| |
Bali: Island of the Gods, The Morning of the World, a
mystical place that evokes different visions for all that
have experienced it, and for those that have only heard
the name. An island that encompasses many diverse regions
and styles – regions of untouched beauty, traditional
villages, heaving and raucous budget-traveler districts,
resort areas, playgrounds for the rich and famous, and
many little hideaways all combine to form the identity
that is Bali. Though not untouched by the impact of being
a popular tourist destination, Bali has successfully managed
to accommodate its many foreign visitors whilst maintaining
its own rich culture.
Located in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago with
close proximity to Australia, Bali is an island of approximately
two thousand square miles, dominated by the volcanic mountainous
areas in its center. It’s rich soil and numerous
water sources have resulted in a lush and verdant foliage
cover, interspersed with extensive rice paddy terraces
crafted over generations by farmers. While the Balinese
economy incorporates a fishing industry as well as tourism,
it is largely an agricultural society, with a culture
that is very much reflected in their connection to the
earth.
Historically, Bali was a collection of independent kingdoms,
before being brought under Dutch colonial control in the
19th century and incorporated into what was then the Dutch
East Indies. In 1948, shortly after WWII, Bali, along
with the rest of the country, achieved independence from
Holland and become a part of Indonesia.
Having been a tourist destination since the early 1900’s,
Bali is accustomed to playing host to visitors from all
over the world. This is expressed in the numerous facilities
and activities for tourists on the island, along with
the famed Balinese smile accompanying their friendly,
relaxed, and personable demeanor.
The island has a population of approximately three million
people, over 90% of which subscribe to a particular offshoot
of the Hindu religion. This differentiates Bali from the
rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim. Religion
plays a major role in the daily life of the Balinese.
Colorful religious ceremonies are frequent at the numerous
temples, large and small, dotted all over the island;
and it is rare for a visitor to Bali not to see at least
one during their stay. Every home contains a small temple
for devotions, and offerings to the Gods are visible wherever
one goes. It is said that there are in excess of thirty
thousand temples in Bali. |
|
|
