There are 17,000 islands in Indonesia and among them is the Island of Bali. However, this island is one of the most popular island and most visited island in Indonesia.
Bali island is situated between Lombok and Java that are considered as the largest and most populated islands in Indonesia.
For many decades, Bali has become one of the favorite tourist destination due to its rich history, amazing culture, and high qualities that attract tourist from all over the world.
Because of the exotic beaches in Bali, magical temples, natural beauty, and pleasant weather condition in Bali, rich culture and history, Bali attracts more than 7 millions tourist each year, making it one of the most visited places in the world.
If you wish to chase waterfalls on the island, we have a guide that covers the best waterfalls in Bali. It might be a fun activity that you can do on the island, so make sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Bali.
Safety is an important factor when deciding to visit a destination, which is why we made a blog about the safety of Bali, so you can make up your mind about it.
How Big Is Bali? And Population Of Bali:
How large is Bali, you might ask? It covers about 5,780 square kilometers, which is 95 mile-wide. Its population is around 4.3 million people, and it’s a major tourist destination with millions of visitors annually.
Located in the Indian Ocean, Bali stretches 80km from north to south and 140km from east to west, making it one of the most diverse islands in Bali.
Compare to other islands, Bali is considered to be small. It does not come close to the 10th largest island in Indonesia, which is Flores (13,540 km2)
The population of Bali in June 2021 calculated and reached to 4.47 million, with a density of 750 people per km. However, Denpasar is the is home to close to quarter of Bali’s population, which reach 850,600 inhabitants.
Religions Of Bali:
The most common religion in Bali is Hindu, which makes up to 80% of the population. It is Bali’s native religion, which contribute to the island’s festivals, holidays and calendar.
The second most popular religion in Bali is Islam, which is a huge contrast of the reminding population of Indonesia that is 87%.
As already mentioned, the primary religion in Bali is Hinduism, which allows Hindu architecture, symbolism and history impeded all over the island.
Languages In Bali:
Balinese Cultural and Traditions:
Balinese culture is rich and diverse, deeply rooted in Hindu-Balinese traditions, allowing tourist to explore the hidden gems in Bali.
As already mentioned, the religious Practice in Bali is Hinduism. It influences their daily life with numerous temples, rituals, and ceremonies, including offerings (canang sari) and major festivals like Nyepi (Day of Silence) and Galungan.
Bali is rich in arts and dances, making the traditional Balinese dance and music are vital cultural expressions. There are performances like the Barong, Legong, and Kecak showcasing elaborate costumes and storytelling.
There are also ceremonies and life events such as births, weddings, and cremations, which are marked by elaborate rituals that reflect spiritual beliefs and community involvement.
One thing you should know is that funerals in Bali are celebrations because Balinese see death as not an end, but a transitional phase of life. It is rather a journey to a new world.
The crafts and art plays an important in Balinese traditions and culture. Bali is renowned for its arts, including intricate wood carvings, paintings, and traditional textiles like batik and ikat.
The traditional Balinese architecture features open, family-centric compounds with ornate carvings and thatched roofs, often centered around a main temple.
Balinese food is known for its vibrant flavors and use of local spices, with dishes like Babi Guling (suckling pig) and Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck) being popular. Check out our blog on what to eat in Bali for more information.
These cultural elements combine to create Bali’s unique and enduring identity, making it a vibrant and intriguing destination.
The Characteristic Of Bali:
Landscape Of Bali:
Bali’s landscape features a mix of mountainous and volcanic peaks areas. However, it is mostly consists of mountains, which influences the island’s weather and climate.
The highest mountains peak in Bali is Mount Agung towering at a height of 3,142m (10,308 feet) above sea level. It is known as the “navel of the world.” This volcanic mountain is a great place for hiking and climbing.
The second-highest peak in Bali is Mount Batukaru, which stands tall at a height of 2,275m above sea level. Many brave tourists trekking its nine hours hike to the summit, making it one of the most hiked mountain in Bali.
The island landscape is also surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can volunteer to be part of the restoration project in the north-eastern end of the island.
The islands also features breathtaking sandy beaches that differ by location. The beaches in the south tend to have white sand, while the beaches in the north and west features black sand.
The Economy Of Bali:
Most of the economy of Bali is Tourism-related business, which makes up 80% of the Bali’s income. Therefore, the vibrant tourism on the island significantly impacts Bali’s economy and cultural landscape.
Tourism in Bali significantly boosts the local economy by providing jobs and stimulating businesses related to hospitality, transportation, and services.
Additionally, agriculture contribute to Bali’s economy and cultural heritage, including rice cultivation, coffee, Cacao, fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs.
Bali is among one of the most visited islands in Indonesia, which are Java, Lombok, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Flores, Gili Islands, Flores, and Bali.
Therefore, Bali is an important factor in terms of tourism and culture significance in Indonesia. The tourism sector alone generates billions in revenue, making it a major driver of Bali’s economic growth.
Transportation Of Bali:
There are also cars that you can take, but often rented or hired with drivers for longer trips or comfort. You can rent a taxi, which are available in major areas, with ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek also common.
You can also enjoy some cycling, which is a popular eco-friendly option in certain areas. Not to forget boats that used for travel to nearby islands and coastal transport.
Planning And Housing In Bali:
In Bali, housing and tourist accommodations are diverse, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets, making your option is wide and open to find a place to stay in Bali:
Luxury Resorts: Bali boasts numerous high-end resorts and villas, especially in areas like Nusa Dua, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, offering lavish amenities and stunning beachfront locations.
Boutique Hotels: These smaller, often stylish hotels provide personalized service and unique design, found in popular areas such as Ubud and Canggu.
Guesthouses and Homestays: Offering a more intimate and affordable option, guesthouses and homestays allow visitors to experience local life and culture.
Villas: Private villas with pools are a popular choice for families or groups seeking privacy and luxury, available throughout the island.
Budget Hostels: For backpackers and budget travelers, hostels provide cost-effective lodging in areas like Kuta and Ubud.
Traditional Balinese Houses: In some areas, tourists can stay in traditional Balinese-style accommodations, providing a unique cultural experience.
Tourism has led to the development of various accommodation types, ranging from opulent resorts to budget-friendly hostels, ensuring options for every traveler’s needs.
Health And Welfare:
Education In Bali:
Public Schools: Run by the Indonesian government, these schools offer standard education with a curriculum that includes Indonesian language and culture.
Private Schools: Include international and bilingual schools that offer various curriculums, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge, catering to expatriate families and locals seeking an international education for their children.
Higher Education: Bali hosts several universities and colleges, offering programs in fields like tourism, business, and the arts. Notable institutions include Udayana University and Bali International University.
Government Initiatives:
Local Government: Bali is a province of Indonesia with its own provincial government. It’s divided into regencies (kabupaten) and cities (kota), each with its own administrative structure.
Governor: Bali’s administrative head is the governor, responsible for overseeing provincial governance and coordinating with the national government.
Regency Heads: Each regency is led by a regent (bupati) and each city by a mayor (wali kota), handling local administration and development.
Local Councils: Various councils and committees address specific issues such as tourism, culture, and environmental management.
Concluson:
Although Bali is a small island, it is full of incredible culture, mesmerizing landscapes, beautiful beaches, which makes it a tourist hotspot.
In this comprehensive guide, we covered how big is Bali and all the features mentioned above, making it your ultimate tourist destination.
The island of the gods is easy to explore and fun, making it one of your top choices when it comes to natural beauty and culture rich places.
With that being said, you should check out our blog on 2 weeks itinerary in Bali with kids. It offers some tips to explore the island with kids in ease and comfort.
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