Bali
INTRO
Why thinking about going to heaven, when heaven has come to earth, here in the paradise of Bali? Renowned for its countless Hindu temples, sophisticated arts and beautiful natural resorts, the Island of Bali is a dreamland for many tourists that you should definitely consider visiting.
City Profile
City: Bali
Country: Indonesia
Area: 5,632.86 km2
Population: 3,150,000
Districts: 19
Governor: Dewa Made Beratha
Language: Indonesian
Rating: #1 / 126 at Asian-Cities
LOCATION
Lying between the islands Java to the west and Lombok to the east, Bali is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands and the largest tourist destination in Indonesia. Surrounded by coral reefs and lined with wonderful beaches, the island is the central point in the Indonesian tourist business.
TIME TO VISIT
The climate in the city is tropical, generally characterised by great heat and humidity. They are typical especially for Bengal summer (from March to June) and the monsoon season, which lasts between June and October. The maximum summer temperatures are about 40ºC. The colder and dryer season is from November to March with average temperatures around 26ºC in January. Because of the high humidity and bright sunshine in the summer, you might want to visit Dhaka during the cool and pleasant winter months in order to fully enjoy your stay.
POPULATION
The number of registered inhabitants of the Bali is over 3 million Balinese people. The official statistical record doesn't include immigrant from other parts of Indonesia. Apart from the native Balinese Hinduism, the city has some minor religious variety with a small percentage of Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The official language is Indonesian and Balinese is the most widely used one. French as well as English and other foreign languages, including Japanese, on the major tourist regions.
DISTRICTS
Nineteen cities are spread on the territory of the island, each of which attracts tourists with its specific charm and various entertainments. Among the most frequently visited are the following:
- Denpasar is the transportation hub and administrative centre of the island. It is a large and hectic city but not a preferred tourist spot.
- Singaraja, literally "Lion King" is the biggest city on the northern coast of the island and the previous colonial capital of Bali.
- Ubud is town in the central part of the island and is famous for being the cultural and art centre of Bali. There are many craft shops, a Monkey Forest and several architectural sights.
- Padangbai is a beach town known for the Blue Lagoon and the Secret Beach, that are preferable for some tourists over the crowded Kuta resort. It also serves as a ferry port to Lesser Sunda Islands.
- Kuta is the largest tourist resort on the island with a lot of shopping and night life. It is also the centre of surfing in Bali with the best white-sand beaches.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Bali is probably most known for its wide variety of temples. In addition to that, the island has a lot to offer for almost every taste: from exotic beaches and luxurious spa procedures to scuba diving, night life and various leisure activities. Here are just some of the landmarks of the island that attract tourists from all over the world.
- Mount Agung is Bali's highest and holiest mountain, referred to by the Balinese as the home of gods. It is an active volcano and suitable for adventurous and hiking loving tourists. The most important Balinese temple, the Temple of Pura Besakih, is built on its slopes.
- Uluwatu Temple is one of the six most important and easily reachable temples in Bali. Located on a steep cliff above the ocean and inhabited by a large number of "playful" monkeys, the temple provides a picturesque view of the coast and a performed kecak dance, monkey dance, especially for tourists. Fares: 3,000 IDR. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.uluwatu.org/uluwatu.shtml
- Tanah Lot is a famous sea temple in Bali built in the 16th century on a huge rock. It is visited by many tourists who can walk to it in the water and get sprinkled with Holy water by the priests standing there.
- The Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a home of Balinese Macaques that are known for being too communicative with people who feed them food. Apart from the over 200 monkeys that live there the forest homes three temples that date back to the 14th century. These are Pura Dalem Agung, the Holy Bathing Temple and the Pura Prajapari. The Sanctuary works from 8am to 6pm, Fares: 5,000 IDR.
- Menjangan Island is a part of West Bali National Park and the first, and consequently most famous, internationally recognised diving location in Bali because of its beautiful reef. The Island enjoys a reputation of having an amazing water visibility, especially in October and November and is perfect for exploring the ocean. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.baliscuba.com/trip_menjangan_island.html
AIRPORT
The city of Bali is accessible through all the major cities in Indonesia as well as from the major cities in Asia and Indonesia. There is one airport on the island that serves its transportation needs.
- Denpasar's Ngurah Rai International Airport is located about 15 km from the main town of Denpasar, which is situated in the southern area of the island, and is on a walking distance from the resort of Kuta. There are taxis on the left of the terminal exit and the prices are listed just outside the terminals. Prepaid Airport Taxi Services are also available. There are regular buses that run from the airport to the bus station in Denpasar as well as shared taxis, called Bemos. More info at: www.angksapura1.co.id
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Bali is not a small island and requires some means of transport for its exploration. There is a lot of traffic, especially in the main tourist cities and driving is on the left side. It is possible to join an excursion around the island. Apart from that, here are some suggestions:
- Bemos (shared minivans) are the traditional means of transport in Bali and are usually cheap but sometimes the drivers try to take as much money from the foreigners as the taxis.
- Taxisare metred. The minimum charge for the first 2 km is Rp. 5,000 and another Rp. 5,000 for each km thereafter. The waiting time is Rp. 20,000 per hour. To travel around the island it is possible to hire the taxi for the whole day; Price: approximately Rp. 375,000, discussed beforehand and paid at the end of the trip.
- Cars are possible to hire but since the driving is on the left side of the road. Road traffic a little hectic, it is advisable to get a driver also. Prices are negotiable at about Rp. 80- 120,000 per day, depending on the rental time and the type of car. An international Driving Permission is required.
- Bicycle is a convenient choice for travelling around. One should bring their own bicycle or buy one from the local stores.
- Motorbike is also available for rental for about Rp. 30- 35, 000 per day but is not suggested for untrained drivers since the roads in Bali might be difficult to drive on. An International Driving Permit is also required.
HISTORY
Bali has been a home for its people since 100 BC when Hindus first arrived there. The island and West Java passed through several episodes of conquering each other until the Dutch took over part of its territory in 1850. And even though the Balinese fought till death for their lands, the Dutch finally completely occupied the area in 1900. Later, in 1948, Bali joined the new Republic of Indonesia. Not long after that it became the scene of widespread murders of members of the Communist Party of Indonesia. Thousands of people were killed during that time and today many unknown mass craves are spread around the island. Despite all that, today tourism is the city's main means of earning money and has become an exotic popular tourist destination.
CITY LINKS
- The Jakarta Post, An Indonesian Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.thejakartapost.com/headlines.asp
- Interesting Places in Bali: http://bali.sawadee.com/attraction.html
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Bali
- Bali Tourist Authority: www.balitourismauthority.net
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- BIPA Udayana University: http://www.bipaunud.org/
- Brandeis University: http://www.brandeis.edu/programs/bali/