If someone asks you if you know Bali you would probably say “yes,” just because you heard of it before. But do you really know Bali? We have some interesting facts about this beautiful part of Indonesia for you!
In fact, Bali, the famous Indonesian island located in western Indonesia usually has a spot on every traveler's bucket list. And, let’s be honest, when you think about traveling, spending time on a beautiful island is on top of the list anyway.
Bali covers approximately 2160 square miles including mountainous, lush forests and clear lakes, and gorgeous beaches. The island is known for its distinctive and unique culture that includes Chinese, Indian, and Hindu influences. It's a popular destination for those interested in anthropology, sociology, and of course anything relating to marine life! Tourists have flocked to the island since the 1930s when the island’s culture was romanticized through the writings of anthropologist Margaret Mead. Bali is also famous for its unparalleled underwater worlds you can explore diving and snorkeling. Besides that, Bali is home to 3 volcanoes; Mount Batur, Mount Batukaru, and Mount Agung.
While Bali has beautiful, white sandy beaches, Bali is also home to incredible black volcanic sand beaches, due to these four volcanoes.
But there is more!!
In addition to beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and mountains you can also enjoy 4 lakes: Lake Batur, Lake Beratan, Lake Buyan, and Lake Tamblingan.
Even though English is spoken widely in tourist areas, before you visit Bali, you may want to get a quick crash course on the three main languages spoken there; Balinese and dialects of Indonesian, and Kawi, a type of old Javanese.
Living and exploring in Bali is very cost-efficient. Especially eating local foods is very affordable.
Bali's beautiful nature and marine life can be quite overwhelming for highly sensitive individuals. Maybe it's the energy of the island, which converges life, religion, and art.
When researching Bali, you may encounter many romantic quotes about the island. This quote from an unknown source seems to capture the energy of Bali quite well. "Bali is more than a place…it’s a mood, it’s magical. It’s a tropical state of mind."
Kecak is a form of Balinese Hindu dance and music drama that was developed in the 1930s in Bali. The performances have roots in sanghyang, a trance-inducing exorcism dance.
Wayang kulit shadow puppet theater is another form that combines entertainment, spirituality, and education. The purpose of the Wayang kulit shadow puppet performance is to educate its audience in moral and religious, philosophy and of course to entertain.
We learned a lot about Bali, what about you? Maybe this beautiful island will become a part of your bucket list now?