| Bali, a beautiful island paradise in the | | | | has been inhabited and civilized since |
| Indonesian archipelago made international | | | | ancient times. |
| news when the island was rocked by suicide | | | | |
| bombings in 2002 and 2005. However, the | | | | Bali is also the only island in "middle |
| island is better known as an excellent | | | | Indonesia" that has more or less |
| vacation holiday destination and a major | | | | uninterrupted cultural continuity for |
| tourist attraction. | | | | hundreds of years. It is of this reason, Bali |
| | | | is the only part of Indonesia that remains |
| Tourists who have visited this South East | | | | "Hindu" and is still retaining elements of |
| Asian island will tell you that Bali exudes a | | | | fusion of ethnic and Hindu cultures of more |
| certain magical charm and that is why, some | | | | than a thousand years of cultural tradition. |
| people call Bali, the Island of Gods. After | | | | |
| all, gods live in paradise don't they? | | | | When the island was colonized by the Dutch at |
| | | | the beginning of last century, the Dutch |
| You will be pleasantly impressed by the many | | | | colonial masters were so impressed by the |
| stunningly beautiful tourist attractions and | | | | traditions of the Balinese that a concerted |
| the charming local people. If you are a scuba | | | | effort was made to preserve the island's |
| diver, you will be pleased to know that Bali | | | | mystical culture. |
| is one of the top scuba diving destinations | | | | |
| in the world. | | | | The Balinese society is a strong and cohesive |
| | | | one because the local people promote communal |
| Bali presents itself as a modern paradox | | | | and family values. Feelings of alienation |
| because its ancient and traditional culture | | | | from parents and friends which are common in |
| is still very much alive amidst modern | | | | the western world are almost unheard of in |
| living. While the basic conservatism of the | | | | Bali. |
| Balinese people has enabled them to preserve | | | | |
| many of their ancient customs, culture and | | | | Children are carried everywhere or strapped |
| religion, it has never hindered the | | | | to their mother's back until they are at |
| acceptance of the new and innovative modern | | | | least three months old. Religious rituals are |
| technological advancement. | | | | performed regularly to keep the children |
| | | | safe, healthy and to protect them from |
| The island is indeed a feast for the eye for | | | | harmful spirits. Every aspect of village life |
| tourists on holiday vacation in Indonesia. As | | | | is organized in such detail that the |
| the island is situated near the equator, it | | | | individual's responsibilities and rights are |
| has almost equal amount of time for rain and | | | | meticulously defined by the Balinese |
| sunshine making its environment very suitable | | | | tradition. |
| for human inhabitation and as a result, Bali | | | | |