Things to See on a Bali Holiday

Bali is an island province in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. The Bali people are energetic and have an interesting culture. The very low crime rate is attractive to travelers from around the world. Backpackers come to enjoy the beauty of the countryside and visit the ancient shrines and temples. Surfers are attracted to the excellent surf and great climate. Families love a Bali holiday for all the interesting shops and tourist attractions.

The capital city of Denpasar in the southern part of the province is mostly an Islamic population, while the city of Ubud is mostly Hindu. The Hindu Temple of Ubud is a favorite destination for travelers. During the day it is not unusual to see women with baskets of fruit on their heads heading to the temple to make an offering to the gods. In the evening, when the workers leave the rice patties, they begin to play their music to worship the gods. The men play a drum similar to a bongo while the women dance.

Bali is considered the most visitor friendly island in Indonesia. While you can drive around the perimeter of the island in one day, the terrain is very diverse. Off in the distance as the sun sets you can see Gunung Agung Bali's highest mountain is also an active volcano. Some people say it lost its top when it erupted in 1963.

Don't miss the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal Village, Ubud, Bali. This forest is home to the long-tailed macaques. You can observe the monkeys in their unusual game of gathering stones into a pile and either clacking the stones together repeatedly or pounding one stone repetitively. This is a behavior unique to this species of monkey.

While at Sacred Monkey Forest be sure to visit the beautiful Hindu temple where many believe the spirits of humans and animals dwell not only within the sacred walls, but, also the forest, the valleys and meadows. Though little record exists of the ancient civilizations that lived here before; the influence of the ancestors is everywhere you look in the temple and the forest.