Only 540€ per week!
Comfort Senior Experience
Bali - Indonesia
Similar to the Bali experience program, its relaxed pace caters to the needs of families travelling with children and older travellers.
The program allows for interaction with locals and a chance to engage with Balinese culture with activities such as Bali Batik painting and visits to temples and traditional markets such as the Sukawati Art Market.
Program
Living
Bali
Indonesia
Program Description
Designed for those who need more leisure, the Bali Comfort Senior Experience combines three weeks of relaxation and community work. Although similar to the Bali Experience program, its relaxed pace caters to the needs of families travelling with children and older travellers. It allows for interaction with locals and a chance to engage with Balinese culture with activities such as Bali Batik painting and visits to temples and traditional markets such as the Sukawati Art Market.
The program is divided up as follows: Week 1: Introduction to Bali, Week 2: Community Engagement and Week 3: A week of relaxation
This may also be combined with one of our other programs on offer such as the Bali Beach Holiday or the Yoga/Meditation week. Our community engagement programs leave an indelible impression on most participants and as such if you grow to empathize with and love the work done there, we offer you the opportunity for a one-week extension to community engagement on request.
Aims & Objectives
To immerse in the Balinese culture while relaxing and experiencing the beauty of the surroundings.
Schedule
Week 1
Monday
On Monday, you will start your program with an early morning breakfast and then get an introduction about the traditions and culture of Bali. This would include a walking tour on the popular Monkey Street and Ubud market through which you will be able to learn a lot about the local people and their culture. You will then have lunch and receive a proper introduction about Balinese culture. This would support you later on throughout your project as you will learn about the lifestyle of the people and their interaction patterns. Once you receive the cultural lesson, you will have dinner early since you have to set out to a traditional Balinese dance show which would be the last segment of your first day’s program.
Tuesday
On Tuesday after breakfast, you will attend a language class. This class comes in handy especially when you are communicating with the local people. In fact, learning the basics of another language would draw you closer to the culture. After you complete the language lessons, you will have lunch and then go on a three to four hour long walking tour to rice terraces. This would be an amazing experience as you would get a chance to stay close with nature.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, you will able to strengthen your language skills by attending the language class after breakfast. After you complete the lessons and have lunch, you will be able to evoke your artistic self by learning to paint in a Batik painting class. Once you come back from the painting class, you will be able to enjoy the delicious welcome dinner prepared for you.
Thursday
On Thursday, after having breakfast, you will learn to cook typical Balinese food in our cooking class. After learning to cook delicious Balinese meals, you will then have lunch and attend a Balinese flower offering class where you will learn to make a flower offering for the Gods.
Friday
After having breakfast on Friday morning, you will leave for the spiritual tour where you will visit the popular Pura Tirta Empul which is also known as the holy water temple where you can enjoy a bath in holy waters. After the visit, you will have lunch and attend the project meeting in which you will be able to share your thoughts on the program.
Weekend
Free time for you to relax.
Week 2
Monday to Friday
During the second week of your stay in Bali, you will join the teaching program. During the weekdays, after having breakfast, you will engage in teaching. This teaching program will carry on till the afternoon and you will also enjoy your lunch in the break you get during the teaching program. However, Friday would be special for you as it would be the last day of the teaching program. Therefore, a small farewell party will be arranged for you at the end of the teaching program.
Weekend
Free time for you to relax.
Week 3
Monday
The third week of your comfort experience would start on Monday by a visit to Kintamani – a volcanic area after having your breakfast. Once you reach Kintamani, you will be able to enjoy the views of the beautiful Batur mountain landscapes and spice plantations. You will then come back to your accommodation for dinner.
Tuesday
You will start your day by going to Southern Bali after breakfast and then you will be visiting Jimbaran Beach and the Turtle conservation site in Serangan. After the visit you will have lunch and spend the rest of the time in the beach, freely.
Wednesday
After having breakfast on Wednesday, you will visit Budakeling silver vactorytengganan village and enjoy nature. After lunch you will continue, to visit Goa Gajah Cave Temple.
Thursday
The special activity of Thursday would be the visit to the Sukawati Art Traditional Market after having breakfast. Once you do the paintings, you can spend the day freely.
Friday
On Friday, you will enjoy a Balinese Massage after having breakfast. Since it would be the last day of your program, you will also have a farewell party at the house center after lunch.
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: 30
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: On Signup
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
There are no further requirements for this program.
Additional Equipment
No specific equipment required for this program.
Location
Dubbed the Island of the Gods, Bali is one of the more than 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. Due to its location off the coast from the mainland and unique culture and religion from the rest of the country, Bali is often treated as a destination of its own, “if you’ve only been to Bali, you’ve never been to Indonesia”.
With its pristine beaches, its unspoilt waters ideal for surfing and diving, its lush mountains, its never-ending rice terrace and volcanic hillsides, its spiritually-infused culture and more, Bali has quickly become a must-visit and it often makes its way on everyone’s bucket list.
About the Accommodation
The Balinese place great importance on family and our houses are located amongst Balinese compounds, where you will get the chance to interact with local families and practice your newfound language skills. You can expect to share a room on single-gender basis with an attached bathroom and study area.
Food Arrangements
The meals are provided in buffet style at the canteen.
Facilities
At the house, there is also a refrigerator for you to keep your food and drinks. There are two cafes nearby the accommodation which will take around 5 minutes walk. There are also ATMs, mini marts, some shops and restaurants in the city center.
Shopping
There are good grocery stores in Ubud, 24 hour stores and small, family run shops where you will be able to find everything that you need.
Restaurants and Cafes
If you want to eat out occasionally, there is a wide selection of restaurants with high standards of both international and local cuisine. There are several cafes in the village, where you can relax and hang out with other participants on your spare time.
Swimming Pools
There are two swimming pools, both located a five minute walk from our center.
Gym
There are several gyms in Ubud Center.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
Since the weekends are free, you can go wherever you please. Several popular destinations that you can reach by taxi are:
The Gili Islands, where you will find small resorts and huts for tourists looking to get away from the bustle of Ubud. The islands are a popular destination for snorkelling and diving due to its abundant marine life.
Nusa Lembongan, an island paradise with one of the most clear waters that you will ever see and it is also a place where you can find peace and completely relax. Surfing, diving and snorkeling are amongst the most popular activities that visitors can enjoy.
Lovina, located between the Bedugul mountains and the sea, is popular for dolphin watching, trekking, hot springs and its gorgeous coral reefs.
Sanur, a stretch of beach in Southeast Bali that contains villa resorts and Zen Villas. Historically, it was used as the landing site for the Dutch invasion troops during the Dutch invasion in 1906 as well as being the entry point into Bali for the Japanese during WWII.
Kuta, a beach known of its surfing opportunities and party atmosphere.
Uluwatu, a temple built at the edge of a 70 meter high cliff at the edge of the sea and inhabited by monkeys.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Quick Facts
Name: Republic of Indonesia
Population: 255,461,700 (2015)
Capital: Jakarta
Language: Indonesian (official)
Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
Time zone: UTC +8
Country Information
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, is home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages. It is known for its beaches, volcanoes and jungles sheltering elephants, tigers and Komodo dragons. On the island of Java lies Indonesia's vibrant, sprawling capital, Jakarta, and the city of Yogyakarta, known for gamelan music and traditional puppetry.
Bali
Dubbed the Island of the Gods, Bali is one of the more than 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. Due to its location off the coast from the mainland and unique culture and religion from the rest of the country, Bali is often treated as a destination of its own, “if you’ve only been to Bali, you’ve never been to Indonesia”.
With its pristine beaches, its unspoilt waters ideal for surfing and diving, its lush mountains, its never-ending rice terrace and volcanic hillsides, its spiritually-infused culture and more, Bali has quickly become a must-visit and it often makes its way on everyone’s bucket list.
Flores
Flores is located in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. It has adventure, eco-tours, and mountain climbing interspersed with visits to prehistoric heritage sites, traditional villages and cultural events. It has some of the world’s most exotic marine life. And if you want to see the famous Komodo Dragons alive, this is the only place in the whole world which gives you the experience. You can visit the Komodo dragons in their natural habitats in the Komodo National Park islands. Here you will witness the natural treasures still trying to survive in their purest forms.
Flores is a multi-religious and multi-cultural island where 60% of the people are Christian, 20% Islamic and 20% Hindus and Buddhists. The holidays for Flores are similar to the general Indonesian calendar.
Flores, though one of the main islands in Indonesia, is still trying to keep up with the rest of the country. Evidently, its exceptional natural treasures need more care and its warm hearted people need more support.
Climate
Temperatures are pleasant, varying from 20-33 degrees celsius year-round. The monsoon season strikes in November and makes its way until March, bringing in humidity and a significant amount of rain. However, this usually does not stop people from visiting, as the rain usually begins in the late afternoons and evenings, meaning the daytime remains sun-filled. From June to September, the weather is dry and there is not too much humidity in the air.
Culture
Indonesia is a haven for customs and this can be seen in every corner of the islands. Not to mention the fact that these islands themselves have their own traditions and customs which are different from one another.
A good example of this can be experienced in Bali, where small offerings containing flowers, rice and even cigarettes (sesajen) are found in every house, restaurants, stalls and even at the check-in desks at airports. The offerings are set with burning incense sticks and sprinkled with holy water three times a day before every meal.
There are roughly 20,000 temples spread around the island of Bali and, because the Balinese are masters of sculpture, the temples are guarded with statues of gods and goddesses.
Keep, in mind, however, that the Hinduism you will see in Bali is often different than the one seen in India.
Transportation
By bus
Perama buses are the most famous company that will transport you around Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Another popular company is Trans Sarbagita, which are comfortable and air conditioned and stop on bus stops on road curbs. We highly recommend booking at least one day in advance to make sure there is a seat for you. Moreover, there are shuttle buses (called “Bemos”) between Bali’s most popular destinations.
By Taxi
Taxis are a common way to get around. Blue Bird/Bali Taksi are regarded as one of the most reliable companies. Taxis are metered and the drivers are often able to speak good enough English to understand you. They also have a waiting service, which means they will wait for you while you go sightseeing and take you back home (for an extra charge, of course), if you wish to.
