Forty Shades of Brilliance: Despite decades of tourism-driven commercialism and the rapid development it has brought to Bali over the years, this tiny island still holds firm to its traditions and culture – an endearing mix that keeps people the world over coming back for invigorating more. Here a pristine, terraced, roadside valley ricefield glistens amid banana and palm trees in the midday sun just outside Ubud in central Bali, an arresting view that stops motoring tourists in their tracks for a glimpse at a slowed-down world in stark contrast to outside modernity.