Sacred-Sites International Blog

Join Sacred Sites International for one of our most popular study tours: Sacred Sites in Bali with native guide, Made Surya, the eldest son of a Bali-Hindu priest. He has received advanced religious training, is an accomplished classical dancer and mask carver, and has written extensively about his culture in international publications. He will be joined by his wife, Judy Slattum, author of Masks of Bali.

This 14-day tour includes hotel accommodations based on double occupancy (single supplement $265.), most meals, guided tours, a $200 tax-deductible contribution to Sacred Sites International, round-trip air from US West Coast: $3491. per person or ground only $1941. for travelers who want to arrange their own air. There is an optional 4-day extension to the Cultural Center of Java: Yokyakarta to visit the World Heritage site of Borobudhur and Prambanan Temples. Cost with per person with shared room is $645 per person with a single supplement of $105.

To reserve: contact Sacred Sites International: sacredsite1@gmail.com or 510-525-1304 or Danu Tours: danu@earthlink.net or 831-476-0543

The tour will be based in Ubud and Munduk with an optional excursion to Yokyakarta to Borobudur. You will experience the sites, sounds and tastes of Bali on the small group tour of 7-14 people. Enjoy photos and brief text about this very special small group journey.

While in Bali you will witness the devotion of the Balinese people when you see the daily offerings that are left outside homes, beside businesses and at temples.

 

 

 

 

 

The Sacred Sites Tour to Bali will visit numerous sacred places, temples, springs, and lakes, observe sacred dances and experience Bali first-hand with native guide Surya. You will also visit indigenous villages, observe the island’s famous carvers make statues and masks, see the rare art of double ikat weaving, and learn about healing traditions.

One of the first things you will do is get outfitted in your temple sarongs and scarves which are required attire when visiting sacred places. Local markets will provide ample choices for sarongs and scarves.

 

One of the first places you will visit is the sacred spring, Tampaksiring, where you will have the opportunity to partake in a sacred ceremony for purification and good health.

 

 

You will also visit the picturesque 11th century temple site popularly known as the Elephant Cave. The site includes the elaborately carved temple-cave, as well as pools of water with Water Goddesses and the remains of a Buddhist temple. The site is located at the powerful confluence of two rivers which is universally considered a sacred place. The shrine is dedicated to the God Shiva and his elephant-headed son, Ganesh.

Nearby, the temple Pura Penataran Sasih, is venerated for its ancient bronze drum which is known as the Moon of Pejeng, which many Balinese consider to be the personification of the sacred moon.

 

This sacred journey also includes dance performances for which Bali is famous. Surya will demonstrate the elements of Balinese dance before our group attends a dance performance. Our group will also visit a dance school to watch and learn about how the sacred dance tradition is being preserved by teaching children to dance at an early age.

 

 

On the tour you will also have the opportunity to visit colorful markets filled with fruits and vegetables, food stands and handicrafts. Visits will also be made to the workshops of mask carvers who create the masks used in sacred dance.