Open left bali menu. Holidays in Bali: where, when and why Not religious holidays and festivals

Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia, where tourists from all over the world arrive throughout the year. Despite the fact that it is not the largest island in the Malay archipelago, Bali has managed to turn into a world center of tourism in a few decades.

People come here for high waves for surfing, for yoga practices, for gorgeous nature and the best views of the sunset, for parties on the beaches and for a unique culture that the locals cherish. Everyone finds something of their own on the island.

Bali is called "the island of a thousand temples", so lovers of antiquities will not be bored here either. In addition to numerous temples, the island is replete with many more natural and cultural attractions: palaces, museums, parks and zoos.

You can learn more about the flora and fauna of Bali in the Barat National Park or diving to the bottom of the sea with the equipment of one of the diving centers of the island.

Bali is located almost at the equator, so it enjoys all the benefits of tropical islands. Here you can always taste the ripe fruits and see real exoticism on the counter.

Current time in Denpasar:
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The island is home to rare medicinal plants that are used in natural cosmetics. You can feel their healing effect in any spa. A tourist with almost any budget can afford massage for a nominal fee.

Every day, Balinese fishermen return with tons of their catch and then sell it in local markets. Leaving the island and not trying the delicacies of sea reptiles is considered a crime.

In addition, Bali has a well-developed hotel infrastructure. Here you can stay both in the most expensive five-star hotel and in the cheapest hostel. Also, many tourists like to rent whole villas by the sea or overlooking the rice terraces.

The disadvantages of resting in Bali include only the high cost of plane tickets and a large number of tourists.

How to get there

Airplane is the only way to get from Russia to Bali. Since 2018, it has become much easier to do this, thanks to the appearance of direct flights from Sheremetyevo. In addition, the island has long become one of the most popular destinations for mass tourism, so during the high season or New Year's holidays, you can easily find many options for offers from tour operators, which include charter flights.

Flight to Bali

Bali is a relatively small island, so there is one international airport, Ngurah Rai. It is located in its southern part, 12 kilometers from the capital of Denpasar.

From here, the easiest way to get to the nearest districts of Kuta and Jimbaran is by bus or taxi. Also nearby are the main highways, which are convenient to get to the resorts of Nusa Dua and Sanur.

From Moscow to Bali

The history of the island is full of tragic events. Whoever did not conquer it. Nevertheless, the people inhabiting Bali now remain smiling and benevolent. They are still sensitive to religion and national traditions.

Golden age

Until the 12th century, the island remained independent until it was conquered by King Kertanegara from the island of Java. His reign was short-lived.

After his death in 1292, his son Vijaya came to power, during whose reign the "golden age" of Bali began. This period is marked by a sharp leap in spiritual development. Many temples on the island were built at this time.

But everything changes dramatically after the arrival of Europeans, who were only interested in trade and financial benefits, and not cultural experience.

Dutch colony

At the end of the 19th century, Holland decided to establish the East India Company in Bali. Despite the stubborn resistance of the Balinese, the Europeans are pursuing a fairly tough colonial policy and subjugate one area after another. Only the south of the island remains adamant.

Then in 1906 the Dutch landed in Sanur to storm the palace of the Badung Kingdom. However, they did not meet resistance there. A huge crowd in white robes, led by a priest, walked towards them. Not reaching a hundred meters from the armed soldiers, the priest thrust a dagger into his chest. He was followed by all the other participants in the procession, including children and women. The proud Balinese did not want to die in an unequal battle, so they committed mass suicide.

The struggle for independence

The world community and even Holland itself condemned the behavior of their army. The credibility was lost. The period of Dutch rule ended in 1942 when Japan occupied the island during World War II. The Japanese occupation continued until the capitulation in 1945. All this time, the Balinese fought a guerrilla war and fought repression.

In 1949 Bali gained its long-awaited independence.

The new government began to attract large foreign investors who built the entire tourist infrastructure here. We now know Bali as one of the best holiday destinations on the planet.

Bali climate and weather

Bali is located slightly south of the equator, so the climate here is equatorial monsoon. This means that the island is hot and humid throughout the year. The usual four-season shifts are not here. Instead, there are only two seasons: wet and dry.

Therefore, depending on the climatic conditions, it is worth choosing a time for a vacation in Bali. The wet season is more suitable for a measured holiday without crowds of tourists and surfing on high waves. The dry season is for those who like to sunbathe on the beaches and travel on bikes to the mountainous regions of the island.

The wet season in Bali lasts from October to April, and the maximum rainfall occurs in the second half of January and February.

During these months, the temperature during the day rises above + 30˚C and does not drop below + 25˚C at night. At the same time, a very high humidity of about 80% is kept. But even if it's cloudy outside, you shouldn't forget about sunscreen so as not to get burned.

When planning your trip at this time, it is worth considering some of the peculiarities of tourism. For example, the weather during the New Year holidays is quite mild. Therefore, a large number of people go to the island to celebrate the New Year.

But after the holidays, the flow of tourists is significantly reduced due to tropical downpours, which entails a decrease in prices for hotel accommodation and air travel. Life in Bali is becoming more measured. Surf lovers choose the wet season to a greater extent, since the sea warms up as much as possible during these months, and the winds create high waves on the west and east coasts.

The dry season on the island lasts from May to September. The peak influx of tourists is from July to September.

It is these months that most tourists prefer to choose for their holidays in Bali. The air temperature during the day is kept around + 30˚С. The humidity is low and comfortable for most people.

The rains are very rare and usually fall in the dark. Daylight hours lasts almost 9 hours, which allows you to explore all the sights of the island as much as possible.

When it comes to surfing, the best waves can be found on the beaches on the west coast.

Transport

In Bali, besides the fact that you can perfectly soak up the white sand by the ocean, it would be nice to get to know the island itself - with its nature, culture and attractions. To do this, you need to move around on something, which, in general, is not a particular problem in Bali - you can choose a kind of analogue of the Russian minibus called bemo, and special shuttle buses, and simple taxis, as well as rent a car with a driver or without it to drive yourself.

You can read more about transport on this Indonesian island in a special material. « Transport in Bali: how to get around the paradise island? » .

Districts and cities of Bali

Bali is one of the provinces of Indonesia. In turn, it is divided into seven kabupaten: Badung, Buleleng, Bangli, Denpasar, Giyanyar, Jembrana and Karangasem.

In addition to its territory, it includes two nearby islands Penida and Lembongan - Klunkung municipality.

Bali is unevenly populated. It can be conventionally divided into four parts along the cardinal points.

If you choose between them where to stay, then you need to take into account their features:

• South of the island- the most densely populated part. There are an international airport and major tourist centers, which are always full of life and many tourists.
• North of the island and his central part chooses a smaller number of visitors, although everything you need for rest is there.
• V western part the islands set off for an authentic atmosphere. It is mainly home to local residents and tourists who have settled for a long time.
• It is better to look for peace and quiet on east of the island.

Areas of the island that are popular with tourists are mainly concentrated in the south of the island. But there are also several villages in the north and center of Bali that attract travelers like a magnet.

Ubud

Some of the buildings stand on tiny islands connected to the land by narrow bridges.

Due to the remoteness from other attractions, significantly fewer tourists come to Ulun Danu than to other temples.

Or the cave of bats. Goa Lawah is built a hundred meters from the sea, surrounded by the jungle.

In the XI century, it was erected from black volcanic rocks and decorated with gold painting.

The place is not for the faint of heart, because there are huge bats inside. Although for the Balinese, the temple personifies the balance of natural forces, and the animals themselves are sacred.

A subspecies of mice found in Bali is called flying foxes or dogs. These winged ones feed on fruits, so every evening the believers bring them fresh fruits as offerings.

Its construction work was completed in 1946 at the place where fresh water sources came to the surface. The customer was Raja Anak Ketut.

17 years later, the terrible eruption of the Agunga volcano occurred with a series of earthquakes that almost completely destroyed buildings and destroyed plants in the gardens. For a long time, there were not enough funds for restoration work and the palace was in disrepair.

However, now it has been reconstructed and opened to tourists. The palace complex includes ponds, baths, fountains and a garden and park area.

In one of the pools, there is a winding path made of stone slabs, passing along which visitors can see large multi-colored carps.

Bali natural attractions

There are many natural attractions on the island, which in their beauty will outshine any man-made structure. In addition, some of them can be visited completely free of charge.

Located in the eastern part of the island. The locals consider it a sacred place. According to their beliefs, it is through it that the axis of the universe passes.

Its last activity was seen in 2017. Then evacuation work was carried out in Bali.

Despite this, guided tour groups can climb to the top of the volcano.

When climbing, you must strictly adhere to special routes.

There is another smaller active volcano 50 kilometers from Agung.

At the foot of Batur is the world's largest crater lake with the same name.

Despite the activity of the volcano, generations of peasants continue to live around it, cultivating fertile lands.

It is allowed to climb to the upper crater of the volcano only with guides along the marked trails. The ascent starts from the village of Kintamani.

The natural park is located northeast of Denpasar. The trip there will take no more than 40 minutes.

The two hectares of land are home to over 250 species of birds from tropical forests from the nearby islands, as well as from South America and Africa.

Most of them live in fenced-in enclosures, but in the center of the park there is an area for communicating with parrots, which are completely tame.

For the entertainment of tourists, bird shows are held in the park. You can also take pictures with them and feed them.

In addition to birds, large reptiles live here: crocodiles, pythons, turtles, monitor lizards and iguanas.

This is the area around three large temples in the vicinity of Ubud. Most tourists visit the forest to see the monkeys in their natural environment.

The zone is considered a nature reserve, and it is strictly forbidden to cause any harm to sacred animals.

In turn, local monkeys brazenly use this. It is not uncommon for tourists to lose their sunglasses or even bags. It is possible to return your belongings only by exchanging the item for some kind of fruit.

If you have time left to visit only one waterfall in Bali, then feel free to choose Sekumpul. The most spectacular of all on this island.

It falls down from the height of a 25-storey building. It has several streams, which greatly increase in size during the rainy season. It is interesting that they eat from different sources, so from time to time one of them turns brown, and the other remains transparent.

Getting to the waterfall is not easy. Perhaps that is why large sightseeing buses with tourists do not go here. The entrance to the territory is paid. There are two paths leading from the parking lot. One leads to the observation platforms, from which a panoramic view opens, and the other leads to its base.

In general, even untrained tourists can pass here. All that is needed is to be wary of wet areas and steep steps.

Where to go in Bali

sights

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Bali

Russian private guides will help you to learn more about Bali.
The project Experts.Tourister.Ru is registered.

What to do in Bali

Bali is a paradise for absolutely different types of people. It doesn't matter if the tourist is out for the thrill or looking for a quiet, deserted place to be alone. There are activities on the island for every taste.

Surfing in Bali

Bali is one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Many tourists come here specially to get on the board for the first time in their lives. On large beaches with a strong current, there is always a free coach, since there are a lot of surf schools here.

Also, you can easily take all the necessary equipment and learn how to handle it. Experienced athletes advise to start from Kuta beach, and then try yourself in more difficult conditions.

For surfers with an average level of skiing and professionals, the following is more suitable:

It is located near the village of Pecatu on Bukit. There are no dangerous stones at the bottom, but big waves.

Located very close to Bingin. Its small strip of sand is fully compensated by the quality of the waves. In addition, entry into the sea is convenient, which makes it possible not only for boarding, but also for ordinary swimming.

Mostly surfers gather here. You can reach it by following the signs towards the western part of the Bukit Peninsula. The Badung area serves as a reference point. It differs from others with a mixture of black and light sand, solitude and powerful waves.

Almost 10 kilometers of black sand. A favorite spot for surfers. Calm sea is extremely rare here, so people come here mainly to sunbathe.

Canggu has the necessary amenities but no nightlife. There are luxurious villas and several luxury hotels along the sea line.

Located on the west coast of Bukit. It is very popular, so just say the name Uluwatu Blue Point and you will be immediately directed to the correct address. It got its second name due to the bright blue color of the water. This beach offers excellent skiing conditions throughout the year.

Yoga in Bali

Bali has a huge number of all kinds of yoga schools. Some of them can be lived around the clock. People from all over the world come here to practice.

Classes are almost always held in the open air in the most beautiful places. The minimum cost of a lesson starts at $ 10.

As a rule, students avoid the noisy southern resorts and go to the center of the island in Ubud. Those who do not want to travel far from the sea find schools in the quieter villages of Bukita, Jimbaran, Sanur or Canggu.

Festivals

Balinese people love holidays. Most of them are mostly related to religion. A major festival is held in March Nyepi... This is the start of the Balinese New Year. Only they celebrate it in a completely different way than the Europeans. For exactly one day, local residents do not go out and turn off all the lights in the house. They believe that if the whole island falls silent, evil spirits will bypass it.

After the end of Nyepi, the time comes Of the kissing festival when every kiss of a stranger takes on healing properties. During these few days, almost everything on the island is closed, which causes inconvenience for tourists.

Bali kicks off in early summer Festival of arts... It lasts for a whole month. In parallel, smaller festivals of Indonesian culture are held.

Bali beaches

Bali's beaches are very different from each other. Starting with the color of the sand, and ending with the ability to swim in the sea.

On the south coast there are mainly golden sandy beaches, on the west - beaches with black volcanic sand. There is even a single white beach on the eastern tip of Bali.

One of the most famous in Bali. It is sandy and gentle, which is quite rare on the island, so people like to come here to sunbathe on sun loungers. And because of the strong waves and currents, it is popular with surfers and windsurfers.

Another sandy beach where people sunbathe and swim in the sea. It is so close to the airport that you can watch the landing of aircraft on the runway from it.

Expensive hotels and beach cafes stretch along the coastline, where they will gladly cook freshly bought fish from the local market.

It is also called Pantai Pasir Putikh or "untouched".

The remoteness from tourist routes and small snow-white croup from corals made it a unique sight for Bali.

Here you can sunbathe in solitude, but there is only a safe entry into the sea on the left side.

A kind of buffer zone between the party Kuta and measured Seminyak. The beach has absorbed a little of both areas, and the golden mean has turned out.

The sea here is shallow, sometimes you have to walk for a long time to hide the body up to the neck.

Legian has a well-developed infrastructure and everything you need for recreation.

Shopping in Bali

Every tourist wants to bring something interesting and memorable from Bali. And in this regard, the island has great opportunities. Each area has large shopping malls, small shops or colorful markets.

Shopping in Bali is fun, so you should take the largest suitcase and the minimum amount of things. It will definitely not work to fly home empty-handed.

Spices

It is very profitable to buy high-quality spices in Bali, because for ridiculous money it is possible to buy here such spices that are not in Russia, or they will be very expensive. Saffron, mint, basil, cinnamon, sage and many other species are grown on the island. They are sold individually or as mixtures.

Among adherents of a healthy lifestyle, "superfood" is popular - dietary supplements based on plant components such as chia seeds, spirulina, goji berries. They are high in nutrients, able to strengthen the immune system and improve well-being.

Luwak coffee

Every true connoisseur of coffee knows about the existence of such an unusual variety as Kopi-Luwak. The drink is remarkable for its specific production method. Coffee beans of this type grow in the same way as the rest. But then very interesting things happen to them.

A small predatory animal - musang - eats coffee beans, which in turn are excreted along with waste products. They are cleaned and sold at a super high price. This type of coffee is one of the most elite and expensive in the world.

Fruit

Balinese fruits are perhaps the most popular commodity that comes from Bali. They are sold absolutely everywhere, regardless of the season.

Mangosteen, longan, dragon fruit, rambutan, lychee, durian are just a few of the tropical treats sold on the Indonesian island.

Natural cosmetic

This is a good gift and a necessary thing for any woman. In addition, it is based on only natural and environmentally friendly ingredients - oils, herbs and spices. Most often, all the production of cosmetics is carried out by private manufactory houses, which open their own shops.

When you visit such a factory, you can often see with your own eyes the entire production process of a particular product. A huge assortment of goods, high quality and affordable prices are what attracts women from all over the world.

Food and drink

Acquaintance with the national cuisine is one of the surest ways to learn about the traditions and culture of the country. It doesn't matter if it is a small budget cafe or a restaurant in an elite hotel. Enjoy the original atmosphere of the island of "a thousand temples" in any case.

Bali's national cuisine combines Indonesian, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

The religion of the Balinese also made adjustments to its formation. And if most of the population of Indonesia is Muslim, then the people of Bali profess Hinduism. Therefore, the use of pork is allowed on the island. The baked "suckling" pig has become the main gastronomic symbol of Bali. It is prepared mainly in this part of Indonesia.

As in many Asian countries, white rice is considered the staple of Balinese cuisine. It is served with literally everything: meat, fish, seafood or vegetables. Fried noodles, various kebabs, tortillas and soups are no less popular.

Of course, all this is generously seasoned with aromatic and pungent spices, which are presented in abundance here. The main uses are chili, coriander, nutmeg, turmeric, cloves, cumin and ginger.

You can taste dishes of national cuisine in street shops, cafes, warungs and restaurants. In total, there are more than 4,000 establishments in Bali. Their prices are pleasantly surprising. Of course, the cost will depend on the status of the selected seat. It is quite possible to have a hearty meal within 10 dollars even in a restaurant.

Another reason to visit this wonderful island is seafood. Their diversity is sometimes maddening. You don't have to go to restaurants for fresh fish. You can buy it right on the street from local fishermen or at specialized markets.

Many counters look more like an oceanarium. Here you can see all the representatives of the underwater world living in this region. After the purchase, you should take your "catch" to small cafes nearby. There it will be grilled for a nominal fee.

Bali cuisine cannot be imagined without exotic fruits that are added to all kinds of dishes. They are also used to make the most popular drink of Balinese paradise - refreshing fresh juice or refreshing cocktails.

As a rule, each fruit has its own season, during which it is sold everywhere and at very attractive prices.

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There are several dozen beaches in Bali. Some of them are popular, others are considered "secret", that is, little-known among tourists. There are almost no "paradise" beaches. Those who like to lie in a sun lounger with a cocktail in their hands, occasionally entering the calm expanse of the ocean, will have a hard time.

One of the most popular is the beach - a youth party resort in Bali. This is a real mecca for surfers. Constant waves, lack of coral at the bottom and developed infrastructure have made Kuta beach the most populous holiday destination on the island. After Kuta, Seminyak Beach begins and. Everything here is almost the same as at the neighboring beach, but more "respectable". The waves are constant, but not as strong. You can rent a sun lounger, umbrella and have a snack at local cafes. Those who do not consider themselves to be surfers and come to Bali for relaxation should pay attention to the beach at. The ocean is much quieter here. The ebb and flow are not noticeable. The beach is covered with pure white sand. It is home to beginner surfers and swimmers. Another calm beach of the island is Sanur. White sand, crystal blue water, no waves all year round ... What else do you need for a lazy rest and good diving?

Hotels

There are a great many hotels in Bali. These are well-known world chains and democratic guesthouses with shared facilities. And given the fact that many people come to live in Bali, it is common to rent villas and bungalows on the island. It is by settling for a month or more in a real Balinese house that one can feel the life of the island, plunge into the colorful and unique life of the local population. The cost of bungalows and villas on the island is small, especially such housing is beneficial for companies of 4 or more people.

Most of all in Bali hotels with 4 and 5 stars. As a rule, these are low (building buildings higher than palm trees is prohibited by law), neat residential buildings with a garden and a swimming pool. The service here is good, the staff are polite and helpful. Tipping is not accepted. At the same time, Bali has one of the highest hotel fees in the world - 21%. It is either already included in the room rate, or paid by tourists separately. It is better to clarify this question immediately when booking a hotel.

sights

The Tanah Lot Temple is often depicted on postcards from Bali. Its name translates as "Land and Sea", and it is located right on a sheer cliff. It is believed that the temple was built by one priest in the 15th century, who lived here alone, and feeling that the place was sacred, ordered to build a temple here. The place is very exotic and atmospheric.

The Besakih temple is another favorite place for tourists. For the Balinese, it is the holy of holies. The temple is located on the most revered Mount Agung, the abode of all the gods. They pray on the mountain and even go to sleep only with their head to it. The Besakih temple is called the mother of all the temples on the island. It is also the largest religious complex in Bali. Here you can see how sacred rituals and rituals of offering to the gods are held. When you get here, you understand how devout the Balinese are and how much their faith means to them.

In the Bedugul area there is a magnificent Bali Botanical Garden. A place that bewitches with its beauty. It is often foggy, and the garden is surrounded by huge strawberry plantations. On the 57 and a half hectares of the slope of Mount Pohon, there are about 650 species of trees, 400 species of orchids, 104 species of cactus, as well as bamboo, roses and much more. There are about two thousand different plants in total. Going on a tour to Bali with children, put the botanical garden in the list of must-see places. Toddlers can run barefoot here while parents relax on the grass watching Balinese couples' wedding ceremonies.

The water palaces Ujung and Tirta Ganga are some of the most beautiful structures on the island. They were built by the last Bali Raja - Karangasem, employing Dutch architects. It turned out not only beautifully, but also useful. The palace complexes serve as an irrigation basin for the surrounding fields. Arriving here, you will see magnificent ensembles of water labyrinths, fountains and palace buildings of extraordinary architecture.

It is worth a trip to the village of Butulan to see how the very stone statues that are found everywhere in Bali are being created. Images of gods and common people guard houses and temples, greet you at the entrance to shops and beaches. All of them come from Butulan - the center of stone carving. Artisans work tirelessly here, creating more and more mythological characters. Any statue can be bought.

To see how rice grows in Bali, you need to go to the Ubud area. The famous Tegallalang rice terraces are located here. Rice will grow very quickly, in 3 months, so the appearance of the local landscapes is constantly changing. First, the undulating terraces on the hillsides are filled with water, then green shoots break out of the water. Soon the plantations are completely emerald, and when harvest time comes, the fields take on a golden hue. Interestingly, even after the rice has been harvested, there is something to see on the terraces. The Balinese bring domestic ducks here so that they gnaw at the remnants of the grains. The sight is very curious.

Kitchen

Bali has a peculiar cuisine, but almost all tourists like it. The dishes are not spicy like in Thailand, but the Balinese also use a lot of seasonings. The famous combination of 8 spices is used: coriander, cumin, cloves, white and black pepper, nutmeg, candle fruit and sesame seeds. All dishes are based on rice and, unlike other Islamic provinces in Indonesia, pork is eaten in Bali.

To get acquainted with the Balinese national cuisine, we advise you to try the famous dish "babi guling". This is a suckling pig, which is marinated in herbs for a long time, and then fried on a spit for several hours. Served meat with vegetables and sauce. Advice: if you decide to try babi guling, go to a cafe before lunch. The piglets are cooked in the morning, and after they run out, the cafes (varungs) are closed.

Another Bali national dish is betutu. It takes at least 24 hours to prepare it. Chicken or duck is marinated, then fried and stewed with spices. The most tender betuta is served with rice and a special sauce of coconut oil, onion and chili.

For dessert, you can try martabak. Quite simply, it's a thick pancake stuffed with chocolate, bananas and nuts. The most pleasant thing is to feast on the dish, washed down with traditional hot tea or coffee.

Souvenirs

There are a lot of masters in Bali. They pass on their crafts from generation to generation, doing a certain job in whole villages and even cities. Going to the villages of Mas and Kemenukh, you will find a huge number of woodcarving workshops. Balinese make figurines and furniture from wood. And so skillfully that having bought a wooden souvenir as a souvenir, you will admire the talent of the master for a long time.

The small village of Cheluk in Bali is famous for the production of jewelry. It is called the silver heart of the island. Silver items are created here in a unique national style. Those who wish are also shown the process of making rings and earrings. Jewelry in Bali is of very good quality and is inexpensive.

An excellent souvenir will be batik, which is skillfully created in the city of Gianyar. There are as many as 40 fabric factories here. Craftswomen apply drawings with special paint on cotton fabric. The patterns of Balinese batik are recognizable: usually they are colored national ornaments, as well as mythological characters and gods.

It is also customary to bring healthy food from Bali. Spirulina algae, goji berries, chia seeds and black rice are abundant on the island. Superfood is inexpensive, so you can buy it for yourself or as a gift. Finish your shopping in Bali with organic cosmetics by purchasing natural oils, soaps, Ayurvedic creams and shampoos, toothpastes and much more. It is based on natural ingredients that have been used in Bali for hundreds of years: honey, cinnamon, ginger, sandalwood, jasmine and aloe. Sly merchants assure that all miracle jars are charged for longevity and prosperity.

Bali is the epitome of tropical excellence, tranquility and fabulous relaxation. An island of mountains and volcanoes, jungles and temples, palm trees and endless sandy beaches, waves and coral reefs. Millions of tourists from all over the world annually make forays here, eagerly breathing in the air of wanderings and adventures, conquering the waves and the depths of the sea.

This island is far from the largest in Indonesia (it is usually referred to as small islands), but it is definitely one of the most famous in the whole world.

Bali on the map

• Geographic coordinates - -8.361280, 115.163996
• Bali's dimensions are as follows: from west to east about 150 kilometers, and from north to south about 80. Its area is 5780 km 2
• The island belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands of the Malay Archipelago. Bali is located between the majestic island of Java (to the left of Bali) and the island of Lombok to the right. By the way, Lombok is practically equal in area to the island of Bali.

The insanely beautiful and colorfully crazy island of Bali is filled with a huge number of attractions. And these are not only original and ancient temples, of which according to some sources there are up to 20 thousand. It is not for nothing that it is also called "the island of a thousand temples", although, probably, it should have been called "the island of a THOUSAND of temples." Officially, there are 6,000 temples on the island, but together with home or family temples it is already under 20,000. It is also amazing nature, dense, in some places impenetrable tropical jungle and diverse fauna.

Bali nature

There are 4 types of forests perfectly coexisting on the island. The western part is dominated by classic evergreen (no, not coniferous) tropical forests. In the hard-to-reach places of the northwestern part, there are deciduous forests. As you can imagine, the leaves from the trees in these forests periodically fall off. There are also savanna forests, and, finally, mountain forests grow in the highlands (as a rule, their height does not exceed 1500 meters above sea level).

Bali's vegetation is extremely rich. Banana palms, considered sacred here, have grown throughout the island and provide food for numerous monkeys, bats and even squirrels. Giant bamboo trees (although according to the biological classification it is a grass) up to 35 meters high and a trunk up to 40 cm thick. Fig (accent on the first syllable) and banana groves are widespread on the island. A large number of representatives of the ficus family. And there are countless palm trees of different types, including coconut palms, traditional for the tropics.

In Bali, you can find an interesting plant called Sapodilla. Natural latex is produced from its bark, which is used in the manufacture of chewing gum.

The most beautiful orchids and yellow magnolias adorn the greenery of the island with their flowers.
The fauna matches the flora. There are several hundred species of birds alone. There are also many monkeys, bats and bats in Bali. Incredibly beautiful butterflies amaze with their colors. The coastal waters are abundantly populated with tropical fish, shellfish and coral species.

It should be noted that the island is also rich in inanimate nature. There are as many as 2 volcanoes here, and they are generally considered active. These are Gunung Agung at 3142 meters high and Gunung Batur 1717 meters above sea level. They are located in the northeast of the island. Incidentally, these volcanoes erupted quite recently, in 1963, which caused numerous casualties. After that, some local residents were forced to leave the island.

Bali climate

There is no traditional division of the year into seasons. No winter, no summer. It is customary to allocate only two seasons. The dry season is from June to October and the wet (or rainy season) is from November to March. Typically, rainfall increases during wet seasons and the weather can be very changeable. Although in some areas of the island, this division is almost invisible. We can safely say that Bali is the island of eternal summer. Even during the rainy season, almost every day you can see the sun, warming this amazing corner of the planet with its rays.

The proximity of the island to the equator determines its almost constant warm climate. The average annual temperature is about 26 o C. However, it can be cooler in the mountains. The water temperature in the ocean is 26-28 o C, which is very, very comfortable. But the humidity is always high here, which is typical for tropical islands.

Inhabitants of the island

The local population is the real attraction of Bali. The bulk of modern Balinese are descendants of Indians. India was once a thriving kingdom, and owned both the island of Java and the island of Bali.
The island is now inhabited by approximately 4.3 million people. The language on the island is Balinese, but it is rather a dialect of the official language of Indonesia, Bahasa Indonesia (or simply Indonesian, since “bahasa” is translated as “language”).

An interesting fact is that Bali is a Hindu society located on the territory of a Muslim state. The religious movement here is called Agama Hindu Dharma, it is a Balinese variety of Hinduism. The Indian god Shiva is highly revered.

Local residents are very honored and proud of their customs and traditions. Bali has an interesting symbiosis of ancient traditions and achievements of the 21st century. Fine modern hotels coexist with centuries-old temples. Often the architecture of the hotels is closely intertwined with the local quirky style. Therefore, on the island you can find hotels that resemble Balinese palaces and temples, or, for example, similar to local picturesque villages with houses under thatched roofs.

For believers, the hotels provide chapels. As a rule, many hotels encourage Balinese holidays on their territories. For this, local musicians and dancers are invited. This is not only entertainment for tourists, but also the popularization of traditional Balinese culture.

Despite numerous tourists and various modern innovations, the local culture of the Balinese is still flourishing. This is largely due to the fact that part of the income from tourism is invested in the arrangement of temples. Moreover, every year on the island, different festivals and ceremonies are held more and more colorful and varied, which, in turn, further awakens interest in Bali.

Do not assume that the Balinese are illiterate aborigines who can do nothing but entertain tourists. They are a very developed and hardworking people. Do you know that there is no concept of “artist” in the local language? Art is a common Balinese phenomenon here. Music, dancing, creating sculptures and paintings are a natural and, one might say, everyday part of local culture and life.

Artisans and farmers use both ancient knowledge and modern technologies in their activities. Moreover, both of them (and indeed all Balinese) are simply obliged to be able to sing and dance. Locals know a lot about beauty and its creation. Now in Bali there are many souvenir shops and shops where you can buy handicrafts of Balinese craftsmen and quite modern things.

Bali landmarks

That's what, and there are a lot of attractions on the island. Numerous Hindu temples, built in the middle of the last millennium, and many of which are still in operation. They hold religious services and ceremonies. High and active volcanoes. Anyway, the island of Bali is one continuous attraction.

In particular, it is worth visiting (or as it is also called the Temple of the Earth). Just remember - the road to the temple is accessible only during low tide. Tanah Lot is one of seven water temples around the island. It is believed that the combination of these temples protects the island from evil forces.

If you like funny and carefree monkeys, then you should definitely look into the Monkey Forest. Do not be alarmed, this is not a dense unexplored jungle, but a kind of park, which is located in the city of Ubud. Here monkeys live in their natural environment. They are fed by park rangers and tourists. But be careful, animals can rip your jewelry off or steal your phone. Well, if they really don't like you at all, provoke or tease, then the monkeys can easily bite you. Be careful.

Well, the Monkey Forest is behind, now we are heading to. This temple is located near a cave inhabited by a myriad of bats (they are very revered on the island). In the evenings, this gigantic horde flies out of the cave and grabs gape of tourists go on a night hunt. Often tourists come here just to look at it.

These are just some of the attractions of Bali.

Tourist activities

The island of Bali quite recently, literally at the beginning of the 20th century, was a virgin tropical paradise, practically inaccessible to tourists. But gradually he entered the world tourist podium.

In the 20-30s of the twentieth century, the island began to be explored, and already in the 60-70s, rows of "flower children" of hippies were drawn to the southern part. For these cheeky citizens, the island of Bali has become a kind of Mecca. Then the hippie movement came to naught, and the island's fame, on the contrary, "went uphill." And now it is one of the most famous, rated and attractive resorts in the world.

Now the island has a large number of various hotels (more than 5500) that can satisfy both capricious tourists and unassuming travelers. They are usually located on the coast and have a different star rating.

In any case, there are many different hotels on the island for every taste and budget. There are plenty to choose from.

Entertainment in Bali

In addition to the usual entertainment for tourists, diving and surfing are very developed in Bali.

The island is surrounded by a large number of coral reefs. This is naturally just ideal conditions for diving and for simple diving with a mask and fins (usually called snorkeling).

The purity of the ocean combined with the graceful beauty of corals create an amazing and unique underwater world. Multicolored small fish quickly maneuver among the reefs. A school of silverfin tuna swirls into a huge, sparkling tornado.

Life is also raging on the surface. The four-meter waves magnetically attract surfers. Riding the waves of Bali is one of the cherished goals of any surfer.

Surfing on the island is possible all year round, but the optimal time for professionals is from March to October. It is at this time that the waves in the ocean rise above 4 meters, and crowds of experienced surfers rush to conquer them.

But there is a place on the planet where incredibly desperate surfers try to conquer the biggest waves. These are the famous waves in Portugal. They rise to a height of 30 meters and are able to surprise the most sophisticated traveler.

In the rainy season, when the waves are less, beginner surfers are already storming them.

Surfing is one of the main specialties of the Balinese. A large number of special shops for surfers and various schools for teaching this graceful but extreme art, publicly and secretly, are pushing tourists to "master the board."

Thousands of people with surfboards under their arms is normal in Bali. The best surfing beaches are mainly found in the southern part of the island. Although you can catch a wave along its entire coast.

It is no secret that it is in Bali that competitions in this exotic sport have been held for more than a dozen years.

But that's not all. Tourists can watch incredible buffalo races. In Bali, bloody cockfights are also held. Although they are considered illegal, they are often included in some ceremonies and holidays.

And again, we must not forget that the island of Bali is, first of all, a unique geographical, ethnographic and simply cultural object of our planet. Luxury hotels and local villages in the surrounding area, modern resorts and ancient temples, towering volcanoes and stunning beaches. All this is Bali.

But Bali also has a significant drawback.

Bali's biggest drawback

And now we want to tell you about one huge disadvantage of the island. This is an annoying and sad thing, but you should know about it. It is very difficult, but you have to accept it. So - the biggest drawback of Bali is that ... you will never be able to explore, absorb all of its uniqueness, be surprised at all the diversity of the island, enjoy all its enchanting beauties and visit all the beaches and see all the attractions within one (and perhaps even and not one) round.

Of course, a few lines above is just a lyrical digression, but unfortunately, all these events will take much more time. Well, this is a very good reason to come back to Bali again.

• walking in a swimsuit is recommended only on the beach and hotel grounds
• it is highly undesirable to sunbathe topless or even nude
• for the distribution or use of drugs the death penalty is imposed, but at the same time, you can safely buy hallucinogenic mushrooms
• Balinese people eat using only their right hand. The left is considered unclean or defiled. Locals never use it to transfer and receive things and objects. It is not customary to wave this hand
• it is not accepted here to kiss in public places
• in Bali to this day there is a division of people into castes. There are 4. Shudras - the poorest and largest caste, Brahmanas - servants of the temples, Kshatriya - military and civil servants, Vaisya - merchants. The last 3 castes are considered privileged, all the nobility belongs to them
• polygamy is allowed on the island. You can have up to 4 wives, and consent for the second and subsequent wives must be obtained from the first wife
• in Bali, multi-colored umbrellas are very common. They are believed to be protection from evil forces. Usually the colors of the umbrellas correspond to certain castes.
• there are officially 230 holidays here, so festivals and ceremonial processions along the city streets are a common occurrence
• marriage is a very important step for the Balinese. The wife must go to live in her husband's house. A family must have children. Only in this case will the Balinese be able to take part in religious ceremonies and rituals. If a divorce suddenly happens, the woman returns to her parents' house and has the right to pick up only her personal belongings. Children usually stay with their father. In Bali, they are believed to belong to a man.
• the burial ceremony on the island is rather incomprehensible to Europeans. The fact is that in Bali people are cremated (simply put, they are burned). But this procedure is very expensive, so they try to cremate people in groups, thereby dividing the costs among several families. And until the required number of the deceased is reached, they are temporarily buried in the ground. Then it is dug up and cremated. Moreover, this ceremony takes place with noise and fun.
• Ordinary water is especially revered on the island of Bali. In ancient times, the religion of the island was called Agama Tirta, which means “the religion of sacred water”. It is believed that water has a creative and cleansing power.

The island is washed on the south by the Indian Ocean, and on the north by the Bali Sea. The western part of the island is separated by the Bali Strait from Java, the eastern side of Bali - by the Lombok Strait from Lombok.

Everything you need to know about Bali

All tourists who have ever vacationed in Bali can confidently declare that the island is a fabulous place, created by nature and carefully preserved by the local population in its pristine beauty.

The island does not differ in territorial expanses, but it cannot be called very small either:

• Bali's area is 5,780 km²;
• its length from east to west reaches 150 km;
• and the length from north to south is 80 km.

Not everyone, going on vacation to Indonesia, knows one of the peculiarities of the island of Bali: that a mountain range with an increased zone of volcanic activity stretches across the entire island in the direction from west to east.

And some are especially surprised by the fact that there are two active volcanoes in Bali:

• Gunung Agung (3142 m);
• and Gunung Batur (1717 m).

The capital of the island is Denpasar, which is also the largest city in Bali.

The most important thing about Bali's climate

Bali's climate can be described as equatorial monsoon. There are not all 4 seasons of the year on the island, to which many Russian tourists are accustomed.

IMPORTANT!
It is worth knowing that in Bali it is customary to allocate 2 seasons:

• dry season from June to October, ideal for relaxation;
• a wet season from November to March, often referred to by tourists as "Bali's rainy season."

The greatest amount of precipitation falls in January - February. In no case should the wet season scare away those who want to spend time on the island: thunderstorms usually pass at night and last about 2 hours. In Bali, all seasons are good for vacation, and, perhaps, a little rainfall during your vacation will save you from the sweltering heat. The average annual air temperature does not drop below 26 ° C. The water temperature in the ocean never drops below 26 ° C, the average annual water temperature hovers around 28 ° C.

Essential facts about people in Bali

According to the 2010 census, the population of Bali is known to be 3,890,757 inhabitants of the island. Balinese people respect traditions very much and are immensely proud of them. The most important and revered inhabitants of the island are babies, whose souls, following the faith of the local population, are closest to heaven. Every inhabitant of the island, at birth, receives a gift from the priest. The whole life of the Balinese is accompanied by certain rituals and rituals, performed in the allotted time period of life.

The following can be said about regilia on the island of Bali:

• about 84% of the population profess Hinduism, namely its Balivian variety, called "Agama Hindu Dharma";
• about 13% of the inhabitants are Muslims;
• only about 2% of the population are Christians;
• less than 1% profess Buddhism (all Buddhists on the island of Bali are Chinese, or foreigners who come to permanent residence).

Local residents are always glad to see guests. The flow of tourists has been growing over the years, and the attitude of the Balinese towards visiting guests does not deteriorate in the least.

Official language

Indonesian. The indigenous local population speaks the Balinese language. Balinese, whose field of activity is related to tourism, speak English quite well, especially the younger generation.

Resort towns in Bali

All Bali resorts are good in their own way. You can get the most plausible ideas about each of them only when you are in Bali.

The main resort areas:

• Sanur - an ideal place for family holidays;


• Nusa Dua is the most prestigious resort place in Bali, which is unanimously called the most expensive place on the island;


• Benoa is the best place to get a complete picture of Bali, looking out of the windows of the property with views of the ocean and nearby islands;


• Jimbaran - a resort where modest bungalows coexist with luxurious 5-star hotels with ocean views;


• Kuta is the most popular and affordable place for a young tourist audience, where a huge number of surfing opportunities in Bali are concentrated;


• Legian - a resort closely adjacent to Kuta, but distinguished by its tranquility;


• Ubud is an area that will tell all about the creative life in Bali.

Bali currency

Indonesian rupee (IDR).
Currency exchange rate:
1 $ - 9550 rupees;
1 € - 12,440 rupees.

Difference in time

Difference in time:

• between Bali and Novosibirsk - 1 hour (in favor of Bali);
• between Bali and Moscow - 4 hours (in favor of Bali).

Bali visa

All Russian citizens dreaming of a trip to the island should know if they need a visa to Bali upon arrival at the airport. Upon entering the country, an individual stamp is put into the tourist's passport.

The visa is valid for 30 days. The cost of a visa is $ 25.

Bali is a unique island where you need to be personally yourself at least once in your life.

There is everything for a comfortable stay: the beautiful beaches of Bali, the beauty of which is not forgotten and

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Jimbaran and Sanur: Respectable Beach Holidays

Families with small children, retired Europeans who "can afford", as well as newlyweds looking for romance choose the resorts of Jimbaran and Sanur. The first (southwest Bali) beckons tourists with gorgeous hotels, spas and a dizzying selection of the freshest seafood from local restaurants. The second (southeast) is richer in entertainment: the Bali Perdana Wisata Tirta Park (JL. Danau Poso Gg. Tanjung, No. 30) and the Asmat Art Museum (Jl. Cemara No.27) await vacationers.

Not far from Sanur, in the village of Blanjong, there is one of the oldest temples in Bali, dating back to the 10th century.

The resorts are similar with shady alleys and a wide range of water activities. They are strikingly different only during low tides: in Jimbaran they are almost invisible, while the beaches of Sanur at this time are not the most pleasant sight.

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Kuta and Seminyak: hangout centers in Bali

Cheeky, thundering club music, crowded and pretentious, a little arrogant Seminyak, in fact, are twins, just "raised in different families." Both resorts are located in the southwest and are equally close to the airport. They will appeal to those who cannot imagine rest without discos until the morning, noisy crowds and dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. There are also beaches here, but they are mostly besieged by fans of surfing - the conditions for them are excellent (only the waves in Kuta are high). Others would rather prefer a water park when it comes to Kuta, or countless art galleries and boutiques when it comes to Seminyak.

Kuta and Seminyak are the same way of life, but at different prices: in Seminyak, everything is much cooler and, accordingly, more expensive.

There is practically nothing to do with children here, looking for authentic temples and villages is also not so-so.

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Nusa Dua: expensive and rich

The easiest way to feel "five stars" is in. Ordinary Balinese have no access here - the territories of luxury hotels on the coast are carefully guarded. So no one will obsessively offer massage to tourists on the beach, but in fashionable spa centers, it's easy. It is not necessary to limit yourself only to visiting them: you can take a couple of golf lessons, walk through the Bali Collection shopping center (office site in English) and visit the famous Devdan show (office site in English).

Those who are bored of antiquity and exoticism will have to get out after them to neighboring Uluwatu, where the legendary temple rises and rice fields are spread out.

It's expensive to live, but you can live nearby - in Tanjung Benoa, where prices are slightly lower. But in this part of the island (southeast), the ebb tides significantly spoil the landscape.

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Ubud: the heart of Bali

“Those who haven’t heard about Ubud haven’t heard about Bali,” say advanced travelers. It is understandable: Ubud is the geographical, tourist and cultural center of the island, at the same time it is distinguished by affordable prices and the widest choice of entertainment on the island. In its vicinity there are