I read the history background like a novel. The cultural information such as the drama, the dances, the religion, the art etc. is great. The photos are great too. I am back from Bali and I just take this book with me.

Insight Guide Bali is an exceptional travel guide. The history is well written and rich with interesting facts. I reads like a good novel. The maps are deteiled with plenty of cross references. There are plenty of travel tips from riding a bus to how to order food without MSGS. It appears that every possible travel issue has been addressed; from how not to get arrested to finding the swank resorts. The book is worth the price just for the exquisite pictures. I have never seen a travel book with photos as exceptional as these. Usually I purchase a couple of guide books before going to a new location, but this time I will only use the Insight Guide Bali.

A very helpful tome of what to do and what not to do in East Asia. It came in really handy when I visited the larger cities, but gave me special insight on the smaller ones as well.