Balinese art is at work in you long before you begin to understand what all the images mean and how deep the layers are. The Balinese know nothing about art or artists. Traditionally, art was never seen as something to be treasured. Before the tourist invasion, art was just something you did. You painted or sculpted while you farmed and danced.
Although fine arts and crafts are available in numerous stores, it is the everyday art that is most impressive. The funeral towers and sarcophagi at the crematorium are stunning. It may have taken the family a year or more to save up for such a glorious event. Bali’s over 200,000 temples are incredible works of art, from the Beskiah Mother Temple to small family temples. The architecture and sculptures of the temples are very Balinese and authentic.
The Balinese place great importance on the center of their island. Perhaps because volcanoes have such a strong influence on their life and death. The beaches are used for fishing and catering to tourists – the Balinese do not use them for recreation as many tourists do.
tta It’s a truly diverse destination, with more than 18,000 islands that boast paradise-like tropical beaches, thriving cities, inspiring natural landscapes and a blend of cultural colors. Explore Java, the cultural heart of Indonesia, through the lush jungles of Sumatra, and relax on the beautiful palm-lined beaches of Bali. Take a boat tour around this magnificent archipelago and explore the rich cultural heritage of each district. See the magnificent Islamic mosques, Hindu temples and sultan’s palaces, or enjoy Indonesian orchestral music that resembles the sound of a gong and shadow puppet shows. Visit the tropical beach paradise of Bali in south-central Indonesia. Enjoy the tropical beach paradise of Bali in south central Indonesia.
Swim in the warm waters or ride the waves of Bali’s turquoise beaches. Rejuvenate with a spa or massage at a waterfront fitness center. Take a hike along the ridge to Mount Badul for a breathtaking view of the volcano. Walk through the Ubud Monkey Forest to see the beautiful lushness of the rainforest, sacred stone sculptures, ancient temples and mischievous monkeys. Visit the magnificent Hindu temples and enjoy the lush rice terraces and water gardens around, such as Mount Kawai, Saraswati Temple and Klong Palace. Indonesia is world-renowned for its scuba diving. Explore the colorful coral reefs of Bunaken, Wakatobi and the Gili Islands and see the tropical underwater ecology.
For the best surfing in the archipelago, charter a private boat and travel through the Mintawi Islands off the west coast of Sumatra. Visit Java and the capital city of Jakarta, a thriving metropolis where you can enjoy unlimited shopping, touring art institutions and exploring cultural treasures. See traditional shadow puppet shows and dance performances in Yogyakarta, explore the ancient Buddhist artifacts of Borobudur, and see the fascinating spires of the Hindu temples of Prambanan.
Sample the regional cuisine of Indonesia. Savor gado-gado, a delicious seasonal salad with peanut sauce, or nasi goreng, a traditional Indonesian fried rice. Street vendors (warung) and eateries (rumah makan) sell authentic dishes and drinks prepared in simple ways. If no utensils are available, you should eat with your right hand only, in keeping with Indonesian etiquette. Indonesia can be reached by plane or boat. To explore the islands, take a plane, ferry, bus, or rent a private car or mini-motorcycle. Passenger trains are also available in Java and Sumatra. Indonesia has a mild climate throughout the year, with a wet season from October to April.
