Bali Island (Bali)

Traditional Dance

A friendly and remarkably artistic people, the Balinese have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies, making Ball synonomous world-wide with the perfect 'tropical paradise'. Terraced ricefields dominate the landscape, rivers and small irrigation streams disect the luscious green landscape, filling the air with the enchanting sound of running water. Ball is divided by a range of impressive volcanoes running almost through the center of the island. In Ball the mountains are the home of the gods. Shrouded in mystery and magic, they stretch skywards in majestic splendour. Bali's main volcano is the sometimes explosive Gunung Agung, which is considered sacred among local people as the center of the universe. Many visitors leave with the same belief.

The ancient kingdoms of the " Rajas " and princes of Ball were dismantled by colonial governments in the early part of this century, but many of their royal descendants still own traditional palaces and are very much respected as patrons of the arts. Art and culture are strongly bonded to Ball's unique form of Hinduism called "Hindu Darma". Classical dance dramas are based on the old Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabarata, but contain an element of local folklore peculiar to the island. The very soul of Ball 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, whether expressed over the centuries. It seems that almost every person is an artist, whether expressed through beautiful and intricate paintings and dances, extraordinary carvings, superb weaving or even in decora¬tions made for the myriad shrines, the island is live with art.

Resort in Bali

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 over whelming foreign influences brought to the region by an ever- increasing number of tourists. Bali's International Airport, Ngurah Rai, is in the south of the island and is served by numerous international airlines 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 travellers to the luxurious Nusa Dua tourist resort area. Water sports have naturally gained in popularity and Bali offers superb surfing, windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving and white water rafting.

Bali Interesting Places

Werdhi Budaya Art Center, Sanur, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Bedugul, Klungkung, Besakih, Kintamani