Indo Discovery Travel is developing new itineraries that are quite a departure from the existing Heritage tours that you have been reading about and seeing on the website for some time. Our knowledge of Bali and our desire for a more balanced life made this decision quite a natural progression. So now, in addition to tours based on heritage we are now building up a catalogue of tours and retreats that are designed to showcase exotic locations around the world. We will focus on culture, cuisine and cooking, yoga, and spas. The base idea behind these trips is to deliver a means of escape into a world of relaxation and beauty coupled with the opportunity to indulge in both spiritual and physical exercise. [Read more...]
Exotic Yoga, Spa, Cooking, Culture Tour
Balinese Bliss
Over the last few days, I have experienced both adventure and a sense of spiritual ease here on this small, tourist-infested but still tranquil island. Indeed, the Balinese are humble and dedicated people; still religiously attuned to ancient Hindu practices and beliefs, dating back to kings and kingdoms that also once ruled Java. Eminently gracious, hospitable and accommodating, their equanimity and optimistic philosophical outlooks are to be admired. Since I arrived, I have appreciated the opportunity to be shown places of special significance and learn more about Balinese culture… quite apart from the ‘enak’ (delicious) food, tropical climate, sensual pleasures, (such as shopping, reflexology and massage), and the international melting pot of places such as Ubud. [Read more...]
Yogyakarta the Cultural Epicenter
If Bali is the gem in Indonesia’s crown then Yogya is the jewel that lays right next to it.
Visiting Yogya is nothing short of a priviledge. The people here are incredibly friendly and fiercely proud of their city, its part of their birthrite. They appear to display a joy in explaining the virtues of Yogya, ensuring you get from A to B without problem, and always requesting feedback, positive of course. This question is one of a seemingly standard set that run the gamut from your age to marital status to profession. A “No” answer to the marriage question will then take you on a whole other journey of questions designed to help the question giver gain insight into the western mind. [Read more...]
Angklung in Java
Bandung is the home of a musical arts school called Saung Angklung Udjo. It is here that students from age 3 years and up learn to master the instuments of the Javanese orchestra as well as Wayang Golek puppetry. Both are incredible to see and I recommend this as a Bandung must see.
The concert, or as they would rather it be called, the demonstration, lasts for 2 hours. A full version would traditionally last 7 hours, hence the term demonstration. It starts out with an [Read more...]

