BALI

An island just to the east of the main Indonesian island of Java, Bali defines the word paradise. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality, and spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia's unparalleled, number-one tourist attraction.

Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over a mile from the eastern tip of the island of Java. The island of Lombok is to the west. Bali, approximately 90 miles from east to west and 50 miles north to south, is home to about 4 million people.

South

• Seminyak is the most upmarket of the south coast's beaches, with high-end accommodation and mostly high-end restaurants and bars to serve residents and tourists. The atmosphere is more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, the most famous Bali beach that now suffers from overdevelopment. Seminyak's beautiful beach is quieter during the day, although this area too is developing fast.
• Legian is located north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. For surfers, this is a great place to go.
• Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 200 feet above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

All over Bali

Bali is a great place to get away from it all and relax. Numerous resorts and spas are waiting to pamper you in gorgeous natural settings.

A trip to Bali may be the most relaxing vacation you've ever had

Arts and Crafts

The arts are central to Balinese life, and during your visit you will be delighted by the sheer variety of painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, and other creative objects wherever you look. If you're seeking high quality works of art to take home with you, Bali will not disappoint.

• Wood carving. Bali's wood carvers are ubiquitous--just listen for the sound their mallets and chisels. All sorts of carved objects are produced. Only expert woodcarvers attempt the masks, such as those representing the demons Barong and Rangda, used in ritual dance performances. Mas and Puaya are two good places to find quality masks for purchase.

A traditional Balinese mask representing the demon Barong

• Painting. Bali has a long tradition of painting, especially rich floral designs and flame-and-mountain motifs known as the Wayang style. During your visit you may hear the names of two Westerners--Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies--who did much to revive traditional Balinese painting and bring it to the world's attention.
• Textiles. Batik, a richly ornamented fabric, is popular among tourists and locals alike, although batik is actually from Java. Authentic Balinese cloth is called ikat, made of silk, cotton or, today, synthetic materials.
• Jewelry. Bali is known for its high quality jewelry, which is almost always handmade by local artisans. Traditional Balinese gold and silver work is now complemented by international styles and influenced by foreign designers living in Bali. The villages of Celuk and Kamasan are good places to look for jewelry.