- Where is Bali Island
- Bali history
- How to get to Bali
- Bali tourist areas
- What to do in Bali
Bali is a beach holiday paradise that became popular among Russian tourists several decades ago. Everyone who comes to this island is impressed by the picturesque rainforests, white sand beaches and a fairly high level of service for a long time. However, despite its fame, not everyone knows where Bali is.
Where is Bali Island
The main geographical landmark of Bali is the state of Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia. Bali belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands group, which is part of the Malay Archipelago. The southern coast of the island is dominated by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, while the northern shores are washed by the Pacific Ocean and the sea called Bali. In the western part, a large area is separated from the island of Java by a strait.
On an area of almost 5,800 square kilometers, the Wallace Line stretches, which serves as a natural border between the tropical forests of Asia and the flora of Australia, as well as New Guinea. Bali is about 80 kilometers long from north to south, and 150 kilometers from west to east.
The island is distinguished by an unusual relief, including a combination of mountain ranges, among which there are volcanoes, with flat terrain, occupied by agriculture. At the moment, 4,225,384 residents live in Bali, while the island's population is increasing every day due to the rapidly developing tourism sector and the economic potential of the state.
Bali history
According to a few historical sources, the first inhabitants of Bali settled as early as 2500 BC. Later, the active development of the island by people from China and Vietnam began, who were mainly engaged in fishing, hunting and farming. In the 1st century AD, traders from India arrived in Bali, who subsequently had a huge impact on the culture of the island and the spread of Hinduism on it. As a result, a Hindu kingdom was formed in Bali in the 5th century.
The first written mention of the island was carved in 914 on the Belanjong pillar, which has survived to this day. The Sanskrit record is the only confirmation of the date of the founding of Bali.
The historical past of Bali during the 11-15 centuries was inextricably linked with the island of Java, since the Javanese kings completely controlled the local territories. At the end of the 15th century, the Dutch sailed to the shores of Bali, creating the East India Company, the purpose of which was to colonize all parts of the island.
Beginning in 1846, there were fierce battles in Bali between the local population and representatives of the Dutch government. Only during the Second World War did the Dutch retreat, but the island was captured by the Japanese, who ruled in Bali until 1945, after which the state acquired the long-awaited independence.
How to get to Bali
Before traveling to Bali, where the most beautiful beaches are located, the most convenient way to get there is by plane. Airlines offer many options for flights from major cities in Russia. For example, direct flights of the Transaero carrier operate from Moscow to Bali, the final destination of which is the airport in Denpasar. If you choose this option, then be prepared to spend 12 hours on the road. Separately, it should be noted that tickets for direct flights can only be purchased together with a tourist voucher.
Flights with transfers in Dubai, Bangkok, Doje and Singapore will cost you significantly less. The disadvantage of this method is that the waiting time at Asian airports can stretch up to 10-13 hours. It is better to purchase tickets for charter flights in advance, having carefully considered the most acceptable option for you.
As a rule, tourists prefer to fly to Jakarta, and then follow also by plane to Denpasar. There are more than 10 flights daily from Jakarta to Bali International Airport - this is a guarantee that you will get to the island anyway.
Bali tourist areas
Tourism is included in the list of the main source of income for the state, so the local leadership is making every effort to create ideal conditions for recreation. Among the most popular tourist areas are the following:
- Sanur Beach, which attracts visitors from all over the world every year thanks to its beautiful white sand beaches, amazing coastline, diverse nature and developed infrastructure. Sanur Beach has everything for a decent vacation, from hotels of various levels to large shops, entertainment centers, restaurants and well-groomed areas.
- Nusa Dua is a tourist-type settlement, connected with other resorts by a convenient highway network. Despite the fact that Nusa Dua was founded in the 1980s, this place is gaining popularity among tourists. This fact is explained by the fact that most of the local population works in the tourism sector all year round, offering its visitors a decent level of service. In Nusa Dua you can not only have a great rest, but also take part in an international golf tournament.
- Kuta Beach is considered the best resort for those who want to spend a vacation without spending a lot of money. There are many middle-class hotels in the tourist area, and the infrastructure is built in such a way that every vacationer will find something to his liking. Kuta Beach is the center of architectural sights, souvenir shops and restaurants, the menu of which mainly includes dishes of national cuisine.
- Jimbaran Beach, just off Kuta Beach, is renowned for its fabulous sea sunsets and fishing activities. It is in Jimbaran Beach that you can enjoy delicious delicacies from fresh fish and other seafood caught on the day of preparation. On request, you can take a boat trip or organize fishing trips under the guidance of local guides.
- Ubud is a perfect holiday destination for people who prefer a peaceful atmosphere and privacy away from the noise. The main feature of this tourist area is that it is the center of Bali's art. Ubud art galleries sell unique examples of traditional painting and other products made in the national style. The resort is surrounded by mountains, rice terraces and lush green fields.
What to do in Bali
The main type of recreation on the island is beach tourism, which includes diving and surfing. For beginners in this area, special training programs have been developed under the guidance of qualified instructors, and more experienced tourists can surf on their own every day.
If you are not a fan of water activities, then be sure to include horse riding, elephant trekking through the overgrown rainforest and rafting in your program. Also, trips to the water park and zoo are quite exciting, tickets to which are sold everywhere on the island. In the evening, tourists spend time in restaurants, clubs and admire the sunset over the sea coast.
Take the time to go on excursions that include visits to attractions such as the Monkey Forest, Royal Temple, Turtle Island, volcanoes, Coral Island, Tohlati village, Tanah Lot Temple, etc.
Leaving Bali, do not forget to look into the shops and buy pearl jewelry, rattan souvenirs, national masks or sandalwood figurines as a presentation.
