Bali
Bali is undoubtedly one of the world's most well-known treasures. The mystical island is rich in culture and never fails to welcome visitors with warm and gracious smiles.
Overview
The island's population largely practices Balinese Hinduism - a combination of local beliefs infused with Hindu influences from South East Asia and South Asia. The island's Muslim minority also helps to enrich Bali's cultural landscape and give it a distinctive look and feel that remains unmatched by any other tourist hotspot. Bali's art scene is thriving, fuelled by the booming tourism industry. If you're experiencing Bali for the first time, there are several things to look forward to. The performing arts scene often portrays stories from Hindu lore such as the Ramayana with a heavy dose of Balinese influence. There are also the popular dances and musical performances among locals and tourists alike such as pendet, legong, barong and kecak (monkey dance).
Country Information
- Capital city
- Nationality
- Language
- Climate
- Currency
- Time Zone
- Calling Code
- Jakarta
- Indonesian(s)
- Bahasa Indonesia
- Tropical; Monsoons
- Rupiah (RP)
- MST (UTC +7)
- +62
Arts and Craft
The Balinese are surrounded by art throughout their lives as art is ever-present in Bali. They put in so much energy into creating beautiful things. They make art out of the most basic necessities in their daily lives. Wood carving is a craft practiced all over Bali.
Traditional dances
Traditional Balinese dances are the oldest form of performing arts in Bali. There are two types which is the sacred dance called ‘Wali’ and the entertainment dance called ‘Bebalihan’. ‘Wali’ is a ritual dance that is usually performed during traditional ceremonies as it is believed to have a strong magical influence and can only be performed by specific dancers. ‘Bebalihan’ are usually performed in social events.
Temples
Bali is known as the ‘island of a thousand temples’. The word for temple in Bali is ‘Pura’, which in Sanskrit means 'space surrounded by a wall'. Architecture and history provides the annual stage for the oldest Balinese Hindu ritual.
Unique cuisine
Balinese food culture is also another highlight. You may choose to eat in a five star hotel restaurant, or you may prefer a breezy open sided bamboo cafe. Your gastronomical experience in Bali is as enchanting and full of discovery. If there’s just one dish that people remember after visiting Bali, it’s this famous delicacy, usually known by its Indonesian name, ‘Babi Guling’, roasted pig which is marinated with pungent herbs and frozen for at least one day before it gets roasted!
Surfing
Bali gets the full force of southern ocean waves direct from the Antarctic with its south-west and south-east coasts being spoilt with surf spots. Bali is a wonderful sanctuary for families, surrounded by picturesque beaches and gentle seas with a broad range of water-based activities to fulfil your all desires in enjoying the Bali marina life.
Elephant Safari Park
Bali also offers various adventures parks. The Elephant Safari Park is situated in the cool jungle of Desa Taro, 20 minutes north from Ubud. This nature park offers you the priceless chance to feed, touch, and interact with these wonderful creatures that are set in an exotic, landscaped environment.
Jungle Trekking
Explore and discover Bali's glorious flora and fauna via the nature reserve of Mount Batukaru in an 'off-beaten' trails that will lead you into the cool surroundings of a tropical rainforest. You will be introduced to the hidden world of the island’s wildlife and native plants, as you pass by ancient strangler trees, ferns, wild orchids and hanging lianas.
Bali Bird Park
Provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species incorporating a breeding, research and veterinary facility within the complex. Indonesian parrots, cassowaries, black palm cockatoos, hornbills, are some of the species you will find here and not forgetting an impressive collection of Birds of Paradise will delight you.