Bali is one of the most mysterious and attractive places on our planet. Fabulous tropical nature combined with amazingly clean sandy beaches make this little corner truly heavenly. Not surprisingly, many tourists want to personally check where the island of Bali is.
Geography
Bali is located in the southeastern part of Asia. Its geographical coordinates are 8º S and 115º E. It belongs to the state of Indonesia and is part of the huge archipelago of the same name. Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, located in its extreme western part. From the south, its shores go out to the waters of the Indian Ocean, and from the north it is washed by the Bali Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean system. The large island of Java adjoins the western end, separated by the narrow Bali Strait.
The proximity to the equator dictates the particular climate. The dry season comes from June to September, with little rainfall, although very high humidity remains. Most of the moisture falls from the skies during the calendar winter and in March, when the rainy season is observed here. At the same time, eternal summer reigns in Bali and the air temperature in the flat part never drops below + 25º.
There is enough high density population. With an area of over 5.7 thousand km², Bali is home to over 4 million inhabitants. The northern and central part of the island is occupied by mountains, maximum height which exceeds 3 thousand meters, and plains prevail in the south. The main peaks are:
Batukaru
Abang
Agung
Batur
The remoteness of the island of Bali from Russia
The island is located very far from Russia and can only be reached by plane with a transfer in Singapore, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. The plane covers the distance of over 6,000 km between Moscow and these megalopolises in 11-12 hours.Many people who have visited these places now know firsthand where the island of Bali is. Many of them managed to appreciate the charms and beauty of the local nature at their true worth, so they will certainly return here again.
At a latitude of 8 ° south of the equator and at a meridian of 115 ° east longitude between about. Java (in the west) and about. Lombok and the rest of the Small Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor).
The area of the island is 5.6 thousand square meters. km, length - 150 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south. The so-called Wallace Line, stretching eastward from Bali and Lombok Island, serves as the border between the flora and fauna of tropical Asia and natural areas Australia and New Guinea.
Together with the adjacent islands, Bali forms the province of the same name in Indonesia, which is included in the administrative region of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Geography
Bali island map
Relief
Bali Island is the extreme point of the Sunda Islands in front of the islands of Small Probes and Nusa Tengara. From west to east Bali stretches a mountain range - a zone of high volcanic activity. Two large active volcano Gunung Agung (3142 m) and Gunung Batur (1717 m) are located in the northeastern part of the island. Volcanic activity causes high soil fertility and affects the development of culture. The massive eruptions of Gunung Batura and Gunung Agung in 1963, which resulted in numerous casualties, devastated the eastern regions of the country, forcing many Balinese to emigrate.
Among other mountain peaks, the highest are Batukau (2278 m) and Abang (2152 m). This mountain range with a limestone plateau located in the south, which is called "bukit" - hills, divides the territory of the island into two absolutely different regions... The northern one rises rather sharply from the narrow coastline to the mountain slopes. The climate here is relatively dry, favorable for the cultivation of the coffee culture. In this part of Bali, there are two rivers that irrigate the rice fields around Singaraja and Seririta. The southern region consists of terraces stretching from north to south, on which rice is grown. Numerous rivers flow through lush gorges. The southwest is small, well-irrigated land and arid coconut plantations.
Climate
Flora and fauna
Bali has 4 types of forests: moist evergreen tropical in the west, deciduous in the northwest in remote areas, savanna forests and mountain forests. Wet evergreen forests are represented in the Bali-Barat Park (translated as "western Bali"). Here you can find rare species of plants, huge centuries-old trees, which are under protection. There are many plants of the ficus family (fig and banana groves). Deciduous forests grow in the northwestern part of Bali. They change their foliage depending on the season; sapote trees predominate among this flora. Mountain vegetation is rarely located above 1500 m above sea level, these are mainly casuarines and philaos. Banana palms in Bali are sacred, they grow very well, multiplying by roots, and feed many animals: monkeys, squirrels, bats.
In Bali, palm trees are especially well represented. The leaves of borass palms, dried and pressed, are used to make "lontars", on which sacred texts are written. From the leaves of the sugar palm, bouquets are made, which are brought to temples as ritual offerings. There are also other types of trees, such as ebony, or ebony, wood, as well as balsa wood, extremely lightweight - a convenient material for traditional masks. There are many bamboo trees, some of which reach 30-40 cm in diameter. They can be found almost all over the island, and bamboo is also versatile. building material for the Balinese.
Gardening architecture has become a real industry. Abundance work force and the fertile soil, on which everything that is planted easily takes root, contributes to the development of horticulture, especially in the south of the island and in the Bedugul region. Red, pink and white hibiscus, jasmine, bougainvillea, white and pink laurels, water lilies, lotuses and pretty exotic plants, such as angseoka, chempaka (yellow magnolia), manori and orchids.
Population
In total, the island is home to about 3.3 million people.
Bali is a Hindu society living on the territory of a Muslim country and constantly in contact with foreigners. All this only fuels interest in local customs. The Balinese themselves take great pride in their traditions and generally follow a strict code of conduct. When visiting the island, tourists should take this for granted and adapt to local customs. Balinese people are exceptionally friendly people. Despite the abundance of tourists, the attitude towards them does not deteriorate, unlike most popular resorts.
Religion
The majority of Balinese (93.93% of the population) profess a form of Hinduism called the Agama Hindu Dharma. About 5% of the population is Muslim. They live mainly in Denpasar, Singaraj and small coastal towns. There are few Christians and Buddhists - these are the Chinese and the indigenous population.
Culture and national lifestyle
The rich sensual culture of the local population is expressed in their handicraft works. The island is famous for traditional wooden sculptures made in archaic, pagan and Hindu traditions; Balinese painting is also distinguished by original decorativeness.
The cult craft of the Balinese is painting on batik - silk or cotton fabric. A traditional drawing that has a symbolic meaning is applied to it in layers. Festive and casual clothes are sewn from batik.
One of the most unique spectacles is Balinese dances with many performers in national costumes. These are theatrical performances, the general meaning of which is based on the eternal struggle between "good and evil". The most majestic and popular of them is the Kecak mass dance ( Kecak) and the dance " Barong-Kris». « Kecak"About 150 performers dance at sunset near the Uluwatu temple, illustrating an episode from the Ramayana epic, where a group of monkeys, led by Hanoman trying to save the kidnapped Dewi Shinta from the giant's claws Rahwana... Kecak is a unique show in which the dancers create the background, and the main action is the romantic story of two lovers Sita and Rama.
More like a drama, dance " Barong-Kris", Represents a mystical lion-like animal fighting an evil sorceress Rangda.
Dynamic dances, music, colorful costumes, sacred ceremonies and unique in their beauty mystical temples are part of an endless sequence of rituals and religious beliefs that define the way and meaning of Balinese life.
Transport
The central and most important transport hub on the island is Ngurah Rai Airport. It is a modern and well-equipped airport located 3 km from Kuta, 15 km from Nusa Dua and 12 km from Sanur. It is served by 50 taxis.
The most convenient and inexpensive form of transport on the island is bemo, small minibuses.
The most common transport among the local population is a moped or scooter.
Tourism
After the recognition of independence, tourism was rather poorly developed, and the infrastructure was in its infancy. Even in the days of hippies who flocked here from all over the world, there were only small bungalows without electricity on the beaches of Kuta, cheap rooms without amenities and food seafood for a few cents. However, in Sanur, tour operators were already embracing tourism for the wealthy. The Indonesian government, whose economy was highly dependent on oil exports, needed to find other sources of income, and it greatly contributed to the development of the tourism industry.
At first, these efforts were aimed at changing in the eyes of the entire world community the unattractive image that was entrenched behind the ruling elite of Indonesia after the military coup.
A professional analysis of the situation in Bali and a tourism development plan was made in the year. The project was funded by the UN under the guarantee of the World Bank. Particular emphasis was placed on the Bukit-Badunga region. In 1978, Balinese Governor Ida Bagus Mantra invited interested parties to focus on the island's rich culture. Since that time, music, dance, religious festivals, sculpture and painting have played the same role in the tourism business as the continuous improvement of infrastructure. The airport has been reconstructed, luxury hotels and modest budget hotels are being built to cover the entire social spectrum of travel enthusiasts. Rice fields are being drained and water pipes are being built in the driest areas. Elite tourism has replaced inexpensive. Now worldwide famous stars come to Sanur for their weddings, and European ministers take vacations at the Mediterranean Club in Nusa Dua.
Literature
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The capital and the most Big City on Bali. It is located in the southern part of the island, midway between the west and east coasts, about 20 minutes from the ocean. Denpasar is a working town and is not a popular tourist destination. Here is located a large number of shops, markets, hospitals, shopping malls, offices and businesses; and almost all government offices in Bali. Unlike most other places in Bali, in Denpasar, a tourist can easily get lost among the local population, since everyone is busy with their own business and pays little attention to the "white" people.
The city has been developing rapidly over the past decade and this opens up excellent opportunities for entrepreneurial people. Many immigrants from the neighboring islands of Indonesia and neighboring countries come here to start their own business and build a business. Denpasar is actively being built up: new residential settlements are appearing, roads are being laid, but despite this, the city remains provincial. Here you can still find pristine jungle and huge rice fields. In addition to all this, there are many interesting historical and cultural attractions in Denpasar. This city of Bali has a unique history, heritage and character, and I advise everyone who comes to the island to visit it.
Kuta
On the west coast is the most famous city of Bali - Kuta. It is the most popular with tourists for several reasons. First: located here great amount hotels for all tastes, from cheap local guesthouses to the world's most luxurious brands. The price for a room with amenities starts at about $ 20 per night, and in most cases, hotels are within walking distance of the beach. Secondly, there are many inexpensive clubs, restaurants and cafes in this city. Thirdly: the coast of Kuta is perfect for the first steps in surfing and for this reason there are several dozen surf schools, both foreign and Russian. Not far from Kuta beach, on Benesari street, there are many local surf shops where you can buy, rent or repair a surfboard at a reasonable price.
Nightlife in Kuta attracts tourists from all over the world. The central and most popular street of Kuta is called Legian, it runs a few hundred meters from the ocean, parallel to the coast. This street reflects the character of the whole city as much as possible. In the afternoon you will see traditional streets tourist town with a myriad of souvenir shops, massage and tattoo parlors. Tourists stroll along the narrow sidewalks, baking in the sun and at the same time "fighting off" very annoying merchants. Semi-empty places where you can hide from the heat and enjoy a refreshing drink. Traffic on the road is a little difficult. However, with the onset of darkness, the city greatly changes its appearance. The main street of the city is slowly filling up with people. Owners of clubs and restaurants try to lure tourists with loud music, various promotions and discounts. Numerous traders have not disappeared anywhere, but now their range is supplemented with various prohibited substances. On almost every corner you can find a shop selling hallucinogenic mushrooms, where you can buy them completely legally. Despite the strictest prohibition, in the night Kuta you can easily find all types of drugs, as well as use the services of "night butterflies". The roads are almost impossible to drive due to the insane congestion of taxis and bikes. All this makes this city in Bali suitable for some tourists and at the same time unbearable for others.
Ubud
This city is located in the central part of the island and is tacitly considered the cultural capital of Bali. Ubud has a unique nature: endless green hills, rice fields, jungles, rivers. It even has its own microclimate: the temperature is slightly lower than on the coast and at the same time very high humidity. This climate has a positive effect on the flora and fauna around the city. Vivid variety of flora and fauna pleases the eye. For those who want to stay in Ubud, there is big choice various housing for every taste and budget. Modest and budget guesthouses coexist with expensive and unique hotels, occupying hectares of beautiful landscape.
In this city of Bali, a huge number of handicraft enterprises and small shops are concentrated. Ubud is made up of many villages specialized in making jewelry, woodcarving, stone and glass processing, painting, batik (painting on fabrics). You can buy a variety of products, watch or even learn a craft. The colorful atmosphere of the city inspires creativity, art and self-discovery. Ubud is home to several painting museums and regularly hosts exhibitions of renowned artists. In addition to craft and creativity, Ubud is a stronghold of the Hindu religion in Bali. Many temples and sanctuaries have been built here. It is worth noting that this city is the center of alternative medicine in Bali. If you wish, you can visit a practicing medicine man or shaman. Many of them are really well versed in human anatomy and treat various ailments with the help of herbs and massages.
The most popular places in Ubud, visited by almost all tourists arriving in Bali, are a huge tropical reserve inhabited by monkeys and not only (Monkey Forest), Ubud Palace and a souvenir market (Art Market). Also in this city, you should definitely visit one of the local spas to enjoy a traditional Balinese massage in a pleasant relaxing atmosphere. Yoga fans can easily find perfect place for classes. Gourmets and food lovers alike will love hundreds of excellent restaurants and cafes, including places with organic cuisine. The most famous of them is called Sari Organic Café, the path to which goes through endless rice fields, and the institution itself is a two-story bamboo building with beautiful view... Ubud has a lot of interesting and unusual things, so I advise you to stay here for at least a few days.
Singaraja
The second largest city in Bali, located in the northern part of the island. Until the moment when Denpasar became the capital of Bali, this role belonged to Singaraja. During the Dutch colonization of the island, it was ruled from here, and the local seaport was the main trade "artery".
There are few native Balinese left in the city most of population - visitors from other islands in Indonesia, especially from about. Sulawesi as well as Chinese and Arabs. Now the city is the main center of civilization in the north of Bali. There are two public universities, a central library and several museums. There are shopping malls, shops and ATMs in Singaraj.
The first thing that catches your eye when approaching the city is the wide roads, which is generally unusual for Bali. Most of the streets are clean and well maintained. First of all, it is worth visiting the old port, where a monument was erected in honor of the struggle for independence, and nearby there is a monument in the form of a giant winged lion - the symbol of Singaraja. There is a Chinese temple near the port. In the central library (Gedong Kirtya) you can see unique ancient Balinese manuscripts on palm leaves - lontar.
There are many interesting sights not far from the city: waterfalls, caves, hot springs, temples. The famous resort of Bali - Lovina with volcanic beaches and calm waters is located 10 km from Singaraja. There is also the only dolphinarium in Bali, and if you wish, you can swim with dolphins in the pool. For a complete picture of the island, it is definitely worth exploring northern regions Bali and be sure to look into this city.
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Bali is the most popular and, accordingly, the most developed Indonesian resort in terms of tourism. It attracts tourists with its pristine landscapes, tropical forests, impressive volcanoes of Kintamini, Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung, ancient temples and, of course, endless beaches. Relatively recently, tourists from Russia also realized this, and therefore the number of Russian citizens per square kilometer of Balinese territory has increased significantly.
Bali Island is a treasure trove of foreign culture. And sometimes it seems that for the Indonesians themselves, the cultural tricks of the local population are also a wonder. If your choice fell on this island, in any case do not limit yourself to a beach holiday in the style of "Bounty". No, it seems that Bali was not created for this at all. And the stubborn ebb and flow along the beaches most popular with tourists are like an unspoken confirmation of this. What is Bali for me?
How to get to Bali
Until the end of March 2019, Aeroflot will operate direct flights to Bali from Sheremetyevo Airport three times a week on Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft.
Find flights to Bali
Bali districts
Bali's main hangout center, a place where life is in full swing, regardless of whether the sun is blazing or the moon is shining, is the "sweet couple" of Kuta and Seminyak. The format of recreation here is very similar: here and there round-the-clock parties, megawatts of light and sound, lively streets with bars and restaurants. However, Kuta is especially attractive to young people with its democracy, simplicity and cheap alcohol. In addition to fans of parties and fun at night parties, many fans of the wave come to Kuta: the surfing conditions here are just perfect. Accordingly, the surrounding area is full of rental shops, schools and private surf instructors.
Bali guides
Entertainment and attractions
Ubud is considered the cultural capital of the island. Mostly artists, artisans and dancers live in the city. Every evening in all the temples performances are held - you can see the dances "kechak", "barong", "legong" and the puppet theater "Wayang Kulit".
A corner of virgin nature and unearthly beauty hides national park Bali Barat at the western end of the island. It is home to representatives of the equatorial savannah, mangrove and deciduous forests, and its coastal waters have 110 species of coral. On the territory of the Botanical Garden, in addition to the pleasure of contemplation luxurious plants, you can get a shot of adrenaline. There is an adventure park "Bali-Tritop" with a network of cable cars, bungee trailers and suspension bridges.
Provide great opportunity dive into animal world and get to know its inhabitants better. Any child will love the prospect of spending the whole day with elephants - feeding them, bathing and even painting. Bali Waterbom is considered one of the largest water parks in Asia. It is located in the center of Kuta and is surrounded by 4 hectares of tropical gardens. Spend a day in the ocean - this opportunity is provided at floating beach clubs-pontoons near the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. They are equipped with a system of water slides and pools, there is an opportunity for snorkeling and diving, children's animation and restaurants - everything for a family holiday.
In the Monkey Forest in Ubud, kids can watch monkeys (but be careful, the tailed ones can play and attack humans), admire the flying beauties in the butterfly park, and swim with sea turtles on Gili Island. And by the way, surf centers in Kuta begin to put beginners on the board from the age of 5.
A real pirate ship is moored to the beach in the Nusa Dua resort. The ship's crew constantly requires cabin crews at the age of 4 years. While lessons are underway at the school of sea wolves, parents of young pirates can find something to do in a restaurant. The Pony Club riding center invites young riders from 3 years old not only to ride small horses, but also to take care of them. The Bali Treetop Adventure Park will especially appeal to teenagers - there are all conditions for conquering the jungle on bungee, ziplines and other units.
It will be useful for schoolchildren to visit the Green School in Sibang near Ubud. This jungle training campus functions without detrimental impact on environment... The bodies are made of bamboo, the energy is from solar panels, sewerage and water supply - with the highest degree of purification. Representatives of different cultures and nationalities receive education in it, including learning to respect nature.
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December
Eternal summer reigns in Bali. All year round you can swim, sunbathe and practice here aquatic species sports. Thanks to the equatorial-monsoon climate, instead of winter, the island starts the rainy season - from November to March, it rains at night and in the morning. Most often they are fleeting and by lunchtime there is no trace of precipitation. If the rainy weather lasts longer, then in just a few hours you can get to the neighboring islands, on which there is usually sunny weather... The most comfortable time in Bali from May to October is when it is warm, dry and clear, and the southeast wind brings pleasant freshness. The peak of the dry season is in the calendar summer, and it gets a little cooler in the evenings.
Where is Bali located? Even despite the fact that the word "Bali" has long been heard by everyone and everyone knows that this is a small island and popular place for relaxation, but not everyone will be able to say where this paradise... Many people associate Bali with an elite resort that not everyone can afford, so the interest in learning about Bali immediately disappears. Although this is a delusion (here you can relax quite economically), there is still some truth in this statement. The flight to Bali is quite expensive, so the island seems to be something out of reach. And it's expensive because you have to fly very far. In this article, we will tell you not only where Bali is located, but also why it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Bali is located in Southeast Asia. it small island as part of the Malay Archipelago, which houses the largest island country in the world - Indonesia. It is located east of Java, where Jakarta, the country's capital, is located. Together with all the islands to the east of it - Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, etc., Bali forms the Lesser Sunda Islands group. From the south it is washed by the Indian Ocean, and from the north - by the Bali Sea, which already belongs to The Pacific... As one of the links in the chain of islands in the Malay Archipelago, Bali is reliably protected by its neighboring islands from a tsunami, the likelihood of which is extremely low here.
Bali is located almost in the middle of the archipelago and can become a convenient starting point for traveling throughout Indonesia, because it takes only 15 minutes to sail to Java with its famous Buddhist temples by ferry, and to Flores Island with the unique Kelimutu volcano and national park Komodo fly by plane for 1.5 hours.
Climatic zone
The very point on the world map where Bali is located is located just below the equator, which means that there is no change of seasons and no change in the length of daylight hours. The island is located in the equatorial-monsoon climate zone, i.e. all year round it is equally warm here, and changes in the weather determine the seasonal winds, which change their direction only twice a year. Therefore, instead of the usual four seasons, there are only two of them: the wet season (from November to April), when it may rain, and the dry season (from May to October), when there is practically no rain and due to the lower air humidity it becomes a little cooler. But, nevertheless, it lasts all year round.
Island Map
Bali is really difficult to find on the world map, because the island is very small: it is 150 km long and 80 km wide. This is only a third of a percent of total area Indonesia! And the more striking becomes the natural diversity of the island, which fits into this small area. Bali has everything: beaches with white sand and black volcanic, reef bottom and sandy, expanses of rice fields, hills and mountains, incredibly beautiful lakes and mountain rivers, as well as several dozen waterfalls. If you travel from the south to the north of the island, you will be surprised how much the natural landscape is changing. Arid savanna forests give way to rice paddies and dense jungles of equatorial humid forests, which gradually merge into mountain forests. They cover the mountain range that stretches from west to east, conventionally dividing the island into two parts. To the south of it, the climate is more humid, so this area is replete with rice fields. In northern Bali, the climate is drier and more suitable for growing coffee and grapes. In the eastern part mountain range there is also the highest point on the island - Agung volcano (3014 m).
The population of the island is about 4 million people, most of which live in countryside... But there are also quite large cities in Bali: Singaraja, Amlapura, the capital of the island of Denpasar. It is to Denpasar that you need to look at tickets if you are going to Bali, since the island's airport is located next to this city.
Most tourists get to Bali with transfers: even if the road takes longer, but for many it is less tiring, because no need to sit in one place for 12 hours, and it is much cheaper. The most profitable flight options with one or two transfers are offered by Etihad, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern and others. You can find more information on how best to fly to Bali here: air tickets to Bali
Indonesia is a country with about 6 thousand inhabited islands and Bali is just one of them. So why, of all the islands, only Bali has become so famous? The answer to this question may seem naive and strange, but still ... The fact is that Bali is not like everyone else. First of all, it is the only island in Indonesia that has not converted to Islam and has retained its distinctive Hindu and culture. This culture, traditions and customs are everywhere: in architecture, in clothes, in colorful ceremonies, for the sake of which entire districts are closed, in the entire way of life of local people, in their smiles. In harmony with beauty wildlife, its intricate temples and houses create a unique, a bit even fabulous atmosphere that you will not feel anywhere else in the world, and even nowhere in Indonesia. Therefore, the island is rich not only in nature. Ancient temples, royal tombs, palaces of the Balinese nobility have been preserved here, and in Ubud there are several museums where paintings by talented local artists are collected.
Secondly, the position of the island and its coastline are such that great waves come here. Moreover, Bali is one of the few places on earth where it lasts all year round. This is due not only to the variety of spots, of which there are several dozen on the island. V different time The spots of the western and eastern coasts operate here, and since the size of the island allows you to quickly overcome the distance between them, surfers are comfortable in Bali at any time of the year and do not miss the best waves.
So we found out where Bali is located: this is just a small part of huge Indonesia, but how much extraordinary there is in it. It attracts surfers, lovers of active and beach holiday, yogis, artists and photographers from all over the world. Bali is the pearl of Indonesia, but not a symbol of it, because the island does not represent the whole country. Rather, on the contrary, it stands out from the general row of its islands, which is why it occupies a special place both on the map of Indonesia and on the world map.