Find a balance of expansive travel and relaxing reflection on a journey featuring daily yoga, meditation, community, and healing. Our exploration of Bali and stopover in Japan balances the excitement of foreign travel, compelling terrain, and cultural sharing with the deepening that comes with intentional relaxation and inner reflection.
Read more about the trip below ↓
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Bali 2017 Transformative Journey
Bali and Japan Tour Segments
1. Tabanan, Bali
Our journey through Bali starts on the southern slopes of Mount Batukaru. Here in the central Bali mountains, the rice paddies meet the jungle, and you can still see the ocean. Enjoy Balinese village culture, cascading waterfalls, and spectacular vistas. When we arrive, we will learn how to make the temple decorations Bali is famous for. We will then have a welcome ceremony at the local temple, allowing and offering our intentions to be carried and held in spirit, and receiving blessings for a profound and safe inner/outer journey. We will be staying for 3 nights at Bali Eco-stay. During the day, wander through rice fields and mountain forests, or frolic under the waterfall and swim in the mountain stream. While we are here, a driver will take us to Jati Lawah Temple for a tour. From there, our trekking guide, Kadek, will walk us up the mountain, through magnificent trees, massive tree ferns, pandanas palms, and gorgeous hanging moss gardens. We will stop for refreshments at Batukaru Temple intersection.
2. Ubud, Bali
From Tabanan, we travel to Ubud, the vivacious center of Bali’s arts scene. Galleries, museums, and shopping abound, as well as amazing restaurants right near where we will be staying. We will be staying at Narasoma Retreat Center, a tranquil oasis reflecting the true nature and yoga spirit that lies in the heart of Bali. You will be treated to a cooking class that starts early in the Ubud markets, where you can pick from fresh herbs and spices, crisp vegetables, and choice cuts of meat, before heading off on guided “padi” expeditions. Upon your return to Laplapan village, you will be warmly welcomed and expertly guided by your host, Puspa, who will help you to discover how to create your very own delicious and authentic Balinese dishes. We will also take in the Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
3. Kintamani, Bali
From Ubud, we make our way to north-eastern Bali, and to the Mount Batur caldera. There we will visit the villages of Penelokan Toya Bungkah and Kintamani, which sit on the rim of the caldera about 1,500m above sea level. You will experience dramatic views of the active volcano and serene Lake Batur from our accommodations at the Lakeview Eco Lodge. Toyo Bungkah village is down at the lake edge. We will visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur, one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. You can take an optional trip across the lake to the Bali Aga village of Trunyan, famous for not burying their dead! Kintamani is well known for its large and colorful market which is held every three days. It’s a feast for the eye, with an abundance of color and food. Weather permitting, we will take a hike up to the top of Mount Batur in time to see the sun begin peeking through the sky. It is absolutely breathtaking!
4. Sembiran, Bali
Our last stop in Bali is in Sembiran, an area of distinct significance to Bali. It is here that Hinduism arrived centuries ago, to an area that now hosts one of the oldest and some of the most important temples in Bali. Go snorkeling right off the beach. Take a traditional boat and enjoy the Bali sunrise with the dolphins. Explore the village and discover local customs, traditions, and the Balinese way of life. Go on a jungle trek to a secret waterfall – the biggest in Bali, yet virtually unknown.
5. Tokyo, Japan (optional segment)
We leave Bali behind and head to Japan, where we will spend 3 nights at Sadachiyo, a traditional Japanese ryokan in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. While here, we will visit Sensoji, a popular Buddhist temple built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. We will visit Hamarikyu, originally the garden in the villa of the Shogun Tokugawa family in the 17th century. Explore the impressive Meiji Jingu shrine, the Nezu Museum and Japanese Garden, and the high-fashion, high-speed Shibuya area.
About Your Guides
Barbra Esher
Yogi and Tour Guide
Barbra brings years of experience living and traveling in Asia, and she speaks both Indonesian and Japanese. She is a certified trainer in non-violent communication, and ordained in Thich Nhat Hahn’s Order of Interbeing.
Chiara Guerrieri
Yogi and Tour Guide
Chiara has over 30 years experience teaching yoga, meditation, anatomy and physiology, and numerous mind/body techniques. A native of Italy, Chiara has studied and taught in over 15 countries around the world.
Detailed Itinerary
February 10-13, 2017: Tabanan, Bali
Itinerary
- Feb 10: Arrive Denpasar International Airport (DPS) – also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport (NRIA)
- Feb 10: Auto transportation to Tabanan
- Feb 10: Temple decorations and welcome ceremony
- Feb 10-13: Bali Eco Stay
- Feb 13: Auto transportation to Ubud
Included in Price
- Auto transportation from Denpasar International Airport
- Class on making Balinese temple decorations and offerings
- Daily yoga and meditation
- 3 nights accommodation Bali Eco Stay
- All meals included
- Transportation to Ubud
- Clean drinking water for your refillable water containers
Not Included in Price
- Airfare to Denpasar International Airport
February 13-17, 2017: Ubud, Bali
Itinerary
- Feb 13: Stop at Taman Kupu Kupu Butterfly Park
- Feb 13-17: Narasoma Retreat Centre
- TBD: Tjampuhan trail (Campuhan) ridge walk
- TBD: Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- TBD: Balinese Cooking Class
- Feb 17: Auto transportation to Kintamani
Included in Price
- 4 nights accommodation Narasoma Retreat Centre
- Daily breakfast
- One lunch
- Entrance to Taman Kupu Kupu
- Entrance fee to Monkey Forest Park
- Guided hike along Tjamuhan ridge and rice paddies trail
- Transportation to Kintamani
- Clean drinking water for your refillable water container
Not Included in Price
-
- Dinner and two lunches
February 17-19, 2017: Kintamani, Bali
Itinerary
- Feb 17: En route to Kintamani, stop in Sekardi Village for tour of Luwak Civet Coffee, a gourmet coffee plantation
- Feb 17: Arrive Kintamani
- Feb 17-19: Lakeview Eco Lodge
- Feb 17: Lunch at Organic Sari
- Feb 17: (Optional) Boat trip to Trunyan Bali Aga village
- Feb 17: Dinner at Kedisan floating restaurant
- Feb 18: Yoga at Pura Ulun Danu Batur temple
- Feb 18: Kintamani market and temple visit
- Feb 18: Batur Hot Springs with optional massages and lunch lake side
- Feb 18: Dinner with Balinese family
- Feb 19: Hike to Batur summit for sunrise (weather permitting)
- Feb 19: Depart for Sembiran
Included in Price
- Daily yoga and meditation
- 2 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast and one dinner
- Guides for sunrise volcano trek (1 for each 4 people)
- Transportation throughout Kintamani/Lake Batur area
- Entrance to Luwak Civet Coffee Plantation and free tastings
- Entrance to the Batur Hot Springs
- Transportation to Sembiran
- Clean drinking water for your refillable water containers
Not Included in Price
- All lunches and dinner at Kedisan floating restaurant
- Boat trip to Trunyan
- Massages at Batur Hot Springs
February 19-23, 2017: Sembiran, Bali
Itinerary
- Feb 19: Arrive Sembiran
- Feb 19-23: Villa Boreh Resort
- Feb 23: Auto transportation to Denpasar International Airport (DPS)
- Feb 23: Tour waterfall and Buddhist temple en route to airport
- Feb 23: Dinner at Kisik Restaurant in Jamboran overlooking the water
- Feb 23: Night flight to Tokyo
Included in Price
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Daily yoga and meditation
- 4 nights accommodations at Villa Boreh
- All meals at Villa Boreh
- Transportation to airport
- Clean drinking water for your refillable water containers
Not Included in Price
- Dinner at Kisik Restaurant
- Airfare from Denpasar to Tokyo (if Japan option) or from Denpasar home (if Bali only option)
February 24-27, 2017: Tokyo, Japan
Itinerary
- Feb 24: Arrive Tokyo
- Feb 24-27: Sadachiyo Ryokan
- Feb 24: Sensoji temple, Nakamise, and Asakusa area
- Feb 25: Tsukiji Fish Market
- Feb 25: Hamarikyu Garden
- Feb 26: Antique flea market, Meiji Jingu shrine, Nezu Museum, Shimokitazawa
- Feb 27: Transportation to Narita International Airport (NRT)
- Feb 27: Return flight from Tokyo
Included in Price
- Daily yoga and meditation
- 3 nights accommodation
- All transportation within Tokyo via subway
- Guide to antique market, Tsukiji Fish Market, Hama Rikyu Gardens, Sosenji temple and shrine, and Meiji Jingu shrine
- Transportation from/to Narita International Airport (NRT)
Not Included in Price
- All meals
- Museum and other entrance fees
- Return flight from Narita International Airport (NRT)
Registration Information
Bali and Japan Option
February 10-27, 2017- Includes Bali (Tabanan, Ubud, Kintamani, Sembiran) and Tokyo, Japan segments. Fly into Ngurah Rai / Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on February 10, 2017; fly home from Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo, Japan, on February 27, 2017. All lodging based on per person double occupancy. If you don’t have the perfect friend or family to go with, we will help find someone for you.
- 50% deposit due ($1,850) at time of registration; remaining 50% balance due ($1,850) before November 1, 2016; or pay in full ($3,700) at the time of your registration.
Bali-only Option
February 10-24, 2017- Includes Bali segments only. Fly into Ngurah Rai/Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on February 10, 2017; fly home from Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on February 24, 2017. All lodging based on per person double occupancy. If you don’t have the perfect friend or family to go with, we will help find someone for you.
- 50% deposit due ($1,515) at time of registration; remaining 50% balance due ($1,515) before November 1, 2016; or pay in full ($3,030) at the time of your registration.
Additional Information
- Airfare is not included in the price.
- Advance tourist visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting Bali or Japan.
- All lodging based on per person double occupancy. If you don’t have the perfect friend or family to go with, we will help find someone for you. Single room option available for an additional $500 for Bali only.
- Payment in full is due at the time of registration. Deposits (for those who paid them) are nonrefundable unless you find a replacement.
- Pay by check for the entire trip (including Japan) and receive a $100 discount
- If paying by check, please make your check payable to Inner/Outer Travel and mail to:
Barbra Esher
450 Carvel Beach Rd
Baltimore, MD 21226
When Your Registration Is Confirmed and You’re Ready to Book Your Flights
While trip participants are responsible for booking their own flights, Barbra and Chiara are available to advise and consult. Participants from the same region generally choose to travel on the same flights, but this is not a requirement. If you’d like to coordinate with others, Chiara and Barbra are at your service to help facilitate.
If you are doing the full tour (Bali and Japan), the recommended flight segments are as follows:
- 2/10: Home to Bali Ngurah Rai/Denpasar International Airport (DPS) to arrive DPS on the morning of 2/10/2017
- 2/24: Ngurah Rai/Denpasar International Airport (DPS) to Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo, Japan. The most direct flight is with Garuda Airlines at 12:55am on 2/24/2017.
- 2/27: Narita International Airport (NRT) to home
If you’re doing the short tour (Bali only), the recommended flight segments are as follows:
- 2/10: Home to Bali Ngurah Rai/Denpasar International Airport (DPS) to arrive DPS on the morning of 2/10/2017
- 2/24: sBali Ngurah Rai/Denpasar International Airport (DPS) to home
It’s too early to book your flight now for most airlines. Keep in mind that airfare can change depending on how you configure your flight segments. Again, Barbra and Chiara are available to help. Here are some sample airfares we found when searching Expedia:
- RT Baltimore (MD) – Bali – Tokyo – Baltimore: $1,600
- RT Portland (OR) – Bali – Tokyo – Portland: $1,150
- RT Seattle – Bali – Tokyo – Seattle: $1,450