Uncover the true spirit of Bali with Asian Trails
Asian Trails recently hosted a group of French travel agents on an immersive journey through Bali, showcasing the island’s rich diversity of attractions.
Organised in collaboration with Vietnam Airlines and Dusit International’s luxury villa brand, Elite Havens, the trip strengthened key partnerships while revealing the destination’s depth and diversity of experiences.
Led by Asian Trails’ Director of Sales for the French and Benelux markets, Pankaj Patpatia, the group arrived just ahead of Nyepi, Bali’s sacred Day of Silence. Marking the Balinese New Year, Nyepi is a unique Hindu celebration dedicated to self-reflection, renewal and spiritual cleansing.
For 24 hours, the entire island comes to a complete standstill – there are no flights, no traffic, no outdoor activities and even lights are kept to a minimum – creating a rare atmosphere of total quiet and introspection.
The timing of the trip offered a truly exceptional cultural experience and a valuable insight for agents designing meaningful itineraries. On the eve of Nyepi, the group witnessed the vibrant ogoh-ogoh celebrations, where impressive handcrafted statues are paraded through the streets, symbolising the purging of negative spirits.
As Nyepi began the following day, the island transformed into a place of profound stillness – a powerful and memorable moment that revealed Bali’s deeply rooted spiritual side, far beyond its well-known leisure appeal.
Beyond these cultural highlights, the journey also showcased the island’s natural beauty and rich heritage. The group explored the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih, travelling in vintage Volkswagen Kübelwagens for a nostalgic touch, before enjoying a scenic lunch in a tranquil bamboo forest.
A full day in a traditional village allowed participants to connect more closely with local life, gaining insight into daily routines and time-honoured practices such as rice cultivation and coconut oil production – experiences that can be seamlessly integrated into bespoke client journeys.
The programme concluded on a relaxing note with a catamaran cruise to Lembongan Island, where crystal-clear waters and a laid-back coastal atmosphere provided the perfect finale.
This trip not only strengthened product knowledge and partner collaboration, but also equipped agents with authentic, experience-led insights, enabling them to better inspire clients with culturally rich journeys to the Island of the Gods.
For advice about planning a similar journey in Indonesia, contact Asian Trails Indonesia.
