Photographic Journey through the Islands of Bali, Indonesia
A Landscape & Cultural Photography Workshop
Dates: To be determined 2017
12 nights/13 days
Registration Commitment Deadline:To be determined.

Image credit to the Daily Mail UK

Accompany us on a photographic journey though these magical islands.

Allen Rokach  and Stephen Abelsohn (of go2southafrica.com & southafricaluxurytravel.com) have joined forces to provide you the best photography tour experience.

In the travel photography workshop business it’s a rare occasion to have both a professional trip leader and a professional photography trainer on the same trip.Not only that,a local guide will be with us the whole way,serving as a guide,historian,interpreter and cultural resource.

This is a photography-centric trip, therefore there will be ample time to shoot whatever you wish, no one impatiently tapping their feet waiting for you. And yes,you’ll even have to set up the tripod.

In fact, the whole trip is designed not just around doing photography,but learning more about photography,from class-style lessons to in-the-(rice)-field training to on the bus tips and tricks to over-dinner conversation about equipment,you will learn more about photography than you can imagine.

Of course, there will be free time and times when we encourage you put the camera away and just enjoy yourself.

Think of it as a photography vacation.

Allen has only one mission on this trip: to help you take better pictures. He has no hidden agenda and won’t leave you on your own.

Every day will bring us new opportunities to sharpen your photographic skills.This is a small group of 12 participants,with Allen and Stephen it will be 14.

By keeping the group participant number low,everyone will be assured of receiving plenty of personal photographic hands-on lessons, training and Q&A beyond the group classes and discussions.

Allen will be available as much as possible to each photographer,while Stephen focuses on getting us to our next location.

While the trip has set activities every day, flexibility is the operative word. If we come across something that catch’s our attention, then we can choose as a group what we want to do (additional fees may be incurred).

Image credit to paper4pc

An Overview
With a balance between classroom time focusing on skills that we will use on the next day’s outing, combined with every 3 days or so a review of images processed in Lightroom we will experience:

1. The beautiful rice fields of Bali
2. Watch the local culture Kechak Dance performance.
3. Visit markets, small villages, and temples.
4. Sunrise and Sunset trips with a early am hike to the top of Mt Batur.
5. A Wild Dolphin ocean experience.
6. Visit local artisans, observe the low tide seaweed harvesters.
7. Experience the boutique artist town of Ubud.
8. We will visit 3 different Islands, with some island beach down time.
9. Observe local temple ceremonies.

Here’s Your Trip
A custom designed tour that gives us all the flexibility we want.We will have our own bus,driver,and local guide.

Allen’s educational components that will take place in our hotel,on the bus, on site,over dinner,sitting in nature somewhere,will cover all different aspects of photography,Lightroom and Photoshop.

There is no rush to our experience,yet to experience the magic of the Island, to observe, capture and be part of the rhythm of daily life,we will schedule our activities around local life, giving us the best opportunities to capture that special moment.

For the most part,we will begin early am, return back early to mid afternoon,with the evenings free.Occasionally, we will go back for a evening sunset to the famous rice fields just 20 minutes or shoot from the hotels.

The day to day itinerary is below.This will give us the framework from which we will operate on.However,with the group’s consent,we can/will add in new spontaneous opportunities that will deepen and enhance our journey through this magical island.

Day 1  Depart ….

Depart San Francisco later afternoon to catch a early am flight to Denpasar.

This flight schedule is based on availability,and the timing may change once we are ready to confirm.

DAY  2: BALI ARRIVAL

On arrival into Bali,based on a 320 pm,we will be met by our guide,and escorted to our transport to our lodging for the next 6 nights.

USA citizens obtain a free visa on arrival.Included in the rate is a VIP arrival whereby our guide will collect group passports,and obtain our visas while we collect our luggage

The rest of the day is free to get over jet lag.

For those with energy,the artists town of Ubud is only 15 minutes ride away.Your home for the next 6 nights offers a complimentary shuttle service that runs at scheduled intervals throughout the day to and from Ubud to experience the various attractions of this artistically charged town.

The beach is about 30 minutes away.

The Lokha Ubud is a charming hotel located in the traditional Balinese village of Keliki on the outskirts of cultural Ubud.It has been designed to celebrate local artistry and embraces the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.

The Lokha Ubud is a collection of 16 luxury villas, 52 guest rooms and lifestyle facilities in a relaxed resort setting.The property is encompassed within a parcel of tropical landscape that descends down to the banks of the Wos River.It is a timeless locale overlooking a scenic ridge known as Bukit Cinta, which was once a secluded courting spot for young Balinese lovers.

It is just a 15 minute drive from central Ubud and is not far from the Elephant Safari Park in Taro.A total of 52 Suites are located within a purposely designed wing that gradually fans itself around the main lobby.

There is convenient elevator access as well as stairs for easy connection between all floors.

Each Suite Room is tastefully-appointed with elegant teak furnishings and touches of local artistry.En-suite bathroom facilities include a lavish bathtub and overhead rain shower for spa-inspired bathing indulgence.

The size of it about 41.5 m2. A generous sized terrace fitted with a Chairs and Table completes this delightful room category and encourages guests to appreciate the gentle beauty of this riverside environment.

DAY 03 : GENERAL ORIENTATION TO BALI

Today’s activities have purposely been kept low keyed so as to help us get over jet lag.

We will begin at 930am today so we can sleep in a little.

Activities for the day can include:

1. A local ceremony at a temple or in a village.
2. Visit the local market.
3. Spend time in Celuk Village,a artisans village well known for its gold and silver smiths.
4. If the weather is good w can go for a sunset shoot over some of the best rice paddy fields,Tegalalang in Bali,a short distance from our hotel.

Image credit GoyaBoutiqueResort    Tegalalang Rice Fields.

From tomorrow the itinerary will be filled with more activities,longer distances,therefore days will be longer,so make use of this relatively easy day to fully get over jet lag.

A early night is recommended as we are up early for a Sun rise shoot the next  day.

DAY 04 : SUN RISE KUSUMBA/SALT WORKERS/ MARKET/TRADITIONAL WEAVING

For every day for the rest of the trip,as we will be travelling deeper into the rural areas of Bali,if we come across something of interest ie a ceremony, temples,landscapes,we can spontaneously stop and incorporate it into our day.

An early start today at 5am to depart for Kusumba for sunrise.We are heading this am deeper into the rural village areas of the Island.

The black beaches of Kusumba are quite busy early morning,and this area is famous for its local industry – salt farming.

Image credit to Pininterest Bali Hai

The salts are produced traditionally by the local people using primitive tools and is a painstaking process.The salts produced are high-quality,with grains of coarse salt and high iodine content.

This same area is a collection point for other small islands in the area to gather supplies,so one may observe lots of coming and goings in different types of boats.There is also a fish market to visit as well.

Once done with this area,we will head over to the morning market at Klungkung.

After Klungkung we will visit the remote rural village of Tenganan,which is well known for their weaving skills.

Somewhere in there we will eat breakfast,which most likely will be after the market,and before the village,where we can stock up to try some of the local fruits.

Image credit to it.pininterest.com

With over 7 hours of touring all ready complete,once we return to the hotel, if the group has the energy,Allen will spend time in the afternoon focusing on photographic skills or we will do a review in Lightroom seeing how the previous 2 days images turned out.

We will do lunch along the way somewhere.

With more sunrises to follow,this is a perfect time to review and enhance your existing skills to the next level.

Evening free.

There is a night market about 20 minutes or so from the hotel at Gianyar.

DAY 05 : SUN RISE SHOOT OVER MT AGUNG

Early morning drive to another sunrise shoot over Mt Agung and Tirta Empul, followed by the incredible Bali Bird Park and then onto the Ubud Monkey Forest.

                     Imge credit to emmz-s.blogspot.com               Tirta Empul

Back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Again as we are out and about,while this day is rather full all ready,if we find any other locations/activities to stop at,we will.

We will return back to the hotel early afternoon.

Once we have rested,we will gather for some time with David focusing on skill enhancement.

DAY 06 : RUMAH DESA VILLAGE ACTIVITY

Today we will experience the hidden places which are away from the crowds.

We will visit the traditional gubuk farm house and enjoy the natural way of life of the villagers.

We will walk through the villages and ending at Rumah Desa where we will stop for lunch.

This is a time to for some personal street type photography of people,homes,kids playing,local architectural styles etc.

After lunch we will visit Jatiluwih which it is situated 700 meters above sea level with its fresh air and picturesque rice terraces.Image credit to quora.com

Late afternoon we will drive down to Tanah Lot temple for Sun set shoot at Tanah Lot.

Image credit to putabalitourguide.

DAY 7 : SUN RISE SHOOT AT GUNUNG KAWI

Early morning at around 05.00 departing hotel for Sunrise shoot from the top of Gunung Kawi King’s Tomb.

Thereafter we  head down to the ancient temple of Gunung Kawi followed by the picturesque of rice terraces at Ceking Tegalalang.

Image credit GoyaBoutiqueResort    Tegalalang Rice Fields.

Lunch will be served en route at local restaurant near Ceking.

After Lunch drive back to hotel for some welcome relaxing.

In afternoon at 16.00 depart hotel for afternoon shoot around Ubud and ending to see the culture Kechak Dance performance in Ubud.

Image credit to blogbaliswissvilla

Return to hotel and rest of evening free program at own leisure.

DAY 8 : SUN RISE SHOOT ON TOP OF  MT BATUR

02.00 Pick you up at Hotel for going to Kintamani
04.00 Arrive at Kintamanito the edge of Lake Batur where the trek begins.

        Image credit Bali promotion             Lake Batur

05.00 A stop will be made  for a short break and drinking water .
06.00 Reach the summit
06.15 Enjoy a beautiful sunrise with an opportunity of having the view of three nearby mountains Mt.Abang, Mt. Agung and Mt. Rinjani in Lombok in the first light of the day.
07.00 Descend the part leading toward the lake , with another brief stop en route.
09.00 Arrive back on the shore of lake Batur and continue by motorized boat to Trunyan Bali Aga Village.

After visiting Terunyan Village we drive to Lovina Beach at the north en route stop at Pura Beji Sangsit, special temple for irrigation and also famous for its relief.

Late afternoon arrive in Lovina for overnight stay

DAY  09 : DOLPHINS/WATER FALLS/WATER TEMPLE/FLOWER MARKET

Early morning ocean boat looking for Dolphin’s.

Breakfast at hotel.

Leave hotel for sanur en route visit :

1. Git Git Water Fall ,
2. Twin Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan,
3. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple,
4. Candi Kuning Colorful market selling vegetable, fruits, flower and wild orchid.

Late afternoon arrive in Sanur.Our hotel for the night  is on the beach.

Puri Santrian is located on a 200 metre stretch of white sandy beach of Sanur

Traditional Balinese style, the bungalow rooms are the ideal for those who want a home away from home.

Rooms feature cable TV,tea and coffee making facilities,hairdryer,mini-bar, in-room safe,bathrobe and slippers.

DAY 10 : FREE DAY/SANUR

Sunrise image credit to Puri Santrian

Your day is free to day to do as you  please.Stephen will be available to give suggestions ie hot springs,the bustling Kuta area,etc.

Sanur overnite Puri Santrian

DAY 11 : SANUR – NUSA LEMBONGAN
By fast boat to Nusa Lembongan  island.

We will reach their at about 10a,a 1 hour or less crossing time.

This is a very small island that is well known for its Seaweed farmers,which is the main reason for being on the island.

We  have a interesting varied tour today that will include the following areas below.

However depending on the tide,we need low tide for the Sea weed farming activity,we will adjust our day accordingly.

The nearest Seaweed farming area is about 10 minutes from our hotel so we will grab a taxi or take a water taxi to that area.

Tour will include,and it most likely will be a afternoon tour:

Visit the Village temple,
Majestic “Dream Beach” and “Devil’s tear,
“Underground house”,
Seaweed farms (low tide dependant)
The suspension bridge over to Nusa Ceningan.
Amazing panoramic view over Lembongan Bay.
Mangrove Forest explored by boat.

Our home for the night is again right on the ocean at the Lembongan Beach Club,in a 1 Bedroom Garden Villa.

Lembongan Beach Club & Resort is set on Jungut Batu beach,Nusa Lembongan, Bali.

The Beach Club Resort is made up of just 37 private villas, most with swimming pools,designed with natural materials in a modern balinese style each villa provides ample personal space to retreat.

The Beach Club Restaurant overlooking the ocean and Shipwrecks surfing break,offers mouthwatering international and local cuisine.

Situated on the beach front, one can relax in our infinity pool whilst enjoying the stunning sunsets.

DAY 12 :NUSA LEMBONGAN – LOMBOK

Morning fast boat to Lombok.

Leave Lembongan at 10.30h am and arrive Senggigi Lombok at 12.00h pm.

However looking at the low tide records,low tide is early am,so the option exists for those who want to,to go observe a sunrise with the seaweed farmers,back to the hotel for breakfast,then down to the harbour to catch the boat to Lombok.

Lombok..bigger than Lembongan…smaller than Bali…not as developed as Bali.

Your hotel swimming pool for the next 2 Nights

As soon as arrive in Lombok,we go direct into sight seeing tour,after we eat lunch,to visit :

1. Banyumelek,One of the many pottery villages, where clay pots for every day use, simple in design and primitive in style are produced.
2. Sukarara,traditional songket cloth is hand woven with gold and silver thread on simple looms.
3. Rambitan,A typical Sasak village where the houses (Bale Balaq) and rice storage buildings (Alang-alang/Lumbung) are still constructed with wood, bamboo and thatch roof

Back to hotel for sunset or some where along the way stop for a sunset photo.

Rest of the day/evening free to enjoy this relaxing beach location.

We will stay at the Quinci Hotel in Lombok.

Partial Ocean View rooms have indirect and partially obstructed views of the Ocean separating Lombok and Bali. The Partial Ocean View rooms are situated on beautifully landscaped areas of the properties peppered with swaying palms and lush tropical plants.

The decor features cool and refreshing natural polished timbers,warm and inviting textiles,comfortable furnishings, with a touch of local art,all of which provides our guests with a restful and relaxing vacation in a local environment.

Many of our guest rooms open out into their own private garden bathroom with showers that re-create the feel of a warm tropical rainfall.

Image credit to quincivillas.com

DAY 13 : FULL DAY GILI AIR THE WONDER OF THE SEA

DAY 14 :LOMBOK – BALI – DEPARTURE

We will catch a morning flight back to Bali.

Depending on the departure time of our flight,we may have time for a farewell dinner,possibly do a sunset at the Rock bar Ayana or at Uluwatu temple,then go  for farewell dinner.

If its  a earlier departure time,we will do the farewell dinner in Lombok

Rock bar Ayana

Arrive back in the USA on the  12th,late night flight back to Medford,conditional on the space being available when we confirm.

End of Tour

International Air Rates: $1,100-$1,300
The fare above is a very good approximation.Once we know how many are traveling,we have the option of holding group space or everyone doing their own tickets.

If its the latter,then the airport hotel transfer will be based on the flight that Stephen has chosen based on a afternoon arrival into Bali.

Anyone who arrives outside of this time,will be responsible for the cost of the transfer.Stephen will help coordinate this.

Air rates are subjected to change until ticketed.

Approximate Land Only Rates:
Based on 12 people.$3,500 to $4,000 per person (2 person shared room).*

$4,500 to $5000. Single rate per person(private room).*

*The land only rate does not include the International Air Fare, it does include all the inter-island transportation (bus, boats and plane).

These rates above are approximate.They will change according to what you want to add in for yourself.They currently reflect $250 per person mark up added in by the other local photographer.This mark up is up to you to add if you want to add in anything extra for yourself.

If we get less than 12 participants, the rates will be adjusted.

The total group size (including Allen and Stephen) will be no larger than 14.

Notes about the land portion:

Meals are not included. We have some very early mornings…..which means we will do breakfast on the road somewhere. We may be able to obtain box breakfasts for some of the days.

Lunch will be eaten along the road.

Dinners we will be back at the hotel which gives everyone free time to explore the culinary delights of this Island.

Bali has traditionally been an inexpensive destination, the US$ is quite strong against the Indonesian Rupiah.

Currently ie end of 2016 the rate of exchange is $1 currently equals 13,383.00  IR.

Meals:

Depending on what you eat can be from $2 and up for salads etc. $250 for meals should cover meals for the trip.

There are some entrance fees that are not included in the rates above. For example the Bali Bird Park $25.00 entrance fee. If we make it to that activity, we will pay as we go along.

There are very few places that we are visiting that this expense may come up.

Note on Day 10, the tour on Nusa Lembongan is not included in the above rate. It’s $25 per person.

As soon as the tide chart is known for when we will be on the Island, we will know how our time will be spent.

While the trip has set activities every day, flexibility is the operative word. If we come across something that catch’s our attention, then we can choose as a group what we want to do (additional fees may be incurred).

The booking process will go as follows:

Once we have the required number of group participants,we will ticket all scheduled air flights along with any deposit required which we will ascertain once we start the confirmation process.

Then the trip will sit until we do final payment around 60 days before departure.

Thereafter,we will issue final e docs and do a final group walk through of the whole trip.

Registration Commitment Deadline: To be determined

Registration:Contact Stephen to discuss details. 541-482-6050    stephen@go2southafrica.com

All rates subject to change,availability,until fully paid for.