The mesmerizing sounds of the gamelan, the countless sacred and secular dances, beautiful textiles, the wayang style of painting are among some of the elements of Balinese culture that have long captured the hearts of visitors. Sometimes, tourists will stumble upon a parade of people in stark gold, pink and purple costumes, carrying baskets of fruits and flowers arrangement as offerings.

There are also ample opportunities to ride the most exciting surf in this part of the world, take leisurely walks in peaceful jungles, go diving, shop, trek volcanoes and enjoy lipsmacking food. Eating and drinking should definitely be an unforgettable experience in Bali. The seas around the island are abundant with marine life, many of which end up in the kitchens of restaurants. Fertile soils and heavy rainfall coupled with abundant water from mountain springs have allowed rice, vegetables, fruits and many other crops to grow. This cornucopia of ingredients allows a great variety of dishes to be prepared.

The Indonesian archipelago stretches from the islands of Sumatra to Irian Jaya, and Bali is situated between highly populated Java and idyllic Lombok. In a way, Bali captures much of the soul and identity of Indonesia yet it has evolved a unique culture of its own, making it a very special place.