The people are soft-spoken, friendly and religious. They start their day by offering flowers and fruits to the gods, a common scene across the island.
"Tourists come from across the world. Many people from the West come just to enjoy the sea," a tour guide said.
People also throng Bali for the beautiful ancient temples; the place is also known as "The island of thousand temples."
A visit to Uluwatu Temple will sweep you off your feet. Located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the blue sea, it has a therapeutic effect on visitors. Constructed in the 11th century, it is one of the nine directional temples meant to protect Bali from evil spirits. It is a ritual to wrap a cloth around the waist while entering.
But one needs to be cautious about the monkeys in the temple premises! They are present in huge numbers and at times give tourists a tough time.
There is also an amphitheatre-like structure within the premises where Hindu mythological plays are performed in the evening.
Bali is also known for its handicrafts like batik works on dress material, wooden crafted objects, showpieces made of shells, leather goods made of snakeskin, various utility items made of wood and cane and traditional musical instruments crafted out of coconut shells, wood and cane.
One needs plenty of rupiahs to purchase this stuff. With the inflation rate steep, $100 will fetch you 1,135,000 to 1,140,000 rupiah depending on the day's exchange rate. And, any beautiful object one will lay one's hands on will cost not less than 75,000 rupiah.
