Indonesia Batik, Silk, Ikat
Choose where you sleep
This Journey into the stunning Indonesian island of Bali is an artist’s trip to a society where aesthetism and religion are so inseparable and all pervading that nothing in Balinese life is celebrated without a fusion of art and worship.
Since the early 20th century, European artists, especially painters, have been coming to Bali to soak in the heady air of complete artistic dedication that is the unique character of the Balinese people. Nowhere else will you find such a concentration of creative diversity and the "Island of the Gods" could not be a more conducive location.
Follow in the footsteps of Walter Spies and Rudolph Bonnet, celebrated expatriate artists, not only in the pursuit of beauty but also in the pursuit of Balinese ways of life. 
Experience the daily routines by joining in the planting of rice in the verdant rice terraces that spill down from the volcanic centre of the island, help to cook a traditional Balinese meal, practice traditional “Lagong” dance with the children as they perfect their skills ready for performance before the Gods and their people. Meet the practitioners and masters of the arts in their studios and workshops. This trip is designed to provide an insight into the significance of art to the Balinese, in everyday practice and in an historical context.
This trip can be tailormade to create an unique holiday to meet your individual requirements. Accommodations can be selected to suit the levels of comfort you seek, or we can arrange to imerse you into the local community with homestays and simple but characterful guist houses.
In line with our commitment to responsible tourism, all guides on this trip are local Balinese. The teachers and lecturers used to show the fine arts of Bali are all local Balinese people. They are picked for their excellent knowledge of their craft and high degree of expertise in their chosen art. By participating in this tour you are not only learning and experiencing traditional art and crafts but also helping to ensure these art forms are maintained and become a sustainable way of making income for the local people.
This tour also supports local artists and women on the Island of Bali. By supporting small textile businesses run by women in the Ubud area, women are given the opportunity to make a sustainable income to support their families. The artists and their communities will directly benefit from visitors using local products to create the artwork and by studying the traditional arts with the local people.
On all of our tours we employ local staff and are committed to the development and education of our staff providing training sessions, travel opportunities and other opportunities to participate in Community Based Tourism Projects within Cambodia. When clients book a tour with us they are also provided with information about local charities they can support and a guide to local restaurants and crafts.
We have been actively implementing green practices which stretch from our offices to our partners throughout the whole of South East Asia. We have spent 13 years enthusiastically researching socially and environmentally sensitive tourism opportunities in South East Asia.
At a local level we actively participates in reducing its environmental impact by recycling and reducing the amount of paper transactions by providing our information to our clients electronically. We also use fans in the office instead of air conditioning.
The itinerary below is just a sample of some of the amazing things you can do in Bali. If you have a special interest in Balinese culture or a traditional form of art we can organise a tour to cater to your particular artistic or cultural interest. Bali is a rich and diverse Island with a unique and fascinating culture. Artists and those enjoy art & culture appreciation will undoubtedly be able to find something in Bali to make for an unforgettable trip!
On this day you will check into the beautiful Kamandalu resort, a boutique resort nestled in rice terraces with the peak of Gunung Agung volcano above. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 3:
Then continue on to visit a local painting studio. This studio is where local people learn the art of traditional or modern painting. Here, guests may participate in the classes and learn some of the local techniques. You will be taught by a lecturer from the studio and have the opportunity to practice some you’re new found skills. Return to the hotel. (B,L)
Day 4:
A fantastically carved entrance depicts entangled leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. This place is one of the best archeological sites in Bali because of the sheer number of artifacts that have been found at this site.
Ubud. Breakfast at hotel. This morning we will discover the art and techniques used in Balinese textile making and traditional Kamasan painting styles. You will be introduced to the many traditional designs of Indonesian textiles. Explore the various ikat, batik and other weaving techniques, and discover the differences between handspun and commercial threads. Next we drive to Kamasan to see and learn the Kamasan painting style. On the way we will visit the ancient Kertha Gosha Court House to view a fine example of Balinese architecture. Our next stop will be the Sidemen weaving village where you can try you hand, using traditional tools, to weave your own textiles. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.
Then visit Tenganan - special Bali Aga Village which is isolated by hills surrounding a beautiful and peaceful valley. Tenganan is one of only three places in the world where you can find the double ikat or "Gringsing " which means " Not Sick " weave. In Tenganan Village, the gringsing is considered a part of the traditional dress that mystical power and is used in special ceremonies as an amulet to protect the user from evil spirit influences. Drive back to hotel. If time still permits you may make a short visit to Goa Lawah Temple (Bat Cave) - a temple built in front of a cave inhabited by thousands of bats and snakes.
Day 7:
Ubud - Kerambitan. Breakfast at hotel. Today you can explore the daily life of the Balinese in the village and rice fields in Tunjuk. Upon arrival in the village, visit an elementary school and get involved with the students during their classes (Not part of the itinerary during school holidays). Next stop will be to explore a typical Balinese compound, in which the building size and position are carefully designed to adhere to age old traditions. Then head to communal farmland to learn about the various stages of rice cultivation and join the people in rice planting or harvesting. Continue for a gentle trek through surrounding lands and enjoy a thirst quenching drink from young coconuts freshly picked from the trees.
