What distinguishes Bali from a lot of other places I’ve visited is that the culture is intact. I can’t tell you how many times I’d walk down a road, the only tourist there, and see people praying at roadside shrines, flying kites, or holding temple festivities. Is Bali beautiful? Sure, but so are many other places. However, unlike so many other places, the culture hasn’t been relegated to a museum. The beating heart of the place is still intact.