Among the more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Bali still shines the brightest in terms of tourism. There are countless other tropical destinations, but for millions of tourists each year, this fascinating island is the favourite. Here’s why you should visit Bali.
Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. It is also famous for surfers’ paradise! Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colorful ceremonies, its arts, and crafts, to its luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife. And everywhere, you will find intricately carved temples.
The unending list of stunning beaches is probably the most obvious reason to visit this tropical paradise in the Indonesian archipelago. Each beach has its own charm, from soft white sand and limestone cliffs to extreme water sports and diving. From the mainstream Kuta and luxurious Nusa Dua neighbourhoods to hidden, remote beaches away from the crowds, there’s a beach for everyone, every need and every mood.
Bali’s beauty goes way deeper than its beautiful appearances. The island is also home to many traditional cultural traditions that are still practiced. The Balinese hold many ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year, lots of which can be enjoyed by curious tourists, from the Omed-Omedan kissing festival to the monster parade before the day of silence (Nyepi). Tourists can also enjoy Bali’s culture through music, dance and architecture.
With year- round sunshine, incredible food, and amazing locals, Bali can become a home away from home for us! Bali is the place to be if you're in need of peace and tranquility, and a break from the toils of travel. Nevertheless, you can also have great adventures!
It's amazingly affordable and you dont have to break the bank to live like royalty! You can enjoy a comfortable bed each night, eat out 3- times a day, indulge in a sublime massage, and sip cocktails on the beach as the sun sets. And that's not to mention the amazing tours, swimming in the cooling sea, and hiking through lush forests.
So, before we jump on a plane and head there again, here's what you need to know about Bali!
Some facts about Bali:
1. Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung both active volcanoes in northeastern Bali. Mt. Batur most recently erupted in 2000, and a sunrise climb to its crater is one of the top things to do in Bali. Mt. Agung is far more active: it erupted several times between 2017 and 2019, forcing evacuations of surrounding villages and shutting down the airport in late-2017. The Balinese consider Mt. Agung to be sacred, and it's home to one of the island's most important temples, Pura Besakih.
2. The Balinese make daily offerings. One of the first things you'll notice in Bali are the canang sari, or offerings, that dot streets and adorn shrines all across the island. Canang sari are tiny woven baskets made of coconut leaves and meticulously filled with flowers, snacks, and burning incense. Most businesses in Bali place a canang sari at the entrance every morning, and families might place a dozen or more around their compound.
3. Balinese is its own language. Bahasa Indonesia (also called Indonesian) is commonly spoken in Bali, but Balinese is a separate language. People in Bali generally learn Balinese as their first language, but many now use Bahasa Indonesia on a daily basis. Visitors probably won't be able to distinguish between the two, and learning a few words of either can go a long way.
4. It's 2023 in Bali, of course - but it's also 1945, or maybe there's no year at all. What? The Gregorian calendar is widely used in Bali, but like many societies, it also has a lunar-based calendar. The lunar year also has 12 months, but each starts the day after the new moon. It's 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar, making it 1945 in Bali. But Bali also uses a third calendar, called the Pawukon calendar. It has just 210 days, so it really doesn't correspond to the Gregorian or lunar calendar, and it's nearly impossible for outsiders to understand. Why? Well, the first day of the year is the first day of ten simultaneous weeks of differing lengths. The Pawukon calendar also doesn't have a year it's just a cycle that repeats again and again.
5. Balinese New Year is a day of silence. This is one of the most important things to know about Bali if you're visiting in March. The Balinese have an unexpected way of celebrating New Year, known as Nyepi (which is set according to the lunar calendar and falls right after the new moon in March). Nyepi Day is meant to be one of silence, solitude, and reflection. All businesses are closed, the airport is closed, nobody uses any light or electricity, no vehicles are allowed on the roads, and people stay at home. Quite a contrast from New Year's celebrations anywhere else in the world.
6. Thursdays in Bali are traditional - it's the law. Last time we were in Bali, I noticed one day that almost everyone was dressed in traditional Balinese clothing. Apparently, the governor had issued a decree requiring people to wear traditional clothing and speak only Balinese on Thursdays, in an effort to preserve the island's heritage. I've never been able to find much information about this, and I have no idea if it's still in effect - but when we were last there, it seemed like many people were adhering at least to the part about traditional dress.
7. The monkeys can be aggressive (and they will steal from you!). This is one of the biggest lessons I've learned traveling in Asia: monkeys are not fun and friendly - they are vicious and manipulative! So, whether you seek them out at Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest or just come across them on the road (an everyday occurrence in some areas), beware. Don't approach monkeys quickly or try to pet them (for your safety), and resist the temptation to feed them (for their own health). Keep your bags closed and your belongings close to your body, and be especially cautious if you're carrying food - they will grab anything they get their alarmingly human-like hands on.
Quick Bali Facts & Figures:
Population: ~4.4 million.
Area: 2,232 sq. miles.
Capital: Denpasar.
Largest city: Denpasar (pop. ~1.1 million).
Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) Language: Balinese, Bahasa Indonesia.
Predominant religion: Hinduism.
Government: Representative democracy code: +62.
Time zone: GMT+8 (same as Western Australia).
Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR) - current.
Nickname: Island of the Gods.
Highest point: Mount Agung (9,944 feet).
