Saturday, April 23, 2016

Latest Newsletter is out

Hi Everyone.

My latest newsletter is out now.

Check it out here.


Patagonia - The Falklands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsular October 2017

Patagonia - The Falklands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsular October 2017



Do I have you attention? 

Join me on an incredible odyssey as we discover the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Glaciers, enormous mountain vistas and unique wildlife. 





Then board ship and set sail for more adventure you'll remember forever.

The Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsular. Simply amazing!

Interest in this photography adventure has been extraordinary. More details are coming soon but in the meantime if you'd like to be kept up to date and have the first opportunity to get on board, then please drop me an email to register your interest.  admin@trekaboutphotography.com





Thursday, April 7, 2016

8 Day Christmas Island Photo Expedition presented by Mark Rayner and Pam Jennings


8 Day Christmas Island Photo Expedition presented by Mark Rayner and Pam Jennings

 

Tuesday 2 - Tuesday 9 May 2017



Hi Everyone ,

Please come and join professional photographers Pam Jennings and Mark Rayner on a magical photography workshop and tour of Christmas Island. 

Christmas Island has only recently become a 'must do' destination for the landscape and wildlife photographer. If you are looking to improve your photography in a new and exciting destination, then this is for you.

David Attenborough described Christmas Island as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.


This island will amaze and astound you with it's beauty and diversity of birds and wildlife.

As you come in to land on your flight from Perth, you will be struck by the beauty of the clear ocean waters and the fringing reef below. This may only be a tiny dot in the middle of the Indian Ocean but many wonders await.
Only on Christmas Island will you find their famous Red Crabs wandering around the terminal to meet you. 

Click > HERE < to book or keep reading for the full itinerary.

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Day to Day Itinerary


Day One – Tuesday 2nd May

We depart from Perth International Airport with Virgin Australia direct to Christmas Island. As we approach this tiny spec in the Indian Ocean the clear waters reveal the fringing reef below. The green of the island’s rainforest coverage gives you a hint of the photographic wonders that await. We get a friendly CI greeting at the airport, then it’s into our 4WD’s and off to our lovely accommodation aptly named The Sunset right on the water front with great sunset views. After settling in we gather for a sunset shoot and Welcome BBQ. During our time on CI we will be joined by locals (including some great local photographers) who will share with us their personal insights and add to our CI experience.

Day Two – Wednesday 3rd May

We are up early to photograph sunrise at beautiful Lily Beach followed by a yummy picnic breakfast. Photographically you can expect amazing seascapes and sea sculptured cliffs with the added bonus of Brown Boobies nesting on the limestone terrace between Lily and Ethel Beach. 
Our tour has been timed to coincide with the hatching of the Brown Booby chicks. We will take our first look at the Grotto, hidden down a track in the rainforest. Our sunset shoot is at Flying Fish Cove.

Day Three – Thursday 4th May

Around 60% of Christmas Island has been declared National Park and the area called The Dales is a RAMSAR wetland. Today we explore this area, taking our time to enjoy the surrounding rainforest and Hugh’s Dale Waterfall. There is plenty of variety of subjects as we wander along rainforest floor and onto the boardwalk. Robber Crabs, the Christmas Island Red crab, Blue Crabs, rainforest trees and plants and incredibly friendly CI Thrush and White-eye. (Robber Crabs are the largest land-living arthropod and Christmas Island has the largest population on earth.) 

Evening Aerial Photography Presentation by Pam Jennings.


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Day Four – Friday 5th May

Today we split into two groups:

Group 1 will enjoy a morning out on the water. Bring your bathers and jump in for a snorkel in the rich ocean waters that surrounds CI. We will snorkel at three different locations and motor slowly along the coastline to check for nesting birds, photographing the Common Noddy’s on mooring buoys, looking out for the Christmas Island, Greater and Lesser Frigatebirds, the Red–footed, Brown and Abbott’s Booby, and the Silver and Golden Bosun (White-Tailed and Red-Tailed Tropic-Bird). We may also spot Dolphins and other marine life, so if you have an underwater camera, bring it along. Free time in the afternoon. Evening sunset shoot with the whole group at Martin Point.


Group 2 – Will take the beautiful rainforest track and walk to Margaret Knoll, be prepared for great views which may produce images of Frigatebirds, Golden and Silver Bosun, Red-footed and Abbott’s Booby. Time to explore the rainforest for that special rainforest buttress and Strangler Fig shot, with a well-placed CI Red Crab! We will also explore South Point and the Blowholes where we will keep a look out for the CI Imperial Pigeon and the islands raptors. Evening sunset shoot with the whole group at Martin Point.


Day Five – Saturday 6th May 

The reverse of yesterday’s activities but no sunset shoot.

Evening: Critique and Post processing after dinner.




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Day Six – Sunday 7th May

Dolly & Greta Beach are a must do on CI. An exciting 4WD track takes you down the rainforest clad terraces to a boardwalk that meanders through the rainforest to secluded Dolly Beach, a white sand, coconut fringed cove. This is one of the few places on the island where marine turtles nest. Nearby Greta Beach has steep steps that lead down to the secluded cove. Fascinating rock formations, cliffs and outcrops provide creative photo opportunities here. 

Evening : Wildlife and Travel Photography Presentation by Mark Rayner.




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Oh, by the way, that image above is the view from your room.

Day Seven – Monday 8th May

Sunrise at beautiful Golf Course cliffs. After breakfast we will visit the National Parks Blue-Tailed Skink breeding program in the middle of the island, and talk to the staff about their program to save these rare lizards. Later at the Territory Day Park, that overlooks Flying Fish Cove, we will visit the National Park’s seabird rehabilitation area for close up shots of Boobies and Frigatebirds, then take a rainforest walk or enjoy the vantage point at the lookout. Free time in the afternoon to explore the culture and history of CI. Farewell dinner around the pool at our accommodation.

Day Eight – Tuesday 9th May

Our last sunrise shoot this morning. We can revisit the Booby chicks at Lily Beach before we prepare for our flight back to Perth.

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Cost for the photography expedition is $5800.00 (AUD) double occupancy.

Single supplement $1190.00

$600.00 deposit required to secure your position.


Balance payable 60 days prior to workshop (Friday, 3 March 2017)

Inclusions:
  • Accommodation for 7 nights at “The Sunset” overlooking the Indian Ocean.
  • All Meals
  • Transportation in air-conditioned 4x4 (3 guests per vehicle, all with window seats)
  • Entrance fees to all Parks
  • Snorkelling/photography boat trip
  • Photographers’ fees

Excludes 
  • Tips
  • Alcohol
  • Airfares
  • Incidentals 
If you'd like to book this amazing tour click > here < and scroll to the booking form at the base of the page or give Mark a call on 0459 221 678.

Live, Laugh, Photograph

Nikon F Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera adapter coming soon.


Great news for Nikon - Sony shooters.

Coming soon, a fully automatic Nikon to Sony lens adaptor from Vello.




  • Nikon F Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera
  • Works with Full-Frame & APS-C Formats
  • Supports Most G-Type & E-Type Lenses
  • Enables Autofocus and Auto Exposure
  • Retains Image Stabilization Functions
  • Control Aperture from Camera Body
  • Auto Exposure with Most D-Type Lenses
  • Transfers Exif Data to Camera
  • Fixed Tripod Foot with 1/4"-20 Socket
  • Matte Black Interior; Metal Construction

At this stage it looks to be only available from B&H Photo Video. For full details check out the link to B&H > here <

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Australia's Red Centre - Stunning landscapes and birdlife - August 2016






         
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Red Centre Experience Photography Workshop and Tour 2016

Sunday 14 August to Monday 22 August 2016

***
Red Centre Group
Hi everyone,
Please join us on an incredible photography adventure in Australia's Red Centre.
The photographic locations and subjects mean you will have an opportunity to learn many valuable photographic tips and techniques, with like-minded people. And you will do so in the most beautiful surroundings. The outback remoteness, and the peace and tranquility it embodies, is an experience you will treasure for a lifetime.
Here is a run-down of this 9 day adventure in the amazing Australian outback.

Sunday - Alice Springs Desert Park

Meet, greet and assessment of skills and needs
Birds in flight - introduction
Animal portrait photography
Review and critique days photography
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Monday - East MacDonnell Ranges

Trephina Gorge - Landscape photography
Jessie and Emily Gaps
Corroboree Rock
The Ghost Gum

Tuesday - West MacDonnell Ranges

Standley Chasm
Glen Helen Gorge - Enjoy an optional chopper flight over the incredible Ormiston Pound and gorge.
Ormiston Gorge
Ochre Pits
Simpsons Gap
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Wednesday - Central Australian Reptile Centre

Early morning Reptile photography. Private access.
Afternoon Macro and Bird session - Olive Pink Botanic Gardens

Thursday - Alice Springs Free Day

Free day to explore Alice Springs.
Visit the Old Telegraph Station or the Trucking Museum.
Shop for souvenirs, take an early morning hot air balloon ride or a scenic fixed wing flight out over the ranges.
Chill out and relax.

Friday - Uluru

Full day and evening trip with landscape photography of Uluru.
BBQ dinner back at Yalara accommodation and optional star trail photography
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Saturday - Kata Tjuta

Full day with landscape photography of Kata Tjuta
Sunset photography at Kings Canyon.
Overnight at Kings Canyon resort

Sunday - Kings Canyon

Full day with predominately landscape photography.
Canyon walk
Optional chopper flight over the canyon then back to Alice Springs

Monday - Alice Springs Desert Park

Morning free time
Bird walk
Birds in Flight - last chance
Review and critique
Wrap Up
Farewell Dinner

Inclusions:

▪ All park entries, fees and permits.
▪ Transport to and from the East McDonnell Ranges, Trephina Gorge Nature Park
▪ Transport to and from West McDonell Ranges.
▪ Transport to and from Kings Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (which includes all meals and accommodation for the three days / two nights) is also included in the workshop fee.
▪ Alice Springs accommodation.
▪ Transport to and from Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Olive Pink Botanical gardens
▪ Farewell Dinner (excluding alcohol)

Exclusions:

▪ Transport to and from Alice Springs before and after the workshop.
▪ Meals (except where otherwise stated).
▪ Alcohol and items of a personal nature.
▪ Helicopter flights where available (Glen Helen Gorge and Kings Canyon).


Full details are available -> here or click -> here to book.
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Post Processing and Workflow - Hunter Valley Bootcamp 7 - 8 May 2016





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Post Processing and Workflow Bootcamp - Lightroom and Photoshop

Inaugural Hunter Valley Bootcamp

7 - 8 May 2016

Hi Everyone,
After many, many requests I'm pleased to announce that my Lightroom / Photoshop bootcamp is coming down to NSW. It will be held on the 7 - 8 May 2016 at the Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland just 10 minutes from Newcastle. It's a great facility with plenty of space for our laptops and gear. The pre-bootcamp walk around will be awesome give the surrounds.
This workshop is designed for the beginner to fast track entry into the world of Lightroom and Photoshop, but still caters for the more experienced user wanting to hone their skills and learn new tips and tricks.
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Some comments from past Brisbane participants:
Chris Holland wrote:
This was such a useful weekend... I'm still in mental overload, but excited about putting into practice so many of the ideas that I absorbed. Thanks to Mark and the rest of the group for making it all so worthwhile. There wasn't one unanswered question!!
Anne Reid wrote:
Was a great weekend, yes it was a great venue. Easy parking, close to shops and beach for the lunch time breather. Must mention the great teacher and the surprises we all received with some of the things we learnt.
Heather Streatfield wrote:
Am feeling especially inspired after my photography Bootcamp this weekend. Alarm set for 3.45am, it's time to drag this butt out of bed for a summer sunrise!
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Here is a rundown of what to expect over the weekend.

Phototrek - 8:30am Saturday

We will all be photographing together in the surrounding area and this shoot will provide most of the imagery for the weekend's processing tuition. You will be working from scratch on images from your own camera, far preferable than working on supplied images which may have totally different characteristics than your own.
Morning Tea

Session 1

This session covers the basics of Adobe Bridge/Lightroom Library and Camera Raw/Lightroom Develop and de-mystifying the connections of both with Photoshop. Mark will show you how best to transfer your images to your computer and some convenient protocols for folder naming and storage. We will look at the benefits of utilising Lightroom 5, 6 or CC exclusively for this process.
1:00pm Lunch (BYO or purchase nearby, there is a cafe onsite) will split session 1

Session 2

This session will cover image adjustment and enhancement in Camera Raw / LR6, CC and look at a number of techniques to speed up the post-processing workflow. We will look at the various adjustment modules and tools which will become the backbone of your image processing.

Session 3 - 8:30am Sunday

We will start to get into some of the new user friendly aspects of Photoshop and really begin to make a difference to our RAW files to produce images with that "Wow" factor. We'll look at the best way to set up your tool panels and optimise your workspace to suit your style and needs. You will explore the different tools available in Photoshop and how and when to use them.
10:30am Morning Tea

Session 4

To help speed up the workflow process we will begin to incorporate plug-ins, presets, actions and scripts. As well as providing you with many ready to use presets, Mark will guide you through the process of creating your own actions to speed up processes that you find yourself doing more often.
You'll learn how to create stunning, unique and interesting backgrounds for your "studio" portraits and much more.
1:00pm Lunch (BYO or purchase nearby, there is a cafe on site) will split session 4

Session 5

By this session you will have a new understanding of presets, actions, scripts, plug-ins, batch processing, curves, layers, masks, resolution, filters and many more terms.This session will put your new found knowledge and skills to work and consolidate what you have learned into a smooth and efficient workflow. We will also look at the basics of some of the hot topics of digital photography such as HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama stitching and more.
If you have any special or problem files you wish to work on please bring them along (time permitting).
All the details can be found on the website here -> Post Processing Bootcamp
Price: $456.50
Price includes wetlands entry fee.
Hope you can make it along.
Cheers,
Mark
Questions? Please give me a call on 0459 221678 or shoot me an email.
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Lightroom Develop Module
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Java - Volcanos and Ancient Kingdoms - Take advantage of the stronger AUD and book now.






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11 Day Java - Volcanos and Ancient Kingdoms 

Photography Tour and Workshop presented by David Metcalf and Mark Rayner

16 June to 26 June 2016

***

Take advantage of the stronger AUD and book now to secure your spot on this amazing photography workshop and tour. The strengthening Australian dollar is actually saving you around AUD $700 on this workshop tour!


Hi Everyone,
Dayak Dave (David Metcalf) and Buffalo Master (myself) are pleased to announce our amazing adventure photography workshop and tour in Java is on again for 2016.
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The workshop is planned to show you the real culture and landscapes on the Island of volcanos. This workshop is designed to challenge you as a photographer, teach you new skills and techniques under the watchful guidance of Mark and Dave, capture some amazing Images and give you a great insight into culture of the mountain people of Java.

This is a workshop not to be missed.

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Java is truly extraordinary. It is described as the most habitable and the most hospitable place in all of Asia, a veritable tropical paradise with stunning landscapes, soaring volcanoes featuring balding cones on top, forests in the middle and rice terraces below.
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Truly luxurious accommodation 

We'll fly you to the historic town of Malang in East Java, one of Java’s hidden treasures, a large town of around one million people and a great base for exploring the area. Malang is a very well planned city with many parks, tree lined streets and old Dutch architecture.
You'll be staying at the beautiful historic Tugu Hotel.
We will start our photography adventure in the nearby bird and flower market and mix with the local friendly Javanese. We will catch the late afternoon light and do some street photography around the canals and small kampongs of this wonderful city.
The Tugu is one of the most beautiful historic hotels in Indonesia and a photography project in its own right.
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Volcanos and Wild Horsemen

Travelling in modified four wheel drives we'll visit Mt Bromo where you can catch a horse ride ( or walk ) to the top of the crater and photograph a live active Volcano. You'll see the Tengger horseman as they gallop across the sand sea, like a scene out of Lawrence of Arabia.
We'll take you to visit the charming Tengger Villages in the area. The tengger are hobbit like and the last remaining group of Hindu’s in Muslim dominated Java. Very friendly they will invite us into their homes and we can get some charming portraits.
.
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Temples from the Past

Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, is a spectacular sight and we will be there to photograph the star trails over this amazing monument, then the sunrise as the first light hits the many stupas. To the north and east, a majestic procession of Volcanoes soars to heights of more than 3000 meters, making for an unforgettable sight.
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David Metcalf, now living in Indonesia, has travelled extensively in Bali and Indonesia for the last thirteen years. In his younger days Dave and his wife Stephanie travelled 20,000 kms by bicycle through 12 different countries.
Dayak Dave as he is known in Indonesia, due to his love and interest of the Dayak tribe of Kalimantan, has a great interest and passion for everything Indonesian and Bali in particular.
Keep an eye out for Dave's fantastic new book, Looking for Borneo, about his travels throughout Indonesia. Have a look here and order on line and help assist the children of Indonesia as 100% of all profits go to charity.

The price for your Java adventure is USD $4250.00 (sole occupancy)

Which includes:
* All accommodation
* All meals
* All ground transport
* All domestic airfares
* Park fees

A USD $500.00 deposit will secure your position.

To find out more about this incredible photographic adventure and learning experience click on the link -> here
To book, simply complete the form at the bottom of the page -> here
or call Mark on 0459 221678.
We'd love to have you along.
Cheers,
Mark
Java Temples and Volcanos-1
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Complete Day to Day Itinerary

Day One
The group gathers in Bali for the first night where we stay at the beautiful Segara Village Hotel in Sanur. Dinner will be on the beach and a few cocktails to start the trip.
Day Two
Fly to the historic town of Malang in East Java. Malang is one of Java's hidden treasures, a large town of around one million people and a great base for exploring the area. Malang is a very well planned city with many parks, tree lined streets and old Dutch architecture.
After checking into the beautiful historic Tugu Hotel (http://www.tuguhotels.com/malang/) we will start our photography adventure in the nearby bird and flower market and mix with the local friendly Javanese. We will catch the late afternoon light and do some street photography around the canals and small kampongs of this wonderful city.
The Tugu is one of the most beautiful historic hotels in Indonesia and a photography project in its own right. We will dine in a special historic part of the hotel this night.
Day Three
We will leave early in the morning and traverse by four-wheel drive up the western slope to the Mount Bromo area stopping to photograph in the villages on the way. With the surrounding Volcanoes as a backdrop this is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. In fact there is no other volcanic terrain in the world that can compare to the spectacular Tengger region.
We will stay that night at the Lava Lodge and catch the late afternoon sun as it casts its rays on the famous sand sea crater. An early night as we have a very early start in the morning.
Day Four
Up at 4 am and we will travel by jeep to catch the sunrise way up high above the crater below and photograph Mt Semeru Java's highest peak at 3,676 meters. But there are many other Volcanoes in this area, it's a sight that has to be seen to be believed.
Dave has been to this area on four previous occasions (he loves it so much) and knows other different angles to photograph this amazing landscape.
We will then head down to Mt Bromo itself and catch horses ( or walk ) to the top of the crater and photograph a live active Volcano and the Tengger horseman as they gallop across the sand sea, like a scene out of Lawrence of Arabia.
Back to the hotel for lunch and a rest and then a visit to the charming Tengger Villages in the area. The Tengger are hobbit like and the last remaining group of Hindu's in Muslim dominated Java. Very friendly they will invite us into their homes and we can get some charming portraits.
Late in the afternoon we will head back to the Tugu for a well deserved rest and opportunity to download thousands of photographs!
Day Five
Early start to photograph the sunrise over the Volcanoes surrounding Malang and a visit to the tea plantations and the workers in the fields.
Back to the hotel for late breakfast and rest, then we will take the spectacular back road to the small historic town of Blitar, passing terraced rice fields, rivers and Volcanoes. Some great photo opportunities along this road so we will take our time.
In Blitar we will stay at another Tugu Hotel and a feast of Java cuisine awaits us.
A long day so it will be nice to relax around the hotel and review some photos.
Day Six
Blitar is in the heart of the Brantas Valley one of Indonesia's most historical areas. Over several centuries numerous temples and monuments were constructed and some of these we will visit and photograph during this day.
There are also many active Volcanoes in this area making for some wonderful backdrops. This area is really the heart of Javanese spirituality and is classic Java that seems unchanged in thousands of years. Very few tourists visit this area so we will be able to wander around these archaeological sights and have them to ourselves.
One of the highlights of the trip will be this particular evening when we dine in front of Candi Panataran which dates back to 1200 and took 250 years to complete. It is in fact one of the largest remaining Majapahit sanctuaries in Java.
We will arrive just before sunset to photograph this beautiful structure and the Tugu staff will set up our private dinner. But first we will have an opportunity to watch and of course photograph some dancers from the local village perform traditional Javanese dance.
Day Seven
For something completely different we will board a train in the morning and travel to Yogyakarta. The 4 - 5 hour journey passes through the heart of rural Java and classic green rice fields so typical of this fertile, Volcanic Island.
We will arrive early evening and check into the magnificent, colonial Phoenix Hotel where we will stay the next three nights.
Yogya is one of the only two traditional court centers remaining in Java's ancient hinterland. A small busy town Yogya is home to many educational centers and some fascinating street art.
Day Eight
A restful morning reviewing photographs we will visit the Keraton, royal palace by becak and some good opportunities for more street photography, especially in the main street named Jalan Malioboro and we will visit the central market.
Back to the hotel for rest and dinner as we will be leaving around 3 am to get to the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
Day Nine
Borobudur is a spectacular sight and we will be there to photograph the star trails over this amazing monument, then the sunrise as the first light hits the many stupas. To the north and east, a majestic procession of Volcanoes soars to heights of more than 3000 meters, making for an unforgettable sight. We will wander around the foundations photographing from different angles, so a wide-angle lens will be very useful.
We will slowly make our way back to Yogya stopping for lunch at the magnificent grounds of the Mesastila resort, another wonderful place to photograph.
If the weather is clear (June is the best time of the year for good weather), we will see mighty Mt Merapi, the most active Volcano in the world and the spiritual heart of Java.
There will be plenty to photograph on the way back as we pass through lush green valleys with waterfalls, and rivers flanked by steep hillsides.
Early night after such a long rewarding day.
Day Ten
A full rest day, editing photographs, reviewing with Mark and Dave, some light room tips from Mark.
In the evening we will photograph and catch the Ramayana ballet, a spectacular dance performance and very colorful. Before this evening performance we will witness a traditional Javanese Wayan Puppet show.
Day Eleven
Fly back to Bali direct from Yogya in the morning arriving back in Bali around 12 noon.
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