“Which country are you from?” was the most common question that we heard over the next 4 days. On hearing “India”, I was amused at the reactions – dialogues from Hindi films to introductions to the local Shah Rukh Khans and Amitabh Bachchans. All in all, being an Indian is a good thing in Bali.
The people are wonderful – soft spoken, polite, courteous, hospitable and friendly. Most of them are Hindu but their brand of Hinduism, in my opinion, is a cross of Buddhism and Hinduism. I have never seen so many statues especially of the monkey god all over the place and wrapped in skirts. The people are obsessed with praying. They have an idol in front of their home, shop or place of work and are constantly offering incense and little trays of sweets, flowers and everyday items like cigarettes!
Be careful when walking, lest you stamp one of the offerings!
Bali is a huge island and has plenty to offer the visitor. It is famous for its traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, metalwork, leather and music. It has been influenced by Indian, Chinese, Malay, Dutch and Portuguese cultures. This makes it truly unique.
It is famous for its traditional dances.
...................and its woodwork.
One must not miss the following sites:
Tanah Lot – one of the most beautiful temple complexes in Bali. It is situated in the sea and approach is during low tide. Best to visit to view the sunset but we visited during the first half of the day and it was still picturesque.
Uluwatu Temple – This is an 11th century temple complex situated on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Don’t miss the sunset views as it is spectacular.
Mother Temple of Besakih – It is the largest and the most important Hindu temple on the island of Bali. It dates to the 14th century and is built on the southern slopes of Mount Agung, the principal volcano of Bali. This Mother Temple is actually a complex made up of twenty-two temples that sit on parallel ridges. It has stepped terraces and flights of stairs which ascend to a number of courtyards and brick gateways that in turn lead up to the main spire or Meru structure, which is called Pura Penataran Agung. All this is aligned along a single axis and designed to lead the spiritual person upward and closer to the mountain which is considered sacred.
Kintamani and Mount Batur – Kintamani is where everyone heads to see the active volcano of Mount Batur. A common event on the itinerary is to have a buffet lunch at one of the restaurants at Kintamani with the lake and mountain views.
Mum and I having lunch at Kintamani overlooking the volcano.
The rice terraces at Tegallalang in North Ubud are fascinating.
The Sacred Monkey Forest at Ubud – This is a sacred Balinese Hindu sanctuary for monkeys.
The water sports. Much cheaper to do it in Bali than even Goa. Wide variety to choose from – snorkelling, scuba diving, banana boat, jet skis, jet rides, parasailing, etc.
Nusa Dua Turtle Island is a special sanctuary for turtles. Not only can you see and touch the turtles but there are other birds and animals like eagles, vultures, snakes, porcupines, bats, snakes, iguanas, etc which you can touch and hold and have a photo opportunity with.
This turtle was 75 years old.
Bat-woman!
Turtle Island
Balinese puppets
Flower offerings
Each restaurant has seating on the beach itself .........
......with live entertainment.
Hi Here you can read Dances of Rajasthan are absolutely colorful and lively and also have their own importance. with Culture tour in India
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