Bali Travel Offers Adventure, Wonder and History

The world is chock full of destinations that are all worthy of consideration when it's time to make holiday plans. There are not many places, however, that can compare to a particular island in the Indonesian archipelago. Bali travel melds adventure, history and wonder into a single experience that is virtually certain to create memories to last a lifetime.

Located only a few hours away from Australia by plane, this unusual destination packs a great deal of fun into 5,632 square kilometers. Here holidaymakers will find weather that is perfect practically year round. With warm tropical temperatures ranging between 20 and 33 degrees Celsius no matter the time of year, visitors to Bali are often surprised to find sunny days dominate even in the thick of the rainy season.

When Bali travel is under consideration, potential holidaymakers will find these reasons tend to draw travelers from all over the world like moths to a flame:

- The outdoor splendor - Bali is famous for its breathtaking geography. The island is surrounded by warm turquoise waters that lap at white sandy beaches. From quiet lagoons just right for swimming and snorkeling to more "active" beaches that call to surfers and adventure sports lovers, the waters here are ideal for year round fun. Whilst the beaches are certainly a draw, they are not the only outdoor wonder that awaits those planning Bali travel. This island is also famous for its lush tropical forests, active volcanoes, tiered rice paddies and incredible lakes and waterfalls.

- The history - Bali has a history that dates back thousands of years. Evidence of its most early inhabitants can be found in a variety of sites all over the island. From the temples in the Mount Agung complex to the wonderment of the Tanah Lot, visitors here will learn much about the peoples and cultures that have touched Bali throughout the ages. With its strong ties to the Hindu religion, holidaymakers will discover that many of the island's most splendid outdoor attractions have also served as places connected deeply to religion through the ages.

- The culture - Balinese culture is known for its distinct arts, form of dance and cuisine. Those who plan Bali travel will find themselves arriving on a island that is known the world over for its welcoming hospitality and unique traditions.

- The adventures - Bali is one of the few places in the world where people can get up close and personal with gray monkeys, elephants and a variety of other tropical creatures all on a single vacation. If fauna doesn't appeal, those on Bali tours will find that plenty of other adventures await. Bali tours can unlock adventures that are found nowhere else in the world. From Odyssey Submarine trips that take holidaymakers into the depths that surround the island to a trip to the 11th century Elephant Cave, there is no shortage of opportunities to do and see things that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

When an experience like nothing else is desired, Bali travel will deliver. Combining adventure, wonder and history, this legendary island offers holidaymakers an opportunity to explore paradise on earth.

A Powerful Celebration in Bali

Even though it happened about six years ago, my trip to Bali impacts my life to date. I saw people gather together in a way that I had never seen in the States. Or anywhere else. The man being cremated had died the year before. Because they believe that we are reborn to the same community that we lived in, they believe in throwing a huge party for the people therein. There was much celebration, with music, offerings of colorful clothing and bountiful fruit, and a generous party of food and drink. The reason the ceremony happened a year after the man's death was because the family needed to save enough money to provide this party for the community. An infant was also cremated at that time. The people grieved for both, but in a spirit of celebration at the same time. The bodies were cremated along with the offerings. Two elegant elderly women then sifted through the doused ashes to remove any larger fragments of bone, which were gently wrapped and put aside. The cremains were placed in a large, wide bowl and set atop a tall ornately decorated structure that rode on two long poles. Family members (and friends?) lifted the whole thing onto their shoulders and took off down the road to the river. Because they did not want the deceased to be stuck here or come back too soon, they twirled and swayed as they walked to confuse the deceased. And because they had been enjoying the drinking portion of the ceremony, I was afraid it all was going to come crashing down as their swaying and weaving on the road became more and more exagerated.

Now what I took away from all this was a profound sense of community coming together in support of the family, and the family's joy in providing such a wonderful celebration. They had had time to grieve the man's departure, but also present was the fresh grief for the infant. It was all there. Grief, comraderie, celebration, amidst tears and laughter. All there on one afternoon. I want more of that.

There's oftentimes such a sterility in our funeral services. People not showing much emotion in the services I've been present in in my past...wouldn't it be wonderful to have permission to weep and laugh, sing and cheer, sob and sway?! And without fear of seeming odd or uncouth! Just to let it all hang out. I know other cultures allow this as well. I would love a ceremony where my friends and family and community at large could congragate in such a way as to allow whatever feelings are present to express. What a gift!