ISLAND OF THE GODS? Perhaps not in the coastal resorts of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak. Away from the riff-raff and Bintang singlets, the Hindu island of Bali has stunning scenery, peaceful villages and strong traditions and culture.
The hills and villages around Ubud are a world away from the gutters of Kuta.
Hinduism is the main religion of Bali, where the temple remains are focus of everyday life.
A youngster at a temple ceremony.
Processions, rituals and ceremonies occur daily somewhere on the island.
Women carrying temple offerings on their heads.
The good thing about Kuta-Legian, is that it keeps most of the bogans in one place.
An orchestra in a funeral procession.
While no doubt progress and tourist numbers have influenced this part of Bali in the years since I was there, I am sure that scenes like this are not assigned to the history books yet.
A man and his cow.
With chickens for company, a blind musicians busks.
A young Balinese lad with temple offerings.
Graceful and elegant, dancers perform in Ubud.
Backed by a gamelan orchestra, a dancer performs the Hindu epic, Ramayana.
Away from the souther coast resorts, Balinese arts and culture are there to be enjoyed.