Bali at Sayan

Bali is a tropical paradise with a population of approximately 3.8 million people. The vast majority of Balinese are Hindu and assume a spiritual approach to life. The island has nearly 20,000 temples.

Known for its lush landscapes and relaxed pace, Bali is also famous for its artistic traditions--including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. Our guests immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting nearby attractions such as the Batur Temple, Bali Bird Park and Reptile Park, the stone-carving village of Batubulan, the wood-carving village of Celuk, and the artistic centre of Mas.

Note: To enter Indonesia, you will need to furnish a passport that remains valid at least six months after your date of arrival and two consecutive blank pages. Check with your local Indonesian government representative for visa requirements.

Bali celebrates all Hindu, Islamic, Christian, and national holiday--but since the majority of Balinese follow a special version of Hinduism, the religious highlights of the island are unique. At Four Seasons, we abide by many of these religious guidelines.

Galungan is celebrated every 210 days to commemorate the triumph of good over evil, and also to be thankful for prosperity. The holiday lasts for ten days and includes ritualistic dances and offerings at temples. On the last day of the holiday--known as Kuningan day--villagers dress in traditional clothes and carry offerings of fruits, flowers, leaves, and food on their heads to the temples.

Nyepi is celebrated during either March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. Nyepi is the Hindu New Year in Bali and the community conducts its ceremonies a day beforehand to drive out evil spirits. Rituals include firecrackers, drums, and traditional music--along with a parade in which symbolic images of evildoers are burnt at midnight. On Nyepi day, no cars are allowed on the roads, and no lights or noise are permitted in the community.

Other holidays honour knowledge (Saraswati), metal implements (Pagerwesi), and the full moon (Purnama) and dead moon (Tilem).