India–Orient-Africa-South America-South Pacific Greece & Turkey
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A Classic Tours Collection INDIA–ORIENT-AFRICA-SOUTH AMERICA-SOUTH PACIFIC GREECE & TURKEY BALINESE NEW YEAR & WONDERFUL INDONESIA TOUR 2020- Mar. 19 to Apr. 1 2021- Mar. 8 to 21 14 Days Visiting: Bali, Ubud, Yogyakarta, Makassar & Tana Toraja & Komodo Island Indonesia is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of 17,000 islands that straddles the Equator. The 6,000 inhabited islands that make up Indonesia are home to a diversity of cultures and indigenous beliefs. Bali is the festive face of Indonesia, the jewel in its crown. "Island of the Gods" and "Morning of the World" Profoundly influenced by its rich Hindu culture, Bali has 20,000 temples, 60 annual religious holidays, and 2,000 dance troupes. Hardly a day goes by without a celebration, a procession, or some other festivity. The rice-farming, pig-breeding, water-buffalo-loving Toraja inhabitants have become the focus of attention thanks to their elaborate ceremonies, burial sites and traditional houses, while North Sumatra offers visitors, especially nature lovers, beautiful tropical panoramas, terraced rice fields, blue mountains, jungle covered hills, white sandy beaches, music, dance and folk arts. ACTC TOURS SPECIAL FEATURES: • ODALAN RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL/ SOCIAL OCCASION & A THEATRICAL EVENT- Odalan is a ceremony held on the temple's anniversary date once in a Balinese year, which equals 210 days. The actual purpose of this ceremony to show gratitude to the Gods, spirits and ancestors, however it has been a tradition since the ancient times to have it celebrated on the anniversary day. • Melasti Festival- A precursor to Nyepi (New Years day) is held in every town and village. It is in simple terms a symbolic spring cleaning of Bali’s spirit in readiness for the big day. Large effigies of the gods are hauled to rivers and the sea for ritual bathing, prayers and religious offerings. We will visit temples celebrating Melasti. • OGOH OGOH is the most interesting event among the series of Nyepi Ceremonies. A work of sculptural art in the culture of Bali that describes the personality of the `Bhutas Kala’. Statues up to five meters high, which represent the negative aspects of all living things are built in preparation for the parade a day prior to New Years day. Statues can be viewed sprouting from the villages 3-4 weeks prior to Nyepi. During our stay we would be able to see Ogoh-ogoh in the final phases of construction. We will go around the different Banjars (communities) to see the creative designs and witness the dedication that goes into the statue construction. • Torajaland: the land that time forgot- Humans in every culture throughout history have had questions about life after death. Few cultures, however, invest so much emotionally, spiritually, physically and socially in such metaphysical questions as do the Toraja. These are a people with no written language. Instead, they carve symbols into wood, in a form of information packaging known as “Pa’ssura.” Toraja land is a place unlike any other, both for its unique culture and its stunning landscapes . Your Journey Begins: Day 1: ARRIVE BALI Arrive in the storied island paradise of Bali, the most popular stop in Indonesia. Its friendly people, Hindu culture, rhythmic and flowing dances, volcanoes, sculptured rice paddies, beautiful jungle and mountain scenery and spectacular beaches make it one of the most fascinating islands you'll find anywhere in the world. Welcome reception and transfer to Hotel. This evening join fellow tour members for tour briefing and welcome dinner. BALI TROPIC BEACH RESORT – D Day 2: TOUR OF BALI- Odalan Ceremony There are literally tens of thousands of temples in Bali, throughout much of the year they lie eerily deserted, but on the date of their anniversary festival they come to life in a brief but glorious burst of activity, as the congregation adorns the temple with beautiful ornaments and arrives bearing elaborate gifts, dressed in their finest apparel. You will be driven to Mengwi to visit Pura Taman Ayun, notable for its majestic gateway and soaring meru towers which are dedicated to the gods who dwell on high. Next you will drive to Bedugul, a cool mountain resort. Here lies Lake Bratan, a lake filling the long-extinct Gunung Catur crater. The lake is vital water source for surrounding farmlands, and local people honor Dewi Danu, the lake goddess, at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. This temple, located on the shore of the lake, is one of the most picturesque temples of Bali. Next you will visit Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, one of the most famous sea side temples in Bali. The picturesque temple, suspended on a little rocky islet, is one of the important and respected temples, closely related with the priest Nirartha. BALI TROPIC BEACH RESORT - BL Day 3: UBUD, BARONG DANCE, CRAFT VILLAGE & BESAKIH TEMPLE & Ogah Ogah statues Religion governs every aspect of Balinese life and each village has at least three temples where rituals and festivals take place. Music, dance and drama are part of those rituals and each village has its own dance troupe that performs for the spiritual well being of the village. Explore the quaint village of Ubud, where centuries-old traditions are preserved. World famous treasures made here include intricate paintings, sculpture and woodcarvings. See the famous Barong and Kris dance performed by a multitude of dancers in an ancient temple courtyard. Later, visit the mother temple of all Bali, Besakih Temple, a sacred temple on the slopes of Mount Agung. BALI TROPIC BEACH RESORT - BL Day 4: FREE DAY Breakfast at Hotel & rest of the day is free for independent activities; relax by beach, Hotel or shop, BALI TROPIC BEACH RESORT - BD Day 5: BALI – MELASTI & OGOH OGOH On the tour we will visit Pura Goa Lawah, located in Pesinggahan village, is one of the most important temples in Bali. It is a universal temple where all people can pray. In one of old lontars it is mentioned that Pura Goa Lawah was built at the initiative of Mpu Kuturan the 11th century. Pura Goa Lawah is to worship God as the God of the Sea, in Bali-Hindu tradition called “Bhatara Tengahing Segara”. Continue to Pura Besakih, the most important temple. Mother Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest Balinese volcano and most revered mountain. It is an extensive complex of different temples, with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. BALI TROPIC BEACH RESORT - BL Note: Days 2 to 5- Tour itinerary will be adjusted when more details of festivals activities are available. The tour itinerary plans/sights and festivals main attractions will be combined to give you maximum opportunity to enjoy the best of celebrations and sights. Day 6: BALI/ YOGYAKARTA Transfer and fly to Yogyakarta this morning. 'Yogya' as it is popularly known is the most popular city in Indonesia. It's a cultural and intellectual center, crammed with prestigious universities and academies as well as batik-producing center of Indonesia. Arrive at Jogja and rest of the afternoon is free. RAMAYANA BALLET & DINNER – This evening witness Ramayana ballet while enjoying local cuisine dinner. Ballet is based on an epic Hindu history, the story of model king Rama was adapted to become an important local dance, encompassing the Javanese style, culture and music. Whilst the story originated in India, the Javanese version is truly representative of the local art and culture. The entire story is presented in a series of dance movements done by beautiful dancers accompanied by gamelan music. The storyteller is the sinden or the female singer who describes the story through Javanese songs. PHOENIX JOGJA HOTEL – BD DAY 7: BOROBUDUR & PRAMBANAN TOUR Borobudur is one of the greatest Buddhist relics in Southeast Asia and is Indonesia's most famous attraction. Rulers of the Sailendra dynasty built the colossal pyramid of Borobudur between 750 and 850 AD. The ancient site covers acres of land with thousands of sculptures rising on seven levels and represents the culmination of South Asian Buddhist art. Later explore Prambanan, an ancient complex in the style of Javanese-Hindu art standing on the ethereal heights of the Dieng Plateau. The most dramatic and important is the Loro Jonggrang complex, dedicated to the Hindu God Siva. The Siva and Brahma temples are carved with narrative relief panels showing tales from the Ramayana, the great Hindu epic. PHOENIX JOGJA HOTEL – BL DAY 8: -YOGYAKARTA CITY TOUR Travel as the locals do, by riding becak – a cycle rickshaw, travelling via famous Malioboro Street you will reach Keraton Yogyakarta– an example of traditional Javanese court architecture. Construction of the Keraton (palace) began in 1755 and continued for almost 40 years, through the reign of Hamengkubuwono I. Keraton is constructed to form a model of the Javanese cosmos in miniature; each entry, courtyard, tree and field has a specific symbolic meaning. You will see also remarkable Taman Sari complex, known during Dutch colonial times as the “Water Castle”. Your afternoon is free to rest, shop or explore city on own. PHOENIX JOGJA HOTEL – BL Day 9: YOGYAKARTA / MAKASSAR Travel to Makassar by air this morning, formerly called Ujung Pandang, Makassar is the largest city in east Indonesia. Capital of South Sulawesi, located on the busy trading route along the deep Straits of Makassar. A bustling cosmopolitan town with settlement of many races and ethnic groups, of Chinese, Europeans, Javanese, Balinese, Ambon and others. After settling in at the Hotel & brief rest visit Benteng Rotterdam, built in 1545 during the reign of Tuni Pallanga, the 10th sultan of Gowa. The Fort takes the shape of a turtle ready to go out to sea, symbol of Gowa, which described the kingdom as being on land but powerful at sea.