The cultural heritage of Indonesia

Bali island is a fount of foreign culture. And sometimes it seems that for the Indonesians themselves, the cultural tricks of the local population are also a wonder. If your choice fell on this island, in any case, do not limit yourself to beach rest in the style of "Bounty". No, it seems that Bali was not created for this. And the bitter ebb and flow along the most favorite beaches of tourists - as if an unspoken confirmation of that. What is Bali to me?

Bali is the countless statues of bizarre local gods . Volcanoes have presented the island with tuff - a soft and supple volcanic rock from which the centuries-old craft has learned to create literally lacy stone sculptures . A humid warm climate for a few months turns a freshly sculpted statue into a mossy relic . By the way, do not be surprised if entering your hotel you will come face to face with a giant claw-toothy creature with a beak that is not very hospitably gazing towards the guests . This is Garuda, she is kind ay . And all her ammunition is designed to protect you from evil spirits .

Bali is a shy bargain in small shops full of skilled carving and mother-of-pearl (by the way, Indonesia is the world source of these souvenirs.)

Bali is a "mola-mola," a sun-fish plowing the expanses of local seas.

Bali is the sweet smell of pandanas, as if saturated with the air of the island.

Bali is a unique religion. This is an infinite number of temples, remembered by a succession of stone "portals" and cascades of coconut "caps." This lake Bratan, serenely reflecting the sky around a lonely pagoda and the numerous steps of the temple of Pura Besakih. - $

Bali are impudent monkeys from the "monkey forest" and inventive monkeys from the temple of Luhur Uluwatu, as if deliberately entertaining tourists before the start of the Kecak dance.

Bali is the graceful movements of the curved fingers of dancers weaving their story against the backdrop of a delightful sunset sinking in the ocean.

Bali is the skillful hands of world famous spa masters: from masseurs on beaches, ready mash up your office soul an hour and a half in four hands for $ 10, to eminent spa therapists in the best salons of the island.

Bali is not as sharp as Thai, and not as spicy as an Indian but incredibly original and delicious cuisine with a bunch of exotic fruits. Beware of giant portions! However, in many restaurants it is customary here to deliver deliciously tired guests to their hotels for free.

Bali is the glamorous well-being of the expensive spa resorts of Ubud and the enchantment of wild, undeveloped beaches.

If you do not like organized excursions and you have a craving for adventure - arm the guide, hire a car with a driver for a day (about 50 USD) and give yourself the joy of exploring the island. Personally, I would not recommend renting a car for self-driving: like in many Asian countries, local road traffic follows the instinct of self-preservation rather than the rules.

But Indonesia is not only sunny Bali . This and the impressive Borobudur temple complex, and the wild surf beaches of Java, and the magnificent Pininxi sailboats glittering with bright canvases in the midst of wild green islands as if on the edge of the planet in Raja Ampat, playing with all earth colors (only whether they are ?) Vakatobi reefs are a voyage to the Komodo dragons, these are fanciful underwater creatures on the black sand of the Gulf of Lembeh, this is an amazing ecosystem of the Bunaken marine park in Manado, these are the undiscovered secrets of the Kalimantan islands and dozens of other corners that have been deliberately lost from civilization to preserve their pristine beauty