Itineraries

Language

Political discussion

Human rights and child protection

Education opportunities for marginalised women

• We will participate in a 3 hour language intensive with Cinta Bahasa, learning the basics of Bahasa Indonesian.

• We then head off to talk with the women of Bali Sruti, and the founder, Associate Professor Ibu Luh Riniti of Ngurah Rai University.
  Bali Sruti are a group of women taking leadership to the next level, with both political ambitions and current roles.
  One of the best ways to actually affect change in a country, is to be in a policy making or politically influential position, and these women are taking the lead in this area.

• We will hear from Professor Riniti about traditional Balinese culture and then she will explain expectations/limitations/roles and career paths for women in Bali.

• Ibu Titik Sylva will be presenting to us on her specialty area, child protection in Bali, as well as exploring local and national human rights issues.

• There will be space for general conversation with all of the women over tea and Indonesian cakes.

  LUNCH

• In the afternoon, we will head to Nusa Dua to meet with a contrasting group of young women, at BaliWISE. These young ladies have been awarded high school education scholarships. They are provided with dormitory accommodation, meals and 6 months (otherwise inaccessible), life-changing education.
  We will talk with these young women about how this education opportunity has changed their lives.

DINNER

Environmental awareness and sustainable practices

Women’s projects

Artisan and natural beauty products

Intercultural communication afternoon - cuppa and conversation at the university

• Today we will visit the R.O.L.E. Foundation’s eco site.
  Rivers, Oceans, Land & Environment (R.O.L.E.) actually oversee and fund BaliWise, (the foundation listed in Day 1’s itinerary).  
  At R.O.L.E. women have the opportunity to earn an income from either weaving - with naturally dyed fibres, or from the recycled S.O.A.P. (Sustainable, Opportunity, Achieving, Possibility) project.
  There is also a waste recycling project, paper making, artisan beverage creation, and natural beauty products being made from local organic plants.

  LUNCH

• In the afternoon we head back to the city to partake in tea and conversation with women from the Universitas Dhyana Pura, both hospitality students and curious staff members, about life as Balinese women with access to higher education.

• Christine Surasaya will guide us through the structure of Balinese communities and layers of caste.
  
  These will be two way conversation where all women are free to ask each other questions, so they will also ask us about our lives as women living in Australia (or elsewhere).
  These conversations are about realising that whilst we have differences, we also have many similarities. It is about an intercultural exchange, sharing thoughts, ideas, dreams and goals, as well as social or environmental concerns. Building international relationships, breaking down stereotypes or misconceptions about a perceived ‘other’ and opening up the communication channels between women of neighbouring countries.
  
  DINNER

The history of the spice journey in Indonesia

Spiritual temple

Village visit
Traditional Indonesian cultural food experience

Indonesian farming practices

Eco school visit/exploration

Eco resort private tour and explanation of the ethos and gardens

Farm to plate luncheon

Swim in natural springs

Process the days prior

• We head north, to the cultural hub of Ubud.

• Here we will meet with Radhya Avisya of ‘No Farmers, No Food, No Future’.
  She will talk us through their current local projects and intention to affect change in the agricultural sector in Bali. We will discuss the drive to return to traditional foods and seasonal planting, and their plans to revive this.

• We will make a visit to John Hardy’s innovative Green School, set in the jungle, which has to be seen to be believed!
  Aquaponics, free-range chickens, traditional Indonesian gongs (not school bells),organic gardens and a food lab, all natural material play equipment, bamboo structure classrooms with no windows or doors … all set beside the Ayung River.
  Every child’s dream education space!

• We will then experience, because it truly is an experience, NY Times recognised eco resort, Bambu Indah!|
  Heading down a typical Balinese side road, we will arrive at the sustainable eco stay. Greeted by a stunning floral mandala, we shall be guided through the grounds to hear the ethos behind the hotel.
  We shall enjoy a very special garden to plate lunch at the inviting Community Table.
  
  

  LUNCH
  
  

• Afterwards, and via a secret entry point, and Charlie in the Chocolate Factory-esque unique mode of travel, we are transported down to the river to explore the natural springs set amongst the original surroundings. The River Warung, with it’s nest like structure, sits aloft the popular white-water rafting route.

• There will be an opportunity to relax, swim and consider what you have been exposed to over the first few days.

• There are many contrasts in Bali and I think it is important to understand that, to have a good overview of the island’s dynamic. Also to reflect on the positive and negative impacts of tourism. A little down time to rest and process is also important, this afternoon will allow space for that.

  
  

  DINNER