Bali

Overview

External Provider - Eco Field Trips

RCHK Bali 2024

Bali CAS Trip (V.1).mp4

Balinese Culture 

History of the Island of the Gods: Although Bali’s history has been traced to the Stone Age, most of Bali’s rich heritage started to develop during the Empire of the Majapahit (1293 to 1520 AD). It was an era ruled at its peak by Hayam Wuruk who controlled other kingdoms such as the southern Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Kalimantan and eastern Indonesia, and the Philippines. It was a sophisticated golden time that brought over Hindu-Javanese literature and artistic activities, which today are still the foundation of Balinese arts. 


Balinese culture and traditions: Balinese culture is a mix of Balinese Hindu-Buddhist religion and Balinese customs. It is perhaps most known for its dance, drama, and sculpture. The island is also known for its Wayang Kulit or Shadow play theatre. The Balinese people follow a form of Hinduism known as Agama Hindu Dharma. Balinese culture and traditions  impact almost every aspect of life on the island. An important belief of Balinese Hinduism is that elements of mother nature are influenced by spirit. 

To know Balinese culture and traditions intimately requires an understanding of the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana “Three Causes of Goodness”, which is the origin of the Balinese belief system. It is centered on maintaining a harmonious relationship with God, people and nature. Once aware, this becomes easily identifiable in the Balinese way of life, architecture, agriculture and tradition. It is believed that the wisdom of living true to these elements brings about prosperity and harmony. Every important event in human life is always followed by particular ceremony, for example there are Balinese ceremonies for birth, puberty, maturity, marriage or death, then there are ceremonies on important holidays in the 250-day Balinese calendar such as Nyepi (day of silence), Galungan and Kuningan or ceremonies connected with natural phenomena (like a full moon). 

Environmental Sustainability

While exploring the waters of Sanur, students will have the opportunity to experience a diverse array of plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. The area is safeguarded by a series of offshore reefs, resulting in expansive, tranquil, and shallow lagoons with crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling. They will have the chance to explore the seagrass up close, which is a unique group of flowering plants that have evolved to live entirely in seawater. Having evolved from land plants about 100 million years ago, there are now around 60 species worldwide. Seagrass is important because they help prevent erosion by trapping sediment, provide food and shelter for many marine animals, and act as nurseries for many fish and shrimps. 


Additionally, the build-up of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials that are dumped in the ocean or rivers will often end up in mangroves. This smothers plant life and may kill animals that live there. Students will each play a role in cleaning up the mangrove in Sanur while learning about its ecosystem as well as how litter affects the mangroves and the planet in general.

Service Project

Our students, in collaboration with EcoField Trips and VP Forever, a private organization focussed on creating better living conditions for underprivileged communities in Bali, will have the opportunity to supporting local families by building a bathroom, renovating bedrooms, painting, and paving roads to make it more accessible for everyone. 


VP Forever works very closely with the local community to determine the most urgent needs, and therefore the exact details of the service project are determined closer to the date. Each project is tailored by VP Forever to ensure sustainable solutions for the families in close relationship with the Balinese communities. More information can be found here: https://volunteer-programs-forever.org

Mount Batur Hike

Mount Batur (also known as ‘Gunung Batur’ in Indonesian) is part of an active volcano that’s believed to have formed in a massive apocalyptic eruption about 25,000 years ago. At one time, Batur was apparently more than 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) tall — making it even bigger than Mount Agung, Bali’s current tallest volcano. Almost two dozen eruptions have happened at Gunung Batur since 1804 when recording first started, and it last erupted in 1999-2000.That sounds scary, but any signs of impending volcanic activity are constantly monitored by the Indonesian government so Batur is generally very safe to climb. Since 2015, UNESCO lists the Mount Batur caldera as a global geopark for its fantastic volcanic landscapes. 


Culture and Mount Batur

Mount Batur holds great significance in Balinese Hinduism, which is the predominant religion on the island. The Balinese people believe that the mountain is a sacred place where gods and spirits reside. It is considered a holy site and is often visited by pilgrims who come to offer prayers and make offerings to the gods. Mount Batur is also believed to be a place of spiritual purification, and many Balinese Hindus undertake a pilgrimage to the mountain to cleanse themselves of negative energies and seek blessings.

In addition to its spiritual significance, Mount Batur plays a crucial role in religious ceremonies and rituals. The Balinese people believe that the mountain is a gateway between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm. Therefore, it is often used as a focal point for various ceremonies, including weddings, cremations, and temple festivals. The presence of Mount Batur during these rituals is believed to enhance their spiritual power and ensure the blessings of the gods.

Quick Facts



"I really liked snorkeling because I got to see a lot of fish that I can't see in Hong Kong and the water is really clear! The paddle boarding through the mangroves was really fun and I got to learn a lot about different marine life and ecosystems"

Matthew Lau, Class of 2025

Itinerary 2024 - Subject to change pending flights and student sign ups

Travel Information

Number of days: 7 days, 6 nights

Price includes:

HKD 18,145

20-30

TBC