The slightest mention of Bali brings about visions of a paradise. Once you set foot onto this magical island you quickly realize that, Bali is so much more than a place; it's a mood evoking spiritual vibrations, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind.

Bali - Island of the Gods

The rich, kind and diverse culture of Bali shows itself at all levels of life - from the carefully crafted and incense infused flower-petal offerings placed in front of each house, to the spontaneous processions of colorfully dressed locals shutting down major roads as they march to one of the myriad temple ceremonies, to the otherworldly traditional music and graceful dance performed island-wide. Almost everything on Bali has spiritual meaning. The center of Bali is dominated by the impressive volcanoes of the high mountains and hillside temples such as Pura Luhur Batukau (one of the island's estimated 10,000 temples), with the tallest peak of Gunung Agung representing the island's spiritual centre.

One Island, Many Destinations

On Bali you can lose yourself in the chaos of Kuta or sybaritic pleasures of Canggu and Seminyak, surf perfectly barreling waves along the wild beaches of Uluwatu, drift dive some of the world’s best reefs on Nusa Penida or just chill on Nusa Lembongan. Bali literally offers something for everyone - enjoy a family-friendly vacation in Sanur or savor a lavish getaway on the Bukit Peninsula. Ubud is the spiritual center of Bali, a place where the culture of the island is most accessible, and it boasts the island's most beautiful rice fields, tropical waterfalls and ancient monuments. North and west Bali are sparsely populated but have the kind of diving and surfing that make any journey worthwhile.

Bali's Essence

Yes, Bali offers beaches, world class surfing, spectacular diving and resorts great and small, but it's the essence of Bali – and the Balinese – that makes this island so much more than just a fun-in-the-sun vacation. It is possible to take the cliché of the smiling Balinese too far, but in reality, the inhabitants of this small island are indeed the most generous, genuinely warm people you will every encounter. The true, warm-hearted smile of a Balinese is so infectious that many visitors to this island will experience life-changing revelations within themselves as they feel their hearts opening and vibrating in tune with the Balinese harmony.

Bali's Belief

The Balinese believe that by maintaining a harmonious relationship with God, people and nature, they will live in prosperity and harmony. Every important event in their life is usually followed by ceremony - there are ceremonies for birth, puberty, maturity, marriage or death, then there are ceremonies on important holidays in the 250-day Balinese calendar such as Nyepi (the day of silence), Galungan and Kuningan or ceremonies connected with natural phenomena (such as a full moon). With these ceremonies and daily rituals, people are connecting with the gods, ancestors, families and community.

Bali's Fun

Ultimately Bali's rich culture and many amazing sights are what takes Bali's sheer delight to another level. Because Bali is fun, no matter what you want or who you are. Seminyak has shops and designers, Kerobokan has luxe beachside resorts and superb eating, Kuta and Legian have the nightlife, and Canggu wraps it all into one irresistible package. Plunge deep into Bali's spirit while finding yourself in Ubud or catching the perfect wave in Bingin, Uluwatu. You name it, it's all here.