Bali the Island of Paradise....

With a reputation as being one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist spots in Asia, Bali attracts over 1,000,000 visitors a year from all around the world.

Geographically, Bali lies between the islands of Java and Lombok and is one of more than 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian Archipelago. Bali is small, stretching approximately 140 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south. Running east to west and slightly off center, are a string of volcanic mountains, the tallest recently active being Gunung Agung, which reaches 3,142 in at its highest point and last erupted 1963.

The Balinese people have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists in recent years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which arrived in Bali with the spread of Hinduism through Sumatra and Java during the 11th century. Although originally from India, the Balinese religion is a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs, with customs that are very different from the traditional form of Hinduism practiced in India today. With the arrival of Islam in neighboring Java during the 15th century, a large number of courtiers, artists, musicians and craftsmen fled to Bali, creating an artistic renaissance.
Naturally creative, the Balinese have traditionally used their talents for religions purposes and Most of the beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics. The incredibly colorful cremation pyres and the everyday offerings to the Gods, placed inside every shop and business, are made with precision and an eye for beauty.

The majority of Bali's population of 3,000,000 live, for the most part, in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest towns are; the regional capital Denpasar, population 250,000, and Singaraja in the north. The main tourist area is Kuta, situated near the airport. During the tourist boom of the 70's, this small village became a major attraction because of its famed white sand beaches, the surf, and stunning sunsets.

Bali Picture Gallery

Pura Besakih (Besakih Temple)	Pura Besakih (Besakih Temple)	Sunset in Tanah Lot - Bali
Daylight in Tanah Lot	Sunset in Tanah Lot - Bali	Dream Land - Bali
Dream Land - Bali	Mukur Ceremony in Bali	Lady's with simple ceremony dress
Mepandes ceremony	Pray session in mepandes ceremony	Daylight in Batur Lake
Daylight in Batur Lake	Ogoh-Ogoh Festival in Nyepi Day	Ogoh-Ogoh Festival in Nyepi Day