Bali, Island province in Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
