Designed with the time-conscious photographer in mind, this short one week trip to Bali encompasses most of this tropical island’s many scenic highlights. It is combined with a winning combination of great experience, one-on-one photo critiques, tuition and solid technical help at every step of the way, thus ensuring that you not only return with some great shots, but that you also have a rewarding time while touring this beautiful island.

Overview of Itinerary

This 8-day photography tour is based in the Balinese mountain city of Ubud.

Once a haven for backpackers, Ubud is now a hotspot for the Literati, Glitterati and the artistically minded, and has been chosen for its culture, comfort, nature and inspiration.

Using Ubud as our base, we explore deep into this island paradise: northwest over mountains to the Gitgit Waterfall and lunch on the beach at Lovina; east to the volcano of Mount Batur and the sacred temple site of Besakih; south to Sanur and some of the best gardens on Bali.

Wherever there’s a great shot to be made – we stop!

Your Tour Leader

I’m in the envious position of being able to combine one of my life’s passions, photography, with my job. How good is that? And, even though I spend too much time in front of the computer, it’s the best job in the world.

Originally from the UK, I’ve spent more than 20 years in Sydney. I began work here as a cameraman in the audio-visual business, then a freelance photographer. More recently, I’ve worked as a contributing writer for several photo publications, then as a full-time editor for more than eight years. For the past nine years, I’ve run my own publishing business, producing Australia’s best-selling specialist digital photo techniques publication: Better Digital magazine.

With Better Digital I’ve pursued the goal of producing clear, well-illustrated publications written in simple English and have continued to develop this plain-speaking style in other specialist magazines like Better Photoshop Techniques and Digital PhotoART (a project-based publication with a distinct ‘scrapbooking’ style).

I find teaching one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had. Not only do I get to meet a bunch of great people, show them some really cool stuff to do with photo-taking, I now get to travel on the University of Sydney’s brilliant photo Study Tours program. But for me the most rewarding aspect of teaching is in being able to enthuse newcomers in the art of making great images. Robin Nichols.

Tour Highlights

• Stay in one of the most visually beautiful location on this island paradise
• Shoot in a range of lighting situations, with a professional on hand for technical guidance
• Receive expert photo advice and one-on-one critiques to improve your picture-making skills
• Marvel at the natural scenery and rich cultural heritage of Bali
• Soak up the tropical ambience that is Bali
• Receive first hand tuition on making impressive digital photo books

How much does the tour cost?

Land only: (ex Denpasar)
$2499 (based on twin-share accommodation)
$550 single supplement for single room

Getting there and back

If you require assistance with flights and additional arrangements not included in the land cost, please contact the Travel Coordinator on (02) 9036 4766 or email lissa.sharp@sydney.edu.au

Subject to exchange rate fluctuations and the number of people on the tour, the price may vary. You will be notified immediately of any changes. The land costs are based on a minimum of 8 tour participants. A deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve a place on the tour. The deposit is fully refundable for cancellations made more than 120 days before departure. The full balance is due 60 days before departure.

What is included in the land tour cost?

• All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
• Accommodation in a 4- star resort/hotel
• When on excursion, transport by air-conditioned coach
• Admission to all sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary
• Visa Fees and immigration assistance
• Services of tour leader, Robin Nichols, from Ubud (21 October) to Legian/Kuta (29 October)
• Group tips to drivers and guides
• $100 Blurb book voucher to create your own impressive coffee table book upon your return
• Pre-departure meeting and buffet dinner in Sydney

What is not included in the land cost?

• Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, or listed as optional
• Tips for individual services
• Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone and fax bills and other incidentals

Detailed Itinerary

Meals included in itinerary
Breakfast (B)
Lunch (L)
Dinner (D)

Sunday 21 October

Upon arrival at Denpasar you are met and transferred to your hotel in Ubud, an approximate 50 minute drive into the hills on the slopes of Bali’s largest volcano, Mount Batur. Overnight: Ubud

Monday 22 October

On our first day in Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali, we take a late breakfast and meet in the lobby for a briefing on what to expect in terms of visual opportunities and technical difficulties.

Robin discusses the photographic challenges you might encounter when shooting in the tropics, the gear you might need to use, and the best techniques for getting fabulous results with an eye on making a coffee table book at the end of the trip.

We take a leisurely walk into the centre of Ubud, and then amble down into the Champuan valley to visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the home of surrealist painter Blanco. The house and grounds are filled with the works of this eccentric Spanish artist. It’s a stimulating place to begin a creative photography tour.

We return to Ubud for a leisurely lunch followed by a workshop on HDR, flash and macro photography in the afternoon.

Before sunset we head off to the rice terraces of Tegallalang, north of Ubud, to catch the last rays of the sun over one of the world’s most spectacular rice terraces. Overnight: Ubud. (B, L, D)

Tuesday 23 October

Today is a bit of an adventure as we travel north into the centre of Bali.

We first visit isolated Ulu Danu, a Hindu temple built in the shallows of Lake Bratan.

We then press on, heading further north to the tiny country town of Mayong and then to Gitgit Waterfalls. As with many of the locations visited on this tour, a tripod is essential.

We spend some time exploring the area before heading into Singaraja, the capital of northern Bali, then stop at Lovina Beach for lunch. After a relaxing meal we visit more scenic locations around Seririt, to the west of Lovina.

Driving back towards Ubud, we stop at the tiny hamlet of Sanda. This is one of the best rice terrace locations on the island and provides you with an opportunity for making great close ups, panoramas and expansive landscape shots with the late afternoon sun setting.

We head back to Ubud in time for a late dinner. Overnight: Ubud. (B, L, D)

Wednesday 24 October

The morning is for relaxation before we head out of Ubud to explore the best ‘local’ attractions on offer in this region. These include the picturesque craft village of Mas, the amazing religious carvings at Goa Gajah, and the impressive statues of Gunung Kawi.

We take a break from this cultural experience with lunch in the area, followed by a short drive back into Ubud, and a leisurely stroll round its extensive local markets.

After an early dinner we spend time critiquing the work shot so far and Robin runs a short workshop on the skills needed for making an eye-popping digital picture book. Overnight: Ubud (B, L, D)

Thursday 25 October

Today’s excursion takes us to the eastern part of the island, driving through an endless array of beautiful Balinese villages surrounded by mountains and rice fields.

First stop is Mount Batur, the largest of Bali’s volcanoes. We head across the deep ravines of Batur for Mount Agung, and Besakih, the most sacred temple site of the Balinese. Here we spend time walking around the stark, stone columns of this sacred place before heading into the rice bowl of eastern Bali.

We stop at some great scenes on the way in Amlapura and the rice terraces at Ngis. Overnight: Ubud (B, L)

Friday 26 October

Heading east again, we first stop at Goa Lawah, the bat cave shrine and afterwards visit Tenganan, one of the few remaining original Bali Aga communities.

We stop for lunch at the beachside resort of Candidasa, amidst swaying palm trees, and the quiet and natural surroundings of Mendira Bay before heading back to Ubud for early afternoon.

The special topic for the afternoon shoot is portraiture, and we get the chance to practise some of our new-found skills on a very special model. Robin also runs through the technical problems you need to master when shooting with flash at night.

Tonight we visit Batu Bulan, the home of the Kecak and Fire dance – an experience not to be missed. Overnight: Ubud. (B, L)

Saturday 27 October

Today we begin the photographic fun by visiting the holy springs of Tirta Empul near Tampaksiring. This is another marvellous opportunity to shoot moving water, using your tripod and neutral density filters for some great special effects.

We move on to the summit of Mount Batur and the township of Kintamani.

Our journey takes us into the crater where we dip our toes in the hot springs, before we take a boat trip to Trunyan, another Bali Aga village isolated from the rest of the community by the huge expanse of Lake Batur.

Lunch is booked at a crater-view restaurant on the lip of the volcano at Kedisan. After enjoying the cool climate of the volcano environment we drive on to Bangli and the Kehen temple before heading back into Ubud. Overnight: Ubud. (B, L)

Sunday 28 October

Our last full day in Bali is spent travelling south to Sanur, where we get the chance to shoot some of the best gardens in Bali, then on to Ulu Watu in the southern part of the island, for more great scenic opportunities.

In the evening we enjoy a luxury farewell dinner in one of the area’s best restaurants. Overnight: Legian/Kuta. (B, D)

Monday 29 October

Today is at leisure before we depart for our flights home. For your convenience, your room has been booked for a late check out and a transfer arranged to Denpasar Airport. (B)

Additional Information

Proposed Accommodation

Ubud: Arma Resort: www.armaresort.com

Pre-Departure Meeting

Approximately 3 weeks before your departure there will be an evening meeting and buffet dinner. This allows you to meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions and gain valuable information regarding climate, currency and other travel information. It also offers an opportunity to raise and discuss any equipment or technical questions with Robin.

Fitness

Overseas travel takes us beyond our usual physical and mental comfort zone. Therefore, please consider the following carefully.

In order to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside, the museums and attractions, it is often necessary to walk reasonable distances as motor access may be difficult. This often involves stairs and slopes, as well as slippery and uneven surfaces. You should be fit enough to walk for periods of up to 90 minutes with only short breaks. A pair of comfortable walking shoes with a firm grip is recommended.

If after carefully reading this daily tour program, you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to participate in this tour, causing delay or inconvenience to others, please contact the Travel Coordinator (02 9036 4766) to discuss further the physical demands of the tour.

What level of photographic experience and equipment do I need?

The idea behind this tour is to gather together a group of like-minded ‘photo nuts’ who, more than anything else, share a passion for making great pictures, regardless of individual skill levels or equipment. Therefore, this tour is open to photographers of all skills levels. In fact, you don’t have to have had any experience at all. However, to get the most benefit from the tuition on offer, Robin recommends you have a camera with manual exposure controls for the simple reason that there is only so much one can do with a basic point-and-shoot camera. (Manual capable cameras start from only a few hundred dollars and produce excellent results).

Throughout the tour, Robin teaches a number of different photo topics, starting with the basics for absolute beginners, right through to advanced levels for the more experienced. Because of the creative energy usually shared by such an enthusiastic group, even novices will find the challenges stimulating and great fun in a way that far surpasses anything they might learn in a regular classroom situation. You also have the additional bonus of sharing and learning from fellow participants who may have more or different experiences to you.

Further specific questions of a photographic and technical nature?

If you have any questions of a photographic and technical nature, Robin will be happy to talk to you before and after you make a booking. Please contact the Travel Coordinator to forward your details to Robin.

Post tour tuition

In order for you to make the most out of your photographs Robin will conduct a short photo book-making course at the Centre for Continuing Education after the conclusion of the tour. For further details and to enrol in this class please contact customer service on 02 9036 4789 or enrol online at www.sydney.edu.au/cce

Safety and Security

Your safety and security is our priority. If the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues an official ‘do not travel’ warning for places visited on a tour, we cancel the tour and give you a full refund.