No less enchanting are its people, some 2.7 million soula whose artistry and piety are recognized throughout the world. Balinese Hinduism, a complex fusion of Indian cosmology, Tantric Buddhism and homegrown mythology, is the primary faith of Bali's inhabitants, and so deeply woven into the fabric of their daily lives that the line between the spiritual and the material is blurry at the best.
Those of you keen on delving into the island's fascinating culture will have plenty of opportunities, as colourful ceremonies and traditional performances occur with the regularity of sunrise. Most hotels offer nightly dance shows of one form or another, tailored to tourist audiences but none the less exquisite. The hill town of Ubud
, the island's premier arts centre, also has a full schedule of performances, and the nearby stone-cutter's village of Batubulan is famed for its Barong lion dances.
The shoppers among you will find Bali a treasure house of handycrafts and find works of art. The Balinese are incredibly gift artists and craftsmen, and their material creations are imbued with the same sense of wonderment with which they regard their universe. Stone and wood carvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shops and galleries throughout the island.
As for recreation, there is no shortage of option. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing-even bungy jumping and white water rafting-await the adventurous here.
Kuta
Kuta bay, with its long stretch of white sand and brilliant sunset, has attracted swarms of visitors since its rediscovery by surfers and sun worshippers in the 1970s.
Nusa Dua
The beautifully landscaped beach resort of Nusa Dua is home to no less than 15 five-star resort hotels, the 18-hole Bali Golf & Country Club and excellent shopping facilities.
Sanur
The resort area of Sanur has grown up around Bali's largest traditional village and today boasts excellent facillities for the international visitor.
Uluwatu
Perched on limestone cliff 70 meters above the indian sea level, this 11th century temple is one of Bali's holiest sites.
Bedugul
The cool highland resort of Bedugul on the shores of Lake Bratan has become a popular retreat for tourist and residents alike.
Batur Caldera
The enormous crater basin of Batur is a spectacular sight. Dominating its centre is Mt. Batur, a brooding, blackened cone that erupted four times last century. Six small villages eke out an existence within the walls of caldera, peopled by a simple mountain folk known as Bali Aga ("original Balinese").
Besakih
Lovina Beach
Lovina is an 8kn strip of black sand on Bali's arid northern coast, renowned for its serenity and a local school of dolphins.
Nusa Lembongan
A small island of Bali's southeast coast, Nusa Lembongan is popular for its white sand beaches and quiet place of life. several cruise operators offer day-trips from Benoa Harbour.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot (earth from the sea) is a stunning 15th century sanctuary located on Bali's south coast, built a top a rocky mound that at hight tide is completely surrounded by water.
Populated by a large troupe of monkeys, this thick stand of nutmeg trees is believed by legend to have fallen out of the sky during a mythic battle between the god, carrying with it a battalion of wisnu's monkey army.
Bali Barat National Park
Bali's largest nature reserve encompasses 70,000 hectares of rainforest and 7,00 hectarest of coral reefs and home to many rare species of fauna.
Bali's "Mother Tample" is a spawling complex of shrines and pavilions set high on thr slopes of sacred Mt. Agung.
Goa Gajah
The ancient hermitage of Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) near Bedulu is one of Bali's most intriguing archeological sites, comprising a man-made grotto, elaborate stone carving and buddhist stupas.
Tulamben
Some of Bali's most interesting diving is found at Tulamben, where the shallow wrec
k of a WWII US cargo ship is now festooned with colourful corals and schools of tropical fish.
Kerta Gosa
The Kerta Gosa hall of justice is a small pavilion adorened with fantastic ceiling murals. in the 18th century it was
Bali's highest court of law.
Those of you keen on delving into the island's fascinating culture will have plenty of opportunities, as colourful ceremonies and traditional performances occur with the regularity of sunrise. Most hotels offer nightly dance shows of one form or another, tailored to tourist audiences but none the less exquisite. The hill town of Ubud
, the island's premier arts centre, also has a full schedule of performances, and the nearby stone-cutter's village of Batubulan is famed for its Barong lion dances.The shoppers among you will find Bali a treasure house of handycrafts and find works of art. The Balinese are incredibly gift artists and craftsmen, and their material creations are imbued with the same sense of wonderment with which they regard their universe. Stone and wood carvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shops and galleries throughout the island.
As for recreation, there is no shortage of option. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing-even bungy jumping and white water rafting-await the adventurous here.
Kuta
Kuta bay, with its long stretch of white sand and brilliant sunset, has attracted swarms of visitors since its rediscovery by surfers and sun worshippers in the 1970s.
Nusa Dua
The beautifully landscaped beach resort of Nusa Dua is home to no less than 15 five-star resort hotels, the 18-hole Bali Golf & Country Club and excellent shopping facilities.
Sanur
The resort area of Sanur has grown up around Bali's largest traditional village and today boasts excellent facillities for the international visitor.
Uluwatu
Perched on limestone cliff 70 meters above the indian sea level, this 11th century temple is one of Bali's holiest sites.
Bedugul
The cool highland resort of Bedugul on the shores of Lake Bratan has become a popular retreat for tourist and residents alike.
Batur Caldera
The enormous crater basin of Batur is a spectacular sight. Dominating its centre is Mt. Batur, a brooding, blackened cone that erupted four times last century. Six small villages eke out an existence within the walls of caldera, peopled by a simple mountain folk known as Bali Aga ("original Balinese").
Besakih
Lovina Beach
Lovina is an 8kn strip of black sand on Bali's arid northern coast, renowned for its serenity and a local school of dolphins.
Nusa Lembongan
A small island of Bali's southeast coast, Nusa Lembongan is popular for its white sand beaches and quiet place of life. several cruise operators offer day-trips from Benoa Harbour.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot (earth from the sea) is a stunning 15th century sanctuary located on Bali's south coast, built a top a rocky mound that at hight tide is completely surrounded by water.
Populated by a large troupe of monkeys, this thick stand of nutmeg trees is believed by legend to have fallen out of the sky during a mythic battle between the god, carrying with it a battalion of wisnu's monkey army.
Bali Barat National Park
Bali's largest nature reserve encompasses 70,000 hectares of rainforest and 7,00 hectarest of coral reefs and home to many rare species of fauna.
Bali's "Mother Tample" is a spawling complex of shrines and pavilions set high on thr slopes of sacred Mt. Agung.
Goa Gajah
The ancient hermitage of Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) near Bedulu is one of Bali's most intriguing archeological sites, comprising a man-made grotto, elaborate stone carving and buddhist stupas.
Tulamben
Some of Bali's most interesting diving is found at Tulamben, where the shallow wrec
k of a WWII US cargo ship is now festooned with colourful corals and schools of tropical fish.Kerta Gosa
The Kerta Gosa hall of justice is a small pavilion adorened with fantastic ceiling murals. in the 18th century it was
Bali's highest court of law.
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