Singapore & Bali

March 23 - April 3, 2009

$2,945 + tax

Itinerary:

March 23 Monday   Los Angeles/Singapore
We fly to Singapore on Singapore Airlines and cross the international dateline, arriving on March 25.

March 25 Wednesday   Singapore/Nusa Dua, Bali Ogoh-Ogoh Festival
Arriving in Singapore in the early morning, we rest at the airport transit Premium Lounge before our flight to Bali where we will be met by our guide and taken to our hotel. In the afternoon we watch the Ogoh-Ogoh Festival. Ngerupuk has many ogoh-ogoh (giant sculptures in the likeness of Demons) which are believed to have the power to push away the evil spirits who will be confused by the silence of the following day and will not return. Grand Hyatt (L/D)

March 26 Thursday   Bali - Nusa Dua
(NYEPI DAY) The Silent Day
Free Day. Today is a Hindu day of meditation. No transportation is allowed on the street (only police and ambulance if necessary). Tourists staying on the island must participate ONLY in activities on hotel property: pool area and stroll the garden. Grand Hyatt (B)

March 27 Friday   Mengawi, Kintamani Volcano view, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market
This morning we drive to Mengawi to view the beautiful Taman Ayun Royal Temple and to the holy monkey forest at Kedaton - where temples are inhabited by friendly monkeys. Then, to Tampak Siring to see the holy spring water temple, Tirta Empul, and view the magnificent panorama of still active Mt. Batur volcano from Kintamani and Lake Batur. We then visit the art and handicraft villages of Celuk, Batuan, Mas and Ubud market to witness gold/silver work, hand weaving, woodcarving, and painting. We end our day by Ubud Lutus tea time in the garden. Buffet dinner at hotel. Grand Hyatt (B/L/D)

March 28 Saturday   Nusa Dua - Tanah Lot
This morning we go to Tanah Lot temple, built on a small, offshore island of barren-rock. After lunch return to the hotel and afternoon at your leisure to enjoy your beautiful resort. Grand Hyatt (B/L)

March 29 Sunday   Besakih Mother Temple, Klung Kung, Uluwatu, Kecak Dance
Today we visit the Mother Temple of Bali high upon the slope of Mt. Agung. Enroute, we stop at Klungkung to see the ancient Kertha Gosha Court House. A side trip will be made to Goa Lawah (Bat Cave)-a temple built in front of a cave inhabited by bats and snakes. Continuing our drive to Tenganan Village we visit the original, pre-Hindu Bali people. Tenganan, a special Bali Aga Village, is located in a peaceful valley surrounded by hills. It is known for a special amulet used to protect the wearer from evil spirits. In the afternoon, we tour Uluwatu and Kecak. At Bukit Tecatu, we visit an impressive temple built on a rock with a straight drop of 250 feet. Then we enjoy the performance of Kecak dance: a very popular traditional Balinese Dance without any music instruments, a trance dance, and an angel dance performed by children. We drive to Jimbaran and end the day with dinner in local restaurant. Grand Hyatt (B/L/D)

March 30 Monday   Dusa Dua
Free Day to have your own exploration and last day of shopping.
Grand Hyatt (B)

March 31 Tuesday   Bali/Singapore
Free morning until departure for flight to Singapore. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Meritus Mandarin Hotel (B/D)

April 1 Wednesday   Singapore
In half day city tour we explore the city by driving through the Civic District, passing by the Padang, Cricket Club, historic Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Our next stop is Merlion Park with its impressive views of Marina Bay and a picture-taking opportunity with The Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. We visit the Singapore Botanical and famous Orchid Garden before driving past Chinatown. Our final stop at Little India will entrance you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.
Meritus Mandarin Hotel (B/L)

April 2 Thursday   Singapore
Day at your leisure. Singapore is one of four remaining true city-states in the world. It is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia. (B)

April 3 Friday   Singapore/Los Angeles
Drive to the airport for our homebound flight. (B)

April 3 Friday   Los Angeles
Arrive Los Angeles LAX Airport. (B)