PONDOK SARA

Bungalows

BALI

With a reputation as being one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist spot in Asia, Bali attract about 1,6 million visitor a year, from all around the world.

The volcanic island of Bali is a small one right in the middle of the big indonesian archipelago composed of more than 18.000 islands.

At 8° below the equator Bali boast a tropical climate with just two seasons, dry and wet, with an average temperature of 28°C.

Rich soil and healthy monsoon, make Bali very fertile. Among the crops that grow here, coffee, copra, spices, vegetables, for sure the rice terraces are among the most spectacular in the world.

Balinese have a strong spiritual roots and despite the large tourism influences their traditional culture is very much alive.

The main religion is with an unique blend of Hindu, Buddhism and ancient animist beliefs.

With the arrival of Islam in Java during the 15th century Bali a large number of musicians, craftsmen and artists fled here creating an artistic renaissance.

European influence during the dutch occupation ended during the 2nd world war and after a short japanese occupation indonesia in 1949 gained recognition as an independent country.

Naturally creative, the Balinese have colourful ceremonies beautiful temples, dances and drama like the famous Kecak, Legong, Topeng or the shadow puppet theatre.

Even the everyday offering to the gods that reflects an eye for detail and beauty reaching high expression in the painting, the stone or wood carving or in the textile productions.

Most of the 3 million people still live in tight village communities with large extended families. Kuta, the major resort town, started to develop during the 70s and has now hundreds of hotels, bars, restaurants, shops. Here recreational activities flourish.

all photos by: rokma