The landscape of Bali, 'Island of the Gods', is made up of volcanic mountains, lakes and rivers, terraced ricefields, giant banyans and palm groves and, on the coast, bays ringed with white sandy beaches. The island lies a short distance from the eastern coast of Java, across the Strait of Bali. Although its total area is only 2095 sq km (1309 sq miles) the island supports a population of approximately 2.5 million. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, the predominant religious faith is Hinduism, though in a special form known as 'Agama-Hindu'. Stretching east to west across the island is a volcanic chain of mountains, dominated by the mighty Gunung Agung (Holy Mountain) whose conical peak soars more than 3170m (10,400ft) into the sky. North of the mountains, where the fertility of the terrain permits, is an area devoted to the production of vegetables and copra
The village of Sanur is located on the eastern coast of Bali and is the ideal beach for snorkeling as it is protected by a coral reef. Sanur was Bali's first beach resort and is also Bali's largest traditional village where visitors can really experience the real Bali. There are many excellent open-air restaurants and cafes offering every variety of food imaginable.
Jimbaran is a sleepy cove where fleets of fishing boats colour the scene. The last couple of years, it has become even busier still with grilled seafood restaurants going up at a rapid pace along the beach, attracting local families and tourists in droves. A popular spot for windsurfing and sailing small craft, which are available for rent, Jimbaran's grey sand and calm waters are attracting more people but the beach still has a sleepy feeling. A day at Jimbaran is made even more popular because of the all the wonderful options to eat. Choose from simple local food, the freshest fish or 5-star luxury. It is also a popular spot to view the sunset.
Nusa Dua was designed for the luxury conscious with a heavy concentration of big name hotels lining the beautiful white sand beach. Some of the resorts have private beaches but most areas are accessible. You will find some simple 'warungs' selling good food at cheap prices along this beautiful stretch of white sandy beach that offers excellent swimming conditions in a protected lagoon. Tanjung Benoa is the natural northern continuation of Nusa Dua, with the white sand beach stretching the length of the coast. It is a booming resort, popular with water sports enthusiasts.
While it's possible to visit Ubud in just a day, such a short trip would barely touch the surface of this extraordinary village. An interesting mélange of rural Balinese life and modern services co-exist here. Ubud is close to many of central Bali's major sights. Despite the fact that visitors may outnumber residents during peak periods, Ubud retains the atmosphere of a small country community with the pace of life very relaxed. It's a great place to tour on foot or by bicycle and there's a wide range of facilities for tourists of all budgets, as well as beaches 10 km away. For those who enjoy being close to natural beauty, yet within easy reach of creature comforts, Ubud is ideal.
What To See
The island has thousands of temples - the exact number has never been counted - ranging from the great 'Holy Temple' at Besakih to small village places of worship. Of the many festivals, most are held twice a year and involve splendid processions, dances and daily offerings of food and flowers made to the gods. Cremations are also held in great style, though their cost is often almost prohibitive for the average Balinese family.
Denpasar is the island's capital. Sights include the Museum, a new art centre and the internationally recognized Konservatori Kerawitan, one of the major centres of Balinese dancing. The Sea Temple of Tanah Lot on the west coast (a short drive from Kediri) is one of the most breathtaking sights of Bali. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) near Bedulu is a huge cavern with an entrance carved in a fantastic design of demonical shapes, animals and plants, crowned by a monstrous gargoyle-like head. The Holy Springs of Tampaksiring are believed to possess curative properties and attract thousands of visitors each year.
Serangan Island is also known as Turtle Island because of the turtles kept there in special pens. The island lies south of Sanur and can be reached by sail boat or, at low tide, on foot. Every six months, the island becomes the scene of a great thanksgiving ceremony in which tens of thousands take part.
The sacred monkey forest at Sangeh is a forest reserve which, as well as being the home of a variety of exotic apes, also has a temple. Penelokan is a splendid vantage point for views of the black lava streams from Mount Batur. It is also possible to sail across the nearby Lake Batur to Trunyan for a closer look at the crater. North of Kintamani, at an altitude of 1745m (5725ft), lies the highest temple on the island, Penulisan. Pura Besakih, a temple which dates back originally to the tenth century, stands high on the volcanic slopes of Gunung Agung. Nowadays, it is a massive complex of more than 30 temples, and the setting for great ceremonial splendor on festival days. Padangbai is a beautiful tropical coastal village, where lush vegetation backs a curving stretch of white, sandy beach. It is also the island's port of call for giant cruise liners. Goa Lawah lives up to its name ('bat cave' in the local tongue), a safe and holy haven for thousands of bats which line every inch of space on its walls and roof. Non bat-lovers should avoid moonlight strolls in the area, as the animals leave for food sorties at night. Kusambe is a fishing village with a black sand beach. Lake Bratan is reached via a winding road from Budugul. The shimmering cool beauty of the lake and its pine-forested hillsides is an unusual sight in a tropical landscape.
Food & Drink
The traditional foundations of Balinese cuisine are duck and pork dishes, as well as sweet and sticky rice treats like lontong and ketan. But the recent influx of tourist means that just about any type of food - from elsewhere in Indonesia and the rest of the world - is readily available in Bali.
Shopping
The village of Ubud is the centre of Bali's considerable art colony and contains the galleries of the most successful painters, including those of artists of foreign extraction who have settled on the island. Set in a hilltop garden is the Museum Puri Lukistan (Palace of Fine Arts) with its fine display of sculpture and paintings in both old and contemporary styles. Kamasan, near Klungkung, is another centre, but the painting style of the artists is predominantly wayang (highly stylised). Other artistic centres include Celuk (gold and silver working), Denpasar (woodworking and painting) and Batubulan (stone carving).
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Airport
Bali's Ngurah Rai international airport is 2.5km (1.5miles) south of Kuta. Departure Tax is Rp100,000 (infants under the age of two are exempt).
Climate
Bali experiences pleasant year round temperatures From December to March the west monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of year there is hardly any rain in the coastal areas. In Ubud and the mountains you can expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year
Clothing
The cooler dry season from April to October is the best time to visit Bali. The rest of the year is more humid, more cloudy and has more rainstorms so a waterproof would be useful
Currency
Rupiah (approx. rp16.325 to £1*). *14/01/05
Driving
The Balinese drive on the left, use their horns a lot and give way to traffic pulling onto the road.
Electricity
220V, 50 Hz
Flying Time
Flight time from London to Bali is 22 hours 15 minutes.
Getting Around
The main forms of public transport on Bali are the cheap buses and bemos that run on more or less set routes within or between towns. If you want your own transport, you can charter a bemo or rent a car, motorcycle or bicycle. Tourist shuttle buses, running between the major tourist centres, are more expensive than public transport but are also more comfortable and convenient. Metered taxis or a chartered bemo (minibus) are available for more distant destinations.
Health
For the latest immunization requirements please contact your GP.
Holidays
Jan 1 2005 New Year's Day. Jan 21 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 9-11 Chinese New Year. Feb 10 Muharram (Islamic New Year). Mar 25 Good Friday. Apr 9 Nyepi (Hindu New Year). Apr 21 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 5 Ascension. May 23 Waisak Day (Buddha's Birthday). Aug 17 Indonesian Independence Day. Sep 1 Lailat al Miraj (Ascension of the Prophet). Nov 3-5 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Note: (a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region. (b) Buddhist festivals are also timed according to phases of the moon and variations may occur.
Language
Bahasa Bali, Bahasa Indonesian, plus English in tourist areas.
Opening Hours
Banking Hours: Mon-Fri 08.00 - 15.30
Time
GMT + 8 hours.
Tipping
Tipping is not a normal practice in Indonesia but is often expected for special service. Someone who carries your bag or guides you around a tourist attraction will expect a tip. Taxi drivers may expect you to round the fare up to the next 500 rp. Hotel porters expect a few hundred rupiah per bag.
Tourist Board
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
38 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HW, UK
Consular section: 38A Adam's Row, London W1X 9AD, UK
All post should be addressed to 38 Grosvenor Square
.
Tel: (020) 7499 7661 (for all commercial, consular and tourism enquiries).
Fax: (020) 7491 4993.
Visa Requirements
Required by UK passport holders. Can be purchased on arrival into Bali (Irish passport holders must purchase a visa before departure) - Currently US$25 for stays up to 30 days.
