Om Swasti Astu - Welcome to Bali

Think of Bali and one often imagines virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerizing dance perfomances, pristine beaches and the delightful "frangipani" flowers! The only Hindu Island amongst whopping 17,000 islands of the Indonesian Archipelago, Bali is not just a destination, it's a unique feeling that is beyond words and can only be experienced. Small obviously doesn't mean limited! From the manic whirl of Kuta beach, segue into the luxury of Seminyak. The artistic swirl of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty treks amid the volcanoes and lush green rice terraces. With more than 90% population being Hindu, the minority made up of Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians, religious ritual plays into every facet of life. Balinese Hindus believe in the ascending pantheon of Hindu gods, as well as "dharma" and "adharma" - order and disorder. The importance of "karma" or the consequence of individual actions plays into the peaceful daily rhythms, whether placing daily offerings of flowers on someone's car or undertaking rigorous mountain pilgrimages. Balinese believe that, to achieve harmony, the forces of good must be saluted with offerings, while the forces of evil must be appeased. With an estimated 20,000 temples and shrines, Bali is know as the "Island of the Gods," and every village has at least one temple with buildings dedicated to Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva (the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer).

The tones of the "gamelan" the bright-sounding metal percussion ensembles that accompany just about every celebration and ceremony here, music is everywhere in Bali, from the Indonesian pop pouring from restaurants and shops, to folk music and the refined classical music that accompanies the many staged dance performances and temple worship. If you have a chance, don't miss a performance of traditional dance. Legong and Barong dances are intricate ballets depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana. Kecak dance is a circle of up to 100 men chanting rhythmically and telling the saga of a monkey king and his warriors. It's a colorful, fun experience. Wayang Kulit, or shadow-puppet plays, feature intricately cut leather figures that puppeteers use to project images against a screen.

Arts and crafts are seamlessly woven into the fabric of life in Bali, as are dance, music, and ritual. Fine carving and craftwork can be found adorning the most humble dwelling. Craftsmen are highly revered, and skilled wood and stone carvers turn out authentic works in street-side studios all over the island, much concentrated in Ubud. You are guaranteed to walk away with some beautiful, original finds in wood and stone. Masks used in traditional performance make fine souvenirs. Ancient stylized paintings of deities and the delicately carved "lontar" palm-frond books are both still produced on the island. Expatriates have had as much influence on modern Balinese art as the ancients. As guiding patrons, men such Walter Spies, whose home on the site of the Tjampuhan Hotel in Ubud became central to the arts in Ubud, influenced local painters, opened societies, and brought the glory of Bali to the world at large. With a little searching, you can find some real masterpieces.

The Balinese have been hosting foreign tourists for decades; they are fairly laid-back and accepting of Western habits and culture. However when visiting Bali one must not forget that the Balinese have their own traditions that should be respected. The most important rule is to cover up your legs and shoulders when entering a temple; most hotels supply sarongs for temple visits. The Balinese also ban menstruating women from temples. The temples on the Island of Bali are unique, some set right in the middle of the ocean such as the Tanah Lot, and some such as the Uluwatu, hang from the cliff looking down to the Indian Ocean. Most temples do not allow tourist to enter the main areas but it is still worth a closer peep!

The Balinese speak both Indonesian and Balinese at home. Balinese is much more complicated, not least because there are three levels: high, middle, and low depending on the class and authority of the person to whom you are speaking. Balinese language also sees a great influence from Sanakrit, the ancient Indian language and is very soothing to ears.

Beyond the rich culture of Ubud up in the mountains, Bali is home to some of the world's best beaches and warm water! Sanur on the southeastern side of Bali is an excellent site to watch the sun rise, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resort developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past. Kuta, Legian and Seminyak are practically on the opposite side of Sanur stretch on the southwestern side of Bali, where surfing is a major activity! Trendy shops, pubs and restaurants have transformed the Kuta and Seminyak area into a happening spot on the Island! Directly South of Kuta & Seminyak is the village of Jimbaran, on a narrow neck of the island of Bali with two of its remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beaches faces the Jimbaran Bay, and on the east is Nusa Dua where the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor! The crystal clear water here provides excellent snorkeling and diving sites, and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua allows great surfing opportunities. Soka Beach further northwest from Denpasar, on the way to Gilmanuk, the ferry port town that connects Bali and Java, is a small quiet beach great for a remote, intimate experience away from the touristy buzz. Continuing along the path towards Gilimanuk is the Medewi Beach known for its beautiful sunsets and water that is great for surfing, yet undiscovered. Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of tiny villages by the Bali Sea and ticked away here is the Lovina Beach. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset, snorkeling, and diving. Nightlife in abundance, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If you like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd, Lovina Beach is for you.

Everything you hear about Bali is fascinating, strange and singular. This small tropical wonderland, full of exotic and mystic experiences, magnificent temple celebrations, colorful processions and the mysterious, graceful dances pull you immediately into its spell. The landscape here is grandiose again and again; green rice terraces - the sky stairs of the Balinese Gods - are different with the high volcanoes, tropical jungles and beautiful beaches. The underwater world with their multicolored corral reefs is indescribable. Above this all you remain inspired by the heartiness and joy of life of the Balinese people, because nowhere in the world we get our smile so often back again.

Come experience Bali, its beautiful people and rich culture with Travel Wizards. Just call us to custom-tailor your journey through Bali or anywhere else in S E Asia!