Blessed with an ancient society of beautiful, lighthearted people, Bali has a cultural style like no other in the world. Bali style is a mosaic, a varied heritage of many cultures.
For more than ten centuries, the Balinese have welcomed intrepid voyagers and carefree globetrotters to their shores who brought with them their own ideas and beliefs. An elegant people who wear an innate nobility and possess an artistic temperament, the Balinese have tenaciously observed their beliefs while incorporating new ideas from the outside world. Throughout their history they have creatively adapted and adjusted these outside influences to fit their needs and nourish their spirit. Theirs is a culture intrinsically endowed with an essence that has created an authentic Bali style.
On Bali, a saturation of the style permeates sights, sounds, and feelings as surely as the exotic array of birds and butterflies, fruits and flowers. An effervescent spirit of creativity is felt in everything, everywhere. Balinese style is ever present, a moment to moment experience. The style is vividly expressed in Bali villa architecture, in the visual and performing arts, and through observance of religious ideals.
Throughout the island is a plethora of fascinating Bali villa structures that are each designed to show elements of traditional Balinese architecture. Organic materials such as bamboo and alang-alang grass are used for roof structures. Practical, functional thatched roof designs in Bali have handsome exterior proportions with appealing organic textures.
Bali’s distinctive style is a multiplicity of concepts intricately woven for dramatic effect; a layering of vivid colors, textures and rhythmic patterns boldly revealed in elegant forms. Forms speak a visual language of the people that astonish the intellect and bewilder the imagination. Startling imagery and highly sophisticated design motifs are unexpectedly interlaced with pure whimsy. Incredibly beautiful art forms contrast with a sense of humor to create a smile and provide a reminder that life is not so serious.
The lifescape of Bali is filled with an artistic palette of color as well as spectacle of visual interest. Stone or wood statues are adorned with fresh flowers, dressed with a sarong and gaily hold painted umbrellas. Peasants stylishly wear colorful patterned batik fabrics as they go about their daily work. Temple ceremonies are staged so often that somewhere on Bali there is always one happening. The drama of Balinese life is more clearly represented in these frequent ceremonies. Ceremonies that are pageants to the gods but provide occasion for performances by flamboyantly costumed dancers and the presentation of artfully constructed offerings.