Why is Bali so special?

Travelustme
Aug 25, 2017 · 4 min read

Bali is one of more than 17 000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago. But most international visitors choose this island as the top tourist attraction in Indonesia. And there is a reason why. Bali offers much more than just another beach holiday.

Nature

Rice terraces in a morning light, Tegallalang

Bali is a tropical island with volcanic nature that lies just 8 degrees south of the equator. Warm temperature all year round and fertile soils contribute high biodiversity and lush picturesque landscape framed with volcano peaks.

A rice field in Ubud with a volcano peak in the distance
The Pura Tanah Lot temple washed by the Ocean waves

Scenic beaches, rocky cliffs, verdant rice paddies, stunning waterfalls, mountain lakes, and infinite ocean create the attractive scenery of Bali.

Lush jungles at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
The Dragon Bridge at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
A Balinese long-tailed monkey in a temple, Ubud

Ocean

The Pura Batu Bolong temple on the beautiful rock

As a part of the Coral Triangle, the area with the highest biodiversity of marine species, Bali offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. On the shore, ocean creates some of the world best surf spots for professionals and newbies alike.

Novice surfers are going to catch the wave at the Kuta beach
An idyllic tropical beach at the Nusa Dua
The sunset at the golden-sanded Jimbaran beach

Arts and crafts

Rangda the demon queen statue in the Ubud Palace

Bali is renowned for its diverse arts scene. Sophisticated painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, music, performing arts show the natural artistic talent of Balinese people. Religious and ritual origins of Balinese art have formed the distinctive style.

Traditional Balinese percussive music instruments
Traditional Balinese percussive music instruments decorated with carvings
An exceptional wood carving
A religious sculpture

Culture

The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, one of the holiest temples in Bali

Bali has the unique deeply spiritual culture. The majority of the population of Bali practice a distinct form of Hinduism incorporating local animism, ancestor worship, and reverence for Buddhist saints. Religious beliefs have a huge influence on the life of Balinese from daily offerings to big festivals and life events celebrations.

Balinese people pray in the temple during religious ceremony
The religious procession during the Balinese New Year (Nyepi) celebrations
An “Ogoh-Ogoh” statue being prepared for the parade during the Balinese New Year celebrations

Both the culture and the arts make Bali much more than just a tropical resort.

The Balinese woman carries ceremonial offerings on her head
A statue of Ganesha
A box with daily offerings (Canang sari)

People

The Balinese field worker

Balinese people are friendly, hospitable and tolerant. You will meet with a smile anywhere you go. Most Balinese live in strong community relationships banded by the awareness of their culture.

The Balinese woman with offerings at the temple
The young Balinese woman with a basket for offerings
Balinese women at the temple
The senior Balinese woman in a field

How to get there: There is an international airport in Denpasar. It is the most convenient way to get in. There are also direct bus services to Bali from all major cities on Java and Lombok. A number of ferries operate between Bali and the neighboring islands.

The Balinese family at the temple in Ubud

Photo credit: © Elena Ermakova, © Evgeny Ermakov. All rights reserved. Contact us here if you are interested in using our photos.

Source: http://travelust.me

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