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)