The Bali Experience

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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The Indonesian island of Bali, famed the world over as the ''Island of the Gods'', opens up an eclectic new world before you, its landscape with mountains, rugged coastlines and fine beaches, rice terraces and barren volcanic hills, all just as varied as its culture which blends traditional Hindu spiritualism with modern tastes in shopping and partying. To the many people who head there from all over the world, it is something of a paradise on earth.

Of course, Bali''s Hindu heritage remains strong and ever-present even in the island''s modern-day culture. Everywhere you turn you will come across temples, observe ceremonies and daily offerings, all of which are rewarding spectacles.

The Hindu temples all over the island are splendid sights to behold. According to Hindu law, each village must contain three temples: one on each side of the village, as well as a central temple at the heart of the community and its religious life. Wealthy villages build more, and in Bali it is the nine directional temples that are highly prominent and worth a visit.

The Uluwatu Temple in the south is very popular with visitors, ...
... whilst many others are found in more difficult-to-access locations, situated as they are to protect the island''s inhabitants from dark forces.

Across the Balinese coastline you''ll find plenty of beaches, except for areas in the south-east where the land is occupied by mangrove forest, and on the Bulit Peninsula where the Indian Ocean crashes against high cliffs. Wherever you head, you''re sure to find a perfect spot on which to relax, indulge in the beautiful sunshine, and enjoy the sheer beauty of the golden sands and the azure sea.

Bali is furthermore a great place to explore art, both traditional and modern. Visit Ubud, and you''ll get to see what is truly the island''s artistic capital with museums as well as many informal workshops and retail outlets. In these museums you''ll get to see the work of local artists on the rise today as well as former legends, and even art from figures across the world who have an affinity with Bali.

If you''re looking for a pleasant and relaxing experience, then you''ll find it at one of the many hot springs on the island. Air Banjar is very popular, set in beautiful gardens to the south of Bali. Meanwhile if you head into the mountains of the north east then you can pay a visit to the hot spring at Toya Bungkah on the shores of Lake Bratan.

Popular with young backpackers on a budget, just as much as it is with the rich and famous, Bali is teeming with culture and heritage, as well as being a great place to eat and drink, or simply laze on the beautiful beaches. Bonny Kominek is a long term travel and leisure enthusiast with over 10 years of travelling experience, and would recommend booking agents such as octopustravel.com when searching for Bali hotels.