What is bali washed with? Bali Island: history and resorts. All the most necessary information about the population of Bali

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

Everything you need to know about Bali

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

The island is not distinguished by its territorial expanses, but it cannot be called very small either:

• Bali's area is 5780 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 features of the island of Bali: that across the entire island in the direction from west to east stretches mountain range with an increased zone of volcanic activity.

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.

Everything you need to know about Bali's climate

The climate in Bali can be described as equatorial-monsoon. The island does not have all 4 seasons, to which many Russian tourists are accustomed.

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

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

Largest quantity precipitation falls in January - February. The wet season should in no case discourage those wishing to spend time on the island: thunderstorms usually occur at night and last about 2 hours. In Bali, all seasons are good for holidays, and perhaps not large number precipitation during your vacation will save you from the sweltering heat. The average annual air temperature does not fall below 26ºС. The water temperature in the ocean never drops below 26ºС, average annual temperature water fluctuates at around 28ºС.

All the most necessary information about the population of Bali

According to the 2010 census data on the population of Bali, it is known that the entire island's inhabitants are 3,890,757 people. The Balinese respect traditions very much and are immensely proud of them. The most important and revered inhabitants of the island are babies, whose souls, according to the belief of the local population, are closest to heaven. Every inhabitant of the island, when born, receives a gift from the priest. The whole life of the Balinese is accompanied by certain rites and rituals performed during the allotted time period of life.

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

• about 84% of the population professes Hinduism, namely its Balivian variety, called “Agama Hindu Dharma”;
• about 13% of residents are Muslim;
• only about 2% of the population are Christians;
• less than 1% profess Buddhism (all Buddhists on the island of Bali are Chinese or permanent foreigners).

Local residents always welcome guests. The flow of tourists has been growing over the years, but the attitude of the Balinese towards visiting guests has not worsened at all.

Official language

Indonesian. Indigenous local population speaks Balinese. Balinese whose field of activity is related to tourism speak quite well in English, a special young 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 by being in Bali.

Main resort places:

• Sanur - perfect place for family holidays;


• Nusa Dua ( Nusa Dua) - the most prestigious resort place in Bali, which everyone unanimously calls the most expensive place islands;


• Benoa is the best place that gives you the opportunity to get a complete picture of Bali, looking from the windows of the property with views of the ocean and the nearest islands;


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


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


• Legian is a resort closely adjacent to Kuta, but characterized by tranquility;


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

Currency in Bali

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Currency exchange rate:
1$ - 9550 rupees;
1€ - 12440 rupees.

Time difference

Time difference:

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

Visa to enter Bali

All Russian citizens dreaming of a trip to the island should know whether a Bali visa is required upon arrival at the airport. Upon entry into the country, an individual stamp is affixed to the tourist’s passport.

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

Bali - unique island, where you need to be in person at least once in your life.

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

It is difficult to find a person who has not heard that in this place you can relax like a king. Everyone has heard about Bali, only a few know where it is. Today we will try to fill the gaps in knowledge and tell more about this fabulous island.

Magic Island

So, the island is Bali. What country is this? We hasten to answer that it is part of Indonesia and is located on the conventional border of Asia and Australia. The paradise of the planet is washed by two oceans - the Indian and the Pacific, and its closest neighbors are Java and Lombok.

Bali (the emphasis is on the first syllable, not the second) is an amazingly beautiful place. The island itself stretches for hundreds of kilometers, and the coastal area is covered with picturesque lagoons with clear water and beaches with golden sand. And all this luxury is surrounded by emerald tropical placers.

"Island of the Gods" and its attractions

Absolutely unique place- Bali. What kind of country is this, we have already figured it out. Now let's talk about what awaits travelers who ascend to this blessed land. There are a lot of attractions here: both natural and man-made. At every step you can see traditional temples, sacred buildings, statues. The narrow streets are lined with residential buildings, and outside the city boundaries there are wide rice terraces. But there are places that are definitely worth seeing. Here is a short list of them:

• Tanah Lot Temple is the most popular attraction in Bali that tourists do not miss. It’s just a pity that onlookers are not allowed inside; after all, this is a sacred place.
• Pura Besakih - the largest temple complex islands. You freeze in amazement, looking at a number of buildings erected in the same style. You can’t do without a guide: each building has its own purpose and features, its own interesting history.
• Denpasar is an island capital whose main pride is its markets. On the richest shelves you can buy everything you can think of. And at the same time, observe the life of local residents.
• Lovina is a small group of villages located in the northern part of the island. It's worth coming here to relax on the beaches with volcanic origin, calm seas and fun walks with dolphins. From Lovina it is convenient to get to the waterfalls and temples of Singaraja. And the prices here are also quite reasonable.

Of course, the temple of the Mengwi kingdom, the Ulun Danu temple on a picturesque lake, the Batur volcano with botanical garden in the crater.

Entertainment for different tastes

Bali is Asia, with its inherent mystery, luxury and penchant for mysticism. And here you can feel the passion for a healthy lifestyle and self-improvement. But they also know how to have fun here. When you find yourself on an Indonesian island, be sure to watch Balinese dances. These are real theatrical performances dedicated to the eternal truths of life, the struggle between good and evil, and epic scenes. Colorful costumes, dynamic movements and rhythmic music fascinate both adults and children.

What else is interesting in Bali? What country is this, we figured it out, so we can assume that underwater world The food here is very diverse and attractive. Indeed, diving aficionados will be rewarded for deciding to dive depths of the sea. Surf lovers will also not be bored. There are also nightclubs and discos on the coast, where music is constantly playing.

Kitchen

Bali - what country is this? That's right, Indonesia! This means that the cuisine here is special, having absorbed the features of India and Malaysia and other parts of Asia. Seafood is popular on the island, but it is quite expensive. But fruit abundance is available to absolutely everyone. From the usual pineapple, banana, mango, passion fruit, guava, papaya to the completely exotic rambutan, longan, pitahaya, mangosteen, durian, sauce. A popular dish on the island is rice seasoned with a complex composition of spices.

Choosing a resort

So, we have decided: we will spend our next vacation in Bali. We have already told you where this is located. Now let's make a short review of local resorts.

Kuta is the capital nightlife"Islands of the Gods" The abundance of bars, clubs and discos will please the most demanding party-goers. You can simultaneously dance until you drop, visiting one establishment after another, and watch surfers practice on the beach. True, lovers of peace and quiet will not like it here, as it is always crowded and noisy. Be careful: zealous traders will try to sell you various goods, including prohibited ones. And the death penalty in the country is even imposed for possession of certain substances.

Seminyak is another popular area of ​​Bali. True, it is chosen by wealthier travelers. Elite social events, fashion shows, and star rendezvous take place here.

Nusa Dua is a quiet and peaceful area where the best world-famous hotels are concentrated. You can also choose a beach with access to Pacific Ocean or to Indian.

You can have an interesting holiday in the Ubud area. Well, although there are no gorgeous beaches here, this is a place with an abundance of rice terraces and artisan workshops. This is where you should buy souvenirs made of precious metals and stones, ivory, and wood.

Calm ones include Canggu and Sanur. They are ideal for family vacation, couples with children and elderly people. And the prices are very reasonable. Surfers should choose Kuta or Changu, Dream Land, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang. And for lovers of spa treatments, I would like to recommend Seminyak, Nusa Dua or Ubud.

Housing issue

We continue the story about Bali. The reader already knows exactly where it is. But what about housing on the island? I would like to reassure travelers that everything is fine. Where is the best place to stay in Bali? It all depends on the thickness of your wallet and personal preferences. First, select a part of the island and a resort area, and only then decide on a hotel. It should be noted that establishments with different levels Stardom is a dime a dozen here. Each hotel can offer a choice of rooms of different categories and first-class service. You can live in the private sector, having discussed the price in advance.

Homestay housing is popular on the island, that is, living in the same house with the owner’s family. But this phrase also refers to renting a house on their territory, since the Balinese often build several buildings in their yard: one for themselves, the rest for guests. This type of housing is more economical than renting a hotel room, but is inferior in terms of comfort. Hospitable islanders also offer tourists to stay in private villas (especially beneficial for large companies), colorful bungalows with a romantic atmosphere.

Now all you have to do is choose a part of Bali (you already know where it is), pack your bags and board the plane. Have a nice trip!

Geography

Bali Island Map

The island's area is 5,780 km², its length is 150 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south. The so-called Wallace Line, stretching from Bali and Lombok to east direction, serves as a boundary between the flora and fauna of tropical Asia and the natural areas of Australia and New Guinea.

Relief

The island of Bali is extreme point Sunda Islands in front of the islands of Lesser Sunda and Nusa Tenggara. A mountain range stretches from west to east of Bali - a zone of high volcanic activity. Two big ones 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 influences the development of crops. The major eruptions of Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung in 1963, which resulted in numerous casualties, devastated the eastern regions of the country, forcing many Balinese to emigrate.

Among others 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. Northern, rises quite sharply from a narrow coastline to the mountain slopes. The climate here is relatively dry, conducive to coffee cultivation. In this part of Bali there are two rivers that irrigate the rice fields around Singaraja and Seririt. The southern region consists of terraces stretching from north to south on which rice is grown. Numerous rivers flow through gorges with lush vegetation. The southwest is made up of small, well-irrigated tracts of land and dry plantation lands coconut trees.

Climate

Flora and fauna

There are 4 types of forests in Bali: tropical evergreen forests in the west, deciduous forests in the northwest in inaccessible areas, savannah forests and mountain forests. Wet evergreen forests are represented in the Bali Barat Park (translated as “Western Bali”). Here you can find rare plant species, huge centuries-old trees that 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, and this flora is dominated by sapota trees. Mountain vegetation is rarely located above 1500 m above sea level; it is mainly casuarina and phyla. Banana palms are sacred in Bali, they grow very well, reproducing from their roots, and feed many animals: monkeys, squirrels, bats.

Palm trees are particularly well represented in Bali. The leaves of borassa palms, dried and pressed, are used to make “lontars” on which sacred texts are written. Sugar palm leaves are used to make bouquets that are brought to temples as ritual offerings. There are also other types of wood, such as ebony or ebony, as well as balsa wood, which is extremely light and a convenient material for traditional masks. There are many bamboo trees, some species of which reach 30-40 cm in diameter. They can be found almost all over the island, and bamboo is also a universal building material for the Balinese.

Landscape architecture has become a real industry. The abundance of labor and fertile soil, in which everything 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 quite exotic plants such as Ingsoca, cempaka (yellow magnolia), manori and orchids.

Population

A total of 3,890,757 people live on the island (2010).

Bali is a Hindu society living in a Muslim country and constantly in contact with foreigners. All this only fuels interest in local customs. The Balinese themselves are quite proud of their traditions and usually follow a strict code of conduct. Tourists should take this for granted when visiting the island and adapt to local customs.

The Balinese are quite friendly towards tourists, but not towards Indonesians from other islands. Despite the abundance of tourists, the attitude towards them does not deteriorate significantly, unlike most popular resorts.

Cities

• Denpasar is the capital and largest city islands.
• Singaraja is an industrial city in the north of the island.
• Kuta is a resort city.
• Ubud is the center of Balinese artistic life.

Administrative division

Together with the adjacent islands, Bali forms the province of Indonesia of the same name, which is part of administrative region Lesser Sunda Islands. The province of Bali is divided into 8 districts (kabupaten) and one city municipality (kota):

Religion

Hindu temple in Bali

The majority of Balinese (93.93% of the population) profess a form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma. About 5% of the population is Muslim. They live mainly in Denpasar, Singaraja and small coastal towns. There are few Christians and Buddhists - these are the Chinese, indigenous people, as well as foreigners living on the island (British, Australians, Dutch, French, Italians, Russians and others).

In total there are about 20 thousand temples in Bali.

Terrorist activity

Transport

Central and most important transport hub on the island is Ngurah Rai Airport. This is a modern and well-equipped airport located near Denpasar, 3 km from Kuta, 15 km from Nusa Dua and 12 km from Sanur. It is served by a large number of taxis available day and night.

The most inexpensive type of transport is large modern buses (less than $1), which appeared just recently, in 2011. There are still very few lines, but work is now underway to expand the transport base and build stops. In fact, only one line operates - Nusa Dua (a famous tourist destination) - Batubulyan (a city in the center of the island, near a zoo, a bird and reptile park, a center for the production and sale of batik)

The most common transport among the local population is a moped or scooter. There are a great variety of them, from young to old (from 10 years old). Local police respond to only 2 terrible offenses: driving without a helmet and driving beyond the stop line. They ignore everything else (driving in oncoming traffic, driving without a license, high speed).

Cars in Bali are super slow, because... Everywhere there is an economical small-displacement engine. And they themselves are usually large and roomy (minibuses), because... Families are usually large and it is less convenient to carry them in a regular sedan.

Numerous agencies are available to tourists and guests of the island, where you can rent cars and motorcycles and move around the island on your own. However, not everyone will decide to take this step, because... The traffic is on the left and is now quite active. An automatic transmission is very rare. So hiring a driver is a completely reasonable decision. Moreover, the cost of this service is low, from $30 to $50 per day.

Tourism

After recognition of independence, tourism was rather poorly developed, and the infrastructure was in its infancy. Even in the days of the 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 cuisine for a few cents. However, in Sanur, tour operators were already developing tourism for the rich. The Indonesian government, whose economy was highly dependent on oil exports, needed to find other sources of income and 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 unsightly image that was attached to 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 1969. The project was financed by the UN under the guarantee of the World Bank. Particular emphasis was placed on the Bukit Badung area. In 1978, Balinese Governor Ida Bagus Mantra invited interested parties to pay attention to the island's rich culture. From that time on, music, dancing, religious holidays, sculpture and painting play the same role in the tourism business as does the constant improvement of infrastructure. The airport has been reconstructed, luxury hotels and modest inexpensive hotels are being built to cover the entire social spectrum of travel lovers. Rice fields are being drained and water pipelines are being built in the driest areas. Inexpensive tourism has been replaced by elite tourism. Now worldwide famous stars come to Sanur for wedding ceremonies, and European ministers spend their holidays at the Mediterranean Club in Nusa Dua.

From 2001 to 2008, the annual women's tennis tournament Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic was held in Bali, in 2009 it received Tournament of Champions status and became known as the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions.

On October 18 - 26, 2008, Bali was the venue for the 1st Asian beach games which took place on the beaches of Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Mertasari, and the island of Serangan became the venue for sailing competitions.

In 2009, the XVI Asian Archery Championship took place in Bali.

Bali has several golf courses. In 1994, the Bali Golf and Country Club's golf course was chosen to host the Alfred Dunhill Masters.

Bali is a real surfing mecca, where there are good waves almost all year round. In the summer (May-September), eastern winds prevail, so surf spots on the western side of the island, such as Batubalong, Kuta, Balangan, Padang Padang, work well. IN winter time(November-March) due to southwest winds, spots on the southeast side, such as Serangan, Nusa Dua, Geger and Greenball, begin to work well. Bali often hosts world-class surfing competitions such as the Padang Padang RipCurl Cup. There are Russian and international surf schools and camps.

Attractions

• Pura Besakih is the largest and most important Hindu temple in Bali.
• Taman Ayun is the main temple of the Mengwi kingdom.
• Botanical garden in the crater of a volcano.
• Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan.
• Uluwatu Temple, where the Kecak dance performance takes place.
• Tanah Lot Temple.
• Royal graves.
• Git-Git waterfall
• Gunung Kawi
• Goa Gaja - temple in the mouth of a demon
• Tirtaganga

Notes

1. Official website of the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - Soviet encyclopedia. - T. 2. - P. 572.
3. Ageenko F. L. Proper names in Russian: Dictionary of accents. - M.: Publishing house NC ENAS, 2001. - P. 35. - 376 p. - ISBN 5-93196-107-0
4. Encyclopedic Dictionary of Geographical Names / Kalesnik, Stanislav Vikentyevich. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1973. - 808 p.
5. Abramenko V. G. Southeast Asia (reference book). M.: Crystal, 1996. - 168 p.
6. Orlinkov A. F. Geography of Asia. M.: Nauka, 1994. - 296 p.
7. Petrov S.S., Petrova I.G. Large directory of Asian countries. M.: Mysl, 1997. - 134 p.
8. Volodin A. A., Mikhalev P. I. Balinese Hinduism. St. Petersburg: Iris, 2001 - 98 p.
9. "Bali death toll set at 202". BBC News
10. CNN report
11. Golovina E. I. Bali. M.: Le Petit Fute, 2001. - 192 p.
12. Tales of the island of Bali. Arranged by J. Heuckas-van Leeuwen Bomkamp. Per. with him. Z. A. Mirkina. M.: “Nauka”, 1983. 272 ​​p.
13. Indonesia Sailing Federation (English).
14. “The journey to Bali has begun” - article on the official website of the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions (English).
15. Bali Golf and Country Club - description on the website allbalitours.com (English).

Literature

• Demin L. M. Bali Island / USSR Academy of Sciences, Institute of Asian Peoples.. - M.: Nauka, Chapter. ed. eastern lit., 1964. - 304 p.(region)

More than a hundred articles have been written about Bali on our blog - for us it is one of the most favorite places on Earth and that is partly why most of these articles reveal the island from a positive side.

Meanwhile, we periodically receive comments and private messages that Bali is not nearly as ideal as we make it out to be.

It so happens that we concentrate more on positive things (often even unconsciously), so many of the negatives fall out of sight. Life is much easier this way, but it’s not very good for bloggers good quality, so from time to time we still try to be more objective and take a closer look at the disadvantages too (of which there are also plenty here).

Bali is an island with character, it is quite contrasting, there are many different conjectures and stereotypes about it, and unlike the almost ideal Thailand, which almost everyone loves, after Bali some tourists spit and swear that they will never set foot here again. The other part, despite not all the disadvantages, considers it ideal and falls in love with the island irrevocably!

With this article we decided to put everything in its place and talk about the pros and cons of Bali.

Cons of Bali

Traffic and driving style. For us, this is perhaps the most significant disadvantage - there is chaos on the roads, especially in the southern part of the island.

Cocktail of incredible amount Motorbikes, narrow roads and reckless driving result in traffic jams and turn moving from point A to point B into real torture. ⠀

At the same time, sometimes it’s worth turning aside onto a secondary street and the traffic instantly disappears.

Mediocre beaches. We've said it many times and we'll say it again, Bali is not for a beach holiday. There are no “bounty” beaches here and most of them are either shallow or big waves, either there is no infrastructure, or it is very crowded. There are exceptions, but they are few, and it is not a fact that you will be able to settle next to them. ⠀

High humidity. The humidity level here rarely drops below 80%, so the heat on the island is quite difficult to bear. In addition to this, things take a long time to dry, mold on your favorite clothes and lenses. ⠀

Dangerous sun. Being in the sun during the daytime here is tantamount to suicide. Skin, especially one unaccustomed to the sun, burns instantly and can burn several times during your vacation. ⠀

Rainy season. Unlike most resorts around the world, winter is not the season here. Hot, humid and a lot of rain. Moreover, the rains can be quite prolonged, so if you are going to Bali to celebrate New Year, be prepared for the fact that you may have to ride your bike in ankle-deep water.

Also, the rainy season means very dirty beaches and a lot of garbage on the ocean. ⠀

Expensive seafood. Surprisingly, despite the fact that Bali is surrounded on all sides by water, seafood here is quite expensive. ⠀

At the same time, as soon as you move away from the coast, they disappear, almost completely.

Lack of public transport. If you are used to using buses, trains, tuk-tuks, jeepneys, songthaews and others vehicles public, then you will be disappointed here, there is nothing like this and without your own transport (or using a taxi) it will be very difficult here. ⠀

Taxi mafia. Taxis here, at the same time, are quite expensive by Asian standards, and in addition, local taxi drivers are actively fighting with cheap Uber and Hornbeam, even to the point of using physical force, which significantly reduces their number and makes life difficult for visitors.

Growing crime situation. Recently, cases of attacks on tourists have become more frequent - they rip off handbags and chains, snatch phones, push them off bikes, and break into houses and villas. It is worth noting that this mainly occurs at night and in the south of Bali. ⠀

Tasteless local cuisine. Dishes prepared in warungs (local cafes) are often heavily fried, fatty and spicy. IN tourist places This is easier, but if you move a little to the side, only two dishes will be waiting for you on the menu - mi goreng and nasi goreng (fried noodles and fried rice).

There are literally a couple of dishes that we like, but in general, the cuisine here is not very expressive and few people like it except the Balinese themselves. ⠀

High prices in restaurants. If we focus on the average level, then costs for cafes and restaurants here will be higher than in Thailand.

If you are used to good restaurants, then you will hardly notice the difference,

and if you want to eat cheap, then see the previous paragraph. ⠀

Fraud with bank cards. In Bali, cases of skimming are very common, when some time after you have withdrawn money from an ATM, additional charges occur from your card. You need to choose an ATM very carefully so as not to become a victim of scammers. ⠀

Calculation. In small stores, they may give incorrect change or sell extra items. In the exchanger you can easily see professional tricks with money that look impressive, but are not cheap.

We have heard about this many times, but have never encountered it, perhaps because we most often shop at large supermarkets, do not change currency and rarely visit the crime-ridden south of the island. ⠀

High level of corruption. The police often specially organize raids in order to extract treasured dollars from tourists.

However, if everything is in order with your documents, you are not violating anything, then most likely there will be no problems.

Slow Internet. In general, the situation is noticeably improving, fiber optics are being laid in many places and the speed is becoming stable (we have 10 Mbit/s at home), but often it is still quite slow on the island.

Dirt and trash. Despite the fact that the Balinese themselves are very clean, neat and tidy,

The roads and beaches, especially during the rainy season, can be quite dirty.

Either it’s the visiting Indonesians from other islands, or their culture, which, accustomed to organic waste, has not had time to adapt to the huge amount of plastic and other inorganic waste.

Active and diverse fauna. This is not so much a minus, but rather a fairly common point for Asia.

There is a huge number of all those who fly, crawl and jump - insects, frogs, lizards, geckos, snakes, scorpions, etc. in the overwhelming majority they are not dangerous, but if you are not used to them they can be, at a minimum, annoying. There are also quite a lot of stray dogs here, which, again, are usually not aggressive, but love to bark and jump out onto the road in front of the bike.

Cataclysms. Bali is located in an earthquake-prone region, so it shakes periodically. Earthquakes are usually not strong and do not happen very often, but anything can happen. There are also several volcanoes here, in particular the active Batur. It does not pose a serious danger, but for example, in the early 2000s, there was a small release of ash that reached 300 meters in height.

No sidewalks. In some places they occur, but in general, it is better not to count on them. Even where there are, they can be filled with bikes, be half broken, etc. As a result, it is quite difficult to parade here in a long dress with heels, and also to walk with a stroller if you are traveling with a small child. Locals here, in general, rarely travel on foot - whenever possible they get on a bike, even if they need to travel 100 meters.

A large number of tourists. Especially Chinese, and every year there are more and more of them. Popular attractions (such as the Tanah Lot or Uluwatu temples) are simply crowded during the day. A lifehack for those who are not lazy - come early in the morning, when it opens, then you have a chance to walk around almost alone.

Taxes in restaurants. Most cafes and restaurants here do not include taxes and service fees, usually 15-21%. Judging by the fact that in some establishments the amount is already included, there is no uniform rule or law on this matter, so this can be considered a trick by the owners in order to make the price visually lower. Tax information is usually listed at the bottom of the menu, but it also happens (infrequently) that this is reported after the fact.

Paid parking. Quite often near beaches or attractions local residents they charge for parking. Most often they give you a ticket, but it happens that they just collect it. The cost is small, usually $0.15-0.4 per bike and about $1 per car, but many people really don’t like it, so let’s write it down =)

There is no direct flight. Well, another disadvantage is that getting to Bali is quite long and difficult. There are no direct flights; as a rule, flights from Moscow have two connections, and if you do not live in the capital, then add one more. Sometimes you can choose a flight with one transfer, but it will be significantly more expensive.

Pros of Bali

Large selection of vegetables and tropical fruits, especially in August/September, and also in winter.

Dragonfruits, grapes, mangosteens, vani, marquise, durians, vani, rambutans, longans - all this can be found in Bali in certain seasons,

and pineapples, papayas, bananas, watermelons, herrings, tangerines, strawberries, and young coconuts grow here all year round.

Amazing nature. There is an ocean and volcanoes here,

rocks and mountain lakes, jungle, rice terraces and waterfalls –

Such diversity on one island is quite difficult to find anywhere else.

The nature here is not only diverse, but also very photogenic,

a real paradise for photographers

and lovers of beautiful views.

Picturesque ocean. Even though beach holiday we put it in the cons section; the ocean itself is very impressive, especially when you look at it from the outside.

A large number of tourist attractions. There is diving, snorkeling, rafting,

safari park, elephant park, aquapark, bird park, cultural park etc.

Surfing. It’s worth highlighting as a separate item, because it’s really cool here. There are waves all the time, all year round, there are many spots for both beginners and professionals - it’s not for nothing that a huge number of Australians who know a lot about it come here to surf. And besides, all this is very cheap here.

There are also many surf schools with Russian and Russian-speaking instructors, so the language barrier will not become an obstacle between you and the ocean.

A huge number of attractions. In Bali there is no question of what to do with your time,

rather the opposite - “how to cram all this into your short vacation.”

Compactness. All the joys of life from the previous two points are located relatively small area, the distance from the southernmost to the northernmost point is ~120 km.

Unique culture and religion. Daily religious rituals and offerings in themselves already cause delight for many, and there are also many colorful holidays (Nyepi, Galungan, Kuningan), impressive cremations,

and a thousand more different ceremonies,

when local residents in their costumes carry offerings to the gods and demons -

it all looks fascinating.

Friendly local people. The Balinese are very friendly, helpful and, in our opinion, smile much more than the same Thais from the “land of smiles”. Of course, in the tourist epicenters you will most likely be seen as a source of income, but a little out of the way they are really cool and sincere.

Wonderful architecture. Carved windows, doors, facades of houses, beautiful temples in picturesque places, stylish cafes and restaurants –

The Balinese have hands that grow from where they need to be, they are quite hardworking and this immediately catches your eye, literally as soon as you step off the plane.

Wide choice of accommodation. Here you can easily rent a simple room in a guesthouse for $15, and luxury villa for several hundred dollars a day.

There are no problems with both daily and rental long term.

A civilized contingent of Russian tourists. Due to the significant distance and small number of “ all inclusive“The audience here is, for the most part, quite decent. Although anything can happen, of course =)

Good selection of cafes and restaurants. Even though local food we wrote it down as a minus, it’s difficult to die of hunger in Bali - here you can find almost any cuisine,

various directions and specializations,

including organic, vegetarian, etc.

Many restaurants are very stylish

atmospheric,

or just looking cool.

Good selection of yoga schools. Many people go to Bali (and especially to Ubud) to get involved in yoga, and everything is really good here - there are many schools, studios and private teachers,

both with classical directions, and with more refined ones - for example, roll and release, yoga on rope x, acro-yoga, etc.

Cheap vehicle rental and inexpensive gasoline. Renting cars and motorbikes here costs almost half as much (especially if you rent for a long time) than in Thailand, and besides, it does not cause any hassle. Here no one demands a passport as collateral or extorts money for invented scratches. In addition, gasoline here costs about $0.6, and you can rent a car with a driver here for $40-50 per day (including gasoline).

Proximity to other islands. If, nevertheless, you are fed up with Bali, there are other islands nearby - Lombok, Gili, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Java, which can be reached in a couple of hours. Not to mention the remaining 17,800 Indonesian islands, which, however, are more difficult to get to =)

Convenient visa policy. For Russians, you can enter the country either for free with a stamp at the airport (for a month), or for money, but with the opportunity to extend your stay for another month. And for those who want to spend more time here, with the help of certain manipulations (legal), you can stay in Indonesia for up to 6 months without flying. ⠀

The Balinese love children. Every time locals see a small child, they break into a touching smile. They will never look askance at a screaming child, they will always offer an extra pillow to put the baby somewhere in a restaurant, and in general they show pronounced positive emotions towards children. True, sometimes such love goes to the extreme when they start squeezing children by the cheeks, asking them to hold them in their arms, etc., not everyone likes this.

Large selection of spas and massage parlors. Here you can find a massage at a local eatery for $5, and a European-level spa with good cosmetics, professional specialists and the highest level of service.

Special atmosphere. This point is quite difficult to describe in words, but many people feel that there is something special in the air here. Some attribute this to the enormous energy that thousands of Balinese people generate every day through their religious rituals. Others explain it by the special location of the island.

Even we, ardent materialists, here begin to doubt that everything in our world can be explained exclusively from a scientific point of view, but those who believe in higher and/or supernatural forces feel them with particular acuteness in Bali. Many even come here specifically to visit the “places of power”, of which there are a great many here.

If, after reading this post, you decide that you shouldn’t go to Bali, then you really shouldn’t! If you are not afraid of all the minuses, then welcome to the fan club of ball lovers 😉

In any case, we hope that the description of the pros and cons of Bali will allow you to form a balanced picture in your head and decide for yourself whether you should go here! ⠀

Have you already been to Bali? Do you agree with our observations? Maybe you noted some other pros and cons for yourself?

When going on vacation to distant Indonesia, be sure to spend a few days on the island of Bali: discover the mysterious beauty of the art of batik and enjoy the spectacle of theatrical mass dances Kecak and Barong Kris.

Affordable prices for holidays in Bali

If vacation time is approaching, and you still can’t decide where to go on vacation, choose a tour to Bali island: getting to know the unique culture of Indonesia will not leave any tourist indifferent, and in addition to souvenirs, you will be left with vivid impressions and a sea of ​​positive emotions.

So, if you are captivated by a distant Indonesia Bali will be a great start to a trip around the archipelago. The Island of the Gods (as Bali is called) has a length of about 100 kilometers and is located near Singapore (to the south) and Java (a little to the east), an hour's flight from Jakarta.

The magic of Bali

Blue lagoons with crystal clean water, surrounded by the greenery of the tropical jungle, will seem like Eden for tourists. Such beauty simply cannot be expressed in words, but if you look at photo of Bali island, then make sure it's real paradise.

Arriving at Bali vacation you are provided with the most varied. Be sure to visit the main temple of the Mengwi kingdom - Taman Ayun, the majestic Ulun Danu Temple, which is located on Lake Bratan. Thrill-seekers can admire the majesty of the Batur volcano, in whose crater there is a botanical garden.

In addition, once you are in Indonesia, you cannot help but go see Balinese dances, which are entire theatrical performances. The theme for the dances is the eternal theme of the struggle between good and evil; for example, the Kecak dance shows a scene from the epic poem Ramayana (Dewi Shinta, kidnapped by the villain Rahwana, is tried to be rescued by a group of monkeys led by Hanoman); about 150 performers in national costumes create a unique spectacle at sunset at the Uluwatu Temple.

Another popular dance is Barong Kris: a mythical animal fights an evil witch; the dance captivates the audience with its riot of colors and dynamic movements. Such a spectacle will be equally interesting for both adults and children, so if you come to holidays in Bali with children, have no doubt: they will also enjoy this trip.

Affordable prices for holidays in Bali, Indonesia

Arrival at Bali island vacation will seem like a real holiday if you choose one of paradise beaches, where you can not only sunbathe in the sun, lying on the warm white sand, but also go diving or surfing, you certainly won’t be bored.

In addition, the island is completely unique climate, and instead of four seasons, there are only two: dry (June to October) and wet holiday season in Bali(from November to March). Therefore, lovers of summer heat are guaranteed a wonderful beach holiday in Bali in summer and autumn, and those who like to walk barefoot on wet asphalt during warm “blind” rains will have a wonderful vacation in winter and early spring.

So, going to get acquainted with spices Indonesian cuisine and the art of batik, you can book a trip to one of the most popular resorts: Sanur, Benoa, Kandy Dasa, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud or Lovina - an unforgettable adventure awaits you at any of them.

Tours to Bali

Route: O. Bali - o. Java - oh. Flores - oh. Komodo - o. Bali.

Combined tour around the islands of Indonesia from the tour operator “Your People” - all the most interesting things in one trip. In two weeks you can visit four islands, visit the Balinese village of Ubud, ride in jeeps to the Merapi volcano on the island of Java, enjoy the splendor of Flores Island - the “Cape of Flowers” ​​and meet the last dinosaurs on Earth - the Komodo Dragons. After exciting visits to the sights of the Indonesian islands, a week of relaxation awaits you on the snow-white beaches of Bali.

We invite you to an exciting combined journey around the magical island of Bali, during which you will find legendary Balinese dances, ancient temples, spices and the azure sea. First, you'll spend 4 days in atmospheric and ancient Ubud, famous for its spa complexes and jewelry galleries, and then you'll have a week of relaxation on the picturesque Balinese coast.

10 nights in Bali and 2 nights in Singapore in the most best hotels with impeccable service - this is a great way to do new year holidays a bright and memorable event. The pristine nature of the island, its snow-white beaches, the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean and the local population professing the joy of every minute of life will create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation.

We invite you to spend your holiday on the beautiful island of Bali! It will greet you with magnificent white sand beaches, tropical forests and majestic volcanoes, as well as blue lagoons with crystal clear waters, surrounded by the greenery of the tropical jungle. Holidays in Bali are like a wonderful dream, where the whole landscape evokes bliss and relaxation: spreading palm trees leaning towards the clear turquoise waters, velvet sands, picturesque bays, as if they had come to life from the pages of glossy magazines.

Cruise route. Indonesia: Bali, Java. Malaysia: Kuching, Kota Kinabalu. Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan. Philippines: Puerto Princesa, El Nido. China: Hong Kong. Singapore.

From beautiful island Bali to futuristic Hong Kong... We invite you on a big cruise, during which you will visit six countries at once - Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, China and the Philippines. A trip on a comfortable yacht Le Laperouse will allow you to see all the jewels Southeast Asia without neglecting comfort.

The Bulgari Resort 5* hotel offers magical holiday at a luxury spa resort. The exquisite design of the spa harmoniously combines the sophistication of modern Italian design and the traditions of Bali. The spa complex is located in a secluded location on a high bank, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Complete isolation from the bustle of the city allows you to create a charming world of calm and harmony, which we invite you to visit.

We offer you the “Spiritual Journey” program from the health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel, which is located on the island of Bali, near the resort of Ubud. The course includes meditation, healing according to the Ayurvedic system, various types spa massages, yoga classes, cleansing rituals and famous Balinese spiritual practices. Accommodation and three meals a day are included in the cost of the program!

Bulgari Bali Resort 5* is a luxury hotel on the island of Bali, with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. In addition to the fact that the resort has excellent infrastructure designed for luxury holidays, it boasts an abundance of truly romantic corners. That's what makes him great place for wedding and honeymoon. In addition, in 2015 the hotel offers the Wedding at Villa Bulgari package, which includes a wedding ceremony and accommodation in a luxurious 1,300 sq. m. villa. m, as well as other mandatory elements of the celebration. If desired, you can order various additional services- from the wedding dinner with entertainment program before a professional photo shoot.

The island of Bali is one of the most romantic places on Earth. That's why many lovers strive to hold their wedding ceremony here, surrounded by the azure waters of the ocean and lush tropical gardens. The Bulgari Bali Resort 5* hotel invites you to take advantage of special package services, which includes a wedding on the water with festive decorations and music, as well as two nights of accommodation in a beautiful villa overlooking the ocean. If desired, you can order various additional services - from a wedding dinner with entertainment to a professional photo shoot.

If you are a fan of active recreation, then this offer is for you! The Bali Adrenaline package includes rafting, jeep safaris, diving in Nusa Penida, a jungle quad bike or buggy ride, and a trip to Mount Batur. In addition, you get a free visit to the aquamedical pool at the Thalassotherapy Center and a seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach!

In a luxurious villa, in a cozy chapel, on snow-white beach by the ocean or on the mirror surface of a picturesque lake - you can choose any option for one of the most unforgettable days of your life. We invite you to have an unforgettable wedding ceremony at the five-star Bulgari Resort 5* hotel. Depending on the chosen ceremony option, you can invite from 12 to 90 guests.

Exotic beaches, wild jungles and rafting attract you? Then you will like it active recreation in mysterious and attractive Indonesia! We invite you to an exciting tour of the resorts of the island of Bali, during which you will explore ancient temples, raft down a mountain river, extreme species sports on the picturesque coast and just have a good rest by the ocean.

Tour route: Bali island - Flores island - Bidadari island - Kanawa island - Flying fox island - Flores island - Komodo island - Flores island - Bali island - Java island - Bali island.

Magnificent beaches and Buddhist temples Bali, prehistoric dragons and the amazing pink Komodo beach, the flight of a million fruit bats under the sunset sky of the Flying Fox Island, the opportunity to see giant stingrays, the ancient pearls of Java and snorkeling off Bidadari Island - all this awaits you in amazing Indonesia!

We invite you to go on an exciting diving tour on a speed boat, in just 30-40 minutes you will find yourself on the islands close to Bali... You will visit islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan (Nusa Ceningan) and its incredibly beautiful beaches. You will also enjoy snorkeling and see pristine corals and colorful fish.

Dense jungles and black sand beaches, mysterious ancient cults and hospitable Papuans, delicious exotic cuisine and untouched jungles... All this awaits you in Southeast Asia, which is so attractive for travelers! We invite you to an exciting tour of the Indonesian islands - Java, Sulawesi and Papua. You will get acquainted with the life and culture of local peoples, see the legendary Borobudur stupa, learn about the frightening cults of the Toraja mountain inhabitants, visit the Papuan festival and buy inexpensive but very beautiful souvenirs from local craftsmen.

We bring to your attention the “Detox” program from the health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel, which includes detoxification procedures conducted by a specialist doctor, various types of massage, body masks, wraps, acupuncture sessions, yoga classes, meditation and much more! Accommodation, meals according to the program and treatment session are included in the tour price!

We bring to your attention the “New Start” spa program of the health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel, which is located on the island of Bali, near the resort of Ubud. The course includes various types of massage to choose from (restorative, Balinese, Javanese, anti-cellulite), face and body masks with natural ingredients, yoga classes, cooking lessons and much more! Accommodation and meals are included in the cost of the program!

We bring to your attention a weight loss program at the Thalasso Bali center, which will help normalize metabolism, improve lymph flow, remove toxins, increase the overall tone of the body and, ultimately, get rid of excess weight. Every day you will receive a welcome drink, consultation with a specialist, a treatment according to the program (lymphatic drainage or thermo-effective massage, seaweed wrap or chocolate-honey mask), and then green tea in the Spa Café.

The spa treatment program at the health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel is focused on rejuvenating and healing the body. The course includes various types of massage, masks made from natural ingredients, milk-floral and herbal baths and other treatments for the face, body and hair. Accommodation, meals (half board) and yoga classes are also included in the tour price.

Best place celebrate the wedding celebration. The wedding chapel and the Cloud Nine honeymoon villa are located right on the hotel's beach. The high quality service and personal care of each of our staff will make your St Regis wedding an unforgettable experience.