Welcome to the fascinating countries of Indonesia and Bali! Have you ever wondered where on Earth this heaven is? Imagine being surrounded by lush vegetation, immaculate beaches, and diverse cultures.
We cordially invite you to embark on a tour to explore Indonesia’s Indonesian archipelago and its tropical gem, Bali Island. In this fascinating exploration, we shall reveal the mysteries of their physical locations on the globe map, sending you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
So let’s set sail to discover the enchantment in Bali and Indonesia. Grab your metaphorical compass.
Where Is Bali On The World Map?
To locate Bali, you need first to understand which country it’s in. Bali is one of the many islands located in Indonesia.
Consisting of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is on the world map in Southeast Asia. Some of its neighbouring countries include The Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, New Guinea, and Papua.
Bali Regencies
The Island of Balo consists of eight regencies and one city, Denpasar. Here is a quick rundown of each region in Bali, Indonesia:
- Badung: Near the bottom, in Kuta, is the Ngurah Rai International Airport. Popular tourist destinations, including Canggu, Kuta, and Uluwatu, are found in the Badung Regency.
- Denpasar: The ‘city centre’ of Bali. As one of Bali’s most tranquil and family-friendly regions, it also boasts the laid-back coastal town of Sanur.
- Gianyar: This regency is famous for its cultural sites and is home to Ubud, Indonesia’s most artistic village.
- Tabanan: Famous for the Jatiluwih rice terraces and the Bedugul village.
- Klungkung: Home to a beautiful small island off the coast of Bali named Nusa Penida.
- Bangli: Some attractions include Mount Batur, a volcanic mountain with breathtaking scenery, and the artistic village, Kintamani.
- Buleleng: Home to the West Bali National Park, Singaraja, Munduk, and the majority of the islands on the north coast.
- Karangasem: You can find Bali’s biggest volcanic mountain, Mount Agung. It is also home to the Amed coast and the Sidemen village.
- Jembrana: Among all the eight, this is the most undeveloped regency in Bali. The area is full of rice terraces and mountains.
Population in Bali
Over 3 million people call the island home, and that number is rising. English is the third language in Bali, along with Indonesian and Balinese. Many Balinese people learn the basics of English to communicate with foreign tourists.
Bali has small and large islands, including Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan. Kuta, the island’s most populous town, is where natives and tourists call home.
Where in Bali Do Most Travelers Go?
Making informed decisions about where you spend your time will help you make the most of your trip to Bali, whether planning a vacation or moving there permanently.
On the island, popular locations include Kuta Beach, Sanur, Seminyak, and Ubud. The eye-catching black sands that shore northwest of Bali attract visitors from every corner of the world.
Religion in Bali
With more than 20,000 Hindu temples spread across the island, Bali is the only Indonesian island where Muslims do not populate.
The priests in Bali are renowned for expressing the religious beliefs of both Hindus and Buddhists. Some say that Balinese Hinduism has a unique quality called Buddhism (Shivaism).
Bali’s unique religion, which incorporates Hinduism, Buddhism, and animistic belief, is on the island.
While Islam overtook ancient animism and Buddhism in Indonesia in 14 BC, Bali was the only island to retain its Hindu culture. In 5 BC, Hinduism had already sprung its roots in Indonesia and Java.
About Indonesia
Southeast Asia’s Indonesia sits between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Thirty-four provinces divide the capital city, Jakarta, and the archipelago. It has an elected legislature and is a sovereign state.
Indonesia is home to one of the most unique civilisations in the world. As a result of the numerous countries and kingdoms that affected it during its colonial past, it boasts one of the most diverse civilisations on the planet.
In addition, it has natural resources such as Tin, gold, and oil, just to mention a few in abundance. With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago.
Where among the 17000 Indonesian Islands is Bali?
With more than 220 million Muslims, it is the largest Muslim nation. Indonesia speaks over 700 different languages. Indonesia is home to about 260 million people, with Java having the highest population (nearly 140 million people!).
The equator holds only a few of Indonesia’s northern islands, most just below it. With over 140 volcanoes, including 127 active ones, Indonesia has the most volcanoes worldwide, and forests cover over 50% of the nation.
Visitors can hike various volcanoes and take in eight World Heritage Sites, including the Borobudur temple complex, the Komodo National Park, and numerous rainforests.
The Sumatran Rhinoceros, Sumatran Tiger, and Orangutan are just a few endangered species that call this nation home.
In 2003, skeletons of a subspecies called Homo floresiensis were uncovered on the Indonesian island of Flores. These ancient fossil remains belonged to some of the earliest humans to walk the earth.
How To Get To Bali
Bali now has a state-of-the-art, effective airport. It’s one of the best choices for Southeast Asian airports! The Bali airport was even ranked third in the world by Airport Council International in 2016 based on customer satisfaction ratings.
Ngurah Rai International Airport is another name for Denpasar International Airport (IATA: DPS). In 2019, it handled over 24 million people, but everything ran smoothly, making it impossible to tell that the airport was so busy!
Bali is reachable via direct flights from several locations, including Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Although there are no direct flights from the US to Bali, Americans can transit through cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, or Tokyo before boarding a subsequent flight to Bali.
What Is Bali Like?
Climate
Bali is a tropical island. Thus the climate is warm and muggy throughout the year, just like other locations in Southeast Asia.
It has two seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from April to November. You may still visit Bali during the rainy season in May because it usually rains at night.
Dominating Religion
Bali is a Hindu-majority island, unlike the bulk of Indonesia, which is generally Muslim. Balinese locals are known for being kind and friendly to visitors.
Tourism
Although many other fantastic islands and locations exist in Indonesia, Bali island is the most popular tourist destination, receiving more than 6 million visitors in 2019. One of Bali’s most well-known monuments is the lakeside Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.
Private hotels in Bali may be found for as little as $10, making it incredibly simple to visit there on a tight budget. Additionally, meals are inexpensive, with some “warungs” (family-run restaurants) charging only $1 to $3.
Crime Rates
In Bali, security is not a significant worry.
Murders are incredibly uncommon, and violent crime is uncommon as well. Remember to put your phone away near a busy road with passing motorbikes because drive-by phone snatchings can occasionally occur.
Motorbike accidents and environmental dangers are the top security issues in Bali and Indonesia. Unless you have prior Southeast Asian driving expertise, I’d advise against riding a motorbike here.
Language Spoken
The majority of the people of Bali speak Indonesian and Balinese. However, many of them are also proficient in English. Although learning at least a bit of Bahasa is polite and enjoyable, you don’t need to know Indonesian to travel to Bali.
Main Transportation
In Bali, you can rent a motorbike or a car to go around, but it’s usually cheaper and more convenient to hire a driver. The transportation apps, Go-Jek and Grab, are fantastic for getting around; We highly recommend using them.
Activities You Can Do In Bali
Every type of traveller may find something to do in Bali. Adventure seekers will have access to several hikes and breathtaking surroundings, including waterfalls, jungles, cliffs, and volcanoes. Rafting, ATV, hot air balloon, jet skiing, and panoramic helicopter excursions are available.
Or, if you like to take things more slowly, Bali has many great restaurants and massage parlours for you to choose from, besides its beaches, clubs, marketplaces, temples, and rice terraces. Both the native cuisine and a wide variety of Western cuisine are excellent.
You may witness wildlife in many areas of Bali, including the West Bali National Park, the Mason Elephant Park, the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Bali Zoo, the Bali Bird Park, and the Bali Butterfly Park. Additionally, you may witness a variety of vibrant fish and coral via snorkelling or scuba diving.
Bali is famous for its coffee beans, oils, spices, lace, pottery, and silverworks, in addition to its large selection of lovely handmade products, including paintings, rattan bags, and wood carvings.
If any of that sounds appealing, you will fall in love with Bali and its people.
Accommodations In Bali
One of the most essential choices you can make when organising your first vacation to Bali is where to stay. Selecting the ideal location for your vacation in Bali can be challenging because there are many wonderful spots to consider.
You just need to choose which area on the island best meets your needs because there is something unique waiting around every bend.
1. Kuta
As one of the first areas on the island to begin development for mass tourists, Kuta has grown to become the most well-known beach area in Bali.
The region is particularly well-known for its surfing due to its numerous long stretches of beaches and year-round, ideal waves.
It’s also a party lover’s paradise because many bars and beach clubs host incredible parties.
2. Seminyak
Seminyak is a terrific place to base yourself because it’s incredibly convenient and home to some of Bali’s best beaches, restaurants, beach bars, and lodging options ranging from cheap to luxurious.
It also features a great shopping district with chic boutiques selling anything from common trinkets to current clothing, accessories, and beachwear.
3. Canggu
One of the top spots to stay in Bali is Canggu, a haven for digital nomads. The quaint seaside resort of Echo Beach puts you close to Seminyak’s bustle but far enough away that travellers can find their little corner of heaven.
There are verdant rice fields, private pools in Balinese-style homes, and countless options for yoga and surfing here. Canggu has many street-side cafes where dogs are welcome to hang out.
4. Uluwatu
This region has various upscale resorts and stunning beaches, known for the Uluwatu Clifftop temple. It is ideal for staying a night or two because it is considerably quieter than other Bali towns.
Further, Uluwatu has amazing five-star hotels with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, wonderful beaches, and tranquilly.
Unfortunately, one of its most significant drawbacks is its remote, more expensive than other regions, and an hour’s journey from Seminyak’s centre.
5. Ubud
One of the most stunning places I’ve ever been in Ubud. It also serves as Bali’s cultural centre with many local artisans and artists. The location will make you feel peaceful, like nowhere else.
You can find unending rice fields, temples, monkeys, volcanoes, and waterfalls in Ubud. You’ll witness natives carrying baskets filled with sacrifices for their gods while wearing their vibrant prayer attire. They are the most welcoming and polite locals you have ever encountered.
One pro tip to take away is renting a scooter and getting lost in the region. Take a map and look for some lesser-known temples and waterfalls rather than only staying in popular tourist locations.
6. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua has many all-inclusive resorts, making it the ideal destination for a family vacation. Additionally, it’s one of Bali’s top areas for participating in water sports and activities, including diving, snorkelling, and parasailing.
7. North Bali
Despite being Bali’s less-visited location, North Bali is wonderful. North Bali has the prettiest waterfalls, paddy fields, and volcano views.
This area has inexpensive motels with private pools, and the inhabitants are even friendlier. Staying in Munduk and seeing Sekumpul Waterfall are both things that will be worth your stay here.
8. Sanur
Some tranquil beaches near Sanur are excellent for families. Other than relaxing at your beach resort, there is little to do in the region. Despite the town’s relative smallness, there are still a lot of restaurants and spas.
The island of Bali is renowned for its hotel sector, which offers a wide range of comfortable lodging options for visitors of all income levels, from luxury tourists to backpackers.
The Sanur neighbourhood is regarded as being calm and family-friendly. In contrast, most tourists stay in the Kuta area for nightlife and shopping, Ubud for cultural attractions and rice terraces, Canggu for chic cafés, and Uluwatu for beaches and surfing.
9. Lovina
Lovina, the main resort area on Bali’s north coast, is most renowned for the 5-mile stretch of its black volcanic sand beach.
The region, which includes several small towns, is well-liked for snorkelling and scuba diving excursions since the south waters are usually rougher than the northern waters, with are usually calm.
Local skippers sailing the traditional outriggers known as perahu are on hand to take tourists to the most incredible diving locations. Family vacationers will love the area’s quiet waters, ideal for dolphin-watching and swimming.
8. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
The Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of the nine significant Hindu temples on the island, is located on the Bukit Peninsula at the southernmost point of Bali.
The temple’s foundation dates back to the 11th century, on top of a limestone cliff that protruded into the ocean.
Visitors can wander the grounds and take in the vistas with or without a guide, while only Hindu priests are the only ones with permission to access the innermost sanctuary.
Ganesha statues flank the entrance to the temple compound, and live monkeys paw at passing tourists for food. Guests receive dancing presentations every evening at dusk.
9. Mount Batur
Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most stunning landscapes, despite not being the island’s highest peak. The 1,717-meter (5,633-foot) summit dominates Bali’s northeastern region and is a sometimes active volcano with four craters, a lake, and several towns.
A well-liked activity is ascending Mount Batur to view the sunrise. Anyone in normal shape can do the reasonably simple ascent in around two hours. One of Bali’s nine principal Hindu temples, Pura Ulun Danu Batur, is another reason tourists visit Mount Batur.
10. Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the most well-known Hindu temples in Bali and is perched on a sizable rock. It has long been a staple of Balinese folklore. The temple is a chain of seven sea temples that line Bali’s southwestern coast, visible from the next one.
Due to its popularity, this area may get very crowded, especially in the late afternoons and just before sunset.
Between the parking lot and the beach next to the temple, there is a tangle of gift stores offering almost every type of Balinese memento imaginable.
Visitors will see the majestic temple on a rock just a few metres offshore once they have battled through the souvenir vendors to reach the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Bali an Island or a Country?
Bali is not a nation. Bali is both an island and a province in Indonesia.
2. Where Exactly Is Bali Located?
You can find Bali in the continent of Asia, with its exact location being Southeast Asia.
3. What Are the Residents of Bali Called?
Despite being Indonesian by nationality, the locals in Bali are referred to as Balinese because it is their home island; nonetheless, any term is acceptable.