The Facts
Capital: Denpasar
Currency: Rupiah
Time Zone: GMT +8
www.balitourismboard.org
Introduction
Smoking volcanoes and pounding surf definitely make for a drama-loaded combination. Add a thriving arts scene, tropical rainforests, coral reefs and rolling verdant green rice fields and it's easy to see why Bali proves to be the most popular of Indonesia's islands time and time again. In the bustling southern resorts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanar golden beach life booms. Inland at the jungle town of Ubud traditional crafts like batik and woodcarving are preserved, misty Mount Batur can be climbed and the Gitgit waterfalls offer cooling refreshment from the equatorial heat. Enchanting temples like Tanah Lot, perched on its much-photographed rocky islet, as well as a vibrant history of pageantry and performance peel back the layers of Balinese Hinduism and reveal its colours and characters. The famous night markets burst with flavours and stylish nightclubs whirl to the latest beat. For an adventure hire a motorbike and attempt to ride the across the island in a day. Bali might be small but there's more to it than just the beach.
Where To Go
Bali is an Indonesian island. To the east is the neighbouring island of Lombok, while the equator lies to the north and Java to the west. The expanse of the Indian Ocean lies to the south, while to the north is the Bali Sea. The island's main resorts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur lie around the coastline in the south, while the most popular inland resort is Ubud north of Sanur.
What To Eat & Drink
Balinese food consists of rice as a staple, often served with dishes made of pork, a variety of sate and vegetables, often mixed with chili. The distinctive flavor of Balinese cuisine derives from a sambal condiment (the Bali version of salsa). A standard mixture includes shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, galangal, cardamom and red peppers ground together in varying proportions depending on the recipe. Lawar is one of Bali's most famous local dishes. Made from pig's blood and spices, blended together.
Babi Guling is suckling pig spit-roasted to perfection. Fish choices are plentiful. Udang (prawn), bandeng (boney white fish), cumi-cumi (squid), kepiting (crab), tuna, gurame (flat white fish), tongkol (barracuda).Look out for the warungs, the snack bars and the mobile carts selling cheap, quick snacks. The usual drink served with Balinese food is water or tea. There are three traditional alcoholic drinks - drops of which are sprinkled onto the earth during rituals to appease the bhuta or negative forces.
Tuak (or sajeng) is a mild beer made from the juice of palm flowers. Arak or sajeng rateng is 60-100 proof liquor distilled from palm or rice wine. Brem is a sweet, mildly fermented wine made from red or white sticky rice.
Unmissable Bali
5 things you really should do in Bali
1. Get arty
Discover the local artwork at Ubud a jungle resort town and the island's centre for fine arts, dance and music. Here galleries line the streets displaying an array of craftwork including paintings, carvings and batik.
www.indo.com/active/ubud.html
2. Stare into a caldera
Mt. Batur is the island's most active volcano and has one of the biggest calderas in the world measuring 13.8 x 10 km in size. Stare into its depths to see bubbling liquid sulphur. Alternatively Mt. Batukaru (2,276 m) is the island's second tallest and offers spectacular 360 degree views of the whole of Bali.
3. Take a break
Warm waters, a relaxed beach scene and a plenty of waves makes Bali a great surfing destination. With swells coming from the Indian Ocean the best breaks can be found on the south side of the island and also the northwest coast of Nusa Lembongan.
www.baliwaves.com
4. Find a paradise island
Head to the offshore island of Nusa Penida. Take a boat trip across the Badung Strait and discover fantastic beaches and excellent dive sites. Turtles, sharks and rays can be common in this area.
www.nusapenidadive.com
5. Take two wheels
Head out on the open road and explore the island by motorbike. You should be warned however the roads can present all manner of lurking dangers, unlit traffic, darting children, ceremonial processions and scurrying chickens are just a few. Not the ideal place to learn but a great why to zip around and enjoy the freedom to see Balinese life at its best.
