Bali

Bali, an island with land area of 5,600 sq km. One of 27 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia. Although Indonesia comprises over 300 ethnic groups and over 3,000 populated islands, Bali is the only province that is also at once an island and at the same time an ethnic group, and this gives the Balinese a heightened sense of their distinctiveness as they try to find their identity as modern Indonesians.

Bali is also known as "The island of the thousand temples". There are probably over a million temples on the island. In fact, Bali has more temples than houses. Bali also has a large number of palaces of stunning beauty, a legacy of the 8 ancient kingdoms that once ruled the island. Bali's natural attractions include miles of sandy beaches where many are well-known amongst surfers, picturesque rice terraces, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers, deep ravines, towering active volcanoes over 3,000 meters high, sacred caves, and lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife.

Bali's rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere - in over 20,000 temples and palaces. Regular temple ceremonies, dance performances and wedding ceremonies can be found easily in Bali. Yet Bali has more than just cultural heritage, travellers will find many enchanting places to explore. Bali, the candidate for paradise, so picturesque it could be a painted backdrop with volcanoes rising up thorugh the clouds and warm blue water. But Bali's landscape is more than a backdrop; it is embued with spiritual significance, and forms a part of the rich cultural life of the Balinese, whose natural grace fits the image of how people should live in paradise.

The tremendous sad moment that ever had in the history of Bali that keep Bali silence for almost a year. The Kuta bombings of October 2002, which shattered the peaceful image of Bali, may have a more profound effect on tourism.

Now, Bali has drawn back its tourism. If you want something more than scenery and sunshine, Bali is a place that really rewards the effort to go beyond the tourist experience.