Bali is one of the most mysterious and attractive places on our planet. Fabulous tropical nature combined with amazingly clean sandy beaches make this little corner truly paradise. It is not surprising that many tourists want to personally check where the island of Bali is located.
Geography
Bali is located in the southeastern part of Asia. Its geographical coordinates are 8º S and 115º E. It belongs to the state of Indonesia and is part of the huge archipelago of the same name. The island of Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, located in its westernmost part. From the south, its shores face the waters of the Indian Ocean, and from the north it is washed by the Bali Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean system. Adjacent to the western tip is the large island of Java, separated by the narrow Bali Strait.
Proximity to the equator dictates the climate. Between June and September there is a dry season with little rainfall, although the humidity remains very high. The bulk of moisture falls from the sky during the calendar winter and in March, when the rainy season is observed here. At the same time, eternal summer reigns in Bali and the air temperature in the flat part never drops below +25º.
There is a fairly high population density here. With an area of over 5.7 thousand km², Bali is home to over 4 million inhabitants. The northern and central parts of the island are occupied by mountains, the maximum height of which exceeds 3 thousand meters, and plains predominate in the south. The main peaks are:
Batukaru
Abang
Agung
Batur
The remoteness of Bali from Russia
The island is very far from Russia and can only be reached by plane with a transfer in Singapore, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. The plane covers the distance of over 6000 km between Moscow and these megacities in 11-12 hours.Many people who have visited these places now know firsthand where the island of Bali is located. Many of them were able to appreciate the delights and beauty of the local nature, so they will certainly return here again.
The island of Bali, lying between the islands of Java and Lombok, is considered the most developed tourist area in Indonesia. The length of the island is 150 km. from east to west and 80 km. from North to South. Height up to 3142 m (Agung volcano). Total area - 5561 sq. km. Population - 2.9 million people.
The capital and administrative center - the city, located in the southern part of the island, is very different from the image of a typical Asian capital familiar to many.
Attractions
The “Island of the Gods” itself attracts tourists with its pristine landscapes, tropical forests and the majestic volcanoes of Kintamini, Gunung Batur (1717 m) and Gunung Agung, as well as temples and excellent resorts with blue lagoons and dense tropical jungles around. Bali is a “Hindu enclave” in the largest Muslim country in the world, so the morals and customs of the local residents are more gentle and tolerant of the foreigner’s unfamiliar lifestyle, which makes this island a great place for a relaxing holiday.
The main attractions of the island are the temple complex located on the slope of the sacred mountain Gunung Agung (an active volcano!), 85 km from Nusa Dua Pura Besakih (Mother Temple), towering on the seaside cliff Tanan Lot ("Temple of the Sea"), the sacred "monkey forest" Alas Kedaton, surrounded by water "Royal Temple" Taman Ayun in Mengwi, "temple in the middle of the lake" Uyun Danu, the famous craft and ethnographic center with the "Puri Lukisan" museum in , rock temples in Pejeng, Yeh Pulu and Pura Samuan Tiga, "turtle island" Serangan, village of jewelers Cheluk, monastery and sacred spring of Pura Tirta Empul in Tampaxiringe, the temple of Pura-Panataran-Sasi, the royal tomb of Gunung-Kavi (X-XI centuries), as well as the “bat cave” of Goa-Lawah, a huge gallery of rock bas-reliefs in Ge-Pulu, the Git-Git waterfall (40 m), The “Elephant Cave” of Goya Gadzh with a statue of Ganesha (XIII century) and Lake Batur located in the crater of an extinct volcano with a gorgeous botanical garden around.
The only national park in Bali is Bali Barat, spread over 20 thousand hectares, known for its diversity of plants and animals. But in completely free conditions, all possible combinations of local flora and fauna can also be seen in the vast forest areas of Danau Bratan. IN Taman Burung The Bird Park is located in Desa-Tarot- elephant park "Elephant Safari", in Kuta- Water park, and in Taman-Kupu-Kupu- "Butterfly Park". There are no bars or enclosures here, but the concentration of living creatures is simply amazing.
Beaches
The main "tourist attraction" of the island is undoubtedly its beaches and seaside resorts. The most popular resorts on the island are, Sanur, Benoa, Tuban Legian, Kandy Dasa And Lovina. Luxurious five-star hotels and cozy private hotels, lush gardens and parks, numerous small museums and beautiful embankments and beaches are concentrated here.
The underwater world near the island amazes with its splendor, and the areas around the islands Menjangan, Gili Tepekong, Gili Viah, A Gili Minpang, Nusa Penida And Nusa Lembongan Widely known for its beautiful landscapes by divers all over the world.
A fashionable tourist area in the Nusa Dua area - an enclave of tropical gardens, pristine beaches and well-trained staff. The resort has mainly 4* and 5* hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis and offering a full range of services. Nusa Dua has a surf center and a golf center with an 18-hole course.
Between sunbathing and dinner at a traditional restaurant, vacationers can visit wonderful spa centers, or rent a bicycle and ride around the picturesque surroundings. The most convenient place to buy souvenirs is in the huge Galleria shopping center, where there are numerous cafes and boutiques.
Once a small fishing village 2 km north of Nusa Dua, Benoa is now the island's newest resort and water entertainment center. The most popular activities are banana boat rides, diving, fishing, jet skis, windsurfing, parachuting over the sea surface, etc.
Benoa hotels are represented by both upscale hotel complexes and modest budget hostels.
Interestingly, at the resort, at a distance of 100 m from each other, there are a Muslim mosque, Hindu and Chinese temples. This allows you to get acquainted with different worldviews and philosophies; you just need to first familiarize yourself with the rules of behavior and appearance for entering each of the sanctuaries.
For a serene holiday on white sand surrounded by lush greenery on one of Bali's elite beaches, stay at Jimbaran Resort. There are only five hotels directly on the shore (Jimbaran Puri Bali Resort 5*, Ayana Resort and Spa 5*, Keraton Jimbaran Resort & Spa 4*, Inter Continental Bali Resort 5* and Four Seasons Jimbaran Bali 5*). The rest are located within walking distance from the sea. Among them there are both inexpensive guest houses and luxurious villas, providing an unforgettable vacation.
In the mornings, holidaymakers can go to the exotic Jimbaran market, where the freshest, only caught fish, local fruits and vegetables are sold. But tourists prefer to watch the sunset in fish restaurants located on the seashore.
Without a doubt, the most crowded, noisy and colorful resort on the island of Bali is Kuta Beach. There are many restaurants, cafes, discos, and water sports here. In any season, there are the most surfers here, who come to conquer the wave from all over the world. A huge number of bars are aimed at Australian tourists, of whom there are a great many in Kuta.
The hotel base in Kuta is represented mainly by cozy three-room apartments, about 15 4-star hotels and several high-quality five-star hotels. Like any beach on the island, you can rent luxury villas at this resort. The beach is carefully cleaned, but the surf brings a certain amount of garbage and empty bottles every morning.
After beach relaxation and dinner at a fish restaurant, you can go to the Kuta Theater (www.kuta-theater.com), where a magic show with national dances, music, special effects and fire takes place for an hour.
The Legian resort, bordering Kuta, has the same developed infrastructure, but a more relaxed atmosphere. Surfing and evening entertainment are also popular here; you can relax in one of Legian’s luxurious spas. There are about 100 hotels in the village, some of them are located right on the seashore.
The unique atmosphere of the center of spiritual and cultural life of Bali penetrates into every cell of the body of travelers who come to Ubud. The area, made up of 14 villages, is famous for its art galleries and traditional craft centers. The resort is located at an altitude of 400 m above sea level, so it is cooler here than in other parts of the island. Emerald rice terraces, hiking trails into the mountains, the Ayung River flowing nearby, numerous museums and temple complexes attract true connoisseurs of beauty.
The resort of Lovina, which is not the most popular among tourists, is located in the north of the island, and is significantly different from the crowded southern beaches. And there are just one or two hotels here. The sand is of volcanic origin, dark gray, and sometimes the water throws small debris onto the shore. Lovina is worth a visit to see numerous schools of dolphins at dawn, swim in the Banjar hot springs and go to the largest Buddhist temple on the island - “Brahma Vihara Arama”.
In the southwest of the Bukit Peninsula is the town of Uluwatu, primarily known for its 11th-century temple complex standing on a cliff. During the excursion, travelers see only the temple, and do not know that the beaches of Uluwatu are one of the most beautiful and secluded in Bali. And for professional surfers, higher waves than here are simply not to be found. You can stay in luxury villas and luxury hotels, as well as in economical 2-3* hotels. When visiting the temple complex, tourists should be very careful about their personal belongings, as the numerous macaques that live here take away glasses, shoes, and even photographic equipment from vacationers. You can have a snack and refresh yourself with a beautiful view of the azure waves and slightly pinkish sand in numerous cafes. Most often they order king prawns, oysters, mussels and other grilled seafood.
Candidasa (Candi Dasa)
The small cozy town of Candidasa, located between the mountain range and the beach, is distinguished by lush vegetation and a beautiful coral reef. The beach has black volcanic sand; at high tide there are quite dangerous waves, which even experienced surfers are afraid to ride, since the bottom is uneven in some places, with boulders and coral formations. Despite the uncrowded resort, Candidasa has a large number of hotels and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.
Not far from the city there is an authentic village of Tenganan artisans, as well as the beautiful Tirta Gangga Palace, on the territory of which there are many beautiful fountains, lakes and pools.
In the area of Tanah Lot (22 km from Kuta), tourist life is centered around the Hindu temple of the same name on the water. You can approach it only through a narrow bridge that appears on the surface only at low tide. On the territory of the temple, built in the form of a pagoda, there are interesting sculptures from different eras, but the entrance to the sanctuary itself is accessible only to believers. The cost of visiting Tanah Lot is $2.2 for an adult and $1.1 for a child. Near the temple there are several quite good hotels: Villa Sunset Golf 3*, Natya Hotel Tanah Lot 3* and Dewi Sinta Hotel and Restaurant 2*.
“Gods! Perfume! Demons! “I am all yours,” we mentally shout, as soon as we see from the window of the airplane cabin an approaching piece of land in the shape of a heart: the plane is landing. The mystical island of “Thousand Temples”... Bali Airport is easily recognizable by the surfboards on the baggage conveyors and the familiar aroma of incense in the offering baskets on the way to Duty Free. Everything invites you to experience this mysterious energy of this far from simple ancient island.
For some, Bali is a paradise on Earth, embodying all the ideas of an easy life, full of affordable pleasures for every taste: beach parties, three hundred and sixty-five days of summer, downshifting, traveling along dazzling coastlines, volcanoes, rice terraces... For others - a place of spiritual practices, yoga, tantra, meditation. A point of cleansing and rebooting in the spirit of “Eat. Pray. Love." For others, these are the best surf spots all year round and unforgettable diving. Everyone comes to Bali with different expectations and budgets, but no one leaves the same.
Even after becoming one of the most popular resorts in the world, Bali does not lose its exoticism and strong connection with the traditions of the ancient Hindus who landed here before our era.
For me, Bali is a second home. And I would like to talk about this.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by crowds of taxi drivers eager to take you anywhere in Bali. They all expect trade that will captivate the Asian soul (a matter of honor). Get ready that the price initially set can be safely reduced by three times, and at the same time everyone will be happy with the deal. Unfortunately, well-known online taxi ordering services (Uber, GoJek, Grab taxi) do not operate at the airport and are not allowed access here. Therefore, you can book a trip directly with the driver or at the taxi service desk.
By bus
If you really want to save a lot of money, then you can take a Sarbajita bus from Jakarta (or from another large city in Java or Lombok) and spend about 24 hours on the road for only 25 USD.
You can choose the comfort of VIP-class, business, executive or economy; of course, the entire cabin is air-conditioned and modern. Tickets can be purchased at local tourist shops. If you are traveling in economy class, it is better to be light, because sometimes there is no luggage compartment However, be prepared for your neighbors to freely smoke non-stop and play guitar the entire way.This is the Asian fun of hours of driving along the narrow roads of Java, so famous for its crazy traffic.
You can find such buses at any international station and happily get to Bus terminal Ubung Denpasar, the administrative center of Bali, from where you can easily take a taxi to the hotel.
By car
Traveling by car is a great adventurous decision. You can transport it by ferry to the port of Gilimanuk in northwestern Bali for a modest fee of about 15 USD. This is how we had a great time traveling around East Java on a small carimun.
By ferry
Even if you choose to travel by bus, part of the journey will have to be taken by ferry, and this is a real tourist life hack. Initiation as a traveler.
Java has the port of Ketapang (that's where we need to go), close to which there is a bus station and a train station with connections to Probolinggo (for Bromo), Yogyakarta, Malang, Bandung, as well as the capital of the country. Ferries from this port to Bali run every 15 minutes, and the journey takes just over half an hour.
I hasten to warn you: ferries and boats in Indonesia have not gained a reliable reputation, and if you have already entered this “slippery” path of the tourist-hiker, get ready for crowded and often dirty cabins and... novice captains.
However, the road to the port of Gilimanuk on the island of Bali has many bonuses, ranging from the price (about 7 USD) to the ability to transport mopeds and bicycles for a small surcharge. Gilimanuk Port in northern Bali is not known for its spectacular attractions, so you can catch a local taxi to go to your hotel.
Visa
A visa to Bali is a topic of discussion and heated discussion on forums for freelancers, tour operators and independent travelers. However, everything is simple.
If you have serious plans for a one-way trip, then before leaving you should take care of a tourist or social visa, which will be valid for 6 months. The difference is that for a social visa at the Indonesian consulate in Moscow you will be asked for a letter from your sponsor, an Indonesian citizen, and presumably your beloved friend, inviting you to visit your homeland. In Bali, such “friends” can easily be found for a small fee of 15 USD at special visa agencies for expats. Tourist visas, according to the innovation, can now also be extended if the same agencies are already on site to help with a sponsorship letter.
There are also easier ways to obtain a visa: a free stamp upon arrival at the airport, and the country is open to you for the next 30 days. And if your plans are a little longer, you can pay 35 USD and stay on the island for 60 days, extending your visa after 1 month of stay.
I, like many people living on the island, choose a social visa, flying out of the country every 6 months to a city where there is an Indonesian embassy, combining a pleasant trip with a useful necessity. During these three days you can enjoy the city of the future, Singapore, or take a cruise to the islands around Kota Kinabalu, you can walk along the streets of George Town in Penang or look at the city from the high-rise buildings of Kuala Lumpur.
Clue:
Bali - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow − 5
Kazan − 5
Samara − 4
Ekaterinburg − 3
Novosibirsk − 1
Vladivostok 2
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Bali - weather by month
Clue:
Bali - weather by month
Main attractions. What to see
The incomprehensibility of the island is that even long-livers, expats and Indonesians, never cease to discover more and more new places and secret spots. Even famous landscapes appear in different colors every time.
Centuries ago, the ancient islanders created an inexplicable culture, endowed every corner of the island with magic, and we are still solving their mysteries...
Top 5
If you're in Bali, your must list should definitely include time for:
Beaches. Which ones are better
Black volcanic sand... garbage beaches... three-meter waves... If this is not what you came to Bali for, then this is for you:
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Temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
An island of thousands of temples of unique architecture, once born under the influence of Hinduism, animism and mushroom culture... Just as it is impossible to visit everything, it is also impossible to miss the most magical of them:
- Pura Tirta Empul. One of the most sacred places in Bali. According to legend, the god Indra struck the earth and opened the source of immortality. Today there are baths for ablutions. Each of the 15 fountains has its own name and a special ritual purpose: spiritual cleansing, cleansing from evil, antidote, etc. It is located in the center of the island, in the Tempaxiring district.
- Pura Luhur Lempuyang. Fairytale heavenly temple. The lovers climb 1,700 steps to cement their union high above the ground. The name of this temple is translated as “dizziness,” and, indeed, one’s head can be turned not only by the painful ascent, but also by the insane happiness of contemplating beauty.
- Pura Goa Lawah. At sunset you can watch a monstrously beautiful sight: flocks of bats fly out of the caves. According to legend, the cave is also home to the dragon Basuki. Many people also come here to cleanse themselves on the nearby beach after the cremation ceremony of the dead.
- Pura Tanah Lot. A water temple known for its spectacular sunset views. Built on a rock in the middle of the sea, Tanah Lot is cut off from land at high tide, making it so attractive to visitors. By the way, you can read a note about him on our website.
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The waves of the Indian Ocean wash over the coast, and you are standing on a cliff. This is Uluwatu, famous for its pre-sunset kecak dances, mischievous monkeys, gardens and observation decks overlooking the entire Bukit Peninsula.
It is very important to come to church with your knees covered. This is not only a requirement of the banjars standing at the entrance, but also a tribute to the people receiving you. “Exposed legs are unclean,” say the Balinese.
Ticket prices usually do not exceed 30,000 IDR (less than 2 USD), and often simply invite you to make a voluntary donation to maintain the temple.
Tanakh Lot
Food. What to try
Although Indonesians are proud of their national cuisine, frankly speaking, it is not worth coming to Indonesia for gastronomic pleasure. However, of course, there is something to pamper yourself here.
As in all Asian countries, almost no dish here is complete without rice. Local residents always touchingly ask me what I had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And they are sincerely surprised not to hear about rice. For them, a dish without it is not food. Nasi campur, Nasi goreng, Nasi ayam, Nasi uduk - have you already guessed how “Nasi” is translated?
In addition, there is a huge abundance of seafood and fish markets. Restaurants for vegans, vegetarians, raw foodists, mouse eaters... and “tasty eaters”. The main thing is not to enter dubious-looking warungs - you may encounter things worse than monosodium glutamate.
The abundance of fruits here pleasantly pleases the Russian eye: bananas, papaya, mangosteens, mangoes, rose apples, sirsak, rambutans, dragon fruit, snake fruit - simply the happiness of raw foodists. You can learn more about fruits in other articles. Here I just want to note that you should be careful with your choice, chemicals have reached this country, so out of habit you can get poisoned by a sweet, delicious, aromatic watermelon.
Safety. What to watch out for
The main rule: do not swim behind the buoys. Both figuratively and literally.
- Ocean. This is an all-powerful element that takes away not only surfers and sailors, but also simply swimmers who, through carelessness, went too far and could not get out of the abyss of the sucking current. Tourists die every year. For this reason, you should only swim before sunset and in areas marked with flags, where lifeguards can see you.
- Tales. The ambiance of high-speed driving, freedom given by the touch of the wind, the whistling of wheels on night roads... It’s not worth neglecting a helmet. Even if you are confident in your own dexterity, no one guarantees the abilities of others. Girls should not ride alone in the dark if they don’t want to be thrown off their bike because of a European wallet. Distressed workers from Java and Lombok come to the island. You shouldn’t provoke them with naked bodies and iPhones carelessly sticking out of your pockets.
- Alcohol. In dubious establishments, drugs can be mixed into cocktails, which can cause loss of reason and memory. The victims find themselves beaten the next day in their robbed villa.
- Payment cards. You should choose a cash withdrawal terminal extremely carefully. Some terminals at popular tourist destinations have built-in readers. This was also observed in minimarkets. Today you withdrew money at Eco Beach, and tomorrow somewhere in Lombok in a five-star hotel the card will instantly be reset. The police, of course, will listen to you and allow you to fill out a statement, but as soon as you close the door, they humbly state among themselves: “karma.”
Bali should not be branded as a den of criminals; it is a very peaceful island for those who are careful in their actions. Kuta is your choice. There is never a dull moment here: active nightlife, shops, surf schools - every meter is suitable for tourists.
Taxi. What features exist
In Bali we use mobile services which are very cheap but not allowed everywhere. In some areas, the banjaris (village council) bans these taxis and even blocks online apps to curb competition.
Transport rental
Renting a scooter costs about 50 USD per month, renting a passenger car costs about 150–200 USD. It is, of course, easier to get around on a scooter: the island is increasingly crowded with traffic, which causes traffic jams. Finding a local renter is not difficult; the main thing is to have an international driving license, which the police will definitely ask you one day on the road. If previously it was possible to pay off with a tiny fine (starting from 4 USD), now any bribes are excluded: police officers simply take away documents for transport until the owner buys them back. You can search for international companies providing car rental services in Bali and get acquainted with the cost, for example.
To avoid misunderstandings when returning the bike after the contract expires, it is important to take photographs so that you are not charged with unnecessary damage to the vehicle.
* Take care of yourself on the roads!
Four passengers is not the limit
Located in the Malay archipelago, it is one of Indonesia's 27 provinces and the country's main tourist destination. The island belongs to the Indonesian waters and is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the south, the Java Strait in the west and the Lombok Strait in the east. The province is rich in attractions, has a developed tourist infrastructure and picturesque landscapes, which makes it different from other regions of Indonesia. More than 5 million tourists come to Bali every year, most of whom are Russian. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Bali is called the "Island of a Thousand Temples" or the "Island of the Gods" due to the large number of temples and cultural sites that are found here.
Where is the island
Bali (Indonian: Bali) belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands. Bali is part of the Malay Archipelago and is a province of the same name in Indonesia. The total area is 5.7 thousand km2. The length of the coastline is 145 km. It forms the Wallace Line, which is the western limit of biogeographic diversity between the islands of Bali and Lombok.
Bali is the last island of the archipelago in the west of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is located almost near the equator. Starting from , a mountain range formed during volcanic eruptions stretches along Bali. On the island there are two dormant volcanoes, Agung and Gunung Batur. The height of Agung is 3142 m above sea level and is the highest point of the island. Due to high volcanic activity, the island's soils are fertile. In 1963, several major volcanic eruptions occurred. As a result, many local residents died, and some of them were forced to emigrate from the eastern regions.
The highest mountain peaks of the island are Batukau (2278 m) and Abang (2152 m). The mountain range is located in the south, forming a plateau of limestone and volcanic rocks. It is called "bukit" - the hills that divide Bali into 2 parts of the island. The north is characterized by a sharp rise from gently sloping beaches to mountain slopes. It has a dry climate, which is ideal for coffee plantations. There are 2 rivers Singaraji and Seririta flowing here, surrounded on both sides by rice fields and terraces. The southern part is completely dedicated to rice terraces. This part of the island is characterized by lush vegetation, due to the numerous rivers that flow through the gorges. The land here is well irrigated, so there are entire plantations of coconut palms, strawberry fields and rice terraces.
The geography and topography of the island are determined by the territorial location of Bali and its volcanic origin. The administrative center and capital of Bali is the city of Denpasar. According to the latest census, the island's population is 5 million. The island is divided into provinces and cities. , Singaraja is an industrial city in the north of the island, Kuta and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns, Ubud is a cultural center, Semenyak, Sanur, Jimbaran are cities where mainly local residents live.
What province is it in?
Bali is one of the 27 provinces of the Indonesian Republic with its capital Denpasar. It is an autonomous administrative unit with its own national flag and coat of arms. Despite the fact that Bali is the province of Indonesia with the same name, the island's territory is divided into smaller provinces and coastal islands, which are also part of Bali. The province is part of an archipelago located in Southeast Asia. Bali is one of the largest and most developed provinces in Indonesia.
Climate zone
Bali is located in the west of the Lesser Sunda Islands, where. This is due to the territorial location of the island south of the equator. Officially, the climate on the island of Bali is called equatorial monsoon, so there are not 4 seasons, as in a subtropical climate, but only 2:. The dry season begins in June and lasts until November, while the wet season lasts from December to March. Maximum precipitation occurs in January-February. During this time, from 900 to 1200 mm falls, while in other months, only 600 mm can fall in 6-9 months. , but heavy tropical downpours. Usually, it rains at night or early in the morning, so it does not create much discomfort for tourists. The driest month is November.
The average annual temperature is +26 °C. The difference between temperatures in the dry and wet seasons is 2 °C. The temperature during the dry season during the day is +27.4 °C, and during the wet season +25.6 °C. Ocean water temperature is +28 °C in summer and +25 °C in winter. Temperature at night averages +22°C. The least amount of precipitation is in November, which is only 46 mm, and the maximum amount in January is 320 mm. The climate of the island of Bali is characterized by stable temperature indicators throughout the year, so the beach season is open all year round.
Population
The island of Bali is multinational, so different ethnic groups and peoples live here. According to the latest data from 2014, the population was 4.2 million. Based on the amount of population growth, about 5 million people now live on the island. Bali is a Hindu province, but is territorially part of a Muslim country. Despite this, both Balinese and Indonesian are spoken on the island, and English is also used to serve tourists.
Most of the local residents are native Balinese, as well as Indonesians. It is worth considering that the island’s demographics are constantly expanding due to its developed tourism infrastructure. 30% of the population are emigrants from different countries. This was reflected in the ethnic diversity of the island. Despite the fact that the island has long become civilized, the indigenous Balinese and local tribes living in the provinces are still divided into castes according to social class. This is due to historical events and the long-term occupation of the island, first by Japan, then by Holland.
The population of the cities is employed in the tourism industry, while the inhabitants of the provinces of the island are typical farmers. The main activity is the cultivation of multi-layered rice terraces, coffee, spices, etc. Bali has a multi-layered ethnic composition, which is reflected in the culture and religion of the island.
Culture
The Balinese culture is original and does not resemble the typical Indonesian national way of life. Due to many historical events and long-term occupation by foreigners, local residents adopted some features from other cultures, while managing to preserve Muslim customs. The island has formed its own language, which is called “Bahasa Bali”. It is a mixture of Indonesian, Arabic, Chinese and many dialects. Bali has its own national flag and coat of arms reflecting the island's independence from Dutch occupation.
The culture of Bali is best reflected in handicrafts and wood carving. Typical Hindu and pagan wood cultures are a characteristic feature of the national culture. The most common art form on the island is batik. Hand-painted batik is a painstaking, but very exciting job. Such valuable fabrics are used to sew national women's clothing and other textiles. You can buy batik in the markets of Denpasar.
Balinese dances are famous. These are mass theatrical performances with costumes and masks. They tell the story of Hindu culture. The most popular dances are kecak, barong, lenong, shanghuang kharan, hauk. Each dance has its own theatrical and ceremonial significance.
The Balinese culture is rich in various rituals and customs. The traditional ones are the birth ritual, the childhood ceremony, the marriage ritual, the death and cremation ceremony. Since it is typical for Balinese families to have several children, they are given certain names according to the order: Wayan, Kadek, Neman, Kutut, and so on in a circle.
Religious and national holidays are celebrated on the island. Most of them are typical Indonesian and Muslim holidays, but there are also Hindu ceremonies, so Balinese holidays do not have fixed dates, but are counted from specific events. Bali is called the island of a thousand temples because of the numerous temples and monasteries located on the island.
Nature
The flora and fauna on the island are very diverse. Due to the peculiarities of the island's climate, favorable conditions are created here for tropical greenery. Bali is under the influence of the monsoon, so the abundant rainfall feeds the plants and they grow well. There are several varieties of tropical forests on the island. Most of the island is covered with evergreen forests, which are united in the Bali Barat Nature Reserve. It features rare plants and centuries-old trees. Mountain vegetation is almost never found higher than 1.5 km above sea level. Banana trees are considered sacred, so they are given special care. Palm leaves are used to make lontar paper for sacred scriptures, so palm trees also grow here for practical purposes. There are many rare species of trees that are characteristic of this area. Bamboo grows very well on the island. which are used as a universal building material.
Bali has truly fertile soil. Everything that is not planted survives, so the gardening and farming industry is the main one among local residents. Apart from rice terraces, different types of flowers are grown here. It is worth noting the variety of natural attractions, in particular waterfalls. The largest number of waterfalls are concentrated in the Ubud area. Also, Bali is famous for its mountain lakes, strawberry farms, coffee plantations, monkey forest, luxurious beaches and palm groves. The nature of the island is truly amazing, which explains the popularity of Bali among tourists.
Religion
More precisely, its variety is Agama Hindu Dharma. There are also Muslims on the island who live mainly in the capital. Christians and Buddhists meet. Since there are many foreigners on the island, there are also many other religious groups. Hinduism in Bali is a mixture of different religions that came from India. This is a modified teaching based on the teachings of Saivism and Buddhism, which is based on a modified representation of cults and ceremonies, more reminiscent of paganism. This is especially noticeable in cult rituals and offerings. The religion of Bali is distinguished by the presence of magical rituals, which is manifested in the culture (dancing, painting, crafts) of the local residents. Since the population of the island professes different religions, many temples have been built on the island. There are almost 20 thousand of them in total.
Bali is an ideal holiday destination. The island has long turned into a popular resort, and soaking up the local beaches is everyone’s dream. The tourism industry is developing rapidly and new hotels are constantly opening, attracting tourists from all over the world. In order to fully enjoy your vacation, you should definitely study the culture and religion of the local residents. When you go to the island, you will plunge into another world, where there is incredibly beautiful nature and colorful locals.
