BALI With a reputation as being one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist spots, Bali attracts visitors from all around the world.
Geographically, Bali lies between the islands of Java and Lombok stretching approximately 140 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south.
Bali boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons, wet and dry, a year and an average annual temperature of around 28°C. The rich volcanic soil and healthy monsoon season make this island extremely fertile and ranges of crops are grown here. The wide and gently sloping southern regions play host to Bali's famed rice terraces. In the hilly, northern coastal regions, the main produce is coffee, copra, spices, vegetables, cattle and rice.
The Balinese people have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which arrived in Bali with the spread of Hinduism through Sumatra and Java during the 11th century. Although originally from India, the Balinese religion is a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs, with customs that are very different from the traditional form of Hinduism practiced in India today.
Tthe Balinese have traditionally used their talents for religious purposes and most of the beautiful work to be seen here, has been inspired by stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics. The incredibly colorful cremation pyres and the everyday offerings to the gods, placed inside every shop and business, are made with an eye for detail and beauty.
The majority of Bali's 3,000,000 people live, for the most part, in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest towns are the capital Denpasar, population approximately 250,000, and Singaraja in the north. The main tourist area is Kuta, situated near the airport. Kuta is a major hustling and bustling resort town, with hundreds of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. Those in search of a little peace and quiet tend to head for the more sedate resorts of Sanur and Candi Dasa, on the east coast, or Lovina in the north. Nusa Dua, another tourist enclave on the southern-most peninsula of the island, caters for the more upmarket crowd and is home to almost all of the bigger 5-star hotels. The central village of Ubud, in the hilly region of Gianyar, has also blossomed as a tourist attraction and is now considered to be the artistic and cultural centre of Bali.
Amlapura / Karangasem
Located on the northeastern coast of Bali, is the small village of Candidasa. A tranquil coastal area nestled between the Lombok Strait to the east and mountains to the west, Candidasa is within close proximity to many historical landmarks of Bali including Bali's mother temple, Pura Besakih, Tenganan (the aboriginal people of Bali) as well as the ferry terminal to Lombok.
Badung
Located to the south of Bali, midway between the airport and Nusa Dua is the fishing village of Jimbaran with its beautiful bay, long stretch of white sand beach and clear waters with brightly colored boats anchored along the shore. Jimbaran is still a little rustic, however over the last few years a number of private luxury villas and five star hotels
Bangli
Located in southwestern Bali just minutes from the airport lies Kuta. One of the world's most famous beaches, Kuta first attracted Western surfers with its world renowned surf break followed closely behind by sun worshipers and party goers attracted to its wide stretches of white sandy beach and budget accommodations, cheap restaurants and exciting night life.
Kota Madya Denpasar
Nusa Dua, with it's arid climate and unarable land was once one of the less productive areas of Bali, is now a thriving tourist district with a host of international five star hotels that will pamper you to no end, as well as one of Asia's best golf courses and one of the largest shopping complexes in Bali.
Gianyar
The enchanted island of Nusa Lembongan lies just 20 kms east of mainland Bali. Reachable only by boat this natural, unspoiled island with its clear calm waters is ideal for numerous water activities, including diving, snorkeling and fishing and so on. Until recently, the inhabitants were mainly seaweed farmers and fishermen.
Negara/Jembrana
Known for its mysticism and for having the first star rated resort in Bali, Sanur is still considered today as one of the areas in Bali where you can feel the true spirit of Bali. Quiet and relatively laid back Sanur has a certain flair about it that appeals to just about everyone.
Semara Pura/Klungkung
Over the past few years the Seminyak area has evolved dramatically catching up with the Kuta and Legian areas and playing host to some of the best boutique shopping and restaurants in Bali, offering a diverse range of products that crosses from artifacts, clothing to gourmet foods.
Singaraja
A little quieter with a more relaxed atmosphere, Tuban over the past few years have become a prime resort area and a favorite amongst families with young children. This one time fishing village with its white sand beach offers a range of tourist attractions as well as a good variety of shops, restaurants
Tabanan
On the southeastern coast of Bali, neighboring the popular Nusa Dua resort area is the small village of Tanjung Benoa. Still a fishing village, Tanjung Benoa over the years has developed into a major player in the tourism sector. The calm waters and the white sand beach have made Tanjung Benoa the prime water sport areas of Bali.
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