Despite the many changes created by the rapid development of Bali’s economy due to local and international tourism, and the recently increased influence of government and “big” business, Bali still attracts millions of visitors every year – from all around the world. The Balinese people have strong spiritual roots and despite the onslaught of tourists over the years, their culture and way of life has been relatively unaffected.

Bali’s unique culture can be seen from its many Hindu religious ceremonies. There are always unscheduled ceremonies such as funerals, cremations and marriages. A Temple Ceremony or “Odalan” is the temple’s anniversary celebration. These are held regularly according to the traditional Bali Hindu Calendar System. A temple ceremony commands the complete involvement of all the local villagers and can take weeks to prepare.

Bali’s atmosphere is reflected in the ageless traditions; the sacred Hindu rituals, full of light and color that are so much a part of everyday life. Take a trip anywhere in Bali, through village, town or rice fields. You can only smile back at the men, women and children dressed in their intricately woven sarongs, daily laying out the small votive offerings in front of shops and homes, or at one of the thousands of small rural temples.

Bali is respected throughout the world as the number one luxury resort destination in the Asia-Pacific region. This tropical island denotes a meeting of extremes, where cutting-edge international movers and shakers confront the custodians of an ancient and very complete way of being human. The Balinese tell us that the real mystery lies not in what is seen, in the illusory image, but what is unseen, behind it.