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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.
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 on the 8.00 am flight from Denpasar airport.
We will leave the parking lot of Melati Cottages at 6.00 am
sharp, and Melati will give everyone staying there a packed
breakfast, and we will provide one for those not staying at
the hotel.
Arrive at 8.00 am in Yogyakarta (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 drivers at the airport in Yogyakarta. Then you
will be driven to Borobudur... about 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
It is a beautiful scenic drive through rice fields with great views
of the volcano.
You will be taken straight to the hotel and if your particular
room is available they are happy to allow early check-in. You will
have the choice of eating lunch there or at a local restaurant
(paid for individually). This hotel was chosen 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 5.00 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 5.00 am for sunrise
and a guide will lead the tour for approx. 2 1/2 hours. The Muslim
call to prayer at 4 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 (either Evelyn or Ilhu) 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 2.00 pm the group will head back to Yogyakarta
(in the nicely air conditioned van), arriving about 3.15 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 somewhere local
(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!)
Cost
$425 per person ~ double occupancy at the hotel,
all transportation, ~ includes flight, 2 breakfasts, entrance to
the temples and guides fees.
$490 per person ~ single occupancy There
are only 5 of these rooms available so it is 1st come.
**Lunches, dinners, drinks and optional tipping not included.
We apologise for the recent increase in prices for the tour, but the airfares to Java just went up dramatically.
THESE PRICES ARE DEPENDENT ON THE PROMOTIONAL AIR FARES...
THE PRICES DO FLUCTUATE SO WE CANNOT GUARANTEE 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 to 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
To see more 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.
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