A friendly and remarkably artistic people, living amid breath taking panoramas, have created dynamic society with unique arts 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 hotels have been built, ranging from small bungalows 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.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Indonesia Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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