Bali Spirit Dance Pilgrimage

March 20-30, 2025

Salamat Datang (welcome)

Dance to free your spirit, sing to open your heart. Be inspired, empowered and awakened in exotic Bali. 

A journey of this type occurs once in a lifetime.

This retreat supports you to move away from your normal life and go deeper into your self. Come on a sacred journey to Bali.

Eleven days on a Dance Pilgrimage:

Our Program Overview

We will be focusing strongly on spiritual healing and renewal, and visiting and doing ceremony at sacred sites.

We will also experience Balinese Dance and Music and all the many facets of Balinese daily life.

We will explore the beauty of nature in Bali and Balinese healers. 

We will be served delicious foods and bask in the tropical weather. 

This pilgrimage is an affirmation and dedication to our next best versions of ourselves to step into 2025 and beyond with spiritual strength and vigor.

We have a fantastic well planned schedule, along with many surprises, ceremonies and practices to share. Whether you want to make major shifts in your life or just have fun, be prepared for a miraculous change in perception.

Join Us for

• Dances of Universal Peace
• Sufi zikr singing
• Heart centered meditation practices and yoga
• Sufi healing service
• Ecstatic dancing
• Spiritual discussion
• Swimming in the ocean, hotel pools or soaking in the hot spring pools. 
• Pilgrimages to sacred site
• enjoying beautiful nature of Bali
• Balinese banquets at selected restaurants
• Shopping at selected artisan shops

It's easier to shift and tap into higher energies and our higher selves when away from home, and the distractions of daily life. 

Being in Bali and with the group will strengthen and awaken our gifts. Bali is a unique environment for achieving heightened spiritual awareness. 

We will create a sacred and loving cocoon for your journey.

Here is link to other web page with more info and links to register

https://danceandsufiretreats.com/bali-spirit-dance-pilgrim

Bali Spirit

Bali is a vibrant, colourful and lovely tropical island set in the Indian Ocean. Spirituality is an integral part of daily life and many visitors fall in love with the evocative, unique culture and the intrinsic grace and beauty of the land and her people. 

We will be staying at two different hotels. The first one is Ananada Cottages in Ubud for first three nights. Here we will land and get oriented to being in Bali. Our first day we will go to Tirtha Empul which is a sacred bathing temple. There are over 12 different spouts of sacred holy spring water, that purifies and cleanses either your emotional,spiritual or physical bodies. Then we will go into the Temple to make traditional Balinese prayer and offerings. Welcome to bali.

Our second hotel is called Mimpi Hot spring hotel in West bali about a 3 1/2 beautiful drive across Bali to get to west Bali.The hotel borders West BAli National Park. so it is a very beautiful area. .The hotel is on the ocean There are 2 swimming pools and 3 hot spring pools. Here we will dive deep into our retreat while soaking in hot water and enjoying beautiful nature 

Our first 3 nights will be based near Ubud, the cultural center of Bali, and offer a program designed to sample the richness of the Balinese culture. 

The Balinese are a friendly and remarkably artistic people. They have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies, making Bali an island almost unreal in today's hectic and changing world. Their Hindu religion is a daily celebration of the land, the gods and the people.

Bali Culture

We invite you to Bali Hati (The Heart of Bali). We will explore the culture, religion, nature and people of Bali. Known as the land of a thousand Temples, we will experience being pilgrims on a journey in this magical land by participating in Temple Ceremonies, and sacred bathing in pure spring water, hot springs and ocean water.

We chose Bali because the island is in its own world that contains a deeply profound spiritual culture that is still intact. Most of Indonesia is Moslem, and Bali is mostly Hindu.

The Balinese are a very talented people who surround themselves with creativity, art, music, dance and healing.

The culture is family oriented and the people take care of each other, there is a great wealth among the people. Several generations live under the same roof. There are many villages and each is known for its particular type of art, for example one is silver jewelry, wood carvings, paintings, etc.

The land is green, lush, tropical and full of natural beauty, and is known as the land of 1,000 temples. There are many types of water from cold springs, hot springs, to the ocean (with dolphins), to rivers with rapids.

As Maui, Sedona and Mt Shasta are power spots, so is Bali. It is easier to grow and have powerful experiences in these power places.

1. This is a message from Gayan about His personal experience

Bali is imbued with flowers and delight. One can only attempt to ensnare so many photos of relentless beauty before shaking the head in surrender. The natural land and seascape allure, in consort with a resplendent aesthetic imprint, is ineffable. Balinese people are inclined towards effusive singsong “hellos” and indiscriminate smiles. Ceremony and creativity are woven into the fabric of the culture: like the meditative spinning, painstaking hand-dyeing, and methodical weaving of traditional sarongs. The intoxicating cacophony of gamelan music is reflected in the chaotic, yet somehow harmonious, vehicle and pedestrian traffic in Ubud.

There is a kind of non-dual magic that orchestrates this whole melange. “Negative” forces are not disowned. They are identified. Named. Made offerings to out of respect. Danced. Appeased. There are temples everywhere. I mean, EVERYWHERE. An incomprehensible-to-many proportion of family time, attention, and earnings are invested in ceremony. A deep Hindu influence intimates that reincarnation is a matter of fact. Cremations are public affairs. Death has a dignified place at the table. Right next to Life. Like the black and white stripes on the curbs of the roads or the checkered white and black fabric worn by temple keepers and sacred trees alike. Life. Death. Negative. Positive. The entire dazzling catastrophe honored.

What of the tourism and privilege gap? The seismic impact of the book “Eat Pray Love,” and particularly the ensuing film, is massive and replete with aftershocks. Still, a genuine sense of being welcomed pervades those of us not “native” to Bali. Balinese are steeped in the view that when one dies they eventually reincarnate and return home. To Bali. All who venture here are embraced as if they are returning home. This has shaken my underlying embarrassment and shame around being a “person of privilege.” I’ve relaxed into an even deeper felt-sense of simply being human. And welcomed. Included.

Bali is not for the timid. It is, however, for the gentle.

Excerpted from the unedited first draft of the upcoming book “Thunderbolts: Flashes of Insight From the Road Home”

©️ 2024 by Gayan Gregory Long

Program Details

Mornings:

 Every morning Yoga at 7AM.

Breakfast Is at 8 am. Big buffet with lots of choices

Morning program starts at 9am

Afternoons:

Our afternoon times will include some time after lunch for shopping, swimming, sun-bathing, or exploring on short trips to temples.

OR relaxing with a Balinese massage and flower petal bath

Evenings:

In Ubud hopefully go to an evening Balinese performance of music and dance.

Most evenings we will either sing dance or do kirtan. 

We will explore the warm, tropical nights by tasting Balinese culture, or staying at our hotel for zikr and Kirtan.

Bali Day Trip Activities

The First Full Day March 21st, Water Purification

Our first morning together after breakfast we will drive to Pura Tirta Empul for a sacred water purification ceremony. This temple, in the village of Tampaksiring, is known as the “Holy Spring Temple” and one of the most sacred spots in Bali.

Water spouts pour water from 12 sacred fresh water springs into one long pool. Each spout purifies a different part of your physical, emotional and spiritual body. Tirta Empul is where the Hindu Priests and Balinese people come for purification, prayers and healing. We will take part in a sacred purification ritual. Prepare to release anything and everything that holds you back from being your highest self. Then we change clothes and enter temple to make offerings and prayers. Welcome to Bali

After lunch we go to Gunung Kawi which is a gorgeous river valley. We walk down 300 steps then see ancient temples carved out of the rocks.Most Unique temple in all of Bali. Here we will sing and dance in beautiful nature. This is the only temple in Bali like this.

Our second day we will visit the Mask and Puppet museum in Mas the village of carvers. There are 7 buildings full of masks and puppets mostly from Bali yet also Java, Japan Thailand and other places. Here again in this beautiful nature setting we will do dances in nature. After Lunch free time to shop in Ubuds many shops full of beautiful items.

Our third day after breakfast we leave Ubud for 4 hour drive to West BAli over the mountains for very scenic drive to Mimpi Hot spring hotel

At Mimpi Hotel we will go Snorkeling after breakfast one day. We will go to 2 different spots to snorkel. We will have lunch in between the Snorkeling. Since this is located in West Bali national park this is a protected area so the ocean and snorkeling are pristine and incredible. If you are a certified scuba diver this is an option for an additional fee.

We might go early one morning for walk inside the West BAli national park for sunrise bird watching. 

Also massage and healing available here. They have a beautiful spa offering balinese massage, Thai massage and other modalities of healing. This you pay for, hopefully I can get us discounted prices. They are REALLY good massagers here.

Balinese Shopping in Ubud

You can find anything in Ubud, there are handicrafts from all over the island, a farmer’s market, and special ceremonial items the Balinese need everyday, plus much more. This will give you an up-close and personal experience of Balinese life and people.

As Bali is the land of artists and creativity we will have lots of opportunity to see and purchase a wide variety of art, clothing, jewelry, crafts and more.

Having had a Bali import business for over 20 years, we will take you to some of the manufacturers for you to view and purchase items at wholesale prices. Some of these include hand painted silk sarongs, scarves, robes and clothing, batik sarongs, silver jewelry and lots more.

Meals

All breakfasts will be at our hotel. Some lunches will also be at our hotel.

Dinners will be different every night at the many different restaurants that Ubud has to offer. All of our meals will be gourmet Balinese and international cuisine.

All meals will be buffet style with many options. Remember to fill out your dietary needs on registration form. Drinks are NOT included.

Unfortunately specific diets can not be catered for, however the choices available should allow participants to be selective in their eating. Menu choices will include vegan, vegetarian, dairy products, chicken and fish.

We will provide unlimited pure drinking water the entire time we are together.

Balinese Healers and Massage

Everyone will receive a welcome massage, Herbal rub and flower hot bath as a gift from us to welcome you to Bali.

There are many healers and different styles of massage available here in Bali. All this is optional and requires additional fee arranged thru Solomon.

These are optional and additional fee needed arranged thru Solomon. 

Facilitators

Sheikh Gayan Long

Gayan is an acclaimed drummer, composer, leader of the Dances of Universal Peace, spiritual mentor, retreat leader, and storyteller. He has dedicated his life to awakening human potential through music, devotional practices, pithy teachings, and community celebration. 

Gayan is a direct disciple of Pir Shabda Kahn, the lead teacher of the Sufi Ruhaniat International’s school of western Sufism.

He has shared the Dances world wide and led retreats with some of the foremost spiritual leaders of our time.

Solomon Sikirdji

Solomon, our organizer and tour guide, has been going to Bali for 33 years. He has been intimately involved with Balinese culture and lifestyle and has a fond admiration for the Balinese people. It has been Solomon’s dream and vision to bring people to Bali to experience firsthand the “old ways” of Balinese culture. He has been doing this since 2008. It is his hope that you can connect with the hearts of the Balinese people for your own personal experience. 

His personal tour company is called Bali Hati. (Heart of Bali) His philosophy is traveling as a pilgrim, not as a tourist. Solomon has been on the Sufi path over 40 years incorporating Sufi wisdom and teachings with his daily life. He is a qualified healing conductor and will offer morning yoga, the Sufi Healing Ritual and other Sufi practices. Solomon has made Maui, Hawaii his home for the last 44 years.

Logistics

Plan Your Trip:

Your lodging is paid for from March 20 afternoon through March 30 around midday, 2025. We recommend you arrive early on March 18th to acclimate to the new time zone and rest for a day, which costs an additional $100 per room and does not include food. But arriving early on the 20th will work well also. 

If you choose to arrive a few days early you can arrive at the same hotel and explore Bali as you wish.

You can arrange to leave the night of March 30th (most international planes leave at night) or you can stay longer in Bali on your own. From Mimpi hotel the drive is about 4 hours plus to airport so plan accordingly.

Solomon will gladly answer your questions about options to stay longer.

Prior to Departure

Please check the expiration date of your passport as it MUST be valid for 6 months PAST the date you are planning on leaving Bali. In this case, your expiration date must be at least Oct 3, 2025. 

If your passport expires before this you need to renew it before leaving for Bali.

Also Indonesia is located across the International Date Line from the United States. So we will lose one day traveling to Bali and gain it back on the way home.

Bali Spirit Dance Pilgrimage Costs:

REGISTER EARLY FOR DISCOUNTS!

• US $2200 Earlybird discount: Registered by Oct 1,2024, if paid in full pay by Jan 15, 2025
• US $2,350 Early registration until Jan 1, 2025. Must be fully paid by Feb 15, 2024
• US $2500 registration after Jan 1, 2025, ideally fully pay by March 15, 2025 or contact Solomon.

Mimpi hotel Option of Villa with private Hot spring pool. Add $200 per person

A $500 deposit saves your registration price

All registration fees paid in full by March 1 unless arranged with Solomon

Payment by check, bank transfer, credit card or PayPal.

This includes

• airport pickup and driving to hotel
• all lodging (double occupancy)
• ground transportation in Bali
• pure drinking water
• most meals (we may have one or 2 free evenings)
• all temple entrance fees
• all performances
• all the Teachings, classes and dances
• one Massage with Healing herbs and hot flower bath

What this does not include

• Airfare to Bali
• drinks other than pure water
• tips to staff (hotel and drivers)
• any other massages or healing's
• return drive to airport

(approx. $30 each person arranged thru Solomon)

Our Hotel

The village of Ubud lies some 20 km from the coast. It is a centre for arts, crafts and dance. Cooler and quieter than the coast, the village is a thriving mecca for tourists, traders, travelers and those searching rest and relaxation.

Ananda Cottages is on the outskirts of Ubud, overlooking rice fields. Rooms are in the traditional Balinese style with ceiling fans and bamboo and wood features. The rooms are set in lush grounds with streams, flowers and trees. There are lovely swimming pools and a large meeting hall surrounded by fields.

 Our second hotel is in West BAli about 3 1/2 hour drive from Ubud Mimpi Menjangen Hot spring Hotel on the ocean. Beautiful rooms with patio and bathroom. Hotel has 2 swimming pools, lounge chairs and cabanas to relax in. 3 different public hot spring pools to soak in.

The first meal will be evening meal on April 7th, and the last meal will be lunch on the last day April 17.

Accommodation is in twin share rooms, with private bathrooms. Each room is different but all are cooled. Those traveling alone will automatically be allocated a twin room sharing. 

• All rooms are double occupancy.
• All rooms have an overhead fan and air conditioning.
• All breakfasts are at our Hotel Ananda Cottages in Ubud and Mimpi hotel

If you want a single private room with a queen bed, add an additional fee of $470 total for the entire retreat.

The first meal will be evening meal on March 20th, and the last meal will be lunch on the last day March 30.

Flights

Airline reservations made sooner than later to secure your best price on round trip to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia is advisable.

Participants will be responsible for arranging their own flights to Bali. Your travel agent can help you find the best fare, and you can also try cheaptickets.com on the web and making a bid for your fare. Or try ASAPtickets.com. We have great reports about people saving money with this service.

PICKUPS IN BALI
You can arrive on the day before, or even earlier if you want more recovery time.  We can arrange for someone to meet you if you tell us in advance. You will hire your own ride back to the airport at the end of your stay.

Arriving

Upon arrival to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali, you will be met by our personal Balinese drivers and taken directly to our hotel. 

Depending on your arrival time, after checkin at the hotel your driver will be taking you for a complimentary Balinese massage and mandi lulur as our way of welcoming you to Bali as we get ready to start our journey together.  

You will receive a relaxing Balinese style massage and lulur which is a Balinese herbal scrub made of turmeric, sandalwood and rice powder ending with a hot flower bath. 

This will be a great way to unwind and relax after hours of airplane travel.

The First Full Day March 20th, Water Purification

Our first morning together after breakfast we will drive to Pura Tirta Empul for a sacred water purification ceremony. This temple, in the village of Tampaksiring, is known as the “Holy Spring Temple” and one of the most sacred spots in Bali. 

Water spouts pour water from 12 sacred fresh water springs into one long pool. Each spout purifies a different part of your physical, emotional and spiritual body. Tirta Empul is where the Hindu Priests and Balinese people come for purification, prayers and healing. We will take part in a sacred purification ritual. Prepare to release anything and everything that holds you back from being your highest self.

Then we go to Gunung Kawi which is a gorgeous river valley and do Dances there.

Extra Time in Bali

Extra time in the hotel can be booked for a cost of about $100 per room per night, which includes breakfast.

You might like to make the most of this glorious destination by taking additional time on the island. We recommend doing so after the retreat, when you are already familiar with the territory. There are wonderful beaches and coral reefs in Bali, great for snorkeling and scuba.

Your travel agent will be able to arrange additional accommodation if you wish to explore other cities. For those traveling independently we can help find hotels in Ubud or elsewhere on the island. You may be able to stay on at a greatly reduced cost depending on your choice of residence and other expenses. Some simple, nice hotels cost as little as $25 per night. Solomon can help you find a driver if needed.

Event Guidelines

• No Pets Please
• Adults only or older teenagers
• This is a substance free event, please leave alcohol and drugs at home. Illegal drugs are punishable by death in Indonesia! 
• We ask for keeping voices low when outside the buildings.  
• Please keep the site clean, leave no trace, give space and respect the animals and the private homes on the land.  
• All interactions with others are by mutual consent, based on respect and clear communication  
• Refrain from wearing strong scents to help others who are chemically sensitive
• No violence or loud public arguments or disturbances of any kind tolerated  
• Keep quieter after 10 pm so others can sleep.
• Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in you being asked to leave without a refund.

Cancellation

Payments are refundable up until January 15th, less a $200 cancellation fee. 

Cancellations after January 15 and before February 15 will be refunded 50%.

No refunds after February 15th 2024, except we will refund all your payment less $200 if we can fill your spot.

Safety in Bali

Due to the international situation, some people are concerned about traveling in Indonesia. However, Bali is a Hindu country and has traditionally always been a very safe place for people to visit. The Balinese people are very friendly to travelers, especially now that many people have been reluctant to travel. We have local friends who will take us to all the best places and be sure that everyone is treated well. Do not bring any illegal drugs as they have severe punishments for that.

Pre-event Safety Agreements Summary

Refer to the Health and Safety Protocols for details.

We will be taking many steps to insure all of our safety, including:

• Requiring a period of relative self seclusion for 5 days beforehand, except for travel;
• Refraining from risky practices such as going to large events,
• Avoiding anyone who is sick,
• We recommend taking a COVID test a within 2 days before the event. Bring two or three more tests in case you get ill at the event.
• We may ask you to do a rapid testing of yourself the day the event starts at the site with one of your tests.
• If you have any symptoms of illness, please do not come to the event. Part of your money could be refunded less the operating expenses as per the refund policy, if you cancel within 15 days before the training.]

Health

We ask you to take responsibility for your health and well being by arranging medical insurance and by consulting a health professional, before booking, if you have any physical or emotional condition, which may affect your participation in this holiday. 

Your doctor will be able to advise you of any health precautions recommended for travelers to Bali.

We all want to feel safe to explore and connect with each other! We know people have different beliefs around disease and being safe with it, and we ask you to please abide by these guidelines to protect the organizers and other attendees.

Weather

March is a wonderful time in Bali in terms of the weather. Please pack for the tropics, 80’s during the day and 60’s in the evening. 

Should you forget something, the shopping in Ubud is wonderful and you can find whatever you may need.

Pure Food and Water

We will be drinking purified water and eating food that is prepared with Westerners in mind. It is not recommended to drink the local water.

You should be physically able to walk and dance without too much trouble, as our program will include these activities.