Amongst Gods and Demons Bali

Appears in
Fire: A World of Flavour

By Christine Manfield

Published 2008

  • About
Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is a tiny speck in the Indonesian archipelago that stretches across the Java Sea. Because of its proximity to the equator, there are only two seasons: the hot and rainy season from October to March and the slightly cooler dry season for the other half of the year. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, where the vast majority of people are Muslim, the Balinese adhere to a life of Hindu ritual and devotion. There are frequent blessings to keep the demons away, and great importance is placed on maintaining happiness, good luck and prosperity. With all this goodwill buzzing around, and the cultural significance attached to food, I guess it was inevitable that I would grow to love this place.