About Bali

Bali, also known as the Land of the Gods, attracts with its sheer natural beauty of overhanging volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and tranquility. It is also famous for its surfers paradise and great spa treatments! Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colorful ceremonies, its arts and crafts, its luxurious beach resorts, its incredible tanning and exciting nightlife with quirky clubs and parties.

Bali is one of more than 18,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and lies just over 2 km (nearly 1.5 miles) from the eastern tip of Java and west of Lombok. The island, which has a population of just over 4 million people, is about 144 km (89 miles) from east to west and 80 km (50 miles) from north to south.

Unlike most other islands in much of Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a hotbed of Hindu religion and culture. Every aspect of Balinese life is steeped in religion, but the most visible signs are the tiny "canang" offerings that can be found in every Balinese home, workplace, restaurant, gift shop, and airport check-in counter. These leaf trays are made daily and can hold a huge variety of items to offer: flowers, glutinous rice, cookies, salt, and even cigarettes and coffee! They are placed with burning incense sticks and sprinkled with holy water at least three times a day before each meal, such an unusual ceremony corresponds to the measured life of the Balinese. Don't worry if you accidentally kick or step on one of them, as they are placed on the ground for that very purpose and will still be carried away.
Everywhere you will find elaborately carved, majestic temples.

There are about 20,000 temples (pura) on the island, each of which hosts festivals (odalan) at least twice a year. There are many auspicious days throughout the year, and holidays are always held here.

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