THE START OF THE ADVENTURE Our journey to the beautiful island of Bali begins with a 7 night stay in Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali. Ubud was once a secret hideout for backpackers but it has now become a hot spot for those looking for culture, nature, inspiration and beauty. It is the perfect introduction to the Balinese way of life. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali - beautiful scenery, ancient temples, cultural dance performances, amazing spas and the most wonderful restaurants on the island. And, did I mention shopping????
This is a trip just for women (of all ages!)...preferably those with a sense of humour and adventure. Grab your best friend, Mother, daughter, neighbor, sister or co-worker and let the journey begin. You'll be glad you did, and once you have experienced a 'Babes in Bali' trip, you'll have a new appreciation for life, a new sense of self and an enhanced view of what our great world has to offer!
Are you ready to let your spirit soar?
On our first morning we will have an opportunity to learn the rituals of the preparation and presentation of Balinese 'offerings'. 
You'll be able to create your own offering and then present it to the temple at our hotel. Afterwards, we'll have a chance to visit a local family compound and see how the Balinese live.
You'll be able to create your own offering and then present it to the temple at our hotel. Afterwards, we'll have a chance to visit a local family compound and see how the Balinese live. Next is one of our highlights...a 2.5 hour leisurely walk through the countryside
. Most of our time will be spent in beautiful rice fields where you can see the Balinese tenderly nurturing their rice crops. The walk will give you a hearty appetite so I've arranged for lunch at an organic restaurant in the rice fields. Incredibly healthy food in a spectacular setting!!!
. Most of our time will be spent in beautiful rice fields where you can see the Balinese tenderly nurturing their rice crops. The walk will give you a hearty appetite so I've arranged for lunch at an organic restaurant in the rice fields. Incredibly healthy food in a spectacular setting!!!
Later this afternoon there will be an opportunity to visit the Taro Elephant Park. A personal elephant ride will be an option for those who have held this as a lifelong dream; and Bali is the perfect place to fulfill it! This beautiful, lush tropical setting is the ideal place to learn about how the elephants live and to enjoy a show highlighting their many talents. 
Over the next few days there are some amazing things you will experience. One day we'll visit the market at Bedugul - great shopping as the prices here are competitive and lively bargaining is encouraged!
After the market we will have lunch at a wonderful restaurant overlooking beautiful rice terraces. 
Then we are off to Beratan Lake to see the spectacular Ulun Danu Temple, built right at the water's edge. The gardens here are lush and beautifully manicured.
Then we are off to Beratan Lake to see the spectacular Ulun Danu Temple, built right at the water's edge. The gardens here are lush and beautifully manicured.If you really want to experience something unique and fun, then you'll want to book yourself on to the optional bike tour.
It's mostly downhill for 25 km., so no need to train for this!!! Our morning will start with a healthy breakfast overlooking Mount Batur. If it's a clear morning, you'll enjoy the view of the volcano in the distance. We will ride the bikes on small, 'off the beaten track', roads. There is time to stop in a couple of villages along the way but the most fun part is seeing all the kids who will greet you like a celebrity as you travel past them. 
For anyone who loves cooking or is just intrigued by the spices the Balinese use to make their mouth watering dishes,
you'll totally enjoy our day spent at the Ubud Market and following that, the Cooking Class. The local market is bustling with the early morning shoppers gathering their fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, fish and chicken that will be prepared in the morning for the family to eat as they feel hungry during the day. Most Balinese still do not have refrigeration, so they cook just once a day, using lots of spices to preserve their food. Following our market experience, we will head back to the cooking school where we will be introduced to the exotic herbs and spices that are the soul of Balinese cooking. This is a hands on experience, so save some energy for chopping, stir frying and most importantly, enjoying the lavish feast at the end of the class.At some point during our stay in Ubud, there will be a day set aside for total pampering at a local spa. My favorite experience is the 'Full Day at the Spa' treatment. The first 
amazing treatment will be a 2.5 hour Ayurvedic Massage. A litre of warm oil is slowly poured over your body during this treatment to help "cleanse your chakras". 
This massage is truly a favorite, as it will leave you totally relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated! But that's not all...you will still have a facial, body scrub, flower petal bath and one hour hair treatment. If you didn't feel like a princess yet on this trip, you certainly will after all this pampering. This Spa Day will cost you less than $100USD including lunch. Where else in the world can you get this done for so little????
amazing treatment will be a 2.5 hour Ayurvedic Massage. A litre of warm oil is slowly poured over your body during this treatment to help "cleanse your chakras". 
This massage is truly a favorite, as it will leave you totally relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated! But that's not all...you will still have a facial, body scrub, flower petal bath and one hour hair treatment. If you didn't feel like a princess yet on this trip, you certainly will after all this pampering. This Spa Day will cost you less than $100USD including lunch. Where else in the world can you get this done for so little???? Evenings are a magical time to experience the real Ubud. Most of the surrounding villages (including Ubud) have evening dance performances for us to choose from. 
One of my favorite places to watch Balinese dancing is at the Ubud Palace. The dances last for approx. 1.5 hours, and you'll be mesmerized by the gamelan band. There is always a story told in these performances. Fortunately we are given a program at the beginning of the evening so you can follow along with these ancient stories. It is a photographers dream to witness these exotic dances, as the intimacy of the venues are ideal for photography and the subjects colourful and fascinating!
One of my favorite places to watch Balinese dancing is at the Ubud Palace. The dances last for approx. 1.5 hours, and you'll be mesmerized by the gamelan band. There is always a story told in these performances. Fortunately we are given a program at the beginning of the evening so you can follow along with these ancient stories. It is a photographers dream to witness these exotic dances, as the intimacy of the venues are ideal for photography and the subjects colourful and fascinating! During our 7 nights in Ubud we will also enjoy the wonderful cuisine that is offered at the divine local restaurants. 
Some restaurants are known for their spectacular views while most are also reknowned for their amazing food. You will be surprised and delighted by the variety of food choices in Bali, but Ubud in particular has many world class restaurants. Plus you won't have to break the bank to enjoy these fine establishments! Most meals cost between $6- 15USD, a small percentage of what you'd pay if you found similiar restaurants on tropical islands or major cities around the globe. 
The Balinese take great pride in the presentation of their food, so don't be surprised if you want to take photos of your meal! The other bonus of going to Bali is you will be eating fruit that really tastes like fruit should taste. Rambutan, pineapple, passionfruit and mango are just a few of my favourites.
Some restaurants are known for their spectacular views while most are also reknowned for their amazing food. You will be surprised and delighted by the variety of food choices in Bali, but Ubud in particular has many world class restaurants. Plus you won't have to break the bank to enjoy these fine establishments! Most meals cost between $6- 15USD, a small percentage of what you'd pay if you found similiar restaurants on tropical islands or major cities around the globe. 
The Balinese take great pride in the presentation of their food, so don't be surprised if you want to take photos of your meal! The other bonus of going to Bali is you will be eating fruit that really tastes like fruit should taste. Rambutan, pineapple, passionfruit and mango are just a few of my favourites. To be continued...shopping, beaches, restaurants, Hong Hong.
