Bali is situated between the islands of Java and Lombok, boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons (wet and dry) a year with an average temperature of around 28oC. The wide and gently sloping southern regions play host to Bali’s famed rice terraces, which are among some of the most spectacular in the world. In the hilly, northern coastal regions, the main produce is coffee, copra, spices, vegetables, cattle and rice.

The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which, although originally from India, comprises of a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs; It is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today.

The majority of Bali’s 3,000,000 people live, for the most part, in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest towns are Denpasar (the capital) and Singaraja in the north. The main tourist area stretches from Kuta to Seminyak. Kuta became a major attraction during the tourist boom of the 70’s because of its famed white-sand beaches, the surf, and stunning sunsets.

Today, the Kuta to Seminyak stretch is a major tourist destination, with hundreds of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. Those in search of a little peace and quiet tend to head for the more sedate resorts of Sanur and Candi Dasa on the east coast, or Lovina in the north. Nusa Dua, on the southern-most peninsula of the island, houses many five-star hotels. The central village of Ubud, in the hilly region of Gianyar, has also blossomed as a tourist attraction and is now considered to be the artistic and cultural centre of Bali.

Life in Bali is very communal with the organisation of villages, farming and even the creative arts being decided by the community. The local government is responsible for schools, clinics, hospitals and roads, but all other aspects of life are placed in the hands of two traditional committees, whose roots in Balinese culture stretch back centuries. The first, Subak, concerns the production of rice and organises the complex irrigation system. Everyone who owns a sawah, or padi field, must join their local Subak, which ensures that every member gets his fair share of irrigation water. The other community organisation is the Banjar, responsible for arranging all village festivals, marriage ceremonies and cremations. Most villages have at least one Banjar and all men have to join when they marry. Banjars, on average, give membership to 50 up to 100 families and all Banjars have their own meeting place called the Bale Banjar. As well as being used for regular meetings, the Bale (pavilion) is where the local gamelan orchestras and drama groups practice.

Offerings play a significant role in Balinese life as they appease the spirits and thus bring prosperity and good health to the family. Every day small offering trays (canang sari), containing symbolic food, flowers, cigarettes and money, are respectfully put on shrines, in temples, in front of houses and shops, and at dangerous crossroads.
Festivals are another great occasion for soothing the gods. The women carry huge, beautifully arranged pyramids of food, fruit and flowers on their heads while the men might conduct a blood sacrifice through a cockfight. The gods are invited to descend and join the festivities with music and traditional dances to go with it. This kind of event is extremely exciting, memorable and well worth attending.

How to get around

Car hire
Car rental agencies can be found in all the major tourist areas. Prices start from approx USD 40 a day for a Suzuki-style jeep (Jimny) and about USD 50 for a new Kijang jeep. Organize and arrange your car rental needs for a Holiday or Business stay. Most rental cars in Bali are in decent shape, BUT you should check them thoroughly before signing any forms. Always carry with you an international driver’s license.

Motorbike rental
As with hire cars, you can find bikes for rent almost everywhere. Prices usually start from around US$ 7 a day for a standard 125cc motorbike. Scooters, affectionately called ‘Bebek’s’ (Ducks), start at around US$ 7 per day. Like renting a car, you should always check the bike before parting with your cash. In Indonesia you have to wear a helmet by law and carry an international drivers license!

Bicycle/mountain bike
Cycling can be a cheap and enjoyable way to get around and about. It does, however, take quite some fitness to ride around the more central and hilly regions! The northern coastal roads are ideal for longer trips. You can find bike rental shops in all the main

Bemo
Public transport in the form of mini-vans is by far the cheapest way to travel, although not the most comfortable!

Tours
Organised tours relieve you from the hassle of trying to navigate your own way around. You do have to follow itineraries however, so spur of the moment sight-seeing is not an option on these.