Bali meditation group

once in a lifetime experience

(all major credit cards accepted)

Including airfares,

accommodation & breakfast.

Our base in Bali is Ubud

We have a venue for meditation & part of our itinery is a journey to the Elephant park, swimming with healing dolphins, temple tours, various traditional Bali dances, volcano tour & shopping. We have our own drivers who can take you anywhere you desire in your leisure time.

As we import from Bali we offer cost price freight

if you purchase an item that is too large to bring back in your luggage.

Email for more information or Booking

We are so pleased to be able to invite you to join us on this wonderful experience. At special times throughout the year we shall create a retreat holiday with a set of extraordinary, spiritual and holistic experiences to be shared in a group and also as your own personal experience within the group. We shall be venturing into meditation, contemplation, dance, art , Balinese culture, relaxation, rest, and so much more. This retreat is one of bliss and fun and is provided for you to revive and personally grow through your whole self.

Elephant Park Swimming with the Dolphins

Temples, part of the group & rice paddies Ketuck dance, Bob (tour guide) family & where we stay in Ubud, Bali

Container from Bali full of goodies

Monkey Forest Ubud

Why is the Monkey Forest of Padangtegal considered to be sacred?

The Monkey Forest of Padangtegal represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site. In trying to understand Balinese Hinduism it is important to keep in mind that Balinese Hinduism is unlike Hinduism practiced in other parts of the world today. Balinese Hinduism combines aspects of Animism, Ancestor Worship, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Animism and Ancestor Worship

Some of the first evidence of extensive human inhabitation on Bali dates back to approximately 2,500 B.C. The religion of the Bali Aga (original Balinese) centered around both Animism and Ancestor Worship. Ancestor Worship represents the belief that prosperity is associated with a relationship that exists between the living and the dead (prosperity is something that can only be achieved through intense worship and obtainment of blessings from ancestors). Animism represents the belief that inanimate objects and other elements of the natural landscape can possess souls which can help as well as hinder human efforts on Earth.

Cultural significance

Within Balinese Hinduism, monkeys can be the embodiment of both positive and negative forces. The dual nature of monkeys is especially reflected in the Ramayana (a very popular Indian epic poem). Within the Ramayana, Sita (the beloved bride of Rama) is abducted by Rawana (an evil king). Rama (an incarnation of Dewa Wisnu) calls upon Sugriwa (king of the monkeys) and Hanuman (Sugriwa's General) to help him retrieve Sita. However, within the Ramayana, there are also antagonist monkeys like Subali that attempt to assist Rawana. In the end, Hanuman, along with his monkey army, defeats Rawana's evil forces and helps Rama to retrieve Sita.

Because monkeys can embody both positive and negative forces, the Balinese both loathe and revere monkeys. Monkeys that occupy sacred Balinese Hindu temple sites (like theSacred Monkey Forest) tend to be revered and protected by the Balinese. One reason for this is that monkeys, in the form of a Barong, are believed to be capable of guarding temple sites against evil spirits. However, the Balinese belief that monkeys can be negative in nature is reinforced when, for example, they raid rice fields or snatch items from souvenier shops

Dolphins at Melka

The dolphins at Melka are very special. Three have been rescued from a circus where they were severely mistreated, and one was injured in a fishing net. Here they have recovered their health. Now they work with humans for play and healing. If you come to the dolphin pool you are entering their home. In the ocean, dolphins travel great distances and have complete freedom to move quickly wherever they wish to go. They can choose whether or not to interact with humans. So here we must respect their space.

Did you know that researchers believe that:

Dolphins have their own language with up to a trillion words

Dolphin brains are larger than human brains and have 40% more thinking ability

Dolphins have abilities to heal humans that we do not yet fully understand.

Dolphins once walked on land

Dolphins use sonar to locate items and communicate

Dolphins are intelligent creatures who have capabilities equal to or exceeding humans

The dark expanse of the banyan tree above the temple gate casts a dense shadow on the courtyard and the carvings that flicker like apparitions in the uneven light. A serpentine stream of bodies coils itself, circle within circle, around a large, branching torch. Two hemispheres of men one, a pattern of silhouettes the other, sculptural faces of brown skin caught in a net of torchlight. The half seen multitude waits in silence. A priest enters with offerings, a blessing of holy water. One piercing voice cracks the suspense the circle electrifies.

No other dance is so unnerving as the amazing Kecak one hundred and fifty men who, by a regimented counter play of sounds, simulate the orchestration of the gamelan. Kecak, a name indicating the chak-a-chak sounds, evolved from the male chorus of the ritual Sanghyang trance ceremony. By a choreography ingeniously simple, chorus is transfigured into, ecstasy. The annihilation of the individual, the cries, the erratic pulse of sound and sublimated violence of the Kecak are perfectly contained in the precise use of a few basic motions of head, arms and torso. Through coordination rehearsed for months prior to a performance, various parts of the dance merge in a startling continuum of grouped motion and voice. Many words and gestures have no meaning other than as derivatives of incantations to drive out evil, as was the original purpose of the sanghyang chorus.

Kecaks include a drama, in which the circle of light a round the torch becomes a stage, and its periphery of men, a living theatre with all effects. Accompanied by the bizarre if human instruments, the storyteller relates the episode enacted within the performance one drawn from the Ramayana. When demon king Rawana leaps to the centre, the chorus simulates his flight with a long hissing sound. When Hanuman enters the mystic circle, the men become an army of chattering monkeys hence, the nickname Monkey Dance.

We invite you to be a part of the travel team and have a unique experience with wonderful people and great support. Choose to have this blissful adventure.

Open Hands welcomes you.

With love from Andrew, Jen and the team

Bali meditation group

Friday Leave Melbourne 19th August Melbourne/Denasar travel to Ubud.

Saturday Monkey forest walk & meditation.

Sunday Elephant ride 30 minutes including transport AC Transport

Elephant tamer's service

Admission fee to Elephant Safari Park

Insurance Extra cost $95

Monday Temple tour Bargar & hot springs / sunset meditation Extra cost $25

Tuesday Bali Dolphins Extra cost $95

Wed Morning Gua Gajah Elephant cave( about ten minutes away). Rest day

Thursday Morning your time,afternoonTanah lotTemple -

night Gabor Dance Ubud palace at 7. Extra cost $40

Friday Morning meditation -afternoon your time- night kecak Fire Dance &

Trance dance, Ubud. 7.30 pm Extra cost $40

Saturday Feastaval of the arts

Sunday Morning your time afternoon beach at Nussa Dua then dinner on beach at

Jin Baroan Bay Extra cost $40

Monday Market day, more shopping & lunch then dinner back to the airport, to

travel back to Melbourne.

This is a guide to what we propose & is in no way compulsory , it is a time to enjoy your life in the beautiful Bali.

The Bali Spirit Festival 2011 will assemble the island's largest and most diverse collection of yoga masters, musical talent and dance genres from around the world.

“This event brings to Bali a wealth of talented and respected creative masters from around the world, merging the indigenous and rich cultures of Indonesia in the spirit of learning, collaboration and celebration of our creative and spiritual diversity,” the event's media coordinator Kezia Winny said in a press release.

Combining over 95 inspiring kinds of yoga, music and dance, the five-day event will have more

than 100 workshops, master classes and nightly world music performances.

The outdoor festival will be at the Purnati Center for the Arts in Batuan, 10 minutes south of Ubud, during the day and at the ARMA Museum by night.

Growing in size and recognition every year since 2008, the much-admired festival showcases Indonesia's rich indigenous cultures and attempts to merge East and West.

“We invite people to join the `global village' and take part in a rare and unique holistic experience that embodies the spirit of Bali while supporting vital local programs through community education and outreach initiatives,”

Yoga sessions at the event include Prana Flow, Ashtanga, Meditation/Philosophy, JivaMukti, Hatha Yoga/Tantra, Forest Yoga/Energetics and a very special guest, His Holiness Swami Saraswati.

The festival will also feature dances of Balinese, West African, Ecstatic, Afro-Cuban, Hip Hop, and Hoop Dance origins.

There will be a range of music performances from Delhi to Dublin from Canada, Los Pinguos from Argentina, Dafra Drum and Dance from West Africa, Ayu Laksmi from Indonesia, Filter Coffee from India and Saritah from Australia.

Participants can also enjoy the “Daily Dharma Fair”, a gathering space and eco-friendly marketplace for all ages that will offer massages and healing arts, healthy food, artisanal clothing, yoga products and live music.

The last day of the festival will be Hari Cinta Keluarga (Family Day), providing space for Bali's environmental and community groups to share information about their work and to offer workshops specifically for children and the family.


	home Bali Sacred Space Import Bali meditation group Bali Itinery August once in a lifetime experience TBA $1795 (all major credit cards accepted) Including airfares, accommodation & breakfast. twin share Our base in Bali is Ubud We have a venue for meditation & part of our itinery is a journey to the Elephant park, swimming with healing dolphins, temple tours, various traditional Bali dances, volcano tour & shopping. We have our own drivers who can take you anywhere you desire in your leisure time. BONUS. As we import from Bali we offer cost price freight if you purchase an item that is too large to bring back in your luggage. Limited numbers Book now! Email for more information or Booking We are so pleased to be able to invite you to join us on this wonderful experience. At special times throughout the year we shall create a retreat holiday with a set of extraordinary, spiritual and holistic experiences to be shared in a group and also as your own personal experience within the group. We shall be venturing into meditation, contemplation, dance, art , Balinese culture, relaxation, rest, and so much more. This retreat is one of bliss and fun and is provided for you to revive and personally grow through your whole self. Elephant Park Swimming with the Dolphins Temples, part of the group & rice paddies Ketuck dance, Bob (tour guide) family & where we stay in Ubud, Bali Container from Bali full of goodies Monkey Forest Ubud Why is the Monkey Forest of Padangtegal considered to be sacred? The Monkey Forest of Padangtegal represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site. In trying to understand Balinese Hinduism it is important to keep in mind that Balinese Hinduism is unlike Hinduism practiced in other parts of the world today. Balinese Hinduism combines aspects of Animism, Ancestor Worship, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Animism and Ancestor Worship Some of the first evidence of extensive human inhabitation on Bali dates back to approximately 2,500 B.C. The religion of the Bali Aga (original Balinese) centered around both Animism and Ancestor Worship. Ancestor Worship represents the belief that prosperity is associated with a relationship that exists between the living and the dead (prosperity is something that can only be achieved through intense worship and obtainment of blessings from ancestors). Animism represents the belief that inanimate objects and other elements of the natural landscape can possess souls which can help as well as hinder human efforts on Earth. Cultural significance Within Balinese Hinduism, monkeys can be the embodiment of both positive and negative forces. The dual nature of monkeys is especially reflected in the Ramayana (a very popular Indian epic poem). Within the Ramayana, Sita (the beloved bride of Rama) is abducted by Rawana (an evil king). Rama (an incarnation of Dewa Wisnu) calls upon Sugriwa (king of the monkeys) and Hanuman (Sugriwa's General) to help him retrieve Sita. However, within the Ramayana, there are also antagonist monkeys like Subali that attempt to assist Rawana. In the end, Hanuman, along with his monkey army, defeats Rawana's evil forces and helps Rama to retrieve Sita. Because monkeys can embody both positive and negative forces, the Balinese both loathe and revere monkeys. Monkeys that occupy sacred Balinese Hindu temple sites (like theSacred Monkey Forest) tend to be revered and protected by the Balinese. One reason for this is that monkeys, in the form of a Barong, are believed to be capable of guarding temple sites against evil spirits. However, the Balinese belief that monkeys can be negative in nature is reinforced when, for example, they raid rice fields or snatch items from souvenier shops Dolphins at Melka The dolphins at Melka are very special. Three have been rescued from a circus where they were severely mistreated, and one was injured in a fishing net. Here they have recovered their health. Now they work with humans for play and healing. If you come to the dolphin pool you are entering their home. In the ocean, dolphins travel great distances and have complete freedom to move quickly wherever they wish to go. They can choose whether or not to interact with humans. So here we must respect their space. Did you know that researchers believe that: Dolphins have their own language with up to a trillion words Dolphin brains are larger than human brains and have 40% more thinking ability Dolphins have abilities to heal humans that we do not yet fully understand. Dolphins once walked on land Dolphins use sonar to locate items and communicate Dolphins are intelligent creatures who have capabilities equal to or exceeding humans Kecak Dance The dark expanse of the banyan tree above the temple gate casts a dense shadow on the courtyard and the carvings that flicker like apparitions in the uneven light. A serpentine stream of bodies coils itself, circle within circle, around a large, branching torch. Two hemispheres of men one, a pattern of silhouettes the other, sculptural faces of brown skin caught in a net of torchlight. The half seen multitude waits in silence. A priest enters with offerings, a blessing of holy water. One piercing voice cracks the suspense the circle electrifies. No other dance is so unnerving as the amazing Kecak one hundred and fifty men who, by a regimented counter play of sounds, simulate the orchestration of the gamelan. Kecak, a name indicating the chak-a-chak sounds, evolved from the male chorus of the ritual Sanghyang trance ceremony. By a choreography ingeniously simple, chorus is transfigured into, ecstasy. The annihilation of the individual, the cries, the erratic pulse of sound and sublimated violence of the Kecak are perfectly contained in the precise use of a few basic motions of head, arms and torso. Through coordination rehearsed for months prior to a performance, various parts of the dance merge in a startling continuum of grouped motion and voice. Many words and gestures have no meaning other than as derivatives of incantations to drive out evil, as was the original purpose of the sanghyang chorus. Kecaks include a drama, in which the circle of light a round the torch becomes a stage, and its periphery of men, a living theatre with all effects. Accompanied by the bizarre if human instruments, the storyteller relates the episode enacted within the performance one drawn from the Ramayana. When demon king Rawana leaps to the centre, the chorus simulates his flight with a long hissing sound. When Hanuman enters the mystic circle, the men become an army of chattering monkeys hence, the nickname Monkey Dance. We invite you to be a part of the travel team and have a unique experience with wonderful people and great support. Choose to have this blissful adventure. Open Hands welcomes you. With love from Andrew, Jen and the team Bali meditation group Itinery August Friday Leave Melbourne 19th August Melbourne/Denasar travel to Ubud. Saturday Monkey forest walk & meditation. Sunday Elephant ride 30 minutes including transport AC Transport Elephant tamer's service Admission fee to Elephant Safari Park Buffet Lunch Welcome drink Insurance Extra cost $95 Monday Temple tour Bargar & hot springs / sunset meditation Extra cost $25 Tuesday Bali Dolphins Extra cost $95 Wed Morning Gua Gajah Elephant cave( about ten minutes away). Rest day Thursday Morning your time,afternoonTanah lotTemple - night Gabor Dance Ubud palace at 7. Extra cost $40 Friday Morning meditation -afternoon your time- night kecak Fire Dance & Trance dance, Ubud. 7.30 pm Extra cost $40 Saturday Feastaval of the arts Sunday Morning your time afternoon beach at Nussa Dua then dinner on beach at Jin Baroan Bay Extra cost $40 Monday Market day, more shopping & lunch then dinner back to the airport, to travel back to Melbourne. This is a guide to what we propose & is in no way compulsory , it is a time to enjoy your life in the beautiful Bali. The Bali Spirit Festival 2011 will assemble the island's largest and most diverse collection of yoga masters, musical talent and dance genres from around the world. “This event brings to Bali a wealth of talented and respected creative masters from around the world, merging the indigenous and rich cultures of Indonesia in the spirit of learning, collaboration and celebration of our creative and spiritual diversity,” the event's media coordinator Kezia Winny said in a press release. Combining over 95 inspiring kinds of yoga, music and dance, the five-day event will have more than 100 workshops, master classes and nightly world music performances. The outdoor festival will be at the Purnati Center for the Arts in Batuan, 10 minutes south of Ubud, during the day and at the ARMA Museum by night. Growing in size and recognition every year since 2008, the much-admired festival showcases Indonesia's rich indigenous cultures and attempts to merge East and West. “We invite people to join the `global village' and take part in a rare and unique holistic experience that embodies the spirit of Bali while supporting vital local programs through community education and outreach initiatives,” Kezia said. Yoga sessions at the event include Prana Flow, Ashtanga, Meditation/Philosophy, JivaMukti, Hatha Yoga/Tantra, Forest Yoga/Energetics and a very special guest, His Holiness Swami Saraswati. The festival will also feature dances of Balinese, West African, Ecstatic, Afro-Cuban, Hip Hop, and Hoop Dance origins. There will be a range of music performances from Delhi to Dublin from Canada, Los Pinguos from Argentina, Dafra Drum and Dance from West Africa, Ayu Laksmi from Indonesia, Filter Coffee from India and Saritah from Australia. Participants can also enjoy the “Daily Dharma Fair”, a gathering space and eco-friendly marketplace for all ages that will offer massages and healing arts, healthy food, artisanal clothing, yoga products and live music. The last day of the festival will be Hari Cinta Keluarga (Family Day), providing space for Bali's environmental and community groups to share information about their work and to offer workshops specifically for children and the family.