Pure scenic beauty, exotic culture, fascinating History and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world...that pretty much defines Bali. This island in Indonesia has so much to offer visitors; surfing, diving, hiking, history and culture enhance travelers' stay. Also known as the "island of the gods," Bali offers a lifestyle between tradition and modernity. While the main religion of the country is Islam, the majority of the inhabitants practice Hinduism. More than 80% of the island's economy depends on tourism and has greatly influenced the atmosphere of Bali, for better or for worse. Located in the south of the island, Denpasar is the capital of Bali.The surge in tourism has obviously exploded the accommodation offerings on the island and there is something for everyone. Unfortunately, as is the case with many destinations, the tourism industry has not spared Bali and the island has seen the construction of large traveler's complexes. While some areas have lost some of their charm, there are still some beautiful places where nature seems to be untouched. By opting for a rental accommodation, you have the chance to get away from these areas invaded by hordes of tourists and enjoy the island as if you were alone! From a seaside villa to a vacation apartment, you're sure to find an offer for your desires!
Did you know?
You can meet wild monkeys in the Balinese jungle.
Bali is one of 17,000 islands in Indonesia. The Indonesian archipelago includes more than a quarter of the world's marine life!
The most expensive coffee beans in the world come from Bali. They are harvested from the droppings of a small animal called the Kopi Luwak!
The word "ketchup" comes from the Indonesian word "kecap" meaning sauce!
What to do
There is so much to discover in Bali that we could talk about it for hours. So here's a quick rundown of our favorites on the island...
Magical Landscapes
It's often perceived that Bali has long golden sandy beaches flowing into a sea as far as the eye can see; however, this is not true! Since Bali and the surrounding islands are home to active volcanoes, most of its beaches have black sand. The most popular are located on the south coast of the island. Many tourists and backpackers go there for this reason.
The cost of living, the amount of sunshine and the waves have made the region one of the most important surfing destinations in the world. As you move away from the coast, the scenery is no less impressive or unique. You will find some of the greenest and most lush areas in Indonesia. The many rice fields dominate the landscape of Balli. The island also has some hot springs due to the volcanic activity of the region. Our favorite is in the north of the island, near Lovina, where the hot springs flow through a series of pools in an enchanting setting.
Bali is renowned for its spas and is home to a large number of centers spread across the island. Culture and Temples Bali is also recognized for its wide variety of Hindu temples. Each village is legally required to maintain 3 temples: an original temple, a village temple and a death temple. In addition to these ubiquitous temples, there are 9 other temples on the island built at strategic points in order to protect the inhabitants from the forces of evil. Balinese temples are unique and each one has a singular architecture. Be aware that you must be dressed appropriately to visit them. Sarongs are available at the entrance of some temples for tourists to enter.
Surfing and diving
A large number of tourists travel to Bali to enjoy its great activity opportunities. Diving is particularly popular and the island's coastline includes several reefs worth exploring. The wreck of the American ship Liberty USAT, which sank on the beaches of Bali in 1942, is very popular with many divers. It is located on the east coast of the island Tulamben. Do you dream of swimming with dolphins, the northern tip of Lowina offers this unique experience. Waterbom is a huge water park located in Kuta.
Cuisine
The Ngurah Rai airport, located in the capital Denpasar, was recently renovated. It is now easier to travel there and the modernization program has brought Bali into the 21st century. Many low-cost airlines fly from Jakarta and to Hong Kong. Several buses run between Bali and Java. Once on the island, if you want to get off the beaten path, it can be a bit more difficult to get around. The Perama is the bus system on the island and is the best option for getting around, but it doesn't go everywhere.
