How Big Is Bali? Discovering The Island's Diversity

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This island paradise can stir your sense of wonder, such as wondering about how big is Bali, where it is located, and what makes it special.

There are 17,000 islands in Indonesia and among them is the Island of Bali. However, this island is one of the most popular and most visited islands 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 the best 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.

The capital of Bali is ample with activities and things to discover, so you can find out about the best things to do in Denpasar, Bali

We also cover some honeymoon packages in Bali. Therefore, you can plan a getaway with your loved one after your big day.

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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.

Despite the small size of Bali, it contains approximately 430 kilometers (267 miles) long coastline. The coastline landscapes vary from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs.

It is known for its diverse marine life, surfing spots in Bali, and coastal resorts. Therefore, it contains good spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali.

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:

There are three main languages in Bali, which are Balinese, Indonesian, and English. However, the official language is Indonesia, which allows the unites of the Balinese archipelago.

It is used to communicate with the rest of the Indonesian population. As a matter of fact, Indonesian is one of the most spoken language in the world.

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:

The Characteristic of Bali is that it is mostly consist of a hilly tropical rainforest and optimal weather all throughout the year, which makes any time of the year is the best time to visit Bali.

Bali’s character is a unique blend of traditional Balinese culture and modern influences. It’s renowned for its vibrant arts, including dance and music

The island is deeply rooted in Hindu ceremonies, and its picturesque landscapes of rice terraces and beaches. The island’s charm lies in its ability to maintain its cultural heritage while accommodating global tourism.

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:

Because of how big is Bali and the advance development of the island, transportation throughout the island is easier than ever.

For instance, driving across Bali, from the southernmost point near Denpasar/Kuta to the northern coastline, or from the east to west will typically take you between 2 and 3 hours depending on your route, road conditions, and traffic.

The most common form of public transportation is the Bemo, which is an open-air minivan or minibuses that operate on fixed routes. It operates in all over Bali’s. You can see it in main road.

The downside of that, it is only suitable for short distance that allow you to hop on and off anywhere in Bali. However, you do not take a direct path to your destination, allowing you to take multiple Bemos for a single journey.

Another most common form of transportation are scooters or motorbikes. They are the most popular and convenient way to navigate traffic and explore the island.

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.

You can also learn more about transportation on the island by reading our blog about, how to reach Bali? While also saving some money and void being scam on those two articles: currency in Bali, and is Bali cheap?

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:

The public healthcare in Bali is a part of the Indonesia’s national health system, which offers health services for both residents and expatriates.

In general, the healthcare system in Bali is affordable, allowing tourists and residents to access a high-end quality care with reasonable price.

Education In Bali:

The education system in Bali is a mix of traditional and modern approaches, allowing students to learn and improve their knowledge in a natural setting with expert instructor.

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:

The local government in Bali manages the island’s administrative, economic, and social affairs, allowing them to provide service to both locals and tourists.

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.

Frequent Asked Questions:

How long does it take to drive across Bali?

To drive across Bali, it takes you approximately 3 hours to drive the length and breadth of Bali. The island is connected through three main roads that circumnavigate the island and connect to its thousands of smaller roads and traverse the countryside.

What is Bali the same size as?

Bali is roughly the same size as the U.S. state of Delaware. Bali covers about 5,780 square kilometers (2,232 square miles), while Delaware is approximately 6,446 square kilometers (2,489 square miles). Both are relatively small but offer diverse landscapes and attractions!

How long does it take to see all of Bali?

Seeing all of Bali can vary greatly depending on your interests and travel style. A comprehensive trip might take around 10 to 14 days to explore key areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and the northern and eastern parts of the island. This allows for a mix of cultural experiences, beaches, nature, and relaxation.

If you’re short on time, a week can still give you a good taste of Bali’s highlights, but you might have to prioritize what you want to see and do. Just keep in mind that travel times can be longer than expected due to traffic!

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.

Is Bali as big as Singapore?

No, Bali is larger than Singapore. Bali covers about 5,780 square kilometers (2,232 square miles), while Singapore is approximately 728.6 square kilometers (281.3 square miles).

So, Bali is significantly bigger, offering more diverse landscapes and experiences compared to the compact city-state of Singapore.

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.

You should also check out our guide about what is the ocean surrounding Bali and how it plays an important role on the island’s biodiversity and weather condition.

You might also need to know what time is it in Bali, so you can plan your itinerary and be punctual without worrying being late and relieve some stress related to that.

We also have a guide about what language do they speak in Bali that also give you some common phrases to use during your visit to the island.

Awesome Traveler