Bali. When mentioned, people conjure up images of killer waves, busy night clubs and overcrowded beaches running rampant with young suntanned partiers. But look beyond the surface and you will witness a land rich with tradition, superstition and a people whose dedication to their beliefs has helped the island to maintain their centuries old customs. Enduring the onslaught of tourists who invade their beaches each year, the Balinese continue to live their lives of deep rooted religion, important family values and respect for the spirits of the dead.

Ceremony

Devout Hindus , the Balinese put out offerings each morning resembling works of art. Fruit and flowers beautifully arranged in palm leaves displayed in front of their shops with rich incense burning to bring good luck and to appease the spirits. Great care is taken top-reserve their tradition and young and old alike continue to practice these beliefs. Everyday you will see a ceremony occur. Whether it be a wedding a birthday or an elaborate cremation, the Balinese enjoy a life full of festivities.

Just a short ride out of the main tourist destination of Kuta beach is the peaceful town of Ubud. This picturesque village situated in Bali’s interior, among lush rice terraces is a place where time stands still.

Farmers tend their paddy fields by hand as their flocks of painted ducks waddle on their land. When walking through a peaceful path, you may be stopped by a local boy who will climb a tree to offer you a fresh coconut.

Rice Farmer

Skillful artists sell their masterpieces to the casual buyer or to the serious collector and handmade treasures of masks and statues can be bought in the many family run shops. Or you can find a real bargain at the colourful market in the centre of town, selling sarongs and t-shirts to crafts and paintings.

It is famous for its traditional dance performed each night in one of many ornate temples.. Masked performers dressed in colourful costumes telling stories of their history and folklore in the outdoor theatres under the canopy sky. Great dedication is given to the study of this difficult craft and a highly skilled Balinese Dancer is revered throughout the land.

Dancers

Quiet cafes line the road leading to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a protected portion of jungle containing long tail macaques. Unlike other sanctuary’s I have visited in south East Asia, this one does not encourage the monkeys to fend for themselves. Vendors sell bananas and peanuts for profit so that visiting tourists can feed these feisty creatures. They come to expect their treats regularly causing fights among the monkeys and tourists alike.

Monkey Forest

Enjoy a luxurious massage at one of the many spas. For the reasonable price of $12 you will enjoy one and a half hours of pure heaven. Skilled masseurs work out your travel weary muscles with ancient old techniques, finishing with an herbal body scrub and hot floral bath. Pure decadence.

Choosing a meal at one of the many eateries can be a difficult task. With food ranging from traditional Indonesian babi guling (suckling pig roasted on a spit and must be ordered a day in advance.) to Italian pasta and pizza or roasted duck. It is a playground for the taste buds and eating in the candle lit setting while Balinese music plays softly in the background gives a feeling of tranquility. You relax while drinking a Bintang beer and think that you may never leave this tropical paradise.

Ubud is well traveled on many peoples routes in Bali, but its laid back atmosphere dedicated tradition and a thriving artist community give it the facade of being the “real” Bali. Many will say that the real Bali no longer exists, that it has been taken over by tourism and western influence. But I see it thriving in the everyday lives of the local people and the real Bali exists in their hearts.

Article by International Business Times – ibtimes.com