4:  Komodo Island Escape (2 persons minimum)

Inclusions:  3 days / 2 nights adventure, includes one night on a sailing boat and one night at a hotel in Bima, round trip airfare from Denpasar Bali, meals from dinner on day 1 through breakfast on day 3, all land & sea transportation. Click here for more information about Komodo Island. This package requires advance booking as domestic flights are involved.

Prices:  $395 per person in twin share accommodations / $445 single accommodations

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

There are many exciting things to do with your additional time on Bali. Here are just a few examples, with prices. Each requires a minimum of 2 persons to operate.

Lembongan Island Cruise. Full day excursion including beach barbecue seafood lunch (8 hours). $50 per person

Hiking & Hot Spring Adventure. Half day excursion (5 hours). $34 per person

Diving at Amed East Bali. Full day excursion (10 hours) including 2 dives (tanks & weight belt), land & sea transportation, lunch box, dive guide, limited insurance. $50 per person

Bali by Bike. Half day excursion (5 hours). $22 per person

ACCOMMODATIONS

Ubud: Pertiwi Bungalows, reflecting the traditional Balinese architecture of elegant proportions and peaked thatched roofs. Hotel has open-air restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Rooms have lovely decor, private bath, A/C and a private verandah with garden.

Seminyak: Resort Seminyak, located right on the white sand beach between two of Bali’s most legendary temples. Hotel has restaurant, bar, 24-hour coffee shop and pool. Rooms have two beds, private bath, private balcony and A/C.

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements
For citizens of the United States and Canada, a valid passport is all you will need.

Immunizations
No immunizations are required, but the CDC advises a basic vaccination series prior to traveling to Indonesia. Their recommendations include:

q Tetanus / Diphtheria: Current adult “DT” within 10 years.

q Hepatitis A Series: U.S. version two injections, one before and a booster six to twelve months later.

q Hepatitis B Series: 3 injections prior and at one and six months after.

q Polio: One adult booster to people who received a childhood series-preferably use Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV).

q Typhoid: One oral capsule series preferred, one every other day for four doses.

Exit Requirements
A departure tax of approximately $10 U.S. must be paid at the Denpasar airport.

WHAT TO BRING

Suggested Packing List:

q Proof of citizenship. Passport and Visa needed.

q Comfy walking shoes for day tours and walks.

q Polo shirts / T-shirts (8 - 10).

q Shorts (4 or 5 pairs).

q Lightweight long pants for dinners.

q Cool sleepwear.

q Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray.

q Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.

q Windbreaker or water repellant jacket.

q Personal toiletries (Bring an anti-diarrheal remedy just in case!)

q Swimsuit.

q Camera & plenty of film.

q Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon size for wet items or toiletries).

q A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

The currency unit in Indonesian is the Rupiah (Rp). Bank note denominations are 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500 and 100. Coins come in 1,000; 500; 100; 50; 25; 10; and 5 rp. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in most cities, while Diner’s Club and American Express less so. ATMs are found everywhere in the larger cities. As of December 14, 2002, the exchange rate was 8,875.00 Rp to the U.S. $1.00.

Taxes and Tipping—You customarily pay a 10% gratuity for dining service, but always check your restaurant bills for automatic service charges. We make a collective tip to our guides at the conclusion of each group excursion. Budget about US$35 each day for out-of-pocket expenses.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. This tour is a guaranteed departure with a minimum of six participants!

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the "Reservations" link above. Print the form, fill out the information requested, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The balance of $595 is due 80 days prior to departure (by January 5, 2003). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is:  Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

q fun-loving optimists with a sense of humor and positive outlook;

q good natured realists who are willing to accept things as they exist;

q undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;

q willing to forego some amenities we normally take for granted;

q eager to try new things & test limits;

q punctual;

q not whiners!

If you have any questions, please call us toll free: 800-565-1241.

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price: $ 1,095 double 

Private Room: $ 300 additional

Deposit: $ 500

Final Payment: $ 595 double / $895 single

Final Payment Due: January 5, 2003

Included: 6 nights hotel accommodations; breakfast daily at hotel; Welcome and Farewell Dinners; meals, activities and transfers as listed in the itinerary; entrance to all historical sites; fully guided and escorted tour.

Not Included: Round-trip airfare to / from Denpasar, Bali (please call for a referral to an air consolidator specializing in Bali); ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and any optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; tips to local guides; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.