Bali - island of the gods and
gateway to Paradise -- is a relatively small island, east of Java across the
Bali Strait, one of 17,000 Indonesian islands. In recent years, luxurious hotel
complexes have appeared, tastefully re-creating the island's ethnic traditions.
The capital of Bali, Denpasar, is the commercial centre of the island with good
shopping facilities and a fascinating variety of entertainment.
Colourful dance and drama play an
important part in the lives of the Bali people and almost every village has its
own dance group, the favourite dance being the Barong. In the north of the
island, the 1800 metre high Gunung Batur volcano is still active and in the lat
century has erupted four times, its slopes covered in lava fields, which extend
deep into the crater. Hindu temples abound, the Pura Kehen being one of the
most beautiful terraced temples in Bali and the Pua Besakih, the most revered.
At sunset, hundreds of people visit the spectacular though small temple of
Tanah Lot which is situated on the top of a volcanic cliff. As in ancient
times, rice is still cultivated in the traditional way and ox and plough
traverse the fields. Sun drenched beaches, cloud-kissed volcanoes, exquisite
ethnic architecture and dreamy temples - it's no wonder that Bali is one of the
most attractive tourist destinations in East Asia.
