Bali, Island province in Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia
Description
Bali is an Indonesian province between Java and Lombok with mountain landscapes, rice terraces, and coastal regions across roughly 5780 square kilometers. The landscape ranges from volcanoes in the island interior to sand beaches along the southern and eastern coasts.
History
European colonization began in 1597 when Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman arrived, followed by military control in subsequent centuries. Independence came in 1945 with the founding of Indonesia, while the province maintained its own religious and cultural character.
Culture
Hindu religion shapes daily life through traditional ceremonies, temple offerings, dance performances, and communal gatherings called banjar. These social structures organize everything from temple festivals to neighborhood assistance and determine the rhythm of life in every village.
Practical
The provincial capital Denpasar holds the main airport, government offices, and commercial centers, serving as the primary entry point for visitors. The rainy season runs from November to March, while the dry season from April to October offers more favorable conditions for exploring.
Did you know?
The UNESCO-recognized Subak irrigation system demonstrates agricultural engineering through water temples and cooperative water management for rice cultivation. Water distribution follows a philosophical order that connects religious rituals with practical farming.
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Walking routes in Bali traverse rice terraces, waterfalls and temple complexes, offering access to the island's varied landscape and cultural sites. The trails range from the sculpted rice paddies of Tegallalang and Jatiluwih to the clifftop setting of Uluwatu Temple and the volcanic slopes of Mount...
Tanah Lot
16.5 km
Mount Agung
58.5 km
Nusa Penida
64.2 km
Big Vishnu
39.5 km
Pantai Kuta
30.8 km
Mount Batur
50.7 km
Pura Luhur
37.8 km
Uluwatu Temple
37.8 km
Ubud Monkey Forest
28.5 km
Pandawa Beach
43.6 km
Tirta Empul Temple
35.9 km
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
39.1 km
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
31.4 km
Besakih
51.7 km
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
31.7 km
Kuta Beach
30.5 km
Nusa Dua
42 km
Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang
70.5 km
Goa Gajah
31.6 km
Tegenungan Blangsinga Waterfall
33.1 km
Penglipuran Village
40.5 km
Ubud Palace
28.9 km
Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
38.2 km
Sanur Beach
35.8 km
Bajra Sandhi Monument
32.1 km
Gunung Kawi
35.5 km
Istana Tampaksiring
35.7 km
Tirta Gangga
65.4 km
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