Heaven and Earth Workshops
Tour of Borobudur, Java

Join Heaven and Earth Workshops for its exclusive tour of the great 9th century Buddhist temples of Borobudur in the mountains of Java, Indonesia. The architecture of the temples is a mandala, a contemplative image of wholeness, into which we will journey. Within sight of two ancient volcanoes, this area is astoundingly beautiful. You will be shown the architectural and spiritual significance of this complex of temples by an expert guide.

Your guide and escort from Bali to Java is Ilhu Sukesni, Evelyn's PA and a veteran of leading this tour. The workshop speakers may or may not go, and this is not an extension of the programme itself, but an added and spectacular feature that we offer through popular demand.

There will be ample time for relaxation and for experiencing the unique and different culture of Java.

We will have the opportunity to do some shopping at a wonderful street market in Yogyakarta, a centre for some of the most beautiful crafts, batiks and silverwork in Indonesia.

This tour is offered as an optional addendum to the Heaven and Earth Workshops being held in Bali. The day after the workshop ends, participants will fly to Yogyakarta, Java (a one hour drive to the airport in Bali and then a one hour flight to Yogyakarta). We will be staying at a hotel very close to the main site and will spend 2 days in this beautiful area.

Itinerary

Leave Bali for Yogyakarta from Denpasar airport. The time of departure will depend on the flight schedules, which are changeable, but it will be in the morning.

For the convenience and comfort of everyone, only carry-on bags will be taken on this excursion.

The flight is 1 hr only and there is also a 1 hr time difference... it is a stunningly beautiful flight, and when landing there is a magnificent view of Merapi. This is one of the largest active volcanoes in Indonesia and a sight to behold.

You will be met by a driver at the airport in Yogyakarta.

From here you will drive to Borobudur... about an hour and 15 minutes away. You will arrive at the hotel right around check-in time.

You may have lunch (paid for individually) at the hotel. You can of course eat somewhere else if you want. I chose this hotel partly because it is right opposite the temple and within easy walking distance.

Relax in the hotel or by the pool for the afternoon... The hotel is called Saraswati and is lovely. If anyone wants to go and wander around Borobudur it is just a short walk away, if you go alone you will be responsible for your own entrance fee.

Some of the group may want to go up to the Amanjiwa hotel around 5:30 pm for optional cocktails on the terrace that looks over the entire valley. This is one of the most fabulous hotels in all of Indonesia with a wonderful view of the valley(and Borobudur can be seen in the distance). I think many of you will enjoy seeing it and perhaps want to indulge in a drink on their terrace. This is far from a cheap date, so unless you are feeling lavish have a soft drink! This will be paid for individually, and it will be most cost effective if a group of you hire a car together.

Some may want to really splurge and have dinner there, while the rest of the group can choose from the restaurants in Borobudur, from budget to luxurious.

The following morning we will go to the temple at 4:15 am for sunrise and a guide will lead the tour for approx. 2 1/2 hours. The Muslim call to prayer at 4:00 am will be enough to get most people up at this hour!, if however some of the group wishes to "sleep in" they can come on their own once they are ready. If anyone wants to wander off on their own they can feel free to do so, also if anybody wants to go back to the hotel earlier than the rest of the group it is close enough to walk to. Please inform the group leader if you will be doing this.

There will be a breakfast buffet (included) at the hotel served between 7:30 ~ 10:30 am. Some may then want to just relax until check-out or else go back to the temple or explore the town itself.

Lunch (paid for individually) can be at the hotel or some other local restaurant.At about 2:30 pm the group will head back to Yogyakarta (in the nicely air conditioned van), arriving about 3:45 pm.

There is a marvelous street market (Marliboro) full of batiks, silver and traditional crafts. It is a very pleasant area to just saunter around. Some of the most exquisite batiks in Indonesia are from this area, even the Balinese get excited about it! There will be just under 2 hours of free time to shop.

At 5:30 pm the group will go for an early dinner at a wonderful local restaurant (paid for individually).

At around 7:15 pm you will be taken back to Yogyakarta airport to catch the 8:20 pm flight to Bali.
You will be met by drivers at Denpasar airport and taken back to Melati, arriving back around 11:30 pm (going back of course the time jumps forward again!).

***You will be gone one night, and for those of you staying at the hotel, I recommend you keep your room at Melati, the hotel will give a discount of about $5. It is much easier than packing and storing your stuff at 5:30 am and then having to re-check in when you get back at 11:30 pm... but this is of course up to individuals. If you do decide to check out, and then back in, please make your own arrangements with the hotel.

Cost

$450 per person ~ double occupancy at the hotel, all transportation, ~ includes flight, 2 breakfasts, entrance to the temples and guides fees.

$525 per person ~ single occupancy

**Lunches, dinners, drinks and optional tipping not included.

THESE PRICES ARE DEPENDENT ON THE PROMOTIONAL AIR FARES... THE PRICES DO FLUCTUATE SO WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THESE PRICES OR SEAT AVAILABILITY LATER ON.

ONCE THESE 11 ROOMS ARE FILLED YOU MAY EITHER HAVE TO PAY A HIGHER RATE (THEY DO HAVE SOME SUITES) OR YOU WILL BE ACCOMMODATED AT AN ALTERNATIVE HOTEL.

PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO ASSURE YOUR FLIGHT AND ROOM!

If you want to join us please go the registration page and pay through PayPal, stating clearly that you are signing up for the Borobudur Tour.
For more detailed information on the many magnificent sites we will be visiting please visit: http://www.joglosemar.co.id/ancienttemple.html

And for Tad Mann's spectacular shots of Borobudur, please go to: http://www.atmann.net/borobudur.htm

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE ADVANCE PURCHASE OF NON-REFUNDABLE TICKETS AND DISCOUNTED HOTEL RATES, PAYMENT FOR THIS PORTION OF THE PROGRAM IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

Please feel free to contact Evelyn Roberts evelynroberts@earthlink.net if you have questions.