SLOW TRAVEL in Bali, Indonesia
WALK ON THE WISE SIDE
slow travel in BALI, INDONESIA | experience Astungkara trail | hosted by Astungkara way | interview with Tim Fijal (Founder)
THE ASTUNGKARA TRAIL SOUNDS LIKE AN INCREDIBLE SLOW TRAVEL EXPERIENCE. NOT ONLY IS IT A BRILLIANT EXCUSE TO GET BACK TO BALI, BUT IT ALSO PROVIDES AN AUTHENTIC WAY TO TRULY CONNECT WITH LOCAL LIFE BY CONTRIBUTION. LIKE AN INCREDIBLE SELF-CARE/GIVE-BACK CONCEPT THAT COULD REALLY CHANGE LIVES FOR THE BETTER. WHO WOULD REALLY BENEFIT TO DO THIS PILGRIM TRAIL?
Thank you. This question really ‘gets it’. I think anyone would benefit from being a pilgrim on the Astungkara Trail. Humans are connected with nature. But for centuries, we have been interacting otherwise. Now is the time to relearn our place in the Universal chain, and what better way, than to walk on a pilgrimage trail to accelerate this ‘back to nature’ awakening. Right now, I believe humankind is craving this primal
need globally.
Our Trail is for those who feel their heart beating for change. For reconnection with nature, community and with their food source. Bali provides precious time and space to disconnect from screens… slow down, notice more, and feel gratitude again for the miracles of nature. This is a chance to reconnect with self too. An inner journey while walking across vistas and distance is a beautiful thing to experience. I think people are really craving this kind of immersive travel experience now.
Joanna Macy, an environmental activist and author, refers to this phenomena as ‘The Great Turning’.
I believe the time of awakening is now. The pandemic has exacerbated this great yearning in all of us somehow. A pilgrimage creates a way to synthesise this yearning in an honest and tangible way.
We’ve created the Astungara Trail for travellers to authentically connect to this loveable island destination, while inspiring net benefit for local ecosystems and communities. The further you stray from the places where visitors to this island tend to congregate, the more your heart is warmed by the genuine smiles and warmth of people who are still so very connected to their land, which makes for a refreshing interaction to daily life, so far removed from the tech-driven world. We hope our pilgrims will contribute to the regeneration in local communities and ecosystems, while reviving their own relationship with nature. There is no more profound benefit to be had than that!
WHAT DO YOU THINK A PILGRIM WOULD LEAVE THE ISLAND WITH, THAT IS DIFFERENT TO PREVIOUS HOLIDAY VISITS?
We don’t want to spoil the surprises that await pilgrims on the Astungkara Trail, but we can say that the walk is curated in a way that allows pilgrims insights and connections with the true essence of Bali. This island is so very unique and abounding in blessings for the intrepid slow explorer. Our pilgrims can leave this island with the greater sense of having truly connected… with themselves, the local communities, with nature, and with an elated sensation of hope for a better future.
PLEASE SHARE SOME TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS ON THIS PILGRIMAGE JOURNEY. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AND WHERE DO GUESTS STAY?
Pilgrims on the Astungkara Trail will experience the sensation of slowing down to feel their hearts beat in time with traditional Bali. By walking their way across beautiful vistas and rice paddies, and connecting ‘as one’ with nature, to discover the local way of life. For 10 days, the trail will meander a course of farms, gardens and coral reefs teaming with life. Pilgrims can participate in Balinese rituals, like planting, harvesting and cooking with locals and enjoying the local cuisine. It’s an interactive learning experience, but there is also time to rest, reflect and enjoy the journey.
Much longer trails will be available in the future.
WHAT DO YOU THINK A TRAVELLER CAN GAIN MOST BY ENGAGING ON A MORE INTERACTIVE LEVEL WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES? FOR US, THIS IS WHAT SLOW TRAVEL IS ALL ABOUT!
The Balinese, and any other traditional communities in general have so much to share with so many ways to enrich a visitor’s experience. But a tragic missed travel opportunity is when one only interacts to experience local people in hotels or restaurants. In my experience, there has been nothing more moving in terms of connecting with local people than growing food together on their ancestral land.
The Balinese are so open to sharing their cultural heritage and knowledge. Generation-old skills are still being practiced on a daily basis, which is not the case of many tourist destinations. To get a glimpse into a way of life that evolves around community values and traditions, we can be inspired to live more simply, to live closer to our food, and consider why the Balinese smiles come so easily.
BALI IS SUCH A SPIRITUAL PLACE TOO AND THE BALINESE ARE RENOWNED FOR THEIR BEAUTIFUL SMILES AND HOSPITALITY. PLEASE SHARE A LOCAL TIP FOR TRAVELLERS VISITING THE ISLAND. SOMETHING HEARTFELT TO MAKE LOCALS SMILE.
I’ve personally lived on this beautiful island for almost a decade now and one experience that has been really consistent with my interactions with Balinese people is the extent to which they take joy in being spoken to in their local language. Some foreigners will make an effort to learn Indonesian, the national language, but very few learn Balinese. To simply greet a Balinese local in their local language is a beautiful way to acknowledgment with respect to their local island culture, community and surrounds. It guarantees a smile every single time.
astungkaraway.com
SLOW TRAVEL FAST FACTS
SHIBUI PAPER PLANES NO. 33 | PUBLISHED BY SHIBUI & CO.
How many days should one book to stay in Bali, to include this Trail?
We currently offer a 10-day trail with the possibility to extend to 13-days, (includes a 3-day marine conservation experience add-on). Beyond this, pilgrims may wish to spend spare time before and/or after the trail, to connect with the plethora of beautiful places and people found all over the island.
What should we bring?
A good pair of walking shoes and sports sandals as back-ups, a large water bottle and a wide-brimmed hat. But the most essentials… an open mind, willing spirit and hopeful quest to feel transformed and inspired to contribute with regenerative action for the greater cause
Is this a vegan-friendly experience?
Absolutely! There is an abundance of delicious, healthy produce on this island to be harvested and consumed along the trail. Our guests are encouraged to harvest and prepare their own meals too. We also cater for non-vegans.
Upcoming Trail Walks (10 days, coast-to-coast for adults):
2021: October 3-12 / November 20 - 29 / December 18 - 27
2022: Dates to be released.
Please contact Astungkara Way directly for enquiries and bookings.
To read this slow travel feature in magazine format, flick to page 82, SHIBUI Issue below.