Bali, Java Beginning Women's Photo Journey & Beyond (iPhones are Welcome) April 28 - May 7, 2026
Day 1 April 28.
- Arrive in Denpasar, Bali (airport code DPS) on this day and be met by a local representative with a plaque bearing your name. When you purchase your ticket, remember to calculate for a day lost crossing the International Dateline from North America. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by our local representative and transferred to the hotel in Ubud. We meet for the first time as a group in the lobby of the hotel at 5:30pm followed by our welcome dinner. Overnight Ubud.
Day 2 April 29.
- After breakfast we visit a sanctuary for hundreds of monkeys. The Monkey Forest is set in a lush forest with ancient Hindu temples. This is a. wonderful place to see these wild animals in their natural habitat – and you’ll see lots of female monkeys with adorable babies. We then to to the Elephant Cave. This is the site of an ancient temple that dates back to the 11th century. It is believed it was built as a place for spiritual meditation, and it was rediscovered by Dutch archeologists in 1923. It’s a significant cultural and historical site in Ubud. Following lunch, we drive to a famous coffee plantation offering the most expensive coffee in the world. Luwak Coffee is made beans eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet, a cat-sized mammal native to Asia. The plantation has free coffee tasting if you dare to try it! You can also photograph beautiful rice terraces seen across the valley from the plantation. We will also visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces renowned for their beautiful, lush landscapes situated in the heart of Ubud. Overnight Ubud.
Day 3 April 30.
- Today we enjoy a performance of a uniquely stylized Balinese barong dance. The costuming, the makeup, and the fascinating choreography will keep you captivated. The Barong Dance is a traditional Balinese dance that depicts the battle between good and evil, represented by the Barong (a mythical lion-like creature) and Rangda (the demon queen). In the afternoon, we visit Celuk Village. It is renowned for its exceptional silver craftsmanship and is a must-visit
- destination for those interested in traditional Balinese silver jewelry and art. The village is home to numerous workshops and galleries where you can observe artisans at work and purchase unique silver pieces.
- After lunch we photograph two lovely Balinese dancers posing first on a stunning dragon staircase, and then they will come with us to a traditional Balinese temple and pose for more pictures. Overnight Ubud.
Day 4 May 1.
- After breakfast we have a wonderful experience learning how to prepare some of the famous dishes Indonesian cuisine is known for. Using spices native to Indonesia, our cooking class takes us to a traditional market to select special ingredients and where we can also photograph local people. The people in Bali are absolutely the sweetest you’ll ever meet, and they will be so happy to be photographed. The cooking class ends at 1:30pm, and then we visit Ubud Palace, the former residence of the royal family dating back 200 years. We end the day's outing with shopping in Ubud market. Overnight Ubud.
Day 5 May 2.
- Today we explore the Jetiluwih Rice Terraces. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for their expansive and lush green landscapes. They offer a serene and picturesque
- setting, perfect for hiking and photography. We then visit the beautiful Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Located on the shores of Lake Beratan, this iconic water temple is famous for its stunning location and traditional architecture. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu, and is one of the most photographed temples in Bali.
Day 6 May 3.
- We get up very early this morning and drive to Lempuyang Temple known for its iconic ‘Gates of Heaven’. Through the stone gates you can see beautiful Mount Agung in the distance. It’s a fantastic shot. Later we visit Tirta Gangga, formerly a royal palace featuring lovely water gardens, fountains, and stone carvings. The lush gardens and tranquil pool inspire reflection and inner harmony. Overnight Ubud.
Photo Gallery
Day 7 May 4.
- After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a flight to Yogyakarta in central Java. We transfer to our hotel and in the early evening go out for night photography in Malioboro Street. . This is a vibrant and bustling area in the heart of the city offering excellent opportunities to capture colorful images at night. There is a vibrant food market and wonderful shops to explore Overnight Yogyakarta.
Photo Gallery
Day 8 May 5.
- At sunrise this morning we photograph Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. In the afternoon we visit the 18th century Kraton, a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence of the Sultan and his family. The beautiful Water Palace within the Kraton is where the royal family bathed and spent much of their time. In the early evening, we enjoy dinner and a performance of the famous Ramayana, the epic story representing the basis of Hinduism. Overnight Yogyakarta.
Photo Gallery
Day 9 May 6.
- This morning we enjoy a traditional Javanese spa. The purification ritual for spiritual healing is a luxurious indulgence that will leave you feeling renewed, refreshed, and. revitalized.
- In the afternoon we will visit stunning Prambanan Temple, a magnificent Hindu complex with exquisite carvings depicting various Hindu deities and epic stories and impressive towers. It is one of the largest Hindu temple sites in Southeast Asia and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Prambanan is especially beautiful at sunset when the low angled sun casts a golden hue over the stone structures.
Photo Gallery
Day 10 May 7.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our return flight home (the Yogyakarta airport code is YIA).
Tour cost
$3750
Single Supplement $582
Domestic flight from Bali to Yogyakarta $82
Includes all lodging on a double occupancy basis, all breakfasts, all dinners, entrance fees, all ground transportation, cooking class, one session spa treatment and the services of an English speaking guide.
Small group of 4-8 participants.
Payment Terms
Deposit to hold spot $1000
The final payment is due by January 28, 2026!
Payment option:
Check, Credit card, Venmo Zelle or PayPal
Not included
International airfare, visa fee,
Domestic flight
Travel medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance required.
(Trip cancelation recommended)
All lunches , alcoholic beverages, items of a personal nature and tips for the local driver.