Quintessential Bali (May and June)

Big Bali

Little Bali

Where do you begin to talk of Bali? With the epic mountains and volcanoes, the tinkling charm of the gamelan orchestra, the mesmerizing dances, the full canvas of foliage, the laughing children, the seaweed plots and rice terraces, the fragrant flowers popping with color, the succulent food, the ubiquitous, sensual art, the crystalline water and coral reefs, the air potent with chi?

What permeates all of this is spirituality. In their own unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and animalism, the Balinese bring together the spiritual with the profane (or at least the practical) in every aspect of life. This is evident in the offerings they make and set out daily, everywhere, from homes to businesses to cars to boats to rice fields; one up high for the good spirits' protection and one set low to appease the bad spirits and maybe encourage them to be good. The offerings are almost always a small, handmade banana-leaf basket containing just rice or any combination of rice, flowers, incense, small foods such as nuts or small Ritz crackers, cigarettes, alcohol, and bottles of water. It is not unusual to accidentally trip over the offerings in doorways or on sidewalks, or for dogs or monkeys to sniff through them and eat the food. Not to worry! The energy of the offering is effective upon the intention and placement of the offering; what happens after that is of little consequence. The balance of good/bad yin/yang is also depicted in the black and white cloth Balinese wear and tie around sacred statues. Additionally, Balinese rituals can involve various forms of animal sacrifice, from baby chicks to water buffalo, and amulets, charms, and potions for everything from protection from volcanoes, to abundant harvests, to winning love.

Dark Bali

Light Bali