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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. |
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