Tour Description

The Balinese heal themselves in many ways.  The obvious way is by going to traditional healers who cure with herbs, oils, massage, trance, mantras and energy work.  They also heal by balancing their world through offerings and rituals.  This culture can show you a different perspective on how to heal yourself.

We will be visiting healers in their homes to see how they work, as well as inviting healers from different disciplines to discuss their work with you.  As the performing arts are such an integral part of this complex culture, you will learn about the music and dance (including learning how to play a gamelan instrument and learning a few dance steps!) and see a number of different performing arts traditions (including a trance ritual if possible).

You will visit temples and be able to pray with the Balinese—the most esteemed temples of Besakih and Batur will be visited as well as other sacred spots on the island.  You will be here during the Festival of Kuningan, the end of a ten-day festival of ceremonies held for the ancestors. The island is filled with bamboo penjors welcoming the arrival of the ancestors.  If there is a cremation happening, you will be able to observe it.  And you will be experience the magic of Balinese massage first hand.

The first part of your journey begins in Ubud, commonly called the cultural centre of Bali. The second part of your trip will be in the isolated village of Sidemen, set in a secluded valley under the shadow of the great Mount Agung.  Spectacular terraced rice paddies surround your hotel.