A friendly and remarkably artistic
people, living amid breathtaking panoramas, have created dynamic
society with unique arts and ceremonies and ceremonies, making
Bali an island almost unreal in today's hectic and changing
world. Terrace ricefields dominate the landscape, with rivers
and small irrigation streams disecting a luscious green landscape,
filling the air with enchanting sounds of running water.
Bali divided by a string of impressive
and authoritative volcanoes running almost through the center
of the island. Mountains and particularly volcanoes are believed
to be the home of the gods. Shrouded in mystery and magic, they
stretch skyward in majestic splendor. Bali's main volcano is
the still active and sometimes explosive. Gunung Agung, which
is considered, sacred among local people as it is believed to
be the center of the universe. Not just a view visitors leave
with the same believe.
The ancient kingdoms of the "Rajas"
and princes of Bali were dismantled by colonial governments
in the early part of this century, but many of the royal descendants
still own traditional palaces and are very much respected as
patrons of the arts. Art and culture are strongly bonded to
Bali's unique form of Hinduism called "Hindu Darma".
Classical dance dramas for example, are based on the old Hindu
epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabarata, but contain an element
of local folklore, perculiar to the island. The very soul of
Bali is rooted in religion and is expressed in art forms that
have been passionately preserved over the centuries. It seems
that almost every person is an artist, spending free time applying
skills and images which have been passed down from generation
to generation and grasped from a very young age. Whether expressed
through beautiful and intricate paintings and dances, extaordinary
carvings, superb weaving or even in decorations made for myriad
shrines which can be found in public area, on roads, in paddy
field or in homes, the island is alive with art.
The Balinese have been more exposed
to international tourists and generally speak more English than
people in other parts of the Indonesian archipelago. They have
managed to preserve their culture despite overwhelming foreign
influences brought to the region by an ever increasing number
of tourist.
Bali's international airport, Ngurah Rai, is in the south of
the island and is served by numerous international airlines
and charters. In order to keep up with the growing number of
visitors and the need for their comfort, more hotel have been
built, ranging from small bungalows types for budget travelers
to the luxurious
Nusa Dua tourist resort area, near the air port, on the southern
tip of the island. Water sports have naturally gained in popularity
and Bali offers superb surfing, windsurfing, sailing, scuba
diving and white water rafting.
