Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: bali: ‘island of the gods’ discovery tour at Benoa

With a panorama of volcanic hills and calderas, rugged coastlines, idyllic beaches, verdant rice terraces, and lush, tropical flora, it's easy to understand why Bali is world-renowned as the 'Island of the Gods'. The unrivalled natural beauty of this tropical paradise is the ideal backdrop for discovering the rich cultural heritage and traditional daily lifestyles of its inhabitants. Watch history unfold during stops at the Old Court of Justice, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and Karangasem Royal Palace. Visit ancient villages, attend a Batik workshop, and browse woven and Batik fabrics available for sale. Next, explore the Ulun Danu Batur Temple complex, home to nine temples, and 285 shrines and pavilions. Rounding out your overnight journey are natural gems that include the verdant rice terraces of Tegalalang and Mount Batur, the largest caldera in Bali, and Indonesian lunches featuring exquisite views overlooking the beach and Mount Batur.

FULL DESCRIPTION:

(01MIDDPS-C) Bali: 'Island of the Gods' Discovery

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night

Departs from: Benoa at approximately 8:45 a.m.

Re-join ship: Benoa at approximately 4 p.m.

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Bali. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah; however, US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (shopping stops are planned during this program).

Discover the unrivalled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and traditional daily lifestyles of the 'Island of the Gods' during this immersive, overnight overland excursion to Bali.

DAY ONE - Friday, February 24, 2023 - Benoa/Bali

Disembark the ship and drive to the east coast of Bali to visit Kerta Gosa (Old Court of Justice)

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour morning drive to the eastern side of the island. Your first stop is at the small town of Klungkung (Semarapura) for a visit to the historic Kerta Gosa (Old Court of Justice). Here, problems concerning the security, prosperity, and justice of the Kingdom of Bali were resolved. Whilst the founder is unknown, according to Candra Sengkala (a way of writing the year by using pictures of animals or plants representing certain figures), Kerta Gosa had been in existence since 1622 A.D., known as the 'Year of Caka', or around 1700 A.D., when Dewa Agung Jambe governed the kingdom of Semarapura.

Explore the ancient village of Tenganan, its unique local culture, community lifestyle, and shopping

Next, re-board your coach and head to the ancient village of Tenganan. This village is frequently referenced by the cultural literature science of Tenganan Pegringsingan, which is very famous on the island. Tenganan's own unique local community lifestyle is reflective of ancient Bali Aga (Prehistoric Hindu) village cultures, and differs from the local lifestyles of other countryside villages in the plain of Bali. During your visit, some free time is made available to browse the woven fabrics and items available for sale.

Enjoy an Indonesian lunch at a nearby restaurant on beautiful Candidasa Beach

Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for an Indonesian lunch at a nearby local restaurant at Candidasa Beach.

Visit the exquisite Tirta Gangga Water Palace

After lunch, re-board your coach and proceed to Ababi Village. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, as a bathing place and vacation retreat for the king and royal family.

See the palace's interior pond, which is filled with holy water and adorned by beautiful Hindu statues

The name, 'Tirta Gangga', is derived from the words 'Tirta', meaning 'Holy or Blessed Water', and 'Gangga', the holy river in India. As the name implies, there is indeed a pond in this water palace that contains holy water. See the pond, which is decorated with several beautiful statues featuring characters derived from ancient Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Stop by Karangasem Town to visit the 19th-century Royal Palace of Puri Agung Karangasem

Your final stop of the day is at the small town of Karangasem. Upon arrival, visit the Royal Palace of Puri Agung Karangasem. Built in the 19th century by the King Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, the Royal Palace once served as both the seat of government as well as a royal palace in the Karangasem area. In addition, this palace has different characteristics from the common Balinese houses at that time.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in, and some free time to relax and freshen-up before dinner

Leaving the Karangasem Royal Palace, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive to the Maya Ubud Resort for check-in and some free time to relax and freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Heavenly Pool Villa at the Maya Ubud Resort - Bali

DAY TWO - Saturday, February 25, 2023 - Bali/Benoa

After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and drive to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

After breakfast at the hotel, some free time at leisure and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the village of Paku Duwi. Upon arrival, head to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Nestled in a valley, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces offer spectacular panoramic views over the terraces and surrounding green landscape. It is a great place to ease your mind, as it offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and head to Kintamani.

Visit Kintamani Village, perched on the rim of a vast crater overlooking the massive Mount Batur

This small village, located in the highland of the centre of the island, is perched on the rim of a vast crater overlooking the massive Mount Batur. The largest caldera in Bali, Mount Batur is still active. The district in which it lies is the earliest-known Balinese kingdom, and dates from the 10th century. During a photo stop here, take in breath-taking views overlooking Mount Batur and your surrounds.

Proceed to the Ulun Danu Batur Temple, located in the caldera's highest and oldest rim

Leaving Kintamani Village, re-board your coach and continue on to the Ulun Danu Batur Temple. An old Balinese Hindu temple, Ulun Danu Batur is the second-most important temple complex in Bali after the Besakih Temple (Mother Temple) of Bali. Originally located down in the caldera at the foot of the Batur Volcano, the village and temple of Ulun Danu Batur were destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1926.

See the Meru Shrine, some of the temple complex's nine temples, and 285 shrines and pavilions

Fortunately, the most important shrine, an 11-tiered Meru dedicated to Dewi Bhatari Ulun Danu, Goddess of lakes and rivers, survived the earthquake. The villagers then moved to the highest and oldest rim of the caldera, where they rebuilt their village and temple. The Ulun Danu Batur Temple is a complex of nine different temples containing a total of 285 shrines and pavilions dedicated to the Gods and Goddesses of water, agriculture, holy-springs, arts, and crafts. During your guided walking tour, pass by and explore some of the temples, pavilions, and shrines, and take in stunning views from this panoramic viewpoint.

Enjoy a Indonesian lunch at a local restaurant, and breath-taking views over Batur Mountain & Lake

Leaving Ulun Danu Batur Temple behind, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant that affords breath-taking views over Mount Batur and glittering Batur Lake (weather-permitting, as clouds and fog frequently appear, even during the dry season, due to its high elevation approximately 5,808 feet (about 1.717 kilometres) above sea level).

Observe the Batik cloth-making process at a Batik workshop in Tohpati Village and shopping

After lunch and before returning to the pier, a final stop is made at the village of Tohpati to visit a Batik workshop renowned for processing exceptional Batik cloth. Upon arrival, observe the skilled local women at work whilst they utilise the different methods of applying the colours and printing to the fabric. Following the demonstration, some free time is made available to browse the Batik fabrics and items for sale at the Batik Gallery.

Commence the return drive to Benoa

Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to Benoa.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival at Benoa, transfer to the port. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and approximately 200 steps at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, a sweater or light jacket, camera, any necessary medication, personal bathroom amenities, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship; credit cards are only accepted at the Batik Gallery. Please dress conservatively when going ashore. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. As a rule, women should not wear anything remotely revealing (mini-skirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. When visiting a Balinese temple, both men and women are expected to wear shirts that cover the shoulders and part of the upper arms. Flip-flops are perfectly acceptable, provided the overall look is modest. The following leg coverings are mandatory for both men and women preparing to enter a Balinese temple: a kain kamben (sarong) around your legs, and a selendang (temple scarf/sash) around your waist. The sarong & sash are prepared by the ground operator, your guide, and the temple's caretaker, but you are welcome to bring your own. Ladies who are menstruating are not permitted to enter the temple due to local customs and beliefs. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Infrastructure in Benoa is basic, and local conditions may be challenging. Vehicles, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in Indonesia is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations. Unfortunately, this is reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Expect crowds, local traffic, and delays. Expect warm and humid weather conditions. Flash photography is prohibited inside the temples. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. The tour sequence, timings and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in a Heavenly Pool Villa at the Maya Ubud Resort - Bali
• One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner, with drinks included
• Tour of the Kerta Gosa (Old Court of Justice) - Semarapura
• Tour of the ancient village, with shopping for woven fabrics - Tenganan
• Indonesian lunch at a beachfront restaurant - Candidasa Beach
• Tour of the Tirta Gangga Water Palace and its interior pond with statuary - Ababi
• Tour of the Royal Palace of Puri Agung Karangasem - Karangasem
• Photo stop at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces - Paku Duwi
• Tour of the Ulun Danu Batur Temple complex, its temples, shrines, and pavilions - Ulun Danu Batur
• Indonesian lunch at a local restaurant overlooking Batur Mountain and Lake - Ulun Danu Batur
• Batik cloth-making workshop with shopping for Batik fabrics - Tohpati
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.