Introduction to Bali...
The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Bali is about 2 hours from
Singapore, Perth (Australia) 3 hours, Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and from Sydney/Melbourne it is approx 6 hours.
The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) from north to south and a little less than 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of it's size it is relatively easy to explore the island
on day tours and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.
Located only two kilometers east of Java, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbor. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east.
There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand while beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or
black volcanic sand.
The climate is tropical with two seasons, a wet and a dry. The dry season, which lasts from April to October, is the most popular time to visit Bali although, there is a particular beauty about the tropics in the wet (It is also a way of avoiding the main tourist seasons
of May and December). Bali's picturesque landscapes are truly amazing - magnificent rice terraces, a sweeping range of volcanic mountains, dense tropical jungles with fast-flowing rivers, long sandy beaches,
world famous surf spots and exotic coral reefs teeming with a large variety of exotic fish.
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of
Indonesia who seek work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is Denpasar. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including
Jimbaran,
Tuban, Legian,
Seminyak), Sanur and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions. Before long the entire area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West and
Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.
Bali is the perfect place to take your kids. They'll love the natural surroundings, and there is no problem finding a baby-sitter or somebody to take care of them wherever you go. All Balinese adore kids!
Bali is a paradise for children. Just about every attraction on the island is children "friendly" - which makes Bali an ideal destination for parents as well.
Children's attractions in Bali vary from surf, sand and beach activities; cultural activities such as dancing, temple visits, and traditional Balinese life style experiences; adventure activities such as rafting, cycling, bungee jumping and elephant rides; and theme
parks such as Bali Bird Park, Waterbom, Butterfly Park, etc.
Bali has a wonderfully unique combination of their friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special
"magic", which is difficult to explain.
As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the faces of the children. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed
women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the temple. There is the smell of flowers and exotic incense and, in the distance, you hear the sound of gamelan music.
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Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than a coincidence. Be warned ! The moment you
feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.The Magic of Bali...
A walk on the beach at low tide.
Shining delight on the faces of newly arrived visitors as they begin their journey into the great unknown that is Bali. Confronted by a sea of golden faces, visiting children are the first to smile as they are
cuddled by every Balinese woman or man they meet. Children are all adored as spirits newly returned from the after-life.
An erect old lady on her 1940s bicycle, pedaling quite unconcerned through traffic while carrying dozens of eggs balanced precariously on her head. Seldom has one of these
ladies of remarkable poise been seen to fall over. Carrying heavy buckets of water on their heads from an early age has given them a balance and strength that would be envied by Olympic gymnasts.
Pairs of men on motor-bikes delivering newly made wooden beds on their heads and shoulders. Sometimes they can be seen carrying as many as three mattresses in the same way, buffeted by the
slip-stream of passing trucks, the man on the pillion seat is responsible for load security while the driver controls the bike and attempts to keep them both steady.
Early morning on the beach a light breeze wafts aromas of the morning's rice to the fisherman who, with sarong and basket tucked up near his waist, casts his net into the surf in the hope of some extra food for his family. Old ladies and gentlemen
appear for a bath, cautiously dipping into the shallowest water, fully clothed. Tourist joggers and power-walkers come thundering along, (to the amusement of locals who lead a gentler and far less punishing lifestyle).
To the East,
Gunung Agung can be seen raising his mighty head above the clouds to see what his subjects are up to. Having made his ritual inspection he draws the clouds around him and usually hides for the rest of the day. The Balinese people know he is
always there, unseen but all-seeing as he ponders upon the doings of everybody. |
