Bali
The island of Bali is a major tourist destination. Millions of people visit the island every year for its famous spas and resorts, great Bali surfing, beautiful beaches, and jungles. For those looking for a great tropical island holiday, Bali is a premier destination for tourists. No matter if you want an active vacation, a tropical vacation, or a pampered vacation, Bali has it all. A lot of people get one of the Bali holiday packages that are offered by tour operators. Those are good if you are looking to do a high end holiday like a honeymoon but you can backpack the island pretty cheap too. Whatever you want, here’s information to help:
Quick Facts About Bali
Capital: Denpasar
Population: 3 million
Size: 5,632.86 km2 (2,175 sq mi)
Power Outlets: 127/230V 50Hz
Official Languages: Indonesian
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8
Calling Code: +62
Weather: The island of Bali is always warm, humid and tropical. April-October is the dry season on the island and November-March is the rainy season.
Cost and Budgeting for Bali
Like the rest of Indonesia, Bali is very cheap. For those on a budget, US$20 a day is enough to cover your expenses. For those looking for better accommodation and more activities to do, you will need US$40-50 per day. If you spend anything more than that, then the you will be able to do anything you want. Moreover, Bali has a large upscale market and there are many luxury Bali hotels that will cater to your every need. Furthermore, Bali has a lot of activities so if you are planning on doing more than just sitting on a beach, add US$10 per day to your budget.
Bali History
The island of Bali was first settled around 2,000 BC. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Hindu culture, beginning around the 1st century AD as people from that region began to settle the area. The first European contact with Bali was by the Dutch in 1597. Dutch expanded their political and economic control over Bali in the 1840s. In the late 1890s, struggles between kingdoms on the island were used by the Dutch to increase their control.
In 1946, the Dutch made Bali as one of the administrative districts of the new Republic of East Indonesia, a rival state to the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed and headed by Sukarn. Bali was included in the Republic when the Netherlands recognized Indonesian independence on December 29th, 1949.
Bali Culture
Most of Bali’s population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Religion as it is practiced in Bali is a composite belief system that embraces not only theology, philosophy, and mythology, but ancestor worship, animism and magic.
Bali Hinduism adopted the animistic traditions of the indigenous people. This influence strengthened the belief that the gods and goddesses are present in all things. Every element of nature possesses its own power. Balinese Hinduism is deeply mixed with art and ritual, and is less closely preoccupied with scripture, law, and belief than Islam in Indonesia. Ritualizing states of self-control are a notable feature of religious expression. This has made Bali famous around the world for vivid expression and ornate, graceful dancing.
Things to See and Do in Bali
Relax in a hot spring-There are several hot springs on Bali and they are a great way to relax after a long day of surfing.
Pamper yourself at a spa- Bali is paradise for spa lovers and all sorts of treatments are widely available, but the Balinese lulur body scrub with herbs and spices is particularly popular.
Get married- Balinese wedding have been getting increasingly popular in recent years. The exotic tradition, ceremonies, music customers, and the tropical settings are very appealing. Full wedding services are widely available in Bali and there are about ten wedding chapels in Bali if you want a tropical wedding.
Scuba dive/Snorkel- Bali is surrounded by extensive coral reefs and has many amazing dive sites. There are a few wrecks around the islands too. If diving if not your thing, you can always snorkel.
Learn to surf- Bali is a surfer’s paradise with some of the best waves in the world.
People flock to the beaches to hang ten. The southern coast around Kuta and Nusa Dua are the primary draws. Beginners will find the gentle waves on Kuta. You’ll find surf instructors lounging around the beach; a one hour lesson will cost you around USD $10.
Visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan- Located in the northern part of the island, this important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century and is actually built on small islands.
Bali Geography
The island of Bali is 3.2 km (2 mi) east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. The highest point is Mount Agung at 3,142 m (10,308 feet) high, an active volcano that last erupted in March 1963. Mountains cover center to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak.
The island of Bali is surrounded by many coral reefs Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west have black sand. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot.
