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KoreaTimes Photos by Gregory Curley |
Disarming Hindu Hospitality
By Gregory Curley
Contributing Writer
What Bali lacks in surrounding white sand beaches and glimmering turquoise waters, it certainly makes up for with its exceptionally warm hospitality, intricate artwork, culinary delicacies, and carefully woven, culturally rich history. Strung snugly together between Lombok and Java on Indonesia’s southern beaded string of islands, its unique presence has been luring tourists back year after year in droves. Laid back living, gorgeously kept villa resorts run by graceful, radiant locals and traditions that bear the scars of years of unrest, Bali is a colorful sight to behold and an experience to be long remembered.
From Uluwatu’s traditional monkey dance performances called “kecak”, set against breathtaking bleeding sunsets off its southern coast, to the mystical, lush village of Ubud, with its abundance of handcrafted artwork and cozy restaurants, the island boasts some of the finest attractions not found anywhere else in the country. With upscale resorts flanked to the eastern area of Nusa Dua to the more affordable villa retreats of Jimbaran, where one can scale the windswept stretch of beach, sit and watch the fishing boats sail in, there are ample options for travelers to choose from. Whether it’s a romantic spa infused honeymoon or, a getaway with friends full of surf, sun and fun, Bali is endless in possibility.
Yet, amidst all such beauty stays buried a surprisingly brutal history. Cornelis de Houtman’s arrival in 1597 marked the arrival of Europe’s first explorer. His presence would trigger a series of aggressive attacks, cementing Dutch rule over the island and eventually leading to the unfortunate demise of thousands of proud Balinese who refused to surrender to foreign intrusion, opting instead for the ritualistic suicide act of “puputan.”
But such spells of ignorance have had little overall scarring effect on the island’s treasured offerings, as the Balinese are inherently resilient, spirited people. And from all accounts, the pulse of tourism continues to remain visibly strong.
gbcurley@gmail.com
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