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The Fantasy Island of Indonesia
Bali Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia is the world’s largest island country having over 13,000 islands. Bali is an island by itself which is now a popular tourist destination. Over the past few decades, the island has shown a significant rise in the tourist industry. Bali was named as the world’s top destination in the Traveller’s Choice award by Trip Advisor in March 2017.
History A peek into the history of Bali shows various migrants who brought in their culture from different parts of Asia. The longest influence is from the Indian traders who came in the 1st century AD. Along with them came Hinduism, and by the 5th century, Bali was a Hindu kingdom. From there on history records a great number of migrants coming into the island.
Geography It is situated between the islands of Java and Lombok, about 8-9 degrees south of the Equator. To the north of the island is the Java Sea, and to the south is the Indian Ocean. The island is renowned for its coral reefs and beautiful immaculate beaches in the south. It is said that the southern beaches of Bali have white sand, and the northern beaches are with black sand. These areas are still being developed for tourism.
Indonesia is also well known for its volcanic activity, and Bali is home to some of them. The island has several peaks which are over 6,600 feet in elevation and some of the active volcanoes are Mount Batur and Mount Agung. The latter, which is the highest mountain in Bali (9,944 feet) is the most active volcano in the country and has recorded eruptions in recent times.
Present Day Bali Today Bali is known to be the most popular destination for vacations from the entire group of islands in Indonesia. Its ancient culture coming down through a great number of migrant influences has given Bali a unique warm hospitality, which is a key feature of tourism.
Some records state Bali as a living postcard because of its charming and quaint beauty. It seems like a fantasy in an Indonesian paradise. The “3 Ss” in tourism – Sun, Sand and Sea is of great significance in Bali. Soaking up in the sun with a dip in the clear blue waters, sipping a cold drink couldn’t be more than what you can ask for.
There are out-of-world beach resorts and luxury resorts located on the magnificent coastal areas such as Jimbaran, Kuta and Seminyak. These villa-styled hotels are located almost on the beach to give visitors the “once in a lifetime” unforgettable experience. Beach activities enhance this experience, and visitors can find great surfing areas as well. Diving along the coral ridges gives another memorable opportunity to meet the underwater tropical creatures. Visitors enjoy hours underwater, trying to digest this beautiful phenomenon.
For visitors who would like to enjoy a bit of tranquillity on a beach resort and watch the magnificent sunrises, the eastern beach destinations of Bali are the best. Some of them are Sanur as well as Candidasa which is a remote coastal area beautifully sharing the edge of a freshwater lagoon on one side.
Nightlife in Bali
After sunset, nightlife takes over in Bali, catering to a wide range of choices for visitors offering a variety of styles and budgets. Visitors can choose what they savour. The beaches become a hive of activity at sunset with exciting beach clubs where visitors can chill-out into the wee hours of the night. Live DJs, theatre shows, thrilling dinner cruises, rooftop bars are some the electrifying events in the nightlife of Bali.
The most superb and thrilling nightlife of Bali is said to be found in Seminyak, Kuta and Legian. One has to visit and experience this life to know what exactly it holds. Nightlife is a bit quieter in places like Nusa Dua and Sanur. Visitors who prefer to have a quieter evening can select these locations.
Shopping Bali is a shopping paradise, taking pride in promoting their authentic artefacts which are renowned worldwide. Some of them are various types of handicrafts, antiques, daintily designed carved jewellery, unique homeware, wooden sculptures and so much more. Souvenirs from Bali can be recognized all over the world for its uniqueness. The island is also famous for hand-woven and dyed fabrics. Never will one find a visitor who will leave Bali without some beautiful souvenirs or fabric.
Bali is known to have international designer brand goods along with their local handmade products. Shoppers have a chance for a good bargain with all these items. The souvenir markets where lots of curios are sold is the haven for bargaining. To have the best cultural experience a visit to the Art Markets is ideal where one can find a treasure trove of goods, most of them handmade with authentic Indonesian artwork.
A ‘must visit’ shopping speciality are the night-markets in Bali. More than shopping for goods it is Bali’s street food culture that is found at these markets. It is mostly local foods and snacks sold at very reasonable prices. Many tourists enjoy this experience and take back fond memories and don’t fail to pass on the message to another visitor coming to Bali.
For shoppers who prefer a quieter and peaceful ambiance and are far from the haggling culture, there are many sophisticated air-conditioned malls which also include a large choice of restaurants and entertainment as well. Visitors can spend plenty of time shopping, relaxing over some food and drink and even watch a movie or listen to some soothing music. Due to the boom of tourism in Bali, leading fashion designers have moved to the island. It might be worth to step into these boutiques which may have products much cheaper than back home.
What’s more in Bali?
Apart from all the interesting happenings discussed thus far, a visitor must not forget to include the beautiful temples of Bali in their itineraries. There are a number of them, and the most famous which should not be missed is the Tahan Lot Temple which is situated in the sea.
Bali is a land of fantasy! Tourists should make the best of their itinerary when visiting such a popular destination so that they return home rejuvenated with the culture of Indonesia.
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