Bali is becoming more and more a tourist destination and the human and cultural landscape of the island is rapidly changing catering to the tourism industry. It is becoming just as anywhere else , Bali rich in cultural heritage and unique religious practices is rapidly changing from a sublime rustic environment to a resort status catering to those who can afford.
Aesthetically Bali has few rivals albeit in her Artistic or lanscape environment, Balinese taste is as exquisite as that of the Japanese when it comes to architexture or sculptures, landscaping or the theatres.
The remnants of older civilizations which in Balinese case that of Hinduism has left behind a very rich historical background both physical as well as spritual that the people till this day and age still practice some of the rituals.
Large as well as smaller household temples are numerous scattered all over the Island and the natives still carry out daily rituals or pujas decoratingthe altars large and small with offerings of fruits and flowers.
The stone gaurdians of Monkey warriors are found at temple gates and they reminded me of the Monkey God Hanuman who served Sri Rama aand his consort Sita.
Sensuality and beauty goes hand in hand in Balinese works of Art depicting their women whether in the act of worshipping or dancing.
Hinduism brought with it more than just religious practices the Balinese folklores is filled with Demonic characters of Hindu origin and has been adapted into their Arts and theatres.
Balinese dancers are world reknowned and are well trained from an early age to perform what is both ritualistic as well as theatrical dances. Their costumes accentuates the sensual movements of their bodies making it almost surrealistic when viewed in performances. Balinese dances has a cetain elements of classical Hindu dance chracteristics however the Balinese dance is more subtle and delicate in appearence more akin to the Thai classical dance artform.
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