Bali is one of the provinces of Indonesia, located between the islands of Java and Lombok. Bali is the largest tourist destination in the country. The island is famous for its highly developed art, magnificent natural resources and fabulous temples.
General information
Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The population of the province, according to 2012 data, is 4.22 million people. Most of the population (over 90%) professes "Agama Hindu Dharma" - a form of Hinduism.
The history of Bali covers the period from the Paleolithic to the present day. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times. For my pretty rich history Bali was under the influence of the Javanese Singasari dynasty (in the 13th and 14th centuries), since 1511 the island was a colony of Portugal. In 1597, the island of Bali became a Dutch colony, until the middle of the 20th century, when on December 29, 1949, the Netherlands recognized the independence of Indonesia.
The major cities of Bali are the capital of the province - Denpasar, the industrial city of Singaraja, the resort of Kuta and the cultural center of Bali - the city of Ubud. In 2010, Bali was awarded as the best island for holidays and travel, due to its attractive environment, diverse attractions, friendliness of the locals, great international and local restaurants.
The inhabitants of the island are proud and strictly observe their traditions. When visiting Bali, you should follow a few strictly established rules.
- Public hugs and kisses are not allowed.
- It is forbidden to point at objects with your foot.
- When visiting the temples of the island, you should wear a special long cape - a sarong.
- It is forbidden to stand in front of a Balinese who is praying.
- It is not customary to appear in public places without a shirt or in a swimsuit.
Weather in Bali
The island is located in the equatorial-monsoon climate zone. In this regard, there are 2 seasons in Bali: dry (May - October) and wet (November - April). The largest number rainfall occurs in January and February. During these months, the nature of the island comes to life, the vegetation acquires a rich emerald color.
The air temperature practically does not change throughout the year. Its average annual mark fluctuates around 26 °C. The coolest month is July, the hottest month is February. The best time to visit Bali is from May to August.
Transport Bali
The public transport of the island includes rickshaws and cheap three-wheeled minibuses - bemo. Between major tourist centers Comfortable buses run in Bali, the fare in which is slightly higher than in ordinary buses.
There is still no rail service in Bali. The local population of the island travels mainly on mopeds and scooters. For independent movement in Bali, you can rent a car, moped or bicycle. Please note that traffic in Indonesia is on the left side of the road.
Districts of Bali
Kuta is the busiest area of the island. It attracts tourists with vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches with fine golden sand and an atmosphere of cheerfulness.
Nusa Dua ( Nusa Dua) is an elite resort located in the south of the island. The resort is the safest and most peaceful place in Bali. This is a closed area intended for recreation of foreign tourists.
Jimbaran is a popular resort located 20 km from the airport. The area is famous for its white sandy beaches, gentle calm seas and restaurants serving superbly cooked seafood.
Sanur - popular for family vacation resort. This is a quiet area with smooth and wide sidewalks, numerous green spaces, flowers and huge trees.
Chandi Dasa and Tulamben(Candidasa and Tulamben) - an ideal place for diving. A popular place in the area are the wreckage of the American ship Liberty that sank off the coast. This is a haven for corals, mollusks and various fish.
Ubud is an area located in the center of the island. It is surrounded by picturesque hills, virgin jungle, rice fields and rivers. The magnificent landscape of the area attracts numerous photographers and artists.
Bali nature
The nature of Bali strikes with a variety of landscapes and magnificence of colors. The island is of volcanic origin. Active volcanoes are located here, the most famous of which is the gigantic Gunung Agung (3142 m.). The most picturesque place of the island is the east coast with majestic mountains and sea coast.
Natural attractions of the island
Sacred volcano Kintamani with two craters, one of which is the picturesque lake Batur. Climbing to the top is popular among tourists, which lasts for 2 hours.
Gunung Agung Volcano located in the center of the island. Several fascinating tourist routes have been laid to its top.
Monkey Forest - nature reserve located in the south of the city of Ubud. Over 200 long-tailed Balinese macaques live here. On the territory of the reserve there is an ancient temple, which is considered a refuge for evil spirits.
Elephant Park is a nature reserve located in the Taro jungle. Guests of the park can feed and touch the elephants, and even go on an elephant safari. The walk is also available for children.
Bedugul mountain reserve, located 18 km from the city of Denpasar. On its territory there are picturesque Botanical Gardens with a variety of trees and numerous species of orchids.
The Coral Garden at Chandi Dasa and Tulamben Resort is a dense thicket of soft and hard corals, which are home to a variety of reef fish species.
Menjagan Marine Park famous for its cleanliness, magnificent corals, bright tropical fish, sea shells, stars and sponges.
Reptile Park, located near the city of Kuta, is rich in a variety of reptiles, including Komodo dragons and huge pythons.
The Bird Park is a rainforest with numerous enclosures, home to over 250 species of birds.
Lake Bratan in the center of the island. According to legend, everyone who bathes in the lake gains youth and longevity.
Git Git Waterfall in northern Bali is a truly magical place that can be reached along a scenic trail through the wild jungle.
Bali Barat National Park occupying 10% of the area of the island. On its territory there are mangrove and mixed forests, savannas, islands, coral reefs and volcanic mountains. The park is inhabited by Balinese starlings, which in natural conditions there are no more than 30 individuals.
Bali beaches
The island is primarily popular among beach lovers, thanks to environmentally friendly clean beaches with golden sand and warm sea. southern part The islands are mostly covered with white sand, the western and northern parts are black.
The most popular beaches in Bali
Kuta Beach is the pearl of Bali. This place is famous for its breathtaking sunsets. In addition to the traditional sunbathing and swimming in the warm sea, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, from surfing to great shopping.
The Jimbaran resort beach attracts novice surfers with its small waves. Among the entertainment available is the rental of a fishing schooner, where you can participate in traditional fishing.
Beaches for lovers of a relaxing holiday are located in the Sanur area. This is the perfect place to swim in the calm ocean, explore the beauty of the rich underwater world and just enjoy sunbathing on the white sand.
Attractions Bali
Among popular places islands - numerous temples, historical, religious and cultural monuments.
Tirta Ganga Water Palace(Tirta Gangga) - a great combination of ancient traditions and unique Balinese culture. The palace is located in the east of the island, among fabulously beautiful rice terraces.
Ujung Water Palace(Ujung) - a beautiful and well maintained complex of buildings surrounded by water and huge gardens.
Taman Ayun Temple with many beautiful pagodas overlooking a magnificent courtyard. The temple was the main Hindu sanctuary of the Mengwi kingdom.
Besakih is the largest and most important Hindu temple on the island. It is located on the slope of Mount Agung and is a grandiose complex of three large sacred temples (Shiva temple, Vishnu temple and Brahma temple) and 20 small shrines.
Uluwatu Temple, located on top of a cliff hanging over the ocean. Every evening, in front of the entrance to the temple, the famous kechak dance is held, in which about 150 performers in bright national costumes take part.
Tanah Lot is the famous temple of the island. He is often depicted in Bali guidebooks and on souvenir postcards.
Temple of Ulun Danu on Lake Bratan. This ancient building, numbering in its lifetime about 3 centuries. The temple is dedicated to the life-giving power of the lake, which nourishes plants, animals and people.
Goa Lawah - a gloomy and mysterious temple on east coast Bali. The name of the temple is translated as "Cave of bats", which live in the building itself in the amount of several hundred.
Buddhist monastery Brahma Arama Vihara(Brahma Arama Vihara), built in the traditional Buddhist style. Inside the temple there are golden Buddha statues, the walls are decorated with traditional Balinese carvings.
catholic temple in the village of Palasari - a snow-white building, skillfully decorated with Balinese carvings. A notable feature of the temple is the harmonious combination of 2 cultures. In the room are Catholic angels dressed in traditional clothes Bali.
Gunung Kawi temple complex, erected in the XI century as the tomb of King Anak Wangsu. The complex is divided by a picturesque river into 2 parts. On one side are the tombs of the king's wives, on the other - the main temple, where the king himself was buried. A staircase with 371 steps leads to the temple.
Pura Saraswati temple complex(Pura Saraswati), erected in honor of the goddess of water and knowledge Saraswati.
Goa Gaja or Elephant Cave is a temple, the entrance to which is made in the form of a demon's head with an open mouth. The walls in the inner part of the cave are decorated with magnificent stone ornaments depicting animals, people and plants.
The most visited museums in Bali
- Historical Museum (Denpasar).
- Art Museum (Ubud).
- Museum of Private Art Collections Neka (Ubud).
- Rice Museum (Tabanan).
- Archaeological Museum Purbakala (Gilimanuk).
- Kamasan Art Center (Klungkung).
- Art Museums: Puri Lukisan (Ubud), Taman Werdhi Budaya (Denpasar) and Gunarsa (Klungkung).
Holidays Bali
The island is famous for its unique culture, which includes traditional and modern dance, painting, sculpture, music, metalwork, fabric painting and wood carving. Balinese culture is reflected in numerous festivals and holidays, which are determined according to the two local calendars wuku and saka. For upcoming events, please contact your local tourist office.
The main festival of the island, according to the wuku calendar, is the Galungan festival, which is held annually for 10 days. During this period, gods and barongs (mythical deities) descend to earth for celebration.
Another important annual holiday, according to the saka calendar, is Nyepi, the day of silence. On the eve of the holiday, noisy rituals are carried out to drive out evil spirits. Directly on the day of the holiday, residents try not to leave the house, sit in silence, without light and do not even cook food. Thus, the inhabitants show that the island is completely uninhabited.
In Bali, bright religious holidays are constantly held throughout the year. According to the local religion, the power over the island of Bali was transferred to the sacred people by the supreme god Sangiang Vidhi. The inhabitants of the island try in every possible way to thank the gods for their trust by worshiping idols and performing sacred rites.
Traditional dances with a large number of performers in bright national costumes are a unique sight. Balinese dance is a grandiose theatrical performance, the main idea of which is the eternal struggle between good and evil. The most spectacular of these are the dramatic barong-kris dance and the mesmerizing kechak dance performed at sunset at Uluwatu Temple.
Bali Restaurants
The best restaurants in Bali
- Sakala Bali is an impressive contemporary European cuisine restaurant. It is famous for its large selection of dishes and excellent wine list.
- Ju.Ma.Na is a romantic outdoor restaurant. The restaurant is represented by French and Japanese cuisines.
- Fair Warung Balé is a great family restaurant with local cuisine. It is famous for excellently cooked food, low prices and smiling staff.
- Pearl French Restaurant is one of the best restaurants islands. It is famous for its romantic atmosphere, excellent French cuisine and high prices.
Traditional Bali Cuisine
- Babi guling - roasted pig.
- Betutu - stewed or fried poultry (chicken or duck).
- Bubur Sum-Sum - rice porridge with palm sauce and grated coconut.
- Bubur Injun is black rice pudding.
- Sate Susu - beef brisket served with spicy chili sauce.
- Sate Lilit - minced meat on a stick with the addition of hot spices.
- Rendang - meat with coconut milk and spice paste (ginger, turmeric, garlic, chili, etc.).
- Gado-Gado is a salad made from boiled vegetables served with a peanut sauce.
Bali Hotels
The island presents magnificent hotels of world famous chains - Four Seasons, InterContinental, Hilton, Hyatt, Sofitel and others.
The best hotels in Bali
- The Samaya Bali (Ubud city) is a luxurious hotel, very popular for a romantic pastime. It offers luxury villas with beautiful garden and a cozy courtyard with a swimming pool.
- Komaneka at Rasa Sayang (Ubud City) is a comfortable hotel located near the Monkey Forest. It offers a wonderful SPA-salon and a small swimming pool. Each room is equipped with a balcony and a comfortable daybed.
- Damai (Lovina Beach) is an extraordinarily beautiful five-star hotel. This is truly a heavenly place that attracts newlyweds and just lovers. The hotel is famous for its excellent restaurant, the best in the region.
Shopping in Bali
Bali is primarily famous for its high quality batik and finely crafted wooden sculptures. It is customary to bargain on the island, while the offered price should be divided by at least 4 - this will be the real price of the goods.
The best areas for shopping are Kuta, Sanur and Ubud. The largest shopping malls on the island are Galeria and Discovery Kartika Plaza.
The Kuta area is famous for its large shopping centers, the largest of which is the Matahary retail chain complex. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to clothes of famous brands. The quality is pretty high.
Ubud area is cultural center islands. Here you can buy high-quality batik and unique handicrafts, skillfully made by local craftsmen.
Entertainment in Bali
Popular things to do in Bali
- Excursions to the tops of sacred volcanoes.
- Rafting on mountain rivers flowing in the picturesque jungle.
- Elephant safari through Balinese villages and rainforest.
- Submarine diving into the ocean.
- Traditional fishing.
- Visit the mysterious island of Komodo, where huge lizards live.
- Visiting fabulous temples.
- Exciting diving.
- Acquaintance with the ancient customs and traditions of the Balinese.
The best places for families with children
- Waterbom Bali - a water park surrounded by tropical forests with numerous water slides, a relaxation area and a children's area.
- peek a boo big park entertainment with playgrounds for young children. For older children there is an outdoor playground with swings and slides.
- Bali Zoo is the only zoo on the island with many species of animals, reptiles and tropical birds. Exotic animals include: Sumatran tigers, which are the smallest in the world, giant monitor lizards and huge cassowary birds. For children, the zoo has a special area where you can climb trees or ropeways under the supervision of an instructor.
The center of Bali's nightlife is the resort of Kuta with numerous bars, clubs and discos. Night life starts around midnight and ends around 4 am.
The best nightclubs in Kuta
- The most famous club on the island is Double Six with glass walls and a cool pool.
- The popular nightclub SkyGarden, covering an area of 3 floors. On the first one there is a cafe, on the second one there is a dance floor, on the third one there is a magnificent evening restaurant. A feature of the nightclub is the open roof.
- Night club MBarGo, covering an area of 2 floors. On each of the floors there are dance floors where different musical styles are played.
The fabulous island of Bali is an ideal place for all types of recreation: romantic, beach, family, ecological, extreme, etc. Bali attracts with its unique culture - bright religious holidays, fascinating dances, magnificent cremation ceremonies, gastronomic masterpieces and skillful handicrafts. No wonder the island is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations peace.
Distant Indonesia is considered the world's largest archipelago state. It consists of almost 18 thousand islands of various sizes, and only a third of them will welcome travelers, because the rest are completely uninhabited.
In Indonesia, located far from civilization, megacities peacefully coexist with tiny villages, and green jungles and active volcanoes, unusually clear water and stunning beaches have long attracted tourists from all over the globe.
Heaven on earth
The island of Bali, the most popular and visited, seems to have embodied the dream of every person about heaven on earth. Ideal Resort and a real center of all kinds of entertainment has long been considered one of the most the best places recreation. An amazing combination of picturesque nature, original culture, mysterious historical monuments attracts tourists to enjoy the unique landscapes.
Fantastically beautiful (Indonesia), detailed information about which will help all travelers who are going to visit a picturesque place for the first time, is a long-developed tourist area.
Located south of the equator, it is recognized as the most beautiful place in the world. The "Island of the Gods", always flooded with sunlight, welcomes tourists all year round.
Where is Bali located: a map of Indonesia
The symbol of Indonesia, located between Australia and India, is washed (from the north) and the Indian Ocean (from the south). An evergreen natural masterpiece, formed as a result of volcanic activity, is adjacent to two islands of a huge archipelago - Java and Lombok.
A tourist pearl with Hindu traditions and rituals, which stands out against the backdrop of Muslim Indonesia, surprises with a memorable fairy-tale atmosphere.
The capital of Bali: what is the name? Jakarta and Denpasar
In the south of the tropical island is the cultural and political center - the city of Denpasar, which has been the capital since 1958 and is an incredible mix of European, Chinese and Javanese culture. Unfortunately, it does not belong to the most popular tourist spots.
Perhaps that is why it is often confused with the capital of Indonesia - the most populous city South-East Asia. Located a few kilometers from the exotic Bali, the capital Jakarta, which many mistakenly consider the administrative center of the popular resort, is located on the neighboring island of Java. The largest with a population of ten million is officially a province with the status of a capital.
So, cozy and small Denpasar is the center of Bali. The capital of which country is the city of Jakarta, we figured it out, and now there will be no confusion.
Modern airport
Denpasar is a lively city that is listed as of little tourist interest in many guidebooks. However, it is not. And I want to tell you more about the friendly administrative center of the "island of a thousand temples."
Where does the trip to a wonderful place begin, where the capital Ngurah Rai is located, located 13 kilometers from Denpasar, meets all the foreigners who have arrived. He is very famous developed infrastructure, because the tourist flow to the pearl of Indonesia depends on this. The air harbor bears the name of the national Indonesian hero who died in the struggle for the independence of the country.
The airport, through the terminals of which more than six million people pass annually, has expanded several times, increasing the length of the runways.
City underestimated by tourists
The capital of Bali is the most Big city islands underestimated by travelers. For local residents, this place evokes special memories of the events that took place in 1906, when the Dutch captured the city.
In order not to be captured, the supreme ruler, his entire family and even servants committed suicide, and now Denpasar is a real cult place for all Balinese who remember their history. A monument was erected on the main square of Puputan, commemorating this tragic event and personifying the disobedience of the ancestors to the conquerors.
It is surprising that the small town does not have clear boundaries, and sometimes tourists do not understand where the capital of Bali begins and ends.
Organization of an attractive route for tourists
The city administration, concerned about the unattractiveness of Denpasar for tourists, began work on organizing a new route that could open up all the unknown sights of the capital. Main city The green island has chic hotels and inexpensive hostels that allow travelers of any income to relax.
Tourists who spend most of their holidays on white sandy beaches, unfortunately, are not interested in the historical and cultural monuments of Denpasar. Many luxury royal palaces, which not only foreigners, but also Indonesians would like to look at, are privately owned, and negotiations are underway with their owners to this day.
Problems of an original city
In translation, the name of the capital means “near the market”, and it perfectly reflects the realities of the original city. Only here is a huge number of large and not so markets, souvenir shops and shopping centers, offering a wide variety of goods, from jewelry to cars and building materials.
The capital of the island of Bali, despite the active development that has begun, is still a provincial town in which there are not enough parking spaces, and tourist buses can't drive through its narrow streets. In addition, the lack of sidewalks jeopardizes safe movement from one attraction to another, so the administration recommends using mopeds or cars.
The bustling city with chaotic traffic is only trying to take a leading position among the tourist spots, but even now it boasts unusual sights.
Museum of Bali
At the previously mentioned Puputan Square - the historical center of the capital - there is interesting museum Bali built by the Dutch so that no relic is stolen or forgotten. Consisting of four pavilions reflecting national architecture, it demonstrates ancient artifacts to visitors, telling about ancient history and culture of the colorful island.
Here you can admire the beauty of the funerary sarcophagi, learn a lot about religious rites and see the unique collections of antiquities that the capital of Bali is famous for. Indonesia is proud of historical rarities that tell about the life of the indigenous population and are of great interest not only for tourists, but also for local residents who honor traditions and remember the difficult history of their native island.
Temple complexes
adjacent to museum complex the main temple of the capital - Jagatnata - was erected in 1953. In a building made of white coral, open to the public for the visit of representatives of all religious denominations, memorable ceremonies dedicated to the main god of the island are held. In the architecture of the temple, visible from afar, the builders used mythological images from the Ramayana, and the state building itself rests on a giant sculpture of a turtle, reflecting the religious beliefs of the islanders.
The Maospahit temple, whose name comes from the name of a powerful Balinese deity, did not reach the descendants in its original form due to an earthquake that occurred at the beginning of the last century. Built of red brick, the religious building is the oldest historical monument of its kind. For the remainder ancient temple you can admire from the outside, because it is closed to visitors.
Church of Saint Joseph
Good-natured Balinese, respectful of other religions, helped build a Catholic church. The complex, built near Denpasar, belongs to the parish of St. Joseph. External decoration beautiful building covered with palm branches, and above the powerful door of the temple, angels hovering in the air froze.
Cultural capital of Bali
Speaking of the heart of the picturesque island, one cannot fail to mention Ubud - a serene city famous for its concentration of art museums and art galleries. The main abode of creative people is ideal for those who are looking for loneliness and dream of combining relaxing holiday with the study of cultural attractions.
Located far from the ocean and called the cultural capital, it is of no interest to all adherents of a beach holiday. People come here to take a break from noisy megacities in order to feel unity with the amazing nature of Bali.
Treatment of body and soul
The cultural capital of Bali, famous for its wellness procedures, not only restores the body, but also heals the soul. Energy practices are held here, for the sake of visiting which thousands of those in need rush here. Yoga, meditation, tantric systems of self-improvement create a special atmosphere that calms the mind.
People come to Ubud for treatment to local healers - healers. Predicting fate along the lines on the hand and working with the human body, getting rid of diseases at the energy level, they affect the chakras and aura. Everyone who has been abandoned by traditional medicine, and those who are curious about such practices, come to them.
nature reserve
It is impossible to be in Ubud and not visit the Monkey Sanctuary. Adults and children rush to Monkey Forest to feed playful monkeys in a natural environment, without cages. More than three hundred well-feeling monkeys live in a spacious forest with centuries-old trees, which are not always friendly to visitors.
On a walk, you need to be attentive to things, because mischievous wild animals love to snatch handbags and cameras from visitors at an opportunity.
City heritage
The friendly and hospitable city of Denpasar is waiting for inquisitive tourists who will not be indifferent to local attractions. The capital of Bali is distinguished by excellent service with low prices for services, unique cuisine, equipped beaches located near the hotels.
The legacy of a city with a difficult fate deserves to be known to as many tourists as possible.
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. The population is 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.
sights
The "Isle 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 customs and customs of the locals are softer and more tolerant of foreigners' way of life, which makes this island a great place for a relaxing holiday.
The main attractions of the island are located on the slope of the sacred mountain Gunung Agung (an active volcano!), 85 km from Nusa Dua, temple complex Pura Besakih (Temple of the Mother), towering on the seaside rock Tanan Lot ("Temple of the Sea"), the sacred "forest of monkeys" 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 museum "Puri-Lukisan" in , rock temples in Pejeng, Yeh-Pulu and Pura-Samuan-Tiga, "turtle island" Serangan, the village of master jewelers Celuk, monastery and sacred spring of Pura Tirta-Empul in Tampaksiring, the temple of Pura-Panataran-Sasi, the royal tomb of Gunung-Kavi (X-XI centuries), as well as the "cave of bats" Goa-Lavah, a huge gallery of rock bas-reliefs in Ge-Pulu, Git-Git waterfall (40 m), "Elephant Cave" Goya-Gaja with a statue of Ganesha (XIII century) and located in the crater extinct volcano Lake Batur with a chic botanical garden around.
The only national park in Bali is Bali Barat, spread over 20 thousand hectares, known for its variety 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 near Danau Bratan. V Taman Burung The bird park is located Desa-Taro- elephant park "Elephant Safari", in Kuta- Water park, and Taman-Kupu-Kupu- Butterfly Park. There are no bars or enclosures here, but the concentration of living beings is simply amazing.
Beaches
The main "tourist attraction" of the island is undoubtedly its beaches and seaside resorts. Most popular resorts islands - , Sanur, Benoa, Tuban Legian, Kandi Dasa and Lovina. Luxurious five-star hotels and cozy private hotels, gardens and parks immersed in greenery, numerous small museums and beautiful embankments and beaches are concentrated here.
The underwater world next to the island is striking in its splendor, and the areas around the islands Menjangan, Gili Tepekong, Gili Wiah, a Gili Minpang, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are widely known for their beautiful landscapes among divers all over the world.
Useful information for tourists about the island of Bali in Indonesia - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
sights
Guide
Enchanting Bali attracts hundreds of tourists every year with its splendor. The island is part of the Malay Archipelago and is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. WITH different parties Bali is washed by the waters indian ocean and the Bali Sea.
Bali is considered an island and at the same time a province of Indonesia: the largest archipelago in the world, with more than 13,500 islands. At the same time, Bali is one of the least populated provinces of the country.
Bali is located near the island of Java, separated by the Bali Strait. The total area of the island is 5700 square kilometers, length coastline from west to east - 150 kilometers, and from north to south about 98 kilometers. Bali was formed by rocks of volcanic origin and this fact explains the peculiarities of the landscape of the island. The most important volcano for the locals is Agung, which in Hinduism is personified with the "mother", "the center of the earth."
The territory of Bali is abundantly covered with volcanic ash, which enriches the soil and allows the inhabitants of the island to engage in agriculture. Also an important role in the development of agriculture on the island is played by lakes of volcanic origin, thanks to which the rivers feed.
The island began to be developed in the Bronze Age, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. The first inhabitants of Bali were the ancestors of modern southern Chinese and Indians. In the future, the island more than once became an object for the occupation of such states as Holland and Japan. However, in the middle of the 20th century, it received full independence, which it still retains.
Bali Island includes the following resorts: the capital of the island - , a resort for family holidays - , an elite resort - , beautiful place for holidays with children - , youth resort - , original , miniature , cozy , educational and excursion resort , luxurious , a dream for surfers - and a resort for a relaxing holiday - .
How to get there
The distance between Bali and major Russian cities is significant, so you should prepare for the trip in advance. The only way to get to the island is by plane. Ngurah Rai Air Harbor receives direct flights several times a week. Travel time will be 11 hours. This is the shortest and convenient way get to the island.
As for flights with transfers, their duration can vary from 22 hours to 2 days. It directly depends on the conditions of the carrier, the number of transfers and their duration. Most often, the change of aircraft takes place in Shanghai, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore.
Once in Bali, tourists go to their hotels, which can be located in different parts of the city. As a rule, a taxi is pre-booked for this. Another way to get around the island is by bus. You can also go on a rented scooter, but this option is not suitable for everyone.
sights
The main value of Bali is its nature with numerous waterfalls, mountain rivers, volcanoes, jungle. One of the holy places where tourists like to go is Agung Volcano. You can climb it only with an experienced guide. Such an excursion requires careful preparation, since the ascent is associated with a number of difficulties.
Don't forget to visit the Balinese waterfalls that form whole groups. To see with your own eyes the splendor of the cascades of waterfalls, you need to go on a tour of the jungle. Each of the waterfalls carries a sacred meaning for the locals, as they have worshiped the water element since ancient times.
Of the architectural objects, it is worth seeing the Tirta Ganga Palace, located in the eastern part of the island. The palace is a large complex equipped with swimming pools, areas with green spaces, various sculptures, fountains and pavilions.
A visit to the rice fields of Bali is one of the most tourist excursions. The most famous are the Tegalallang rice terraces, which harmoniously combine pristine beauty with developed infrastructure. The tour of the terraces includes an acquaintance with the culture of growing rice in Bali, tasting dishes prepared on the basis of rice.
Features of the hotel base
The choice of your place of residence depends, first of all, on individual preferences. Bali has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, so you won’t have any problems finding accommodation. Rooms in the most the best hotels worth booking in advance as Bali is considered enough popular destination.
Most of the hotels are concentrated in the southern Bali area, as well as in such resort areas as Kuta, Bukit, Canggu, Sanur, Ubud, Padang Bai, Amed, Lovina. If you wish, you can find a budget option or stay in a luxury hotel.
Another option for staying in Bali is a hostel. They are scattered along the coast and differ in combination low prices With good level service. Some tourists prefer to settle in villas or bungalows. This option is suitable for large companies or couples.
beach holiday
The most common type of tourism in Bali is beach tourism. picturesque nature and the coastline stretching for tens of kilometers allow the active development of this type of tourism. The beaches differ from each other in relief, availability of amenities, nature, coastline and other parameters.
Sanur is located southeast of Denpasar. The beach has a length of about five kilometers. It was from this place that beach tourism in Bali was born. Today, couples and elderly people who prefer a relaxing holiday love to settle in this resort area. The advantage of the beach is coral reefs, a gentle entry into the water and the opportunity for children to swim.
Kuta is a lively resort center with a developed infrastructure. Inexpensive hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, bazaars - all this can be seen in the area of \u200b\u200bthis beach. The territory has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including sun loungers, showers, changing rooms. It is worth noting that lifeguards are on duty on the beach, ready to help at any moment.
Full Moon is a romantic black sand beach. There are few people on it, but it is known among fans of unusual photo shoots. There are several statues of mythical deities guarding the area on the beach. Swimming on this beach is best at low tide, as the tide brings high ocean waves with it, which can be dangerous.
Balangan, or Martian beach, is popular due to its interesting bottom: it is formed by depressions of volcanic rocks, forming a kind of "bath" that is filled with water. They can be seen at low tide under water surface. Also on the beach there is a sandy area where food points are located. Newlyweds and connoisseurs of amazing sunsets often come to Balangan.
Bias Tugal is located near the village of Padang Bai. The beach itself is a miniature lagoon filled with white sand and turquoise water. Numerous cafes stretch along the coastline, offering dishes of national cuisine. In addition, it is convenient to swim with children on Bias Tugal, as the entrance to the water is gentle.
Seminyak is a beach that has gained fame thanks to luxury hotels located along the coastline. The beach is to the taste of surfers and lovers of boat trips on a yacht. The beach is famous for its excellent restaurants, where tourists are offered national dishes.
Leisure
Those who prefer to spend their holidays actively come to Bali. The most common leisure activities on the island are diving, snorkeling and surfing. Almost every beach has specialized training centers for surfers who want to learn the basics of this water sport. After completing the course, a certificate is issued confirming the qualifications of the trainee.
The optimal time for surfing in Bali is from March to October, when the wave height can vary from 2 to 4 meters. In such conditions, it is convenient not only to train, but also to start getting up on the board for the first time.
A network of professional diving schools is the pride of Bali. They are located in different parts of the island and offer tourists a comprehensive training program. In addition to theoretical studies, it includes practice. When a tourist completes his training, he is issued a PADI certificate, allowing him to dive in any country in the world.
Kitchen
Balinese cuisine is replete with spices and flavor combinations that Russian tourists may seem unusual. The basis of the island's cuisine includes different types of meat and seafood, rice, legumes, vegetables, coconut milk. Of the most interesting dishes, it is recommended to try:
- Bebek betutu - stuffed duck baked with sauce on banana leaves. A mixture of greens with chili peppers, any vegetables can be used as minced meat.
- Sate are small skewers on wooden skewers served with a sauce of peanut butter and water. Such kebabs are made from chicken, shrimp, octopus, cuttlefish, fish fillets.
- Lavar is a festive dish for honored guests. In ancient times, it was cooked in exceptional cases, and today you can try lavar in any restaurant in Bali. The basis of the dish is vegetables, coconut, garlic, chicken or pork meat. Lavar is always served on a banana leaf topped with lime juice.
- Brem is a wine made from rice. This traditional drink is drunk on all holidays. The taste of wine is sweet, and the consistency is viscous. Shaving is often added to cocktails and other alcoholic drinks.
Bali is also the name of the province of Indonesia, which is part of the administrative region of the Lesser Sunda Islands, the largest island nation in the world. The main city on the island and the center of the province is the city of Denpasar. Bali Island is part of the Greater Sunda Archipelago, consisting of 17,800 islands, of which about 10 thousand do not even have their own name. And many inter-island seas are not marked on most maps.
In prehistoric times, the heavily rugged landscape of the region was shaped by intense tectonic collisions of continental plates, which caused unprecedented volcanoes that influenced the climate of the entire planet. Volcanic activity continues to this day. The well-known eruption of the present day Krakatau volcano changed the color of sunsets and sunrises on the entire planet for many months. And the explosion during its eruption is recognized as the loudest sound that a person could ever hear. A rumble of unprecedented thunder was heard at a distance of two thousand kilometers. In Bali despite it small size(140 by 70 km), there are also three active volcanoes: Agung, Batur and Bratan. Although not on the archipelago at all.
Island nature
The so-called Wallace Line passes through the island, separating the flora and fauna of tropical Asia and the natural zones of Australia and New Guinea. It determines the sharp contrast of vegetation in different parts of the island. In the west - tropical evergreen vegetation. In the north - deciduous forests, in remote mountainous areas - savannas and mountain woodlands.The island has a large variety of palms: coconut, borass, sugar. Banana palm, considered a sacred tree in Bali, it feeds many monkeys, bats and squirrels. Trees with valuable wood: balsa, ebony, teak. Some types of bamboo have a trunk up to half a meter in diameter. The island is filled with fragrant smells all year round thanks to countless varieties of flowering shrubs and trees: hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, pink laurel, magnolia, orchid. locals handle any seeds with care. Accidentally thrown, they immediately sprout in unnecessary places.
Features of local residents
Bali has 4 million people. The population of the island is a Hindu society in a Muslim country, with its own traditions and prohibitions. For example, it is forbidden to: be in a public place in open clothes (sleeveless outerwear and shorts), point a finger at a person, show close relationships (hug, kiss), touch another person’s head, express anger and resentment, scream. Sitting cross-legged is regarded as a great disrespect.Indonesia is the most amazing country in the world, combining the titles of the largest island country and the most colorful in nature.
