Part 8/12:
Cultural heritage has become a spectacle for tourists. Elaborate ceremonies and traditional dance performances are staged for visual appeal, often stripped of their spiritual significance. Locals express concern that Bali's cultural authenticity is sacrificed for convenience and profit.
Tourist sites like Penglipuran village, which charges an entry fee used to sustain local culture, symbolize efforts to preserve tradition amid encroaching development. Yet, even here, the landscape slowly changes to accommodate visitor demands. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how heavily Bali depends on tourism, with millions of livelihoods vulnerable to eventual downturns.