I had come to Bali with the intention of cycling around for four weeks exploring this jewel of the Indonesian Archipelago. I had found through past experience that my well-equipped bicycle allowed me to venture off the beaten path and see up close what others only see from the window of a bus. Situated just a few degrees south of the equator, with active volcanoes towards the north and lush, fertile fields of rice throughout, I was quick to discover that Bali is an island of remarkable splendor. Religion permeates all aspects of life in Bali, and therefore temples can be found everywhere. The Balinese practice their own form of Hinduism blended with island animism, references are made to the Hindu Gods of India but the Balinese God, Sanghyang Widi, is supreme.
Every village is centered around a temple and every household has a shrine.
Life revolves around paying respect to the Gods and spirits and therefore the temples are cared for meticulously and offerings are made daily. Mas is the center of woodcarving activity, workshops house hundreds of winged Garundas and effigies of the rice queen. At the entrance to the temple in this small village sits a stone statue of Barong, a mischievous good spirit with the face of a lion and the body of a dog. Every morning red flower pedals are delicately placed in his stone hands while bowls of food are placed at his feet. On special occasions he is dressed in a black and white, checked sarong with a golden sache.