Immerse in Bali’s thriving and exceptional heritage of traditional arts, crafts and performance arts, with hands-on encounters in Ubud, the islands’ artistic and cultural capital.
Nestled in the island’s lush central heartlands, Ubud has been the Bali’s undisputed cultural and artistic capital and guardian of the authentic ‘Bali Spirit’. This ancient royal town is the island’s preeminent centre for fine arts, dance, music and artisan crafts. Ubud is surrounded by a satellite cluster of traditional craft villages located in what is known as the Gianyar Regency district. Most villages specialize in a niche craft and generations of highly accomplished artists, craftsmen and performers have thrived here.
Like many Balinese artisan crafts, the island’s goldsmiths and silversmiths have created fine jewellery as a family business, handed down the generations, with designs and crafting techniques continuously evolving. Many of Bali’s silversmiths are mainly located in artisan villages in the Gianyar Regency surrounding Ubud – some so exceptional they are renowned worldwide. At a village studio, a local silversmith will guide you through each step of the intricate silver making production process, from the initial design and soldering to creating bespoke silver jewellery pieces to take home.
Traditional dance is the island’s oldest performing arts and for sacred rituals or entertainment purposes, fulfills numerous functions. The artisan village of Batubulan is famed for its stone carvings and as a cultural dance centre. Here, we can enjoy and watch a Barong and Keris dance performance, one of the island’s best known dances. The Barong is a colourful, costumed dance that narrates the eternal battle between good, Barong, represented by a lion-like creature from Balinese mythology, and evil, represented by demon witch, Rangda. Later, we tour a charming museum-house that beautifully showcases an astounding collection of 5900-plus masks and puppets – Indonesia’s largest. Established to help preserve the disappearing art of puppetry and mask-making, exhibits are mainly from the Indonesian archipelago; some are rare and highly prized.
The Bebali Foundation works towards sustainable livelihoods for indigenous people across Indonesia, and does so through textile and natural dye arts. Today, you will have an opportunity to stroll through the natural dye garden and learn about the hundreds of plants that are used by traditional weavers across Indonesia to make natural dyes to be used on cotton, silk and other fibers. After the tour, enjoy a lesson on Balinese dance located in Saba Village. The dance instructors here will guide you in learning classical “Legong”, a complex dance that requires great dedication to the art. However, anyone from beginners to advanced will have a convivial time polishing their moves.
The time consuming, centuries-old tradition of producing natural salt by evaporation, is not often utilized anymore. However, at Kusamba fishing village, you can get a first-hand look to see how this old process is completed from start to finish. Afterwards, head to the famed cooking school and restaurant, Bali Asli, for an exciting cooking class lead by Executive Chef and Director, Penelope Williams. Here, you will use organic and locally sourced produce to create inventive twists on traditional Balinese dishes.
Beyond the dramatic beaches and lush jungles, Bali is a place that many come to for spiritual healing and meditation. Today, you will have an opportunity to meet a local Mangku (priest) for a private session focused on meditation and unlocking your subconscious mind. It is interesting to note that this Mangku is a woman, which is rare in Bali. The ceremony can be quite emotional for some, but the Mangku will always be on-hand to care for all participants and explain to those who felt moved, how they can continue their healing after they leave the island.
“Djamoe” is a combination of traditional herbs and spices that are used for healing and restorative practices. Djamoe can be consumed orally or applied to the body like ointment. This traditional remedy originates from the island of Java and consists of roots, leaves, flowers and the bark of certain trees. For centuries the Javanese have been experimenting with various ingredients in order to harness the benefits of the various herbs and spices found on the island. Today, you will have an opportunity to create your own Djamoe and combine ingredients that fit your taste. Afterwards, enjoy a private dinner at Tugu Canggu, rated as one of the finest restaurants in Bali.
Transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Yangon – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Pindaya – Bagan
Discover the handicraft traditions of Myanmar and learn about crafts unique to the country. Gain insight into ‘Pan Sel Myo’, the ten religious traditional arts, and meet with contemporary artists for a personal perspective of the thriving art scene.
Hanoi - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture through the perspective of arts and crafts. Meet with artisans who are passionate about preserving their craft and learn how cultural traditions are expressed through their work.
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