A Classic Tours Collection

INDIA–ORIENT-AFRICA-SOUTH AMERICA-SOUTH PACIFIC GREECE & TURKEY

BALINESE & WONDERFUL TOUR 2020- Mar. 19 to Apr. 1 2021- Mar. 8 to 21

14 Days Visiting: , , , Makassar & Tana Toraja & Komodo Island

Indonesia is an archipelago in 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 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 offers visitors, especially nature lovers, beautiful tropical panoramas, terraced rice fields, blue mountains, jungle covered hills, white sandy beaches, , dance and folk arts.

ACTC TOURS SPECIAL FEATURES:

• 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 , 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 , notable for its majestic gateway and soaring meru towers which are dedicated to the gods who dwell on high. Next you will drive to , 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 . This temple, located on the shore of the lake, is one of the most picturesque temples of Bali. Next you will visit Pura Luhur , 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, , CRAFT VILLAGE & & 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 . 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 , 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 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 -producing center of Indonesia. Arrive at Jogja and rest of the afternoon is free.

RAMAYANA BALLET & DINNER – This evening witness 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 music. The storyteller is the sinden or the female singer who describes the story through Javanese songs. PHOENIX JOGJA HOTEL – BD

DAY 7: & 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 () began in 1755 and continued for almost 40 years, through the reign of 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 , 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. Prince Diponegoro of Yogyakarta who rebelled against the Dutch in the War of 1825-1830, was imprisoned in the dungeons of Fort Rotterdam. Today, Fort Rotterdam houses the La Galigo museum, dedicated to the history of South Sulawesi and Makassar. ASTON MAKASSAR HOTEL- BL

Day 10: MAKASSAR TOUR / TANA TORAJA- BY VANS After breakfast depart to Tana Toraja – the regency of South Sulawesi and home of Toraja ethnic group people. The word Toraja comes from the Bugis language's To riaja, meaning "people of the uplands." Torajan’s are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive peaked-roof traditional houses known as tongkonan, and colorful wood carvings. Toraja funeral rites are important social events, usually attended by hundreds of people and lasting for several days. The drive from the lowlands to the mountain stronghold of Tana Toraja opens up a breath-taking new world. The rugged mountains and verdant valleys are home to a people whose love of religious spectacle is equaled only by their hospitality. Stop at Bugis village with typical houses built on stilts. Present-day Bugis earn their living as rice farmers, traders or fishermen. They are known as great seafarers and shipbuilders, trading throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Continue to Tana Toraja. TORAJA HERITAGE HOTEL - BL

Day 11: TANA TORAJA TOURING You will explore many highlights of the region today. Scattered among rice fields are several gravesites where rows of wooden effigies gaze from hanging balconies like guards of their stony graves. In Lemo are the “hanging graves” of the nobility, where crypts are carved high into steep rock cliffs and wooden effigies of the deceased – called tau-tau – stand in a row on a balcony staring unseeingly over the green rice fields below. You will see tree baby graves and next ancient cave graves at Londa. Next, visit Ke’te’ Kesu, where you find a row of beautifully decorated Tongkonan – or ancestral homes – and rice barns. The Tongkonan are the typical Toraja saddle-shaped roofed houses, reminiscent of buffalo horns. The walls of the houses are beautifully decorated with abstract and geometrical patterns in natural black, red and white. Ke’te Kesu’

is also known for its bamboo carvings and traditional handicrafts. Our last stop is at Rantepao market, the colorful traditional ‘Pasar Bolu’ market where you can get top end Toraja coffee beans, such as Robusta and Arabica. Here you may also find necklaces of antique beads. If it happens to be the weekly market day, we will visit the market where water buffaloes and pigs are being auctioned. TORAJA HERITAGE HOTEL – BL

Day 12: TANA TORAJA TOURING Explore Palawa, a village where you can find big and beautiful tongkonan – traditional Toraja houses. Then proceed to Batu Tumonga Plateau, - the stone that faces the sky – on the slope of the Sesean Mountain. The area offers spectacular panorama of terraced rice fields in the valley below shimmering like a patchwork in gradual hues of green, scattered with huge megalithic boulders. A number of these have been turned into grave caverns. Visit coffee plantations and enjoy walks through villages. Stop at the `Sa’dan to Barana’ a traditional plait center. This area is known for its traditional Toraja ‘ikat’ weaving. TORAJA HERITAGE HOTEL – BD

Day 13: MAKASSAR/ Drive back to Makassar, stopping enroute at Bambapuang to photograph & view “Erotic Mountain“. Upon arrival, stay at Hotel near airport until your late evening or next day flight home wards. HARPER SUDIANG HOTEL - BL

Day 14: DEPART JAKARTA Breakfast at Hotel and time free until your flight homewards. OR Extend your stay to explore other islands of Indonesia or stopover in Asia.

LAND TOUR & INTERNAL INDONESIA AIR PRICES :

2020 Per person sharing- $ 2598.00 Single room- $ 3265.00

2021 Per person sharing- $ 2788.00 Single room- $ 3485.00

INTERNAL INDONESIA AIR: $688.70 (Economy class).

Discounted international airfares available from your home ciity in Economy, Business and First class.

Airafres are based on Tariffs as of Sep. 2019 Subject to change.

TOUR COST INCLUDES: • Hotel accommodations as listed or similar with private bath/ shower.

• Meals as indicated each day of the itinerary with special welcome & farewell dinners, some meals at local specialty restaurants.

• Services of a ACTC Trip Leader

• All arrival and departure transfers. First arrival transfer is included when travelling on ACTC group international flights.

• Sightseeing tours & excursions as listed in itinerary with local English speaking guide

• All transport services by Deluxe Air-conditioned bus / vans as applicable.

• Entrance fees to monuments, guide & driver fees, parking etc.

• Internal Indonesia flights in economy class based on fares at time of publication. Subject to change, schedules etc. Fares are not guaranteed until ticketed.

• Bottled water during sightseeing tours

• All applicable taxes on Hotel and transport as of Sept. 2018

CA CST # 2091259-40

For more information and Reservations- Contact you travel agent or call – 888 605 TOUR (8687) A Classic Tours Collection * 322 Vista Del Mar * Suite B * Redondo Beach * CA 90277 Telephone #: (310) 373-1001 * Toll Free #: (888) 605-8687 * Fax #: (424) 206-1055 E-Mail: [email protected] * Website: www.aclassictour.com