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title: Bali created_at: 2026-4-09T14:52:16.823Z updated_at: 2026-4-09T14:52:16.823Z tldr: Land of sacrifice. is_published: true star: false category: tourism

A Sanskrit word meaning sacrifice, for a Hindu state of Indonesia, it is surprisingly secular - maybe more secular than India. Yes, their religion transitioned from India, the same traditional gods, but they have no idols. Their concept is a bit more partitioned. Temples there are referred to as pura. Pura has 3 floors - hell, earth and heaven, and the Gods live beyond that in towers. Unless you have an offering to pray, the locals won’t allow you to get to heaven. Well, disappointed maybe, but if you wear a Sarong and got some flowers in a banana leaf, you can!. Here’s my suggestion, rent a bike and go to all the temples - may be along the time after Ramadan and in the Hindu New Year, you will be surronded by a very calm air.

Indonesia is very hot, they got only 2 seasons. Cigarettes and feet are the only smell that fills the air. They don’t have a coffee tradition - maybe carry one if possible. If you're into hiking, plan for a non-touristy season like March end before Easter, when things are very less crouded. The Skies are warm and blue, and the trails are nice and clear. And Women cheat more than men - be careful.

My visit there was lovely. Very polite folks. Maybe skip all the beaches, I suggest Warung - foods better there, go on trails and bike-rides. And if you ever get caught by a security guard, for checking “Tamouh” is the secret word.