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Bali is a breathtakingly enchanting island. Its volcanoes dominate almost every view, and its beaches stretch endlessly around the coast, fringed by waving coconut palms. Even the rice fields contribute to the island's attraction. Rice terraces are constructed on every hillside, winding round the slopes like ribbons.

The people of Bali are friendly and humorous. They are always a delight to the tourists. Most of them are very religious. At one time or another, they are involved in making offerings of flowers, a few grains of rice and incense sticks to the nearest deity. Every stone-carved statue has a fresh flower tucked behind the ear and a banana leaf offering on its lap.

There are temples at every turn. In fact the whole island is a temple with a pulsating life of its own. No wonder it is known as the "Island of Unending Festivals". Wherever you go, you are sure to hear sounds of gamelans, punctuating ritual observances across the padi fields. You will suddenly find yourself in the middle of a festival.

The tourist organization of Bali provides helpful lists which indicate when and which temple is having a major ceremony. Each temple seems to have at least a modest ceremony during each fortnight-cycle of the lunar calender and a much grander celebration twice a year. This means that almost every day is marked by a sizable celebration in some part of the island.

It is often possible to make an outing a one-day affair, starting out long before dawn, in company with women going to market accompanied by their their produce for sale. There are vast baskets of rambutans, hands of bananas and crates of eggs. Make sure that you are equipped with sufficient rolls of negatives for seldom will you come back with a spare roll unexposed (unless if you're using a digital camera, of course!). Be sure that you also bring along cotton sarongs and the essential sash if you wish to attend one of those temple celebrations. Surfing at the beach will be exhilarating in the afternoon.

At night you must not miss the dance performances put on almost nightly in and around Denpasar. There are the monkey dance, the Barong dance, the Legong dance and others. The monkey dance, known as Kecak, is performed by men who portray an army of monkeys. The Legong dance is performed by young girl dancers who move in graceful response to the gamelan music. The Barong dance portrays the endless battle between good and evil.

Dance and music in Bali flourish in the most admirable fashion. They are not carried out just for the benefit of the tourists. More importantly, they are part of the daily life of the people.

Learn more about this author, G. Lee.
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