Views from the Morning of the World. It is an only around 50 Miles long and wide island between Java and Malaysia. An mountainous island with the "Lord" Mount Agung dwelling 3000 m over all, which has proven to be a active vulcano 1963. The climate is tropical up to boreal on the mountains. Bali was formed by hinduism since the 6. century. As the nearby islands turned to islam during 16. century, it became a refuge for brahmans, elites and intellectuals, especially from Java. The culture is a mixture of hinduism, naturals beliefs and shamanism therefore. Being mostly rural, it has a strong local life with Gamelang-bands and Townhall-meetings in every little settlement. Balinese love music, poetry and dancing! They are friendly people, so its possible for women to travel alone here without a worry, an exception in that area! Being ruled by a local monarchy, the Dutch changed that in various attempts to conquer the island. 1906 they attacked the capital and massacred 3600 Balinese. During WW II the Japanese captured the Island. 1946 the Dutch tried to reconquer Bali, followed by bloody fights and terrorism. 1950 it became freed and part of the Indonesian State, also known as "The Island of the Gods". Penang-api! Enjoy!