I was fortunate enough to be in Bali recently for some work, and I had some free time to explore around the island..(when there wasn't any good surf...!) A couple hours from Kuta Beach (main beach in Bali) there are a bunch of beautiful villages and rice paddies with picturesque sunbeams shooting through the clouds and intermittent rain cooling you down in the sultry humid air. I came along the village of Tegalalang, a small village known for its wood work and bamboo art... Many pieces of wood art line the road into the village and you'll have many options to choose from, but remember if you see something you like, snatch it up and try not to haggle too much for the equivalent of 50 cents savings... that 50 cents means much more to them than it does to most travelers passing through. I love all markets around the world and it's so fun strolling through villages and seeing the local people making their art. These guys were making boomerangs and they'll let you give one a chuck! But watch out because they do come back! I bought a cool digeridoo here that is in my house still today..... I hung out at the Kampung cafe when I needed to find respit from the heat, and suck down some beautiful coconut water....
The islands of Indonesia are surely some of the most beautiful areas on Earth!! Enjoy !!!