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, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — Rice terraces in a morning light, Tegallalang © Elena Ermakova

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, Bali, Indonesia — A rice field in Ubud with a volcano peak in the distance © Elena Ermakova

Pura Tanah Lot temple washed by the Ocean waves, Bali, Indonesia — The Pura Tanah Lot temple washed by the Ocean waves © Elena Ermakova

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, Bali, Indonesia — Lush jungles at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud © Elena Ermakova

The Dragon Bridge at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — The Dragon Bridge at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud © Elena Ermakova

A Balinese long-tailed monkey at a temple, Ubud — A Balinese long-tailed monkey in a temple, Ubud © Elena Ermakova

Ocean

The Pura Batu Bolong temple on the beautiful rock, Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia — The Pura Batu Bolong temple on the beautiful rock © Elena Ermakova

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, Bali, Indonesia — Novice surfers are going to catch the wave at the Kuta beach © Elena Ermakova

The idyllic beach at the Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia — An idyllic tropical beach at the Nusa Dua © Elena Ermakova

Sunset at the golden-sanded Jimbaran beach, Bali, Indonesia — The sunset at the golden-sanded Jimbaran beach © Elena Ermakova

Arts and crafts

Rangda the demon queen statue in the Ubud Palace, Bali, Indonesia — Rangda the demon queen statue in the Ubud Palace © Elena Ermakova

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, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. — Traditional Balinese percussive music instruments © Elena Ermakova

Traditional Balinese percussive music instruments decorated with carvings, Ubud, Bali — Traditional Balinese percussive music instruments decorated with carvings © Elena Ermakova

The exceptional wood carving, Bali, Indonesia — An exceptional wood carving © Elena Ermakova

The religious sculpture, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — A religious sculpture © Elena Ermakova

Culture

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, one of the holiest temples in Bali, Bedugul, Indonesia. — The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, one of the holiest temples in Bali © Elena Ermakova

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, Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia — Balinese people pray in the temple during religious ceremony © Elena Ermakova

The religious procession during Balinese New Year (Nyepi) celebrations, Tanah Lot, Bali — The religious procession during the Balinese New Year (Nyepi) celebrations © Elena Ermakova

The "Ogoh-Ogoh" statue being prepared for the parade during Balinese New Year 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, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — The Balinese woman carries ceremonial offerings on her head © Elena Ermakova

The statue of Ganesha, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — A statue of Ganesha © Evgeny Ermakov

The Box with daily offerings or Canang sari, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — A box with daily offerings (Canang sari) © Elena Ermakova

People

The Balinese field worker, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — The Balinese field worker © Elena Ermakova

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, Ubud, Bali — The Balinese woman with offerings at the temple © Elena Ermakova

The young Balinese woman with a basket for offerings, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — The young Balinese woman with a basket for offerings © Evgeny Ermakov

Balinese women at the temple, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — Balinese women at the temple © Evgeny Ermakov

The senior Balinese woman in the field, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — The senior Balinese woman in a field © Elena Ermakova

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.

Why is Bali so special?

Nature

Ocean

Arts and crafts

Culture

People

Love the post? Pin It!

Nature

Ocean

Arts and crafts

Culture

People

Love the post? Pin It!

Share this: