I have been spending quite a bit of time in Bali recently, a mix of research and guiding and this has allowed me to see the island in a more in-depth point of view. I must admit I was discouraged after my initial visit. So much traffic, so much garbage, the beaches and clubs packed with party goers, the shopping scene in Seminyak... I felt the place was “gone” compared to my fading memories of 2000 when I first went to research. But after the initial shock, and working with awesome local guides who reminded me what Bali was all about by their humor and ceaseless attention and care, I started seeing through the touristy downside of Bali and find out very quickly why this island of 4 million people managed to retain it’s spirituality and intense focus on spirits and gods. Balinese care for each other with never ending patience whilst being subjected to erupting volcanoes and earthquakes. Bali is a multi layered offering and most tourists go and enjoy the beach and the shopping. But if you take the time and explore the interior, you quickly find out that many areas of this huge island are still untouched.

We were driving through this small village on the outskirts of Ubud in central Bali when we saw this house entrance decorated with marigolds, weaved palm fronds, the whole main street was clean, not a piece of plastic lying around, members of the local community (the ever powerful banjar) wearing red shirts directing the traffic and neighbors walking up to the door entrance with gifts and donations for the wedding ceremony that was going to happen the next day. What I loved the most is that I could have sat there for a few hours and nobody would have cared, smiles were everywhere, locals were focused on making sure the family was happy and I for one did not want to stick my ugly mug in the house and disturb the festivities even if our guide said it was no problems. I just felt that if Bali gets 5.6 millions tourists a year, the least I could do is leave this family alone for a bit.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT:

Bali combines buddhist, hindu and animistic beliefs and holds a minimum of 20,000 shrines.

BEST MONTH TO VISIT:

Between April and November

Longitude 80 offers a full itinerary on Bali only that combines 3 different locations (coast, mountains and village) where a host of Balinese experiences await.