Bali is like a secret garden. Just when you’re getting fed up with the heat, rain, or beggars, you’ll peek behind a wall and get a glimpse of something breathtaking.

An intricately carved temple in a perfect garden. A huge ancient statue carved into a cliffside, deep in a steaming jungle. An endless vista of palm trees and rice paddies. Almost daily religious festivals, and constant small spiritual rituals. Friendly people, beaches and beer. Bali has a lot to offer.

As an island of hindu culture surrounded by a muslim nation, Bali has evolved its own unique style of spirituality.

There are a lot of western “seekers” hanging out, thinking about enlightenment, doing yoga and meditation.

It’s inexpensive to visit. It’s a stunningly beautiful tropical jewel. A great place to practice your spiritual quest, whatever its form. The people are sweet and innocent – don’t order a margarita unless you want to teach the bartender how to make one.

Clouds reflected in a fishpond at a jungle temple near Ubud, Bali. January 2008.

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