Surya Residence Bali, On the Edge of Heaven

Bali is one of 17,000 islands
(6,000 inhabited) in the
archipelago that make up
the country of Indonesia. It
is 145 km (90 miles) long
and 80 km (50 miles) wide.
Bali is situated just east of
the island of Java and west
of Lombok.

Indonesia is the world's
most populous Muslim
nation with 231 million
people; interestingly, most
of Bali's 3 million people are
Hindu. Although many of the
islands that make up
Indonesia are beautiful and
appealing, Bali is
particularly attractive. Much
of the island is surrounded
by beautiful beaches with
clear water. Mount Agung,
an active volcano, towers
3,142 m (10,308 feet) above
the terrain in the center of
the island. Hindu temples
dot the landscape and the
fertile island overflows with
green rice paddies.

Bali also has a fascinating
cultural tradition. Ubud, in
the center of the island, is
known for arts and crafts
including woodcarving,
batik-making and painting.
Balinese dance and
Gamelan orchestra
performances are common.
Small artistic touches are
evident throughout much of
the island in the form of
small offerings presented to
Hindu Gods.