The essence of Balinese culture is depicted in their dance and drama. Balinese dance will give an insight to their religious beliefs, lifestyle and a flow of cultural events and activities that is a part of their daily living. Cultural dances in Bali explores deep down, awakening the attitudes, perceptions and thoughts of the Balinese people and establishes their most intimate links with nature. It is simply a manifestation of Balinese people and their enchanting culture and heritage.
Balinese dance is highly influenced by the Hindu religion, but the strong identity of the dance acts is formed based on various other influences as well, including folklore traditions and animism. Most professional dancers start training at a very young age and continue their talents throughout their lives. Balinese cultural dances have a strong bond with religion which is why they are mostly performed as a channel for visiting gods or as entertainment for visiting gods.
Balinese dance acts can be categorized into three sections which are Wali or Sacred dances, Bebali dances, Balih-balihan dance. The Wali dances are considered to be very sacred and it is performed in the inner section of the temple, Rejan, Baris, Pendet and Sang Hyang Dedari are sub categories that fall under Wali. Bebali dance acts are more ceremonial and are generally performed in the middle section of the temple while Gambuh is also a dance drama that fall under this category which speaks of a Javanese prince in the quest for a beautiful princess. The Balih,balihan dances are the most entertaining and is performed in the outer court or outside the temple. Janger, Kebver, Legong and Kecak are the dance categories that fall under it.
If you visit Bali make sure that you do not miss out on this opportunity to be entertained by the beautiful Balinese dance performances. Balih-balihan dance acts are generally performed throughout the year while the Wali and Bebali have its time schedule within the year.
Bali is the most famous part of Indonesia especially for tourists. When you are visiting there check Bali resorts before making your reservation. The Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort and Spa is one of the best hotels to check out. If you are travelling close to Bali or driving through without staying then checkout Uluwatu hotels for better options.
Though bird watching might not top your list among attractions in Abu Dhabi, it is indeed a good way to spend the day and you will be surprised by the numbers and different species found in Abu Dhabi. Situated on the route of migrating birds on their way to southern or central Asia for breeding and wintering in Arabia and Eastern Africa with the coastline facing the northwest, it attracts hundreds of species of birds annually. The cultivated gardens, tidal creek and watered central reservations of Abu Dhabi create a haven for birds flying across large expanse of desert lands in search of their breeding and resting grounds further east. Although with rapid development the numbers have decreased in the past years, the hope is that with the increased gardens and greenery, more birds will continue to rest at Abu Dhabi despite the busy city.
There are a number of vantage points to watch bird migrations in Abu Dhabi but one can simply watch from anywhere green and still count a considerable number of birds and species during certain peak periods. There are a number of scattered islands along the Arabian Gulf where colonies of seabirds breed and their migrations can be viewed from the spit running northwest. The best place would be right at the northwesterly edge of the spit from May to August and also though autumn and winter till April when birds arrive in large numbers from their northern breeding grounds. Species seen here include reef heron, great blackheaded gull, lesser sand plover, slenderbilled gull, small waders and a number of other seabirds.
