Bali, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, offers a perfect match for students travelers. Enjoy an immersive and diverse learning experience, combining history, religion, and biology within the island's captivating cultural and natural landscapes.
Students will be encouraged to analyze Bali's religious evolution, societal structures, and cultural dynamics, examining the intersections of colonization, religious systems, class, gender, and art, and tracing the impact of nature, climate change and biology upon the island’s evolution. Embracing Tri Hita Karana’s adaptability to "desa, kala, patra" (place, time, circumstance), our approach fosters curiosity, collaboration, and multiple perspectives. There will be ample opportunity for introspection and cross-cultural collaboration, including joint art and nature projects with Balinese youth. Through this immersive experience, students engage deeply with Bali's unique ambience, fostering understanding, empathy, and global citizenship.
OUR LOCATION: Tejakula is an old Apanaga village located in the northern part of Bali, Indonesia. Apanaga villages trace back to the 11th century Balinese Kings, and even today, the heads of Tejakula’s Traditional Council rule by descent. Tejakula is situated in the regency of Buleleng, known as “Segara Gunung” (Sea and Mountain) where the old mountain villages sweep down to meet the bronze age harbours and coastal plains. The village boasts mountain and forest landscapes, volcanic black sand beaches and traditional farming and fishing communities. Tejakula offers visitors a quiet and more authentic Balinese experience compared to the bustling tourist areas in the south.
In addition to its natural beauty, Tejakula is home to cultural attractions and spiritual sites. Students will visit important temple sites such as the 5000 year old Pura Ponjok Batu, known for its holy springs which bubble up from under the sea. The village also hosts traditional ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, providing insight into Balinese culture and spirituality.
The Gaia Oasis: A Haven for Students Gaia-Oasis Foundation offers a unique blend of serenity and community engagement. The foundation runs an extensive social and community program, with local and international partners including the Red Cross, Reefcheck Indonesia and One Tree Planted (OTP). The Foundation operates directly under the Head of Tejakula’s Traditional Council, and the Board of Trustees are drawn from Europe, Asia and Australia. Nestled between a vibrant hamlet and a protected forest, the Foundation’s “Abasan” property provides a soundscape of nature interwoven with local music and village life. Here, amidst 4 hectares of lush grounds, students can experience a harmonious balance of relaxation and exploration.
At Gaia Oasis, students are invited to experience a home away from home, where tranquility meets adventure. It is a place where students can Indulge in moments of deep relaxation, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. We are a bus ride away from the ocean.
ACCOMMODATION: Abasan at Gaia Oasis comprises Balinese-style bungalows and guest rooms, with expansive garden views. The larger homes have comfortable rooms to sleep 2- 4 students and open-air bathrooms, ensuring comfort and tranquility.
FOOD: The dining terrace, shaded by trees and bamboo, overlooks a verdant valley and offers a variety of vegetarian dishes influenced by Indonesian and Western cuisines. Special dietary requirements are catered to with care, and students and teachers can enjoy mineral water, herbal teas, and Balinese coffee throughout the day.
ACTIVITES: There is an inviting large saltwater pool, set against panoramic views, suitable for swimming laps. We also have areas to exercise, relax, or just sunbathe on its stone terrace. There is a network of walking trails that allows for exploration of the estate and surrounding landscapes, from orchards to jungle gorges.
Meditation and mindfulness sessions take place in the Mountain Lotus Shala. Additionally, the Forest Shala provides a tranquil setting for yoga practice, with sea glimpses and the soothing sounds of nature.
Abasan's commitment to sustainability is evident in its water management, organic gardens, and energy-saving initiatives. Students are welcome to contribute to the foundation's ongoing journey towards greater harmony and sustainability.
Guided tours of historical sites: Bali’s villages are living historical sites, with traditions and practices from the Neolithic to the post-colonial period. There will be opportunities to visit old “banua” villages, to experience ancient sites like Ponjok Batu sea temple with its megalithic stones and sarcophagus and 11th century “Kingdom Period” temples like Gunung Kawi, and/ or to take in colonial period palaces.
Museums and cultural landmarks: The island is home to museums like the Batur Geopark Museum, the Pejeng Antiquities Museum, the Karangasem Lontar Museum and the Setia Darma house of Masks and Puppets, showcasing the natural history and religio-artistic evolution of Bali.
Lectures and workshops: Local scholars and village elders can offer insights into the history and evolution of Balinese civilization, from its early kingdoms to its modern cultural identity.
World Religion:
Visits to sacred sites and temples: Bali’s religious practices have evolved to include pantheism, ancestor worship, Siva-Budha syncretic practices, Waisnawa ‘holy water’ rituals, to a modern form of “Balinese Hinduism”, providing a unique opportunity for students to explore the development of Bali’s religious practices in its cultural context.
Interactions with local religious leaders: Students can engage with Balinese Hindu priests, Village Elders and practitioners to understand the rituals, beliefs, and values of the Balinese Hindu community.
Comparative studies: Bali's religious landscape also includes mosques, churches, and Buddhist temples, allowing for comparative studies on various world religions within the island's multicultural society.
Biology:
Field trips to diverse ecosystems: Bali's natural beauty encompasses diverse ecosystems, from lush rice terraces to dense jungles and coral reefs. Students can explore places like the Besikalung Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jatiluwih UNESCO heritage listed rice fields, to study different habitats and biodiversity.
Workshops on local flora and fauna: Expert-led workshops can focus on Bali's unique plant and animal species, including their ritual footprints. Topics may include endemic species, conservation challenges, and sustainable practices.
Practical activities: Students can participate in wildlife observation, snorkeling excursions to study marine ecosystems, and ricefield treks to explore traditional water cycles.