BALI EDUCATIONAL TRIP 2024

On arrival at our resort we spent some time learning how to make Balinese offerings.

Canang sari offerings are part of daily life in Bali, representing the devotion of Balinese Hindus to the gods and maintaining balance with the divine. These are typically small woven palm leaf baskets filled with flowers, incense. Canang sari is seen in the Balinese temples on small shrines in houses and on the ground or as a part of a larger offering.

We then experienced a blessing from a local priest in the gardens of our resort where we placed our offerings on an alter and these too were blessed by the priest.

Our first evening concluded with a performance from some local Balinese dancers who excelled in the form of dance and had the opportunity to have photos taken with the young dancers.

Tegenungan Waterfall where we were treated to a beautiful lunch and possibly some alcoholic light refreshment! Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most famous and biggest waterfalls on Bali, created from the water flows of Petanu River. The Petanu River is one of the longest rivers in Bali. Petanu River flows from Kintamani Batur volcano and all the way down to Tampaksiring, Ubud and Blahbatuh village. A few of us were adventurous to venture down to the base of the waterfall to capture its full splendidness and to bathe in the natural water.

Campuhan Ridge

An early start to the day leaving our resort at 7am to head off to walk along the Campuhan Ridge which showcases the natural side to Ubud. The Campuhan Ridge Walk has the scenery of a jungle or forest rather than that of rice terraces and fields. This was followed by breakfast and then a walk around the Sacred Monkey Forest and the aim here was to still possess all your personal items that you arrived with as the Monkeys are notorious thieves and are fond of sunglasses and iPhones which they only give up after receiving a treat.

After a busy morning we had some free time to explore Ubud and visit the local shops and try our hand at bartering – not my strongest capability.

We then headed off to Tegallalang Rice Terrace which form the three most stunning looking terraced landscapes in the Ubud region. Here we had the opportunity to relinquish our fears and swing over the rice fields.

Photo Credit: @kanta_dabasia

Medicinal Gardens

We started the day early with our daily Tai Chi session in the gardens of our resort and then made our way to the Medicinal Gardens. Following a morning learning about the healing properties of the medicinal plants in the gardens we had the opportunity to taste the tinctures which had been made for us from the plants The day concluded with a water cleansing within the gardens.

Jimbaran Beach

What can I say about Jimbaran Beach! Whatever I say it will bring a tear to my eye for all the best reasons.

A totally unforgettable evening where we dined as we watched the sunset and the Full Moon rose high above us on the night of the Summer Solstice. Three months on when I think back or talk about this night it still brings tears to my eyes.

So many different emotions came to mind and a time to reflect on just how far I have come from 15 years ago when I reached a low point.

The challenges life has thrown at me which I accept as a test of my resilience and strength. Holistic Hands wouldn’t be in existence had it not been for all the challenges and so many wonderful friendships would never have come into being. Whether they be fellow therapists, tutors or clients who have become very good friends, they are all part of Claire becoming Claire. A smile to myself as I realised I was only two hours away from Australia, a continent I had wanted to visit since a school project at Primary School.

Photo Credit: @kanta_dabasia

Uluwata Temple and Kocok Dance

Our final night as a group took us to Uluwata Temple. The Kecak dance is a wondrous portrayal of Balinese culture. Utilising fire and tradition amid the gloriously vibrant backdrop of the sun going down. The performance featured 50-60 dancers sitting cross-legged in a circle. With an absence of instruments, songs or words, the performers chant a simple “chak chak chak” in a dazzling circular display of dance and musical drama, with a central dramatic narrative weaved throughout. As night fell, the fire torches are ignited within the centre of the circle as the tempo and majesty of the performance comes to a crescendo.