Your Balinese

Adventure That Counts10 days / 9 nights

(17th May, 10th August & 20th September, 2014)

Price per person US$3,645*

OverviewBali is lively, energetic and fun. There is plenty of fascinating culture and beautiful s c e n e r y , b u t a n u n d e r c u r r e n t o f lighthearted pleasure pervades this enchanting island.

However, the lives of disabled people in Bali, who are ostracized by society, and whose families often lack the basic resources to adequately care for them can be very difficult. As there is no welfare safety net. It is for these people you can make a marked improvement in their quality of life by helping install a disabled-accessible bathroom in their simple home.

In addition to making a difference, you also get to explore, experience and discover the delights of the island. Delve into some of the history, culture and beliefs. If you are feeling adventurous, try one of the adrenaline packed activities such as white water rafting or surfing, or relax and take full advantage of your stunning hotel.

Day 1: (-,-,-)

UBUD BALIOn arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport, you are met by your personal tour guide and you are transferred to your luxury hotel, The Alila Ubud.

The hour long transfer to the hotel will pass quickly as you take in your first impressions of Balinese life. Your guide will point out places of interest and will ensure you are fully briefed on your coming adventure.

Overnight stay at The Alila Ubud.

Day 2: (B,L,-)

ISLAND EXPLORATIONThis morning, you are picked up by your guide and driver for a full day sightseeing tour, covering a wide area of the island, passing fascinating villages and hamlets and winding up in the highlands for superb views of cascading rice terraces.

Stop at the Taman Ayun temple in Mengwi, known as the Water Temple, as it is surrounded by a moat. Formerly the private property of the Royal House of Mengwi, the temple is now taken care of by the local community. From the temple, move on to the cooler region of Pacung. Along the way there is a gorgeous scenic spot where you can enjoy some refreshments and take photos of the lush green vistas.

Not far from Pacung is the Ulun Danu temple, a pagoda on the shores at Lake Bratan, with a backdrop of lush green mountains. Built in 1663, the temple serves as a place for offerings to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess, Dewi Danu. Lake Bratan is also a main source of irrigation for central Bali and is known as the

“Lake of Holy Mountain” thanks to the fertility of the area. Located 1200m (3,600ft) above sea level, it has a cool yet tropical climate.

Leaving the tranquil lake behind, it is time to marvel at the extraordinary feat of human endeavor that has sculpted the rice fields of Jatiluwih.

Stop for lunch and walk through these spectacular rice fields as your guide explains the local methods for planting, cultivating and harvesting rice. Learn about the relationship between these precious grains of rice and the spiritual beliefs of the islanders. Depending on the season you may observe planting, harvesting or plowing by buffalo.

Last but not least, travel up Mt Batukaru and stop at a small temple of great importance to the Balinese populace. The temple serves the residents of the surrounding area, and has an important history that will be revealed by your tour guide.

Return to your hotel late afternoon, and use the remainder of the evening to explore the area at your leisure or to take advantage of the spa in the resort (at your own additional expense).

UBUD, ARTIST VILLAGES AND SEAFOOD DINNERSpend the morning relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, enjoying a Spa treatment or exploring.

Later, you are picked up by your guide for an interesting afternoon and evening, starting with lunch in a local restaurant in Ubud, the cultural centre of the island. Here almost everyone is an artist of some kind.

Follow lunch with a visit to the workshop and gallery of a master woodcarver, known for his skill in making superb pieces of art. Observe the artisans in his workshop, seated cross legged on the floor, as they lovingly and painstakingly carve intricate sculptures from carefully selected wood. Observe the sanding and polishing process, and listen as the artists reveal the stories behind each of the pieces. You have a chance to purchase some of these, should you wish (Ask your guide for instructions on haggling; it’s great fun and a chance to interact). Then visit a fascinating and beautifully decorated village temple of great importance to the Hindu-Dharma people. The elaborate architecture, intricate sandstone carvings and ornate brick decorations date back many centuries.

Also, explore a traditional style home. The compound consists of a number of pavilions, each with its own specific purpose, such as s leeping, cooking, enterta ining guests , ceremonies, etc. No self-respecting Hindu-Dharma family home would be without its private house temple; a small but integral part of the compound and family life.

Further south, pop in on a cottage industry of silver workers, where delicate silver jewelry is made entirely by hand. The motto of one owner is “Learning by Doing”. He takes in one or two young children and pays for their education and then trains them in the art of silver jewelry making after school.

These simple methods of beating pieces of silver to thin strips, melting silver using a Bunsen burner, pulling silver through tiny holes to produce silver threads and gluing minute little silver dots, are fascinating to observe.

From here it is time to head for Jimbaran Bay on the Southwest Coast. Before dinner, enjoy the sunset, or perhaps a short paddle on the ocean as darkness falls. The lit up fishing boats on the horizon along with the glinting of the moon on the water, make for a wonderful ambience.

Then enjoy a seafood BBQ dinner on the beach (indoors if it is raining), including crab, King Prawns, squid, scallops and snapper along with delicious Balinese condiments, fresh cucumber slices and tomatoes and Kangkung (a type of water spinach). For non-seafood lovers, there are alternative meal options.

During dinner, a group of Batak singers from Sumatra will move around the tables. Have your song requests ready and tuck some small local bills in their guitars when they finish. A traditional Balinese dance performance will also be performed on the restaurant’s stage.

Return to your hotel (The Alila Ubud) around 10pm.

Day 3: (B,L,D)

Day 4-6: (B,L,-)

INSTALLING A BATHROOMFor the next four days, after an early breakfast at the hotel, it is time to set off for one of the isolated villages in East Bali. Here, in the home of an impoverished family, you will assist with the building and installation of a simple bathroom for a paraplegic member of the family.

Before work begins, small offerings of flowers and rice are made by the family, to ensure all goes well.

You’ll be guided through the required tasks by local builders. Activities consist of digging and pouring foundations, laying concrete blocks, mixing cement and sand, pouring cement, and plastering.

It is a wonderful way to get to know the local people and gain insights into the simple lives of these warm and hospitable families, and better understand the challenges they face every day.

Some of the paraplegic clients, you are assisting, have lain in their beds for years without having a bath or shower. This is not because the families don’t care about their paralyzed sibling or child, it is often simply impossible for them to be carried to the nearest river to bathe.

Providing these families with a bathroom and toilet will completely revolutionize their lives and

add comfort, health and hygiene to the disabled member of the household.

Your guide will remain with you to interpret and there will be staff from the local charity who will be there to work alongside you, oversee progress and ensure everything runs smoothly.

It will be hard work, in a hot climate (possibly even a wet climate), but you will be able to witness the tangible difference you have made to the life of a deserving Balinese family.

Make sure you keep hydrated and energized by taking advantage of the cold drinking water and snacks provided throughout the work. Enjoy a boxed lunch whilst you chat to local residents or kick a ball around with some of the children. Then return to your hotel (The Alila Ubud) in the late afternoon.

Each day enroute to the village you will pass through beautiful scenery, small villages, rice fields, hills and ocean vistas.

Day 7: (B,L,-)

FINISH INSTALLING THE BATHROOMOn your last day of helping this family, there will be a small, quite probably tear filled, goodbye as the family gives thanks for your hard work.

On your way back to the hotel (if time permits), you can stop at the KertaGosa, the ancient Court of Justice, also known as the Floating Pavilion (due to its surrounding pond). In ancient times, kings sat here in judgment and meted out punishment for all manner of crimes.

The ceiling of one of the pavilions is adorned with paintings of punishments to be expected in the afterlife for various sins, while the other pavilion ceiling is decorated with one of the ancient Hindu epics.

Return to your hotel The Alila Ubud, arriving in the early evening.

Day 8: (B,-,-)

SANUR BEACHRelax in the morning before leaving for Sanur to check into the Sudamala Suites and Villas.

Sudamala is situated a short distance from the beach and has a private beach area for guests to enjoy. You can use cycles to get there.

Arrive in Sanur early afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Go swimming in the hotel pool, cycle to the beach, explore the shops and stalls or try one of the numerous restaurants which abound not far from the property.

Overnight at Sudamala Suites and Villas.

Day 9: (B,-,-)

SANUR FREE BEACH DAYToday you have a number of options depending on your mood. Go shopping, exploring, swimming or try one of the activities below.

1. Rafting (B,L,-)After an early breakfast at your hotel, you are picked up for your trip to the raft launching point.

Paddle through stunning landscape, wind through deep valleys past cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs.

On the more leisurely stretches through tropical forests you will notice beautiful Hindu shrines that are often brightly decorated for religious ceremonies.

Following your exhilarating descent you’ll no doubt be ravenous for the lunch provided and ready for a hot shower. Refreshed and nourished, you’ll be returned to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Up to date safety equipment is included and a waterproof camera bag is available on the raft for you to use.

Note: There are a large number of steps leading down to the river; hence this activity is not recommended for people with back, knee or hip problems.

Take along: towel, swimsuit, spare clothing, camera, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, and peaked cap.

2. Cooking Class (B,L,-)Learn the secrets of Balinese organic cooking, utilising traditional ingredients and preparation methods, in a fully equipped community village kitchen.

Your day starts early at the Ubud markets, where your instructor encourages you to taste exotic fruit, and shows you how to select fresh herbs and spices, crisp vegetables and choice cuts of meat.

Learn how to prepare a number of delicious traditional dishes and then enjoy the fruits of your labour over a sumptuous lunch.

With your cookbook to take home you can dazzle your friends with your new Indonesian culinary repertoire.

Transfer back to the hotel mid-afternoon.

Recommend: bring along a notebook to make notes and take plenty of pictures of the process.

3. Mountain Biking (B,L,-)Escape to the cooler climates of the Bali hill region. Using brand new mountain bikes and safety equipment, the gentle downhill trail from Pengotan will take you through sleepy villages along little-used roads and tracks.

Your guides come from the surrounding regions and are sure to entertain and educate you by sharing some of their local knowledge as well as giving you insights into the Balinese culture and lifestyle.

Experience the charming culture of rural Bali on a fantastic day out packed with interest and fun.

An air-conditioned escort vehicle is on standby at the end of your trip to take you to your replenishing buffet lunch before returning you to your hotel.

Recommended: wear comfortable light clothing, sturdy shoes, plenty of sunscreen, peaked cap, long sleeves and trousers for anyone with skin sensitive to sun. We recommend you to take along extra drinking water.

4. SurfingIf you know how, just grab a board (or bring your own) and hit the waves.

If you want to learn, you can have a, small group (six or less people), lesson with an expert instructor.

The lesson starts with ‘on land’ practice before going into the water, with small, perfectly formed waves, ideal for learning on.

You will be provided with snacks and drinks, and be returned to your hotel in time for lunch (not included) or you can elect to stay on in Seminyak and enjoy the beach, shopping, bars and restaurants, and take a taxi (not included) back to the hotel later in the afternoon.

Recommended: swim suit, plenty of sunscreen, peaked cap, long sleeves/rash vest.

Note: These excursions should all be booked as far in advance as possible to secure your place. If you elect not to partake of any of the above options, only the hotel breakfast is included, but there are many delicious restaurants for you to explore.

Day 10: (B,L,-)

SANUR – AIRPORT – DEPART BALI After breakfast at the hotel, you are free until it is time to depart for the airport. Checkout is at 12 noon.

Check-in time at the airport is 2 hours prior to your flight departure, travel time from hotel to airport can be up to 1.5 hours in traffic. If you have a night flight, your baggage can be kept at the hotel and you can enjoy one of their spa treatments or continue exploring (there may be an extra charge for late check-out).

TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:Email bookings@handsupholidays.com with these details:

1. Trip Destination:2. Trip date:3. Number of people booking:4. Participant name(s) and email address:5. Phone number:

You can reserve your trip with payment of 20% deposit, with the balance paid at least 60 days prior to the start of your trip. You can pay your deposit by bank transfer (in US$ or GBP) or by credit card (in GBP only, and a 2% handling fee applies). Please indicate which option you prefer.

All bookings are subject to our usual Terms and Conditions except that any payments you make are fully refundable should we fail to reach the minimum number of participants for your trip within 60 days of your trip start date.

Included✓ 9 nights 10 days tour itinerary✓ Accommodation based on double/twin room

including 21% service & tax and daily breakfast

✓ Transfer and sightseeing by AC vehicle✓ Floral greeting on arrival✓ Luggage van on transfers✓ Top English speaking Guide ✓ Entrance Fee to temples and objects of

interest, parking fees, etc.✓ Local Fruit/snacks, drinking water and cold

refresher towel on day trips✓ Meals as indicated in itinerary (B =Breakfast, L

= Lunch, D = Dinner)✓ Assistance with translation during building ✓ International flight reconfirmation✓ Volunteering donation US $330 per person to

pay for the materials for the bathroom

Not Included✓ All flight tickets✓ International Airport tax on departure,

currently Rp.150.000/person or US$ 20 if you don’t have local currency (a higher exchange rate than market rate) subject to change without notice.

✓ Project materials and logistics associated with it Donation for bathroom building

✓ Visa on arrival (currently US$ 25 for stays up to 30 days)

✓ Persona l t rave l insurance (s t rong ly recommend health evacuation insurance)

✓ Any meals not mentioned in itinerary ✓ Alcoholic drinks and drinks at mealtime in

restaurant ✓ Personal Expenses (telephone, laundry, etc.)✓ Tips for guides, driver, hotel staff, etc.

(recommended as $5 per day for your guide, $2.50 for your driver, and $1 per day for hotel staff).

A. CONFIRMATIONS:

✓ No services are booked yet. We will not process reservation before receiving your reservation request.

✓ We reserve the right to reserve alternative options if the proposed service is not available at the time of booking.

B. IMPORTANT NOTES:

✓ Travel insurance is compulsory (we recommend insurance with a medical evacuation clause); we can help you arrange this.

✓ Volunteer activities may change from those noted above, depending on the needs of the project.

KeyB = BreakfastL = Lunch, BL = Boxed LunchD = Dinner* Price is excludes flights and is based on sharing a room with one other person