In this land, birth and death have very significant meanings. Life revolves around a strict code of conduct, where helping hands are always forthcoming, where family bonds are always strong, where appropriate language is crucial, where reverence is paramount. Each person has a role to play and is duty-bound to enact it throughout their lifetime.

Prayer is central to the life of a Balinese, as it keeps all forces in a balanced state. Every object, be it a mask, a stone, or even fire, has a spirit. There are mystical forces at work that can be molded for the benefit of mankind. For the Balinese, such forces, whether good or bad, emanate from one source.

These forces must be harnessed in a balanced way so that no harm comes to the people of Bali . To the Balinese, everything has a religious connotation. They make offerings, not just to the family temple, but to the major I as well, all with the aim of maintaining the fine balance of forces that would otherwise wreck havoc on their peaceful existence.

The majority of Balinese are Hindu, practising a blend of the religious beliefs originally brought over from the ancient Indian kingdoms. But Hinduism in Bali is quite unlike that found in India . Over the centuries, the Balinese have incorporated elements of indigenous beliefs and prac­tices, with traces of Javanese influence as well. There are strong elements of Buddhism, too. Perhaps like no other place on earth, on Bali this combination of beliefs has blended and interwoveri itself almost perfectly. The result - Balinese Hinduism - dominates all aspects of life here.

Death and the cremation rites are important to the Balinese. The cremation ceremony is not sad, in fact it is rather a joyous occasion, as the departing soul is given the opportunity to reach a higher realm. Cremation cere­monies often draw huge crowds.

Bali can be whatever you want it to be. A tourist par­adise, with splendid beaches, friendly people, warm cli­mate, cool mountain air, and all at a slow pace. You might find new meaning and value to the simple things in life. You can hike up mountain trails, watch the birds, visit sacred temples, explore the ocean coral reefs. You can fill a treasure chest with golden memories. You may later recollect your feeling of enlightenment when you stood and faced the mountains, gazing at the natural beauty all around you.

You will soon realise that the essence of life here is water. Yet to the Balinese the sea is the source of the unknown, the dwelling place of demons. But water is essential for the rice paddies to provide a harvest. The Balinese have devised an ingenious system of aqueducts which can truly be considered a miracle of engineering.

The people of the island grow enough rice for their need. In most places the farmers derive at least two crops a year. The terrace rice paddies, which turn a golden hue just before the harvest, are very much an integral part of the island's landscape.

Bali is also about colours, sounds, smells and textures. The people produce a bewildering array of garments in this buyer's heaven.

There is music too. And with the music, naturally there is dance. In Bali , the repertoire of dances appears endless. Music and dance vary from village to village in both style and content. It may surprise you to learn that in many ways the traditions of the people of Bali are very localised. What is practiced in one village may be unknown to someone from the next village. Yet beneath this diversity there lies unison in the actions, thoughts and common beliefs, hopes and aspirations of the Balinese.

Welcome then to Bali , perhaps the last place on this earth that still conjures images of mystique, beauty, peace and goodwill - a unique way of life in this modern day and age. It's an environment whose hospitality could envelope you. Your senses may be bewildered by the colours, sounds, and natural beauty that is Bali - the last frontier - where your quest for the true meaning of life begins.